Review: Papers, Please

[@yoshicookeyclub]

ill never forget handing the code over to the officer when he asked if the rebels had contacted me. only to be shot minutes later for acts of treason. i was trying to help :(

[@TheUnitedMarshmallowFederation]

snitches get stitches

[@erikdahl6861]

@@TheUnitedMarshmallowFederation i wouldn't get _stiches_ if i wasn't _forced_ to _almost_ work with the _terrorist group_ that i *_hate_*

[@PianoXfan1]

Super Bunnyhop speak negative of wonderful Arstotzka Government. Without glorious Arstotzka he make no money. Arstotzka give him opportunity. yet still he criticizes. Maybe Super Bunnyhop prefer Gulag? We soon find out, yes? Glory to Arstotzka!

[@TheKatamariguy]

+PianoXfan1 Damn United Federation capitalists.

[@CaptGamerXD]

XD

[@randomstranger_3]

Glory to Arstotzka! Greatest Country! Make us Proud!

[@LeAlejx]

Western Arstotzka is best Arstotzka

[@wheatpenguin2311]

this sounds familiar... is this a copypasta or something?

[@BAGELMENSK]

This is one of the most interesting and pressing cases of games as art IMO. Other "Art" games try to do some weird visual stuff, but Papers, please gives you a true interactive experience and somehow its 16 bit graphics manage to perfectly immerse you in the world.

[@TehBranMuffin]

Because unlike most games with pixel art, Papers Please uses it to simplify its design and invoke monotony rather than nostalgia.

[@hooblydoobly9125]

memoryresident I just signed into my less capable internet browser thathasmy password saved so I could tell you how brilliant this comment is. I rate it true/11

[@SleepyMatt-zzz]

That's something I've come to realize for some time now. The reason why most "Art" games suck, and why this game works, is because when making art you want to try to sell your message through its medium, "The medium is the Message". This is why your typical "Walking simulators" kind of suck, because they don't take advantage of the fact that it is a GAME and instead use its narrative as a crutch, and most of those narratives aren't so compelling either. It never has to be something complicated either, this game has a very simple concept and its mechanics, yet because the developers explore the themes of the game, actually ends up having a lot of depth to it.

[@gubadagoober]

@@TehBranMuffin i think the graphics are 16 bits because the fact its based in 1984

[@Playbahnosh]

It's interesting how a game with DOS era graphics and practically no production value made by one guy can be waaaay more immersive and fun than AAA blockbusters with budgets in the $ millions made by hundreds of of industry specialists.I was sweating from the concentration to check as many papers as I could, and got friggin angry for real at an imaginary country for practically holding my family hostage to make me process paperwork.I was actually exited to see where the story of all those people will lead. Was that one guy reunited with his wife, who are these shady people leaving me coded messages, will my letting that one guy with fake documents through make the front page in next days's paper, etc. This tiny little game with ancient visuals and not much else, could make me care for a nameless, faceless worker dude and the wellbeing of his family way more than I ever cared about any AAA protagonist, ever. When I see games like this, I can't help but say "Yes, THIS is what video games should be like" and not that bloated, overhyped thrash-heap of QTE simulators that are being made with budgets surpassing a small country's entire GDP, and about as fun and entertaining as watching flies circling a pile of dogshit.

[@michaelkemel9711]

Playbahnosh Its so hilarious a game like this can be so much more nail-biting than a game like infamous or anything else with "moral choice systems"

[@lucasbeck1391]

@@michaelkemel9711 lol moral choices in infamous

[@Mushira2000]

"So fuck you, fuck this country, fuck this job." How I feel after papers please

[@hermesy.c.9668]

Scooter5 how i feel everyday...

[@TKUltra971]

+Scooter5 there is alot of things going on in the US that i truly hate but half the time i say George's rant on a weekly basis (mostly excluding the F*ck this Country part). Jesus Christ what do they expect from a middle class worker?

[@PublicEnemy04]

To do the job of 4 people for the pay of 3/5 of a person.

[@TKUltra971]

Master Shake Story. Of. My. Fucking. Life.

[@amazingfan15]

i feel like George's rant at 4:47 is precisely the feeling the game wants to invoke, especially his feelings to the country and his supervisor.

[@Cleath78]

Actually, the city the game takes place in is called "east grestin", and there's a "west grestin" in a neighboring country (presumably on the other side of the border). This means that it's likely meant to be Berlin pre-wall-fall.

[@mairidberz1450]

its a city on the border. even my country has them

[@Dcook85]

Lol it says it's genre right up front. "A Dystopian Document Thriller"

[@intergalacticspacecanoe4659]

+Tregeta yahtzee had a nice one. Bureaucracy-em-up

[@ajavisk]

@@intergalacticspacecanoe4659 Great name. I will steal it

[@dr.tafazzi]

why dystopian? the word really was just like that. If anything it's a historically accurate, spiced up 20th century eastern european borderguy simulator

[@bunnyhopshow]

Once I reached the end of that timeline and started experimenting with multiple endings, I was at the edge of my seat, breathless with suspense for tens of minutes at a time. It's an almost feverish level of anxiety when you know how perfectly you have to play just to get the one "best" ending. The sheer rage of knowing that I messed up (cue that horrible fax noise) would make my ears ring. A game that manages to get me THAT invested has to be doing something right.

[@lebeholder2199]

i love this game. i get to catch a glimpse on what life really was like in the soviet union. also seeing jorji constantly get himself in trouble with drug trafficing to the point that he knows many of the guards is hilarious. i even got to let sergio, one of the boarder guards reunite with his love. i play this game not for its repetition, or to pass thetime, i play this game like its a role-playing game. i visualize myself wearing a soviet-esque Arstotzkian inspector uniform with Ushanka on my head and a shiny badge. i sneer at those who try to outsmart me, but show minimal kindness to those who realy need it-so long as my citations are not 1 too many. when terrorists attack, i shoot them with tazer rifle, and get sharpshooter bonus. then have smile on my face as i walk home, knowing that my step-mother died from sickness 12 days ago, so that is one less mouth to feed. and now i can serve my country better with new booth upgrade.

[@angelfire1987]

+Le Beholder Glory to Arstotska!

[@protonjones54]

BETTER RED THEN- DEAD?

[@GlobusTheGreat]

It's funny, but I can relate. My friends literally ask me to just play the game and narrate so they can watch me as I basically roleplay as the border guard. They like watching even more than I would enjoy playing. I would immerse myself and shout "Jorji, what are you doing back here? Did you bring your passport this time?" The game marries its concept to its gameplay and even its minimalist visuals in a way that makes it so much more immersive than more sensually intense games.

[@requiemlul3140]

GlobusTheGreat That is awesome

[@h8ful444]

Yes omfg that noise of the fucking pink paper slip lol

[@Mir_Teiwaz]

I feel like this is one of those games that is more of an experience than it is fun, which is good, because not every game should be required to be fun.

[@OxbowisaMstie]

No no, this is very fun lol. processing paperwork has never been more fun. Consequence of failure could be the death of a family member or your incarceration for defaulting on bills. High stakes bureaucracy at its best!

[@jak795]

Its actually more entertaining than you would think, there is a lot of things at stake if you fail.

[@hero28]

i agree

[@brano13177]

I'd say it actually is fun.... but probably not in the conventional sense. For some reason I find sorting through and finding discrepancies in paperwork to be just as fun as shooting zombies, calling in my titan for titanfall or hijacking cars to drive off of mount chilliad.

[@Bestgameplayer10]

Every game is required to be fun because that’s the point of video games. But the game being an “experience” in this case is what makes it fun. Although I had fun, I was really bad at it and refunded it while I had the chance.

[@fredericksanchiz5347]

I like this game a lot due to how much I can relate to the people standing in line, I never understood why immigration office/border patrol lines went on for so long, but now I kind of do. I am an immigrant, I have been on the that long long long waiting line with my family and denied entry multiple times, but I guess that's why I enjoy it, because I can relate...

[@bunnyhopshow]

Brace yourself. This is the first review copy we've gotten before release

[@masterchief247]

This reminds me of the original Oregon Trail. You made decision in that game, which had consequences such as forgetting to hunt causing someone to go hungry, or not resting enough killing a member of your family who contracts a disease. All you did was watch your little wagon, but the overall experience was pretty fun.

[@Felsmukk]

I don't think anyone who lived in a Stalinist dictatorship can view it the same as anyone in the first world.

[@MrJason005]

Happy to say that 8 years later, this is still one of the greatest games ever made.

[@MasterAyBee]

Dat Music... it's been 2 years since i played the game and the sound still gives me the creeps

[@jmm1233]

Jorji is best character of this game

[@MrFishy57]

I love this game so much. I can't really explain why though. It's just awesome.

[@deidara8243]

Lmao at super bunnies mental breakdown xD

[@Nogahs]

My friend suggested you after he forced me to finally play and beat MGS1, so I watched your reviews of the nes/msx games and just now you posted this. I've been looking everywhere for an in depth reviews and this one is excellent. Keep up the good work.

[@bunnyhopshow]

DAMMIT ITS PUMPKIN AGAIN LIKE WHAT DO YOU ALL DAY MAN YOUR FIRST ON ALL OF THESE

[@bunnyhopshow]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity I get to do something longer and fancier again like the MG videos (or the Battlefield one,) but I've been pressed for time.

[@benlasky9414]

im no teacher but i think this would be a good game for a high school global history class during the fall of communism it would make the students interested in the subject matter and help them see the hardships faced by ppl during this time

[@marcinsobota14]

I don't think it would, it would just show the hardships they faced as a result of historical events. I don't know any engaging games that tell a story about Communism's effects and stuff, though.

[@bunnyhopshow]

I jotted down issuing cities onto to a notepad and used that as a reference while playing. It helped out, but around day 12 and onwards they always seemed to have the correct issuing city no matter what...

[@sandwich1601]

3:29 It's a 3d platformer

[@cachotognax3600]

glory to Arstotkza

[@theguyinthere]

just bought this game over christmas and new years 2022 so its 2023 and i can say this game made me feel things i have never felt before

[@JamieBainbridge]

The game is obviously meant to invoke your rant, it's political commentary. It is "entertaining" but it's not "fun".

[@KorbentMarksman]

I love this review. You only say interesting things and what you say always matches what's on screen, which is an excellent editing technique. Loving it, subscribed.

[@caller347]

I have mixed feelings about this game, but I will say it did put a lot and accurate effort into making what seems like paperwork into a good game.

[@xboxgamer474246]

I absolutely loved the segment where you ranted about your in game job!

[@Skriak]

The sort of great, informative and suitably amusing stuff BunnyHop has come to represent. And a glorious game to boot. I love your thoughts here and in the work games video. Very interesting game to disassemble.

[@bunnyhopshow]

Link added to description :)

[@rubenbanuelos2699]

Your rant was great, that's pretty much how I felt at times.

[@Haddley333]

They should make a Mexico/USA version with today’s 2019 politics

[@arthur78]

I think this is my favorite video game channel, and you're easily my favorite have commentator. I hope you don't stop doing this.

[@bunnyhopshow]

I don't have any plans to.

[@safe0sam]

even when i know i will never play some of these games you discuss and review, i still find your videos thoroughly enjoyable

[@J1Hundred]

great review! fight the power!!!

[@NicoTheCinderace]

FOR EZIC!

[@Czarewich]

Still my favourite youtube reviewer, and my favourite youtube channel. Keep up the good work guys!

[@plipogamez3173]

More reviews, please.

[@bunnyhopshow]

Unlike fistpuncher, payday and certainly the BF3 campaign, Papers Please is totally worth your time. Go check out the demo if you haven't, see if its your jam. This game has lots of potential to break into the NYT/WSJ types and change the social outlook of games for the better.

[@Risergy]

Sir, your Metal Gear content made me a fan/subscriber, but with this review it seems like you really found your "voice." Fantastic review.

[@bunnyhopshow]

The order awaits. The revolution will not be televised, brother.

[@tiggerdyret]

Very well written review. This is the first of your videos I've watched and i subscribed right away.

[@Makkasu0]

Perfect review, this might be your best review video

[@MatthewCampbell765]

Well, the game is a superb simulation of paper work, and one that needed to be made. Having said that, I'm not sure how much I would call the game 'good'. The game's somewhat doomed by it's concept alone, buuuut, it manages to work wonders within its restraints (and is, if nothing else, unique). I feel like this game started with a skilled developer feeling cocky and said "I can make a game about ANYTHING. Try me".

[@MatthewCampbell765]

I played the shorter, free version. Didn't complete it, though. Also, I'm not saying it's bad. I'm saying it's good, but in a very unusual way.

[@uzirnis]

well, yes, but that's the idea, that videogames is/are a artform just like any other, which may be mixed, intertwined, and soforth.

[@bunnyhopshow]

Custer's Revenge

[@GoldStandardPunk66]

Oh God the rant near the end had me in stitches XD. I'll check this game out. Great review.

[@remyschrader9286]

4:48 that is the point ( though I suspect you KNOW that ) PURCHASE!!!!!

[@Nintendotron64]

The one flaw I have with this game is its pacing. I think 3-5 days of flat "work" between story events would have been more than enough time to get the point across of "Damn! This job is tough! I've got a wife and kids to feed! What the hell do you people want from me?!" I recall going over a WEEK with nothing happening, and forgot what the point of all the work was until the next story event.

[@sta697]

***** i havent played it but it could be about pacing.the mindless repetition broken up when you see the consequences of your actions

[@OxbowisaMstie]

the bunny hop show is just something really good you stumble across while looking for other things. it's that desert gem that when you find you know it was something great and unexpected. at least that has been my experience.

[@thomasmccormack9136]

This is one of the best reviews I have ever heard. Keep up the great work.

[@Grunker2700]

Fantastic review. Some of your best work so far. Keep it up!

[@lebebop9931]

You probably should spam it around a bit more. You're reviews are some of the better ones on here. It's honest and it's some review under the gimmick of a character. Bravo.

[@Zenju__]

Another excellent video from bunnyhop.

[@testoftetris]

I think it would be a good idea to wait for this to show up on a humble bundle. Give it about a year, maybe. It'll probably show up.

[@micbrown6528]

that was a really good review. good job bunnyhop

[@bunnyhopshow]

I Get This Call Every Day

[@monolilith1678]

Off to the gulags with you. Glory to Arstotzka

[@CreamSockjill]

Amazing review. Why does this video only have ~4k views? Subscribed.

[@jmarquiso]

Every day is a new set of rules, a new set of customers, but the context changes EVERYTHING.

[@bunnyhopshow]

What if you're on your way to blow up the world? Or save the world?

[@donmilo502]

I guess the dot matrix printer sound remind you of Carmen Sandiego. It sure did forme.

[@bunnyhopshow]

Cuz I don't spam it around enough, nor do I ask viewers to do that for me. And hey, thanks for the sub :)

[@ThaX14]

Great review guys! I've already purchased the game but your videos are still really enjoyable to watch! I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel!

[@bunnyhopshow]

Thanks, glad ya like it :)

[@Foxtrot19]

.... I had over $300 by the end of the game with all family members, and I think a level 5 apartment.

[@HailedJunk]

this review was soooooooo entertaining for some reason

[@sirdavies94]

I did that too! I played a lot different than you though, I didn't get almost any of the badges. When I realized solving people's problems usually backfired I just put myself in a "I'm just doing what I'm told" kinda mentality, which is interesting since I've always wondered how the population at large can tolerate such horrible situations in totalitarian countries.

[@PinguinCrazy]

GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA!

[@bunnyhopshow]

I think that's the closest thing to 100% completion that you can get in this game

[@jmarquiso]

As for genre - it's Cooking Mama, or those iOS games where you make Pizza or Ice Cream. Just REALLY WELL DONE. It's the Spec Ops: The Line of Cooking Mama.

[@ShivianMorgan]

Great review, and the mid-review meltdown made it all the more fantastic!

[@Ikcatcher]

That sarcastic rant was hilarious!

[@tntproductions8746]

Loved working as a spy for the resistence :D I recomend doing that ending first

[@bunnyhopshow]

Thanks!

[@WarMasterX6]

You summed the game up very well with your little outburst.

[@Skriak]

I for one consider it a joy to spam your videos around :D

[@demonhunter437]

That's a quote we've all likely related to at some point or another.

[@dwaynedibbly]

hmm seems the mundane daily grind genre is really picking up steam with this and cart life.

[@EctocoolerEI]

I really enjoyed the demo. I decided to buy the full version just to support the dev. I'm sure I will play through it again also.

[@ChickenTuesday]

awesome review man, i subbed! :D

[@bunnyhopshow]

Well, after getting a following people tend to do that for you. And speaking of which-- aren't you always posting these videos on reddit, too? For some reason when I do it myself they never get upvoted, but your links always get more for some reason :/

[@heinkle1]

Just bought this and it's great fun.

[@TotallyAwesomeManGuy]

Oh, that's what you're supposed to do with the fingerprints. I am so dumb.

[@Gothamlk]

The problem I had with the demo is that it seems really, really goddamn hard. I had barely enough time to familiarize with the first mechanics before they give you untold amounts of other ones to be anxious about, and I certainly get why it is, but it's a kind of stress is way too familiar with some jobs I personally had and I found myself not having the gut to bear the experience. It sound silly, but it makes a damn good job of making you care.

[@avivastudios2311]

That rant at the end man. 😂😂😂

[@JoeMutant]

Spec Ops : The Line of Cooking Mama!? Accurate, but I never thought I would hear that kind of description for... anything! But it's true : that game is really one of a kind.

[@TrindyForce]

I'm not going to buy the full version simply because I don't feel that the $10 is worth the minor improvements and added content... and because I don't have $10 to spare :(

[@Billy-I-Am-Not]

One of the biggest feelings that break through when you play this game is... Guilt

[@razzie66]

Great review!

[@Titan360]

....I bought the game but the resolution is off. I go to full screen, and everything is zoomed way the fuck back. Its perfect for a screen maybe 1/3 the size or less of what I have. I remember Dwarf fortresses new update doing this. I don't play Dwarf Fortress very much anymore. When I check full screen off, it becomes way the hell too big. I remember Faster than light doing THIS! oh, and the teensiest adjustments to the window size so that I can see everything, and it shrinks again! WHY?

[@MercuryChild]

LOVED this review...witty!

[@Wa59]

That theme song is amazing.

[@ShineOnYouCD]

This was a very well done review

[@saambruhh]

Hey dude, I like your reviews. Subscribed :)

[@sp8ng3r84]

Fantastic review!