Border Bots VR Review: Bureaucracy Meets Comedy on PSVR2

Border Bots VR on PSVR2 is one of those titles that immediately grabs attention because of its unusual premise. At first glance, it might look like a simple puzzle game, but once you step into the headset, it becomes clear that this is a clever blend of satire, humour, and immersive VR mechanics. The game places you in the role of a human border control agent in a future where robots dominate society, and your job is to decide which bots are allowed to pass through your checkpoint. It’s a concept that feels both familiar and fresh, borrowing inspiration from the bureaucratic tension of Papers, Please while layering on the playful absurdity of Job Simulator.

Border Bots VR is set in a satirical near-future where robots have become the dominant force in society, running everything from corporations to government institutions. Humanity, meanwhile, has been relegated to more menial roles, and you the player are one of the few humans employed as a border control agent. Your job is to manage a checkpoint where robots attempt to cross, each with their own documents, modifications, and sometimes suspicious cargo.

The narrative unfolds through the encounters you have with these robots. Each one is designed with quirks and personality, often poking fun at bureaucracy, corporate culture, and the absurdity of rigid systems. Some robots are desperate to cross, others are smug or sarcastic, and a few are clearly hiding something. The humour is woven into the dialogue and the situations, but beneath the comedy lies a subtle commentary on power dynamics: humans are technically in charge of the border, but robots hold most of the societal power.

The gameplay is simple: inspect documents, scan for contraband, and determine whether a robot’s modifications are legitimate or suspicious. Yet the charm lies in the details. Each robot has its own personality, quirks, and sometimes hilarious flaws, which keeps the inspections from feeling repetitive. The booth itself is interactive, filled with gadgets and tools that make the process tactile and satisfying, especially with the PSVR2’s haptic feedback enhancing the sense of handling papers and scanning machines. The humour is ever-present, but the game doesn’t shy away from adding stakes as mistakes can lead to penalties, and the difficulty ramps up in ways that keep you on your toes. It’s a balancing act between comedy and challenge, and for the most part, Border Bots VR nails it.

Visually, the game shines on PSVR2. The bright, colourful art style complements the playful tone, and performance is smooth enough to keep you immersed without distraction. While the narrative is light and mostly serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, the satirical dystopian setting adds flavour and context, poking fun at bureaucracy and corporatism in a way that feels timely and relevant. It’s not a story-driven experience, but it doesn’t need to be

as the personality of the robots and the absurdity of the tasks carry the game forward.

Pros

• Clever mix of puzzle mechanics and VR interactivity

• Charming robot designs with personality and humour

• Smooth performance and colourful visuals on PSVR2

• Replayability thanks to varied inspections and randomized elements

• Accessible gameplay that’s easy to pick up but offers depth

Cons

• Can feel repetitive during long sessions

• Narrative is light and may leave story-focused players wanting more

• Occasional uneven difficulty spikes

Border Bots VR is a delightful addition to the PSVR2 library. It doesn’t try to reinvent VR gaming, but it succeeds in delivering a polished, witty, and engaging simulation that makes bureaucracy fun. For players who enjoy detail-oriented tasks, quirky humour, and the satisfaction of catching small inconsistencies, this game is a treat. It may not appeal to those seeking a deep narrative or high-octane action, but for fans of puzzle-sims and VR comedy, it’s an easy recommendation. Border Bots VR proves that sometimes the most mundane jobs can become the most entertaining when given the right twist.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Border Bots VR is available now!