After a short installation, I was ready to play. There appeared to be five levels with a number of individual stages for each level. I would compete against an in-game character that changed every level. The basic premise of the game is that Michael is trying to increase productivity by staging an office competition, and the winner gets a paid vacation. You play Jim Halpert and compete against various office rivals, starting with Dwight Schrute. If you beat Dwight through all the stages in the level, he joins your team and helps you by distracting the next rival (Ryan Howard) in the following stage. After Ryan comes Andy Bernard, Angela Martin, and finally, Michael Scott. Performing basic office duties such as bringing folders, files, and printed papers to office workers while playing pranks on your rival, bribing other office workers with snacks from the vending machine and drinking coffee to boost your speed help you win points, beat levels, and ultimately unlock other office workers who can help you along your way. The stages are timed so that you are constantly racing against the clock as well as your opponents to be the most productive. In the middle of the stages are two mini games that can sometimes take place: collecting items located around the office for the main boss Jan Levinson or collecting papers from the coworkers to place in the suggestion box. Points are won based on efficiency and speed, though these games didn’t seem to make a real difference in the overall point system and like office tasks in real life, seemed more a hindrance than a fun break from the normal routine. Completing a number of special tasks, such as playing a prank on a rival five times in one level, defeating any of the rivals, or earning speed combos earned special accessory awards that have significance if you have watched the show. The awards, such as a stapler in a jello mold or a screenplay of “Threat Level Midnight” are fun reminders of favorite jokes in the show, but also do not seem necessary to the overall game play.

Unfortunately, the theme of fan-based jokes and details without much real substance was one I noticed throughout the entire game. The characters are described in detail and stay close to their television counterparts, but the actual game is meaningless and drones on. I had hoped after the first level that I would get to do something other than bring folders and papers to various people, but the entire game was comprised of the same droning movements that became slightly more difficult without managing to spark my interest or even challenge me. The repetitive motions and the simple tasks reminded me too much like real work and not enough like the lighthearted play that is delivered in the television show. True fans of the show will appreciate the quotes and information that reflects the television show, but I honestly can’t see any other people enjoying this game unless they have a passion for organization and repetitious action. I appreciate the game for being an extension of the show and carrying the same humorous spirit, but I think that it could benefit with less attention to the show and more quality game craftsmanship. Performing different tasks, having more involving mini games, or perhaps adding a second player option may have spiced up the game a little. However, it managed to reflect what made the show popular to many, and I could see this being a great addition to any fan’s collection of memorabilia.