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❤ Document Inspection

As an immigration inspector at the Grestin Border Checkpoint, you must meticulously examine a steady stream of applicants seeking entry into the communist country of Arstotzka. Each day, you will be presented with a variety of documents - passports, work permits, identification cards, and more - that you must cross-reference against an ever-evolving set of regulations in your rulebook.

❤ Complexity and Difficulty

The document inspection process starts simply, with you verifying basic details like names and dates. However, the complexity ramps up quickly. Soon you'll need to check for authorized issuing cities, valid entry dates, matching physical descriptions, and a host of other criteria. Making even a single mistake by approving an invalid applicant or rejecting a legitimate one can have serious consequences, both financially and in terms of the game's narrative.

❤ Moral Dilemmas

Beyond the core challenge of juggling these mounting inspection requirements under strict time pressure, the game frequently presents you with moral dilemmas. Applicants may plead for entry despite missing paperwork, citing extenuating circumstances like political persecution or family emergencies. You must then weigh the impact on your meager earnings against the ethical implications of your decision. These choices become increasingly wrenching as your own family struggles to survive on your border guard salary.

❤ Narrative Impact

Your actions have a tangible impact on the unfolding story. Allowing certain applicants to enter can lead to terrorist attacks, assassinations, and other dire outcomes for Arstotzka. Conversely, denying entry to those in genuine need results in tragic personal consequences. This creates a profound sense of agency and responsibility, as you're acutely aware that your choices directly shape the course of events.

❤ Replayability and Endings

The game's remarkable replayability comes from its multiple possible endings, each contingent on the decisions you make throughout your tenure as a border inspector. Completing the game once is merely the start, as you're encouraged to experiment with different approaches to uncover the full breadth of narrative possibilities and achievements.