Step into the shoes of an immigration inspector at the border of Arstotzka, a fictional Eastern Bloc nation. Following a recent war, the border town of Grestin is now under Arstotzkan control, and it's your duty to manage the flow of people entering from neighboring Kolechia. Your desk is your battlefield, and the documents are your weapons. Amidst the daily influx of workers, visitors, and potential threats, you must meticulously examine passports, work permits, and other official papers to determine who is granted entry and who must be denied or apprehended.

The core gameplay revolves around a series of increasingly complex rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Admission. Each day brings new challenges, requiring you to adapt your inspection process. You'll encounter smugglers, spies, and terrorists attempting to bypass the system, forcing you to make critical decisions under pressure. The accuracy of your judgments directly impacts your income, which you then must carefully budget for your family's basic needs like food, heat, and rent.

The Daily Grind of Border Control

The gameplay loop is deceptively simple yet profoundly engaging. You are presented with individuals seeking entry, each with a set of documents. Your task is to cross-reference these documents against the current immigration laws, which change daily. Tools at your disposal include a stamp for approval or denial, a fingerprint scanner, and the ability to search individuals and their belongings. Mistakes can lead to penalties, affecting your already meager earnings, while successful processing contributes to your daily wage.

What Makes This Game Unique?

Moral Dilemmas and Evolving Rules

Beyond the procedural inspection, the game presents a narrative woven through the daily operations. As political tensions rise and terrorist attacks occur, the rules for entry become more stringent and often contradictory. You may face situations where you must choose between adhering strictly to the law or making a compassionate decision, such as allowing a desperate individual with incomplete papers to pass. Furthermore, a clandestine organization may emerge, offering you opportunities to aid their cause, adding another layer of consequence to your choices.

Navigating a Complex Bureaucracy

The game's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of immersion through its mechanics. The constant need to verify details, the pressure of time, and the weight of your decisions contribute to a tense and often emotionally resonant experience. The narrative unfolds through these interactions, leading to multiple possible endings based on the cumulative impact of your actions throughout the game.

Available Content

This is a main game release. There are no downloadable content (DLC) packs or expansions available for this title. A remake was released in 2023.

Platform Availability

This title is available on a wide range of platforms, including Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation Vita, Android, and Mac.