Developer – Hilltop Studios

Publisher – Versus Evil, tinyBuild

Platforms –  PS4/5,Xbox One , Xbox Series S|X , Nintendo Switch ,PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

Lil’ Gaurdsman is a game that puts you in the shoes of a 12-year-old who has to take over his father’s duty as a guard at the castle gate. You have to decide who to let in or out of the city, based on their appearance, documents, and answers to your questions. Along the way, you will encounter a variety of fantasy creatures, such as elves, goblins, cyclopes, and more. You will also witness the consequences of your choices, as they affect the outcome of a royal wedding and a siege by an enemy kingdom.

The game is similar to Papers Please, a popular indie game that also involves checking documents and interrogating people at a border checkpoint. However, Lil’ Gaurdsman has a more cartoonish and humorous style, with colorful graphics and funny voice acting. The game also has more fantasy elements, such as magic, dragons, and time travel. The game is suitable for both children and adults, as it offers a mix of fun and challenge.

The game is a thrilling adventure that lets you experience the life of a border inspector in a fictional city. The game has many pros, such as a rich and immersive story that changes depending on your decisions. You can see how your actions affect the lives of the people in the city, and the fate of the two kingdoms. There are multiple endings to discover, and some surprising twists along the way. Another pro is the diverse and memorable cast of characters that you can interact with. There are over 100 characters to question, each with their own personality, voice, and backstory. You can learn more about them, and even make friends or enemies with some of them. Some characters will also return in later stages of the game, and their attitude towards you may change depending on how you treated them before. The game also offers a fun and engaging gameplay that tests your skills of deduction, observation, and logic. You have to use your tools, such as a magnifying glass, a lie detector, and a zap gun, to verify the documents and statements of the visitors. You also have to balance your time, money, and reputation, as you have a limited amount of each. You can spend your money to upgrade your tools, or buy items that can help you in the game. You can also use your Chronometer3000 to rewind time and try a different approach, but be careful not to cause any paradoxes.

The game also has some cons, such as a lack of proper instruction on what each of the tools do. The game does not explain how to use the tools, or what they can reveal about the visitors. You have to figure it out by trial and error, which can be frustrating and confusing at times. For example, the zap gun can be used to deny or arrest someone, but it can also accidentally kill them, which can lower your reputation and cause other problems. The game could have benefited from a more advanced tutorial or a manual that explains the functions and effects of the tools. Another con is the high level of difficulty that can be discouraging for some players. The game can be very challenging, as you have to deal with a lot of information, and make quick and accurate decisions. The game also has a random element, as some visitors may have different documents or answers each time you play. The game can be unforgiving, as some mistakes can lead to irreversible consequences, such as losing your job, failing the wedding, or triggering the siege. The game could have offered some difficulty options, or some hints or tips that can help the players.

Lil’ Gaurdsman is a game that offers a unique and enjoyable experience, with a lot of replay value. It is a game that will make you laugh, think, and feel, as you explore the world of the Sprawl and its inhabitants, and is a game that will appeal to fans of Papers Please, or anyone who likes games that involve decision making, story telling, and fantasy, but may make some players confused on how to play with a lack of proper tutorial and instructions on how to use the tools in the game.