Paper Perjury Games Order: Before Shadow of Justice

To play the games in the Paper Perjury series in release order before Shadow of Justice, you should play Paper Perjury (2023) first, then Paper Perjury: The Rookie Year (2024), and finally Shadow of Justice (2025). This order follows the chronological release and the in-game timeline, giving you the intended story progression and character development. Below, we break down each game, how they connect, and what to consider before starting.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a run or ride. You enter the total time and distance, and it returns:

• Pace = time / distance (in minutes per kilometer)
• Speed = distance / (time / 60) (in kilometers per hour)

Variables:

• t – total time in minutes
• d – distance in kilometers

The pace tells you how long it takes to cover one kilometer; the speed tells you how many kilometers you cover in one hour. Both are standard ways to measure running performance.

Worked Example

Using the default values: time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So you run at a 5-minute kilometer pace, which equals 12 km/h. This matches the calculator output.

Background of the Paper Perjury Series

Paper Perjury is a series of visual novel–style detective games developed by a small indie team. The games are set in a fictional city where you play as a clerk in a magical court, solving cases by examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting findings. The series is known for its witty writing, puzzle-solving, and a cast of memorable characters. The first game, Paper Perjury, launched in 2023 on PC and later on consoles. The second, The Rookie Year, is a prequel that explores the protagonist’s early days. Shadow of Justice continues the story after the events of the first game.

How the Games Connect

The three games form a single narrative arc, though each can be enjoyed standalone. The first game establishes the protagonist, the court system, and the main supporting cast. The Rookie Year fills in backstory, showing how the protagonist got the job and introducing key allies and rivals. Shadow of Justice directly follows the first game’s ending, resolving cliffhangers and advancing character relationships. Playing in release order ensures you understand references and callbacks. For example, a character introduced in The Rookie Year appears in Shadow of Justice with a larger role, and you’ll appreciate the payoff only if you’ve seen their origin.

Choosing the Right Order

While release order is the safest, some players prefer chronological story order. That would be:

1. The Rookie Year (prequel)
2. Paper Perjury
3. Shadow of Justice

This works if you want a linear timeline, but it spoils some reveals in the first game. For example, The Rookie Year shows the protagonist’s mentor in a way that makes a later twist in the original less surprising. Most fans recommend release order because the developers wrote the prequel assuming you already knew the characters. If you only have time for one game before Shadow of Justice, play the original Paper Perjury – it’s the direct setup for the sequel.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common question is whether you need to play The Rookie Year at all. The answer is no – it’s optional but adds depth. Another misconception is that the games are all independent cases with no overarching plot. In reality, there is a slow-burning mystery that spans all three titles. Also, some players expect a traditional point-and-click adventure, but the games are more like interactive novels with logic puzzles. The difficulty lies in deducing which piece of evidence contradicts a statement, not in pixel-hunting. Finally, note that Shadow of Justice assumes you know the protagonist’s backstory, so jumping straight into it may leave you confused about relationships.

Comparing the Three Games

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Paper Perjury – The original, sets the tone, introduces the core mechanics. Best starting point.
• The Rookie Year – A shorter prequel, more focus on character development, lighter on main plot. Play if you loved the characters.
• Shadow of Justice – The sequel, larger scope, more complex cases, and directly continues from the first game’s ending.

In terms of length, the first game takes about 10–15 hours, the prequel 5–8 hours, and the sequel 15–20 hours. All three are available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Costs and Availability

Prices vary by platform and sales, but generally the first game costs around $15, the prequel $10, and the sequel $20. Bundles sometimes offer a discount for buying all three. All are available digitally on Steam, GOG, and Nintendo eShop. Physical editions are rare. If you’re on a budget, wait for a seasonal sale – the series often gets 20–30% off.

Safety and Accuracy Notes

These games contain mild language, some dark themes (murder investigations), and no graphic violence. They are suitable for teens and up. The puzzles require logical thinking, and there is no fail state – you can always retry. No online connection is needed, and there is no multiplayer. Save files are local, so back them up if you switch devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Paper Perjury before Shadow of Justice?

Yes, strongly recommended. Shadow of Justice continues the story directly from the first game’s ending. You’ll miss key character motivations and plot points if you skip it.

Is The Rookie Year necessary for the story?

No, it’s optional. It’s a prequel that adds background but doesn’t introduce plot points essential to Shadow of Justice. Play it if you want more character depth.

Can I play The Rookie Year after Shadow of Justice?

Yes, but it may feel like a step back in gameplay and story intensity. It’s best enjoyed before the sequel to avoid pacing issues.

How long is each game?

Approximately 10–15 hours for the first, 5–8 for the prequel, and 15–20 for the sequel, depending on reading speed and how much you explore.

Are the games connected by save files?

No, each game is standalone; you don’t import saves. However, your choices in the first game do not carry over – the sequel assumes a default outcome.

Is there a correct order to play the DLC?

The series has no DLC; all content is in the base games. The only additional content is a bonus chapter in The Rookie Year that is unlocked after finishing the main story.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2