Papers, Please was a remarkable game when it debuted on the indie scene. As an immigration officer, you were tasked with verifying the identification of people trying to enter the country using a variety of methods that gradually became more complicated. In addition, there was an overarching narrative that would result in one of 20 different endings depending on how you conducted yourself in the game. Several other titles have attempted to replicate this formula, each with varying degrees of success.

Space Papers follows a similar pattern, but it severely simplifies things to just a handful of identification elements at various stations, while also incorporating some time management elements. The problem is that it lacks any excitement, intrigue, or a reasonable hook, playing out more like repetitive minigames than anything more substantial. To make matters worse, it is also a bit inconsistent and buggy at times, while also being a bit too simple for its own good. This raises the question of who it is intended for, a mystery that will haunt me for far longer than I could tolerate playing it.