Contraband Police - GamerTake

Action

Adventure

Simulation

Single-player

Steam Achievements

Full controller support

DualShock Controller Support

DualSense Controller Support

Steam Cloud

Stats

Family Sharing

Contraband Police

Action

Adventure

Simulation

Single-player

Steam Achievements

Full controller support

DualShock Controller Support

DualSense Controller Support

Steam Cloud

Stats

Family Sharing

Take over the duties of a border guard inspector in a communist country of the 80's. Smuggling, corruption and forgery are the order of the day here. Be vigilant and earn the respect of your superiors.

Developers: Crazy Rocks

Publishers: PlayWay S.A.

Release Date: Mar 8, 2023

Price (USD): $29.99

Current Players: 481

Links: Steam Store SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(96%)

unique premise

addictive gameplay

immersive atmosphere

strong narrative

replayability

Papers, Please

additional mechanics

game's pacing

repetitiveness

technical issues

driving controls

combat elements

graphics and animations

Overall, the reviews convey a strong appreciation for the game’s unique take on border patrol simulation with engaging inspection mechanics and a well-crafted narrative. Players are divided on the integration of combat and side missions, finding them either enriching or distracting from the core experience. Some technical issues and repetitive gameplay dampen the experience for some, yet many find the game’s setting and story immersive and engaging. While the graphics and controls receive mixed feedback, the game is considered a worthwhile addition to the simulation genre, particularly for fans of 'Papers, Please'.

Positive Points

Players appreciate the game's unique premise of combining a border patrol simulator with elements inspired by 'Papers, Please', offering a fresh and engaging experience.

Reviewers often praise the addictive gameplay loop, where inspecting vehicles, verifying documents, and discovering contraband provide a satisfying challenge.

Many reviews highlight the immersive atmosphere and setting in a fictional 1980s communist state, enhancing the player's experience with its gritty and authentic feel.

The game's inclusion of a strong narrative with meaningful choices that affect the story's outcome is a standout aspect for many players.

The game provides good replayability, with different game modes like campaign, Inspector mode, and a competitive mode.

Negative Points

A number of players criticize the repetitiveness of gameplay after extended periods, particularly in the inspection tasks.

Some reviews mention technical issues such as bugs, performance problems, and frequent crashes, which can disrupt the gaming experience.

The driving controls and mechanics are frequently mentioned as awkward or frustrating, detracting from the overall playability.

Certain players feel that the combat elements, including shootouts and raids, are not well-integrated with the inspection gameplay, making them feel tacked on and sometimes overwhelming.

Graphics and animations, while serviceable, are not cutting-edge and might seem underwhelming to some players.

Mixed Points

The game is often compared to 'Papers, Please', with some players seeing this as a positive evolution while others feel it doesn't offer enough innovation.

The inclusion of additional mechanics like gunfights and base management is seen as a positive expansion by some, but as unnecessary and distracting by others.

Opinions are divided on the game's pacing, with some players enjoying the slow, methodical inspection process, and others wishing for faster or more dynamic gameplay.

Common Themes

The game's strong resemblance to 'Papers, Please' is frequently noted, often described as a 3D version with more features.

The fun and challenge of detecting smuggling operations are commonly highlighted as a core appeal of the game.

The authenticity of the Eastern European setting and its post-Cold War atmosphere is frequently cited as enhancing the immersive experience.

There's a strong demand for improvements or expansions, like more content, co-op play, or multiplayer modes, which might address the game's repetitiveness and limitations.

Updated 1/13/2026, 12:02:07 AM UTC

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