Lil Guardsman Reviews

Lil Guardsman is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Digital Spy
Top Critic
Feb 14, 2024

Lil' Guardsman is charming and novel enough that it's worth playing, but a flawed approach that skirts around aspects of the core idea holds the overall experience back.

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Rectify Gaming
Will "Fncwill"
7 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

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, storytelling, 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.

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7.3 / 10.0
Jan 25, 2024

If you've ever thought that operating a guard post sounds like a mundane job then check out Lil' Guardsman where every person you admit or deny has a big impact on the fate of the city. This hilariously silly indie has heart, making the most tedious of jobs entertaining. đź’‚

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Evan Norris
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Jan 26, 2024

Combining the rules of Papers, Please with the whimsical sensibility of classic LucasArts games is far from an obvious choice, but the results speak for themselves. Lil' Guardsman is a lovely adventure game that succeeds mechanically, creatively, and comically.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 15, 2024

Lil' Guardsman is a standout indie game that combines humor, strategy, and point-and-click elements, presenting a compelling story of a girl guarding her town. Its gameplay is enriched with decision-making, gadgets, and a time-control feature, offering replayability and a diverse character cast set in a visually stunning world reminiscent of Disney's Gravity Rush, making it a memorable experience on portable platforms like the Steam Deck

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GameSpew
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil’ Guardsman is so much fun to play. Players will be laughing out loud from the very beginning and will enjoy the fun references and silly jokes throughout. And those that like to play games multiple times will be able to see all of the different options and outcomes.

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8 / 10
Jan 23, 2024

With so many fleshed-out characters to get to know through its Papers-Please-lite gameplay, there’s good reason to grant Lil’ Guardsman entry to your Switch.

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8 / 10
Jan 23, 2024

Lil Guardsman's mix of border control and adventure is a whole heap of fun, with genuine comedic moments combined with great acting. There are a few issues with the story, with the occasional inconsistency or predictable moment, but all in all this is a great addition to the genre.

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8.2 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil Guardsman is funny, occasionally heartwarming, and a ton of fun.  It takes a simple premise and builds it into a unique and excellent video game.

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8.3 / 10.0
Jan 25, 2024

For once a game that somewhat picks up the Papers, Please torch has managed to do something cool with it

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 25, 2024

Yes, it’s completely filled with silliness, often times taking clear inspiration from games like Return to Monkey Island, but there’s a lot more to it than just zany humor. At times it has real heart, especially when it comes to the relationship between Lil and her father. Not every sinister looking monster is truly a villain, some are just poor, misunderstood creatures looking for some compassion. Lil’ Guardsman is absolutely delightful to play, and you should allow it entry into your life.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 24, 2024

Lil’ Guardsman adds a fantasy-fuelled, Saturday morning cartoon twist to the Paper’s, Please formula, and believe me, it’s a whole lotta fun. I loved using every trick at my disposal to learn the intentions of the bizarre folk trying to make their way into the city, whilst there was nothing better than getting the perfect score in each interrogation. Add to that the funny little side tasks, the wonderful visuals that make up the charming world, and the excellent voice acting that brings each interrogation to life, and you’ll quickly find that this quirky puzzler definitely deserves your attention.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil' Guardsman speaks to all parts of me. The child in me who fell in love with adventure games, the 30-year-old who looks back on them longingly, and the jaded human living in 2024 who needed a laugh. It's so genuinely funny, so full of heart, and it's one game you should immediately allow entry to your gaming library in 2024.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil’ Guardsman’s witty humor and laid-back style make an investigation and puzzle title fun and leave the player eager to receive the next decree and continue with their interrogations, which could decide the future of Sprawl. Even without subtitles in Portuguese, it is a great recommendation for those who want a challenge to complete without rushing while having a lot of laughs.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil Guardsman is a point-and-click adventure where you interview people, almost always resulting in funny situations and dialogue. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you may not enjoy the game. But if you have ever enjoyed a game in a similar vein to this I highly recommend checking it out. Hilltop Studios has created a fun, endearing and funny adventure that I won’t soon forget.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil' Guardsman is a truly wonderful comedy game, with Papers, Please style border guarding gameplay in a charming fantasy setting.

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90 / 100
Jan 23, 2024

Simply put, Lil' Guardsman is undoubtedly a remarkable title that provides players with a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Its blend of comedy, cozy adventure, puzzles, and fantasy offers a refreshing take on an indie comedy adventure.

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9 / 10.0
Jan 23, 2024

Lil Guardsman absolutely surprised me with its detail, depth, humor, and heart.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 7, 2024

Lil Guardsman is a delightful game that draws you into the complex and nuanced story of a well-constructed fantasy world and explores its political turmoil. The characters and dialogue are wonderfully written, with a great sense of humor and clear indication that your choices, no matter how small, make an impact.

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4.5 / 5.0
Feb 6, 2024

Set in the quirky fantasy kingdom of the Sprawl, the 12-year-old Lil finds themselves covering for their dad one day, taking over for his duties as guardsman. Now this one gig will help set off a chain of events that could determine the Sprawl's outcome, in this Papers, Please-inspired comedy adventure game.

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