Paper Perjury

Paper Perjury is a detective visual novel set in a contemporary world where players take on the role of a female protagonist unraveling a complex web of crimes. Beginning with a simple robbery, the story quickly spirals into a tapestry of lies, confessions, and potential murders, challenging players to solve cases through logic, investigation, and deduction. With a side-view perspective and fixed/flip-screen visuals, the game blends adventure and mystery elements, offering a rich narrative experience filled with crime-solving puzzles and intricate storytelling.

Paper Perjury: A Love Letter to Detective Games, Warts and All

Introduction: The Clerk Who Would Be Detective

Paper Perjury is a game that wears its heart—and its influences—on its sleeve. From the moment you boot it up, it’s clear that this is a labor of love, a passionate homage to Ace Attorney and the broader tradition of detective visual novels. But is it merely a derivative work, or does it carve out its own identity in a crowded genre? After diving deep into its five interconnected cases, its quirky cast, and its pixelated world, the answer is a resounding yes—though not without a few stumbles along the way.

At its core, Paper Perjury is a story about Justina Smith, a newly hired police clerk in the fictional Azure City, who stumbles into a web of crime, corruption, and corporate malfeasance. What begins as a simple robbery case quickly spirals into a sprawling conspiracy involving embezzlement, gentrification, and even murder. The game’s premise—transforming a lowly paperwork clerk into a crime-solving protagonist—is compelling, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. Still, what it lacks in narrative ambition, it more than makes up for in charm, wit, and a genuine affection for the mystery genre.

This review will dissect Paper Perjury from every angle: its development history, its narrative and thematic depth, its gameplay mechanics, its world-building, and its reception. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether this indie darling is worth your time—or if it’s just another Ace Attorney clone.

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Development History & Context: A Passion Project Comes to Life

Paper Perjury is the debut title from Paper Cat Games, a small indie studio based in California. The game’s creation is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. According to the studio’s press kit, the project began as a personal endeavor by James Acosta, who wanted to adapt Ace Attorney’s mechanics into a non-courtroom setting. Acosta, not a professional writer or programmer by trade, was driven by his love for mystery games and a desire to create something fresh within the genre.

The game’s journey from concept to release is a fascinating one. Originally titled Paper Trails, it was rebranded to Paper Perjury to better reflect its core gameplay loop: catching witnesses in their lies. The shift in title also hints at the game’s thematic focus—exposing the deceit lurking beneath the surface of Azure City’s bureaucratic facade.

Rebecca Collins joined the project after playing an early demo, bringing her own creative vision to the table. Together, Acosta and Collins refined the game’s script, mechanics, and overall design. The final product is a collaboration between a small but dedicated team of freelancers, including artists like Emma Suen-Lewis (emmapixels), composers Ethan Duys (Failpositive) and Dante Gofar, and sound designer Jackson Harris (Xykrotik).

Technologically, Paper Perjury is built using the Ren’Py engine, a popular choice for visual novels due to its accessibility and flexibility. The game’s pixel art aesthetic, while not groundbreaking, is polished and expressive, with character sprites that convey emotion and personality with remarkable clarity. The soundtrack, a mix of jazzy and upbeat tracks, complements the game’s tone perfectly, evoking the tension of a detective drama without overwhelming the player.

Paper Perjury released on December 9, 2024, for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a price tag of $19.99. It entered a gaming landscape already saturated with mystery and detective games, from The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles to indie darlings like The Case of the Golden Idol. Yet, despite the competition, Paper Perjury managed to carve out its own niche, thanks in no small part to its unique premise and heartfelt execution.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: A Tale of Lies, Paperwork, and Gentrification

Plot Overview: From Robbery to Conspiracy

Paper Perjury follows Justina Smith, a young woman who takes a job as a police clerk in Azure City, hoping for a quiet, uneventful career. Her first day, however, takes a dramatic turn when she notices a discrepancy in a witness statement related to a robbery at the Eubank Corporation, one of the city’s most powerful firms. What starts as a simple case of theft soon escalates into a series of interconnected mysteries involving embezzlement, corporate espionage, and even murder.

The game is structured around five main cases, each building on the last to uncover a larger conspiracy. The cases are as follows:

1. The Eubank Robbery – Justina’s introduction to detective work, where she uncovers inconsistencies in witness testimonies.
2. The Parking Garage Incident – A seemingly unrelated assault case that ties back to the Eubank family.
3. The Orphanage Embezzlement – A morally complex case involving theft from a children’s charity.
4. The Corporate Cover-Up – A deeper dive into the Eubank Corporation’s shady dealings.
5. The Murder Mystery – The climax, where all the threads come together in a dramatic confrontation.

The narrative is tightly written, with each case introducing new characters, locations, and twists. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that players are constantly engaged without feeling overwhelmed. However, the game’s biggest narrative strength—its interconnected cases—is also one of its weaknesses. While the overarching mystery is compelling, some of the individual cases feel rushed, particularly toward the end.

Characters: A Cast of Eccentrics and Misfits

One of Paper Perjury’s greatest achievements is its cast of characters, each of whom is bursting with personality. The game’s writing ensures that every character, no matter how minor, feels distinct and memorable.

• Justina Smith – The protagonist, a sharp-witted and observant clerk who quickly proves herself as a capable detective. Her dry humor and relatable reactions make her an engaging lead.
• Ernest Hunt – A seasoned detective with a no-nonsense attitude. He serves as Justina’s mentor, though his gruff exterior hides a deep sense of justice.
• Sophie Swift – A rookie detective who forms a close bond with Justina. Their dynamic hints at potential romantic undertones, adding depth to their partnership.
• Ferris Eubank – The defense attorney representing the Eubank Corporation. She’s a formidable opponent, with a sharp tongue and a knack for exploiting legal loopholes.
• Luna Hart – A magician with a mysterious past, whose testimony is crucial to several cases.
• Fry Noil – A fast-food worker with a surprising connection to the Eubank family.
• Lowell Ledger – A journalist investigating the Eubank Corporation’s shady dealings.

The game’s pun-heavy naming convention (e.g., Fry Noil, Lowell Ledger) is a clear nod to Ace Attorney, but it never feels forced. Instead, it adds to the game’s charm, making the world of Azure City feel both familiar and fresh.

Themes: Gentrification, Corruption, and the Power of Paperwork

Beneath its lighthearted exterior, Paper Perjury tackles some surprisingly weighty themes. The game’s overarching narrative revolves around gentrification and corporate corruption, with the Eubank Corporation serving as a stand-in for real-world entities that prioritize profit over people.

• Gentrification – The Eubank Corporation’s real estate dealings are a central focus, with several cases highlighting the human cost of urban development. The game doesn’t shy away from depicting the displacement of marginalized communities, though it stops short of offering easy solutions.
• Corruption – The Eubank family’s influence extends into the police department, the legal system, and even the media. Justina’s investigations reveal a city where the rich and powerful operate with impunity.
• The Power of Paperwork – The game’s title is a double entendre, referring both to the legal concept of perjury and the literal paperwork that Justina must sift through to uncover the truth. In a world where documents can be forged and evidence can be buried, Justina’s attention to detail becomes her greatest weapon.

While the game’s themes are thought-provoking, they’re also handled with a light touch. Paper Perjury never feels preachy, instead allowing players to draw their own conclusions about the moral complexities of its world.

Dialogue and Writing: Sharp, Witty, and Occasionally Heavy-Handed

The writing in Paper Perjury is one of its strongest suits. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and full of personality, with each character having a distinct voice. Justina’s internal monologues are particularly entertaining, offering a mix of humor and insight that keeps the player engaged.

However, the writing isn’t without its flaws. Some of the game’s social commentary can feel heavy-handed, particularly in the later cases. Additionally, the game’s pacing occasionally suffers from abrupt transitions, such as the sudden shift to an antagonist’s perspective in Case 5. While this narrative choice is bold, it doesn’t always feel earned, leaving players scratching their heads rather than gasping in surprise.

Despite these missteps, Paper Perjury’s writing is largely excellent, with a script that’s both error-free and engaging. The game’s ability to balance humor, drama, and mystery is a testament to the care and attention that went into its development.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: A Familiar Formula with a Few Twists

Core Gameplay Loop: Investigate, Interrogate, Repeat

Paper Perjury’s gameplay will feel instantly familiar to fans of Ace Attorney and other detective visual novels. The game is divided into two main phases:

1. Investigation – Players explore crime scenes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. This phase is point-and-click, with Justina examining objects and talking to characters to uncover clues.
2. Interrogation – Once enough evidence is collected, players return to the police station to question suspects. This phase involves presenting evidence to contradict witness statements, similar to Ace Attorney’s cross-examination segments.

The gameplay is straightforward and accessible, with a forgiving difficulty curve. Unlike Ace Attorney, there are no fail states—players can keep trying different pieces of evidence until they find the correct one. This makes the game more relaxed than its inspirations, though it also removes some of the tension.

Evidence and Logic: The Heart of the Detective Work

The evidence system is where Paper Perjury shines. Players collect a variety of clues, from physical objects (e.g., a broken watch, a forged document) to witness testimonies. The game’s “Leads” menu serves as a checklist, helping players track what they’ve discovered and what they still need to find.

However, the game’s logic puzzles can be frustrating at times. While the evidence is usually clear, the specific line of dialogue required to present it isn’t always obvious. Players may find themselves cycling through statements until they stumble upon the correct one, which can break the immersion.

UI and Quality of Life: Simple but Effective

The game’s UI is clean and intuitive, with a minimalist design that keeps the focus on the story and characters. The inventory system is easy to navigate, and the “Leads” menu is a helpful tool for tracking progress.

That said, the game lacks some quality-of-life features found in other visual novels. For example, there’s no fast-forward option for dialogue, which can make replaying sections tedious. Additionally, the lack of a “skip seen text” button means players must sit through repeated lines if they revisit a scene.

Innovations and Missed Opportunities

Paper Perjury doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does introduce a few unique twists on the detective genre:

• The Clerk Perspective – Justina’s role as a clerk (rather than a lawyer or detective) is a fresh take, though the game doesn’t fully explore the potential of this premise.
• Gentrification as a Central Theme – Few mystery games tackle real-world issues like urban development, making Paper Perjury’s narrative feel more grounded than its peers.
• A More Relaxed Approach – The lack of fail states and the game’s forgiving difficulty make it more accessible to casual players.

However, the game also misses some opportunities:

• Underutilized Setting – Azure City feels underdeveloped, with many locations serving as little more than backdrops for investigations.
• Abrupt Narrative Shifts – The sudden perspective change in Case 5 is jarring and doesn’t always serve the story.
• Limited Character Development – While the cast is likable, few characters undergo significant growth over the course of the game.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: A City of Paper and Pixels

Azure City: A World of Contrasts

Azure City is a diverse and bustling metropolis, but it’s also a city of stark contrasts. On one hand, it’s a place of wealth and power, home to corporations like Eubank that shape its future. On the other, it’s a city of struggle and displacement, where gentrification threatens to erase entire communities.

Unfortunately, the game’s world-building is uneven. While some locations—like the Eubank Corporation’s headquarters or the local orphanage—are richly detailed, others feel underdeveloped. The city itself is largely nondescript, with few landmarks or cultural touches to make it feel alive.

Art Direction: Pixel Perfection

The game’s pixel art style is one of its strongest assets. The character sprites are expressive and detailed, with animations that convey emotion and personality. Justina’s eye roll, for example, is a small but delightful touch that adds depth to her character.

The backgrounds, while sparse, are functional, ensuring that the focus remains on the characters and dialogue. The color palette is vibrant and varied, with each location having its own distinct look.

Sound Design: Jazz, Suspense, and the Occasional Meow

The game’s soundtrack, composed by Ethan Duys (Failpositive) and Dante Gofar, is a standout feature. The jazz-inspired tracks perfectly complement the game’s detective noir aesthetic, with upbeat tunes for investigations and tense, dramatic pieces for interrogations.

The sound effects are equally impressive, from the smack of evidence on a table to the subtle hum of a bustling city. The game also makes clever use of silence, particularly during moments of inner monologue or written communication.

And, of course, no review of Paper Perjury would be complete without mentioning Toasty the cat, whose adorable meows are a highlight of the game’s audio design.

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Reception & Legacy: A Promising Debut with Room to Grow

Critical Reception: A Solid but Flawed Gem

Paper Perjury has received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its writing, characters, and presentation. However, some reviewers have noted its narrative inconsistencies and underdeveloped world-building.

• RPGFan (82/100) – “A solid VN experience… Justina’s sleuthing makes for an entertaining adventure in its own right.”
• XboxEra (6.7/10) – “An enjoyable adventure title… despite the issues I took with the game’s narrative and world-building.”
• VICE (Recommended) – “A promising start for a potential franchise… there’s a lot to enjoy here.”
• The Punished Backlog (8.0/10) – “A delightful, solid mystery game… While it doesn’t do anything ground-breaking, it’s a well-executed indie mystery.”

Player Reception: A Hit with Mystery Fans

On Steam, Paper Perjury holds a “Very Positive” rating, with 88% of 172 reviews being positive. Players have praised the game’s charming characters, engaging mysteries, and witty writing, though some have criticized its short length (around 7-10 hours) and occasional logic puzzles.

Legacy and Influence: A Strong Foundation for the Future

Paper Perjury is far from perfect, but it’s a promising debut for Paper Cat Games. Its successful blend of humor, mystery, and social commentary suggests that the studio has a bright future ahead.

If Paper Perjury is any indication, we can expect more innovative takes on the detective genre from Paper Cat Games in the years to come. A sequel—or even a spiritual successor—could expand on the game’s strengths, offering deeper world-building, more complex cases, and richer character development.

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Conclusion: A Case Worth Solving

Paper Perjury is not a revolutionary game, but it doesn’t need to be. What it lacks in innovation, it more than makes up for in charm, heart, and a genuine love for the mystery genre. Its sharp writing, memorable characters, and engaging cases make it a must-play for fans of detective games, while its accessible gameplay and forgiving difficulty ensure that it’s welcoming to newcomers.

That said, the game is not without its flaws. Its underdeveloped world-building, occasional narrative missteps, and frustrating logic puzzles prevent it from reaching the heights of its inspirations. Yet, for every stumble, there’s a moment of brilliance—whether it’s Justina’s dry humor, the expressive character animations, or the jazz-infused soundtrack.

Final Verdict: 8.0/10 – A Solid Mystery with Heart

Paper Perjury is a delightful, well-crafted mystery game that honors its influences while carving out its own identity. It’s a promising start for Paper Cat Games, and a case worth solving for any fan of detective stories.

And, of course, you can pet the cat. What more could you ask for?

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Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: $19.99
Playtime: 7-10 hours
Recommended For: Fans of Ace Attorney, mystery visual novels, and games with charming characters and witty writing.

Not Recommended For: Players looking for groundbreaking innovation, deep world-building, or challenging gameplay.

Final Thought: Paper Perjury is a love letter to detective games, and it’s one that’s well worth reading.