The Precinct Review
OUR RATING: 7/10
Developed by Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, The Precinct is an action-packed sandbox game that invites players to step into the shoes of Officer Nick Cordell Jr., a rookie cop navigating the crime-ridden streets of Averno City. With its unique blend of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and retro aesthetics, The Precinct offers an engaging experience that pays homage to classic cop dramas. Let’s explore what makes this game a must-play for fans of the genre.
Set against the backdrop of a neon-lit Averno City in the 1980s, The Precinct immerses players in a vibrant yet dangerous environment. The city is alive with activity, from bustling pedestrians to the ever-present threat of gang violence. As you patrol the streets, the atmosphere is reminiscent of iconic cop shows and films, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
At the heart of The Precinct is a compelling narrative that revolves around Officer Nick Cordell Jr. Following the tragic death of his father, a respected police chief, Nick is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s demise while cleaning up the city. The story unfolds through a series of missions and interactions with various characters, including fellow officers, informants, and gang members.
The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced, allowing players to engage in sandbox-style gameplay while gradually revealing key plot points. This structure keeps players invested in both the action and the overarching storyline, making each patrol feel meaningful.
The Precinct distinguishes itself with its gameplay mechanics, which combine elements of simulation and action. Players can choose how to approach their duties, whether through stealthy investigations or high-octane chases.
As a rookie cop, your responsibilities range from issuing parking tickets to apprehending criminals. The game employs a radial menu system that allows you to select actions quickly, whether it’s checking IDs, issuing fines, or calling for backup. This intuitive interface enhances the gameplay experience, making it easy to navigate the complexities of police work.
Players can patrol on foot, in a squad car, or even from a helicopter. Each method offers a unique perspective on the city and its inhabitants. The game features a variety of crimes, from minor infractions to serious offenses. Players must assess situations carefully, deciding whether to issue a ticket or make an arrest based on the evidence at hand.
One of the standout features of The Precinct is its exhilarating car chases. The driving mechanics are designed to evoke the thrill of classic cop films, with tight controls that allow for dramatic maneuvers. Players will find themselves weaving through traffic, dodging obstacles, and pursuing suspects at breakneck speeds.
During pursuits, players can call for backup, deploy spike strips, and utilize other support options to bring criminals to justice. The game’s environments are fully destructible, adding an extra layer of excitement to high-speed chases. Players can crash through barriers and create chaos in their pursuit of justice.
The visual presentation of The Precinct is a testament to the developers’ commitment to capturing the essence of the 1980s. The city is adorned with neon lights, retro signage, and a vibrant color palette that immerses players in a nostalgic atmosphere.
While the graphics may not compete with AAA titles, they effectively convey the game’s retro aesthetic. The isometric view allows for a unique perspective on the bustling streets, and the attention to detail in the environment enhances the overall experience.
Accompanying the visuals is a synth-heavy soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s theme. The audio design immerses players in the world of Averno, with sound effects that enhance the realism of police work. However, the voice acting has received mixed reviews, with some performances feeling a bit amateurish. Despite this, the overall audio experience contributes to the game’s charm.
One of the strengths of The Precinct lies in its replayability. The game offers a variety of side activities and missions that keep players engaged long after the main storyline concludes.
Players can participate in various side missions, such as racing challenges, artifact hunts, and even tracking down a serial killer. These activities provide a break from the main narrative while allowing players to explore the city further.
The game features a dynamic crime system, meaning that no two playthroughs will be the same. Randomized events and crimes ensure that players encounter different scenarios each time they patrol the streets, adding to the game’s longevity.
The Precinct successfully balances action-packed gameplay with the procedural aspects of being a police officer. While some players may find the slower-paced moments tedious, others will appreciate the attention to detail in the policing mechanics.
The game encourages players to embrace the mundane aspects of police work, such as paperwork and following procedures. This approach adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to experience the full spectrum of a cop’s duties.
However, the repetitive nature of certain tasks may deter some players. The need to log every crime and issue tickets can become monotonous, especially during extended play sessions. Utilizing shortcuts, such as having a partner handle paperwork, can alleviate some of this tedium.
While The Precinct offers an engaging experience, it is not without its technical issues. Players have reported encountering bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
Some players have experienced hard resets, audio glitches, and animation problems. While these issues can be frustrating, they do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The developers have shown a commitment to addressing these concerns through updates and patches.
As the game continues to evolve, players can expect improvements in performance and stability. The developers’ dedication to refining the experience bodes well for the future of The Precinct.
In conclusion, The Precinct is a captivating indie title that successfully combines action, storytelling, and nostalgia. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, vibrant visuals, and immersive sound design, it offers a unique experience for players looking to step into the shoes of a cop in a retro setting. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of police procedurals or enjoy open-world gameplay, The Precinct is definitely worth checking out. It captures the spirit of classic cop dramas while offering a fresh take on the genre.
