Long before Grand Theft Auto made waves by letting players run rampant as criminals, early concepts flirted with the idea of letting them play as the police. That idea was shelved in favour of chaos and crime, and the series found massive success. Yet, nearly 30 years later, The Precinct steps in to show that upholding the law can be just as exciting, especially when it’s wrapped in an isometric, neon-lit world straight out of the 1980s.
Although the game offers a relatively compact 12-hour experience, it delivers a nostalgic thrill. From its gritty aesthetic to its steady rhythm of law enforcement duties, The Precinct brings something refreshing – a world where being a cop means boots on the ground and justice served without tech distractions or modern noise.
Back to the ’80s
Developer Fallen Tree Games made a decisive and effective choice by setting The Precinct in a pre-digital era. There are no smartphones, social media feeds, or high-tech hacking tools. Players rely solely on their partner and a radio – the essence of old-school policing. It feels more like stepping into a vintage TV drama than a modern crime simulator.
This is not a gritty deep dive into police ethics. Instead, the game offers a glorified take on policing, full of car chases, daring takedowns, and a sprinkle of cliché – from the fresh-faced rookie and his grumpy mentor to the stern chief barking orders and an officer named Kowalski. The goal is not to stir debate, but to entertain.
Daily Duties and Dangerous Streets
Gameplay revolves around daily shifts where players can patrol on foot, cruise in a squad car, or even take to the skies in a chopper. Each shift brings new criminal activity – from stopping vandals and chasing drunk drivers to intercepting fleeing suspects from above.
The variety of crimes keeps things engaging, especially in the early and mid-game. Although missions start to repeat near the end of the campaign, the gameplay loop remains fun for most of its duration. Even after the story wraps, street crimes continue, offering a reason to return later, especially if new content arrives in future updates.
High-Speed Pursuits and Stylish Streets
The vehicle mechanics in The Precinct are a highlight. Despite their toy-like appearance from the isometric camera angle, the cars handle with satisfying weight and realism. Whether it’s skidding through tight corners or ramming into fleeing criminals, the driving segments shine – often evoking memories of Driver more than early GTA.
The attention to detail is evident in the game’s environment. Classic car designs like off-brand Mustangs, beefy ’Cudas, and boxy Caprice cop cars fill the streets. Sirens light up the rain-soaked city with blue and red flashes, and the gritty world includes everything from vandalised payphones to sleazy club signage. Even though many players may fly past these touches at high speed, the world feels crafted with care. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly and remained stable during testing.
Playing by the Rules
The Precinct puts emphasis on proper procedure. Acting recklessly leads to reduced experience point (XP) gains, slowing progression and access to upgrades. Using unjustified force, skipping ID checks, or ticketing the innocent all impact daily XP rewards – though previously earned points remain untouched.
Upgrades unlock improved durability, more ammunition, and special tools like riot vans and roadblocks. Players can go deep into the role, choosing to charge suspects manually and escort them to the station for bonus XP – though the option to automate this keeps the pace brisk for those less interested in paperwork.
Routine Repetition and Rough Edges
While arrests generally follow a predictable sequence – identify, search, arrest or release – the process begins to feel repetitive by the story’s conclusion. There’s also occasional friction when the game misinterprets player actions, such as penalising use of force even in self-defence. Whether these are bugs or oversight is unclear, but such moments can pull players out of the experience.
Additionally, The Precinct carries some minor jank. Players may encounter odd physics behaviour or invisible barriers. These aren’t game-breaking, but they do momentarily disrupt the immersion.
Final Thoughts
With a firm focus on proper policing and a lovingly recreated 1980s atmosphere, The Precinct succeeds in offering a fresh twist on the sandbox crime genre. It’s a significant step forward from Fallen Tree Games’ previous efforts and proves that playing the good guy can still be a lot of fun – especially when you’re doing it in a gritty, neon-lit city full of crime, character, and roaring sirens.
While it might not have the depth or polish of a AAA blockbuster, The Precinct stands out as a charmingly retro law enforcement adventure. Whether you’re enforcing the rules or bending them slightly, there’s enough here to keep would-be officers coming back for another shift.