The Republia Times

If you like newspapers, you’ve come to the right place with The Republia Times. That’s something of a joke, the newspaper plays a large part in this game but only as the vessel for the story that is going on around you. Created back in 2012, this fascinating game really tried something new by talking about hard hitting issues like censorship, fascism, and oppression. You must take control of the editor for the Republia Times paper, and choose how much you are willing to risk the safety of your loved ones to get the truth out there. Want to know more? Of course, you do. Let’s get into it.

Gameplay

Your objective in this game is to simultaneously bring light to the corrupt government that rules the land of Republia while making sure you create favor for them to stay in power. You must toe the line of doing what is right and doing what is best for your family who has been captured by the government you quietly wish to overthrow.

You get a bunch of stories, some of which make everything seem fine and others which reveal the terrible things that the government is doing. You have to choose what makes it on the front page of the paper. Each story takes up a different amount of space and you have to make sure that there is enough being published while subtly selling the point you want to make.

There is some serious social commentary in this game and I absolutely love it, I would expect nothing less from the developer who brought us classics like Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn.

Visuals

There is a very low poly look to everything, and its all black and white. It could be easily suggested that this art style has been purposefully used. Black and white represent the papers and the concepts of morality that is present throughout the game itself. Simple, streamlined and well-designed, this game is truly remarkable in how much of a story in manages to tell with such little visual input.

Story

The story of the game is filled with a lot of interesting situations and choices, with a pretty big twist at one point. I can’t say too much about it, but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and world building that this game manages to provide to its players. This game offers something stunningly unique that won’t disappoint. If you are looking for something different, as though it came straight out of George Orwell’s 1984 novel, this is a perfect addition to your games collection. And yes, this game did come out before The Westport Independent, so don’t go thinking this is a rip off.

Pros

• Simple but engaging visuals
• Fantastic story
• Brilliant gameplay

Cons

• I just wish the game was longer