There’s something about the classic police dramas that still captivates audiences globally. I’m talking about those Starsky and Hutch or Miami Vice-style stories, where flawed detectives navigate a city teeming with criminals. Albeit a bit dated, this portrayal of law enforcement continues to intrigue. It seems that the folks at Fallen Tree Games hold this vision close to their hearts in their creation, The Precinct.
The Precinct, a top-down “neon-noir” action game, invites players into the shoes of a rookie cop fresh out of the Academy. He’s greeted by a city drowning in organized crime, and alongside a team of classic cop-show characters, he tackles this underworld menace head-on—with each parking ticket, car chase, and assault charge.
I dove into The Precinct for a few hours, and even though I’m not a die-hard fan of police thrillers, I found myself appreciating its unique vision. It’s actually quite engaging.
Right off the bat, you’re introduced to an array of colleagues like Kowalski, who banter about the city’s current state. They have diverse perspectives—some, like your soon-to-retire mentor, favor keeping a low profile. Yet, your character embodies the young, idealistic vision of justice, ready to make a difference on the streets. While these elements might feel stereotypical, they bring undeniable charm. You kickstart your day with a partner who’s incredibly passionate about hot dogs, setting the stage for the day.
Out on the beat, you’re tasked with enacting the law, which can range significantly. Right from the beginning, you’re thrown into the fray, like a high-speed pursuit with bank robbers through jam-packed highways and narrow alleys, sirens blaring, while your partner fires from the passenger side. Yet, the game equally emphasizes learning routine police work, like patrolling streets and checking parking meters.
An aspect that stands out is the game’s dedication to portraying “correct policing.” You’re not some rogue officer on a power trip in The Precinct. Excessive force, like harming a graffiti artist, leads to immediate mission failure and a checkpoint restart. Resorting to violence leads to harsh penalties. The game prioritizes appropriate measures, avoiding glorifying present-day police violence.
This approach adds depth to the police fantasy. You’re not a shoot-first, ask-questions-later type. Adhering to procedure is essential and sticking to protocol—tracking crimes accurately and handling situations by the book—rewards you with extra XP. These points enhance your policing abilities, meaning to excel, you must embody the principles of a good cop.
In my brief play session, I caught a glimpse of the game’s core structure. The city is dominated by three gangs, and as you tackle crimes on patrol, you gather evidence to eventually confront a gang leader. Once past the tutorial, it’s a loop of law enforcement work until detectives have enough evidence to go after the major players.
The effectiveness of all this is deeply tied to the vibrant city setting. It’s a richly designed urban jungle adorned with neon lights and bustling with life. Reminiscent of classic GTA titles with a sprinkle of True Crime’s grit, it’s a world begging to be explored.
In conclusion, The Precinct shapes up to be a captivating experience, likely to resonate with a niche audience thrilled by the cop drama genre. You can check out its demo on Steam, with the official launch set for May 13. Keep an eye out for it!
