A really solid game with a great use of the theme.
Clearly Papers, Please was an inspiration and you’ve made it into your own idea which works really well. The game has many mechanics that compose themselves well with each other and give you a sense of variety. Even though your main gameplay mechanic is either click approve or click deny, the optional features like checking the soldier’s wounds or working with the lie-detecting crystal might affect the choices you make. The UX is really great with all those small things like moving an object around on the table or outlines on hover. The sound design is also well done.
The tutorial, while quick and short, explains the main and side mechanics well. And don’t get me started on the animations. I love a good pixel art animation and I knew I was in for a treat when I saw the scroll unraveling at the beginning.
In my playthrough I only accepted the blue guys, while rejecting all red guys and got the royal ending. Sorry wife.
In its simplicity as well as complexity it’s a great well-polished game.