Engaging Gameplay Loop: Many players found the core gameplay of checking documents and scanning individuals to be enjoyable and addictive, similar to Papers, Please.
Visuals and Atmosphere: The pixel art style and overall aesthetic received praise for their quality and fit with the game's theme.
Variety of Checks: The game introduces different checks and tasks each day, keeping the gameplay dynamic and preventing it from becoming monotonous.
Replayability: Players appreciated the multiple endings and branching paths, which encourage replaying the game to explore different outcomes.
Developer Responsiveness: Some users noted that the developers are actively listening to feedback and implementing changes based on player suggestions.
The main cons of the game
Lack of Depth and Story: Many reviews criticized the game for its shallow narrative and lack of character development, making it difficult for players to become invested in the story or the characters.
Repetitive Mechanics: The gameplay can become repetitive, as players often face similar tasks and challenges without significant variation, leading to a sense of monotony.
Difficulty Level: Several users felt that the game was too easy, lacking the tension and challenge found in Papers, Please, which diminished the overall experience.
Confusing Mechanics: Some players reported issues with understanding certain mechanics or rules, leading to frustration during gameplay.
Underwhelming Endings: The endings were often described as disappointing or lacking in impact, failing to provide a satisfying conclusion to the gameplay experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
Character Development: Players expressed a desire for more recurring characters and engaging storylines that would create emotional stakes and moral dilemmas, similar to what was found in Papers, Please.
Enhanced Difficulty Options: Many users suggested the addition of a harder mode or more complex scenarios to increase the challenge and keep experienced players engaged.
Expanded Story Elements: There were calls for a more coherent and engaging narrative that ties together the various gameplay elements and provides a greater sense of progression.
Improved Tutorials and Explanations: Some players felt that tutorials could be clearer, especially regarding the mechanics of certain tasks and how to navigate the game effectively.
Diverse NPC Dialogue: A broader range of dialogue and interactions with NPCs was requested to avoid the repetitiveness of character responses and enhance immersion.
Summary
Overall, while Security 51 has a solid foundation and is enjoyable for fans of the genre, it faces criticism for its lack of depth, narrative engagement, and challenge compared to its inspirations.