The Precinct, developed by Fallen Tree Games, transports players to the rain-soaked streets of Averno City, a fictional ’80s urban jungle that feels like it was ripped straight from a classic police procedural. This game flips the script on the open-world crime genre, inspired by the early days of titles like Grand Theft Auto, by putting players in the badge and boots of a cop rather than a criminal. The result is a fresh take on sandbox chaos, where enforcing the law proves just as thrilling as breaking it. While the roughly 12-hour campaign can feel repetitive toward the end, the game’s retro aesthetic, engaging patrol mechanics, and commitment to a no-nonsense ’80s vibe make it a compelling ride for gamers craving a nostalgic action fix.
Why the ’80s Setting Shines
Choosing the 1980s as the backdrop was a masterstroke for The Precinct. Free from the clutter of modern tech like smartphones or cybercrime, the game leans into a simpler era of radios, squad cars, and gritty street justice. Averno City feels like a love letter to ’80s cop shows, complete with neon lights and a moody atmosphere that sets the stage for high-stakes pursuits. The game sidesteps real-world controversies about policing, instead delivering an idealized vision of officers protecting and serving. Gamers will find themselves immersed in a world where every shift feels like the climax of an action flick, with squad cars screaming through the streets and perps always one step ahead.
Gameplay: Patrolling with Purpose
At its heart, The Precinct is about the daily grind of a cop, but it’s anything but mundane. Players take on the role of a rookie officer, paired with a grizzled veteran, navigating a city teeming with crime. Missions vary from foot patrols to spot vandals, cruising in a patrol car to catch carjackers, or even taking to the skies in a helicopter to spotlight fleeing suspects. The variety of crimes keeps the gameplay dynamic, though after about 10 hours, some players might notice the busts start to blend together. Even so, the action stays engaging, especially during high-speed car chases that showcase the game’s tight vehicle handling. Cars, designed with a toy-like charm thanks to the isometric view, feel weighty and responsive, making every pursuit a thrill.
The game’s commitment to procedure adds depth. Players must follow protocol—checking IDs, searching suspects, and using appropriate force—to earn experience points for upgrades like better ammo capacity or the ability to call in riot vans. Straying from the rules, like roughing up a civilian, costs daily XP gains, slowing progress. For those who want to dive deep, manually booking suspects and escorting them to the station yields more rewards, though most will opt to automate this to keep the action flowing.
Visuals and Atmosphere: A Retro Masterpiece
The Precinct’s visual style is a standout, blending an isometric perspective with a gritty, illustrated aesthetic. Vehicles, from boxy cop cars to muscle-car lookalikes, sport subtle outlines that give them a hand-drawn feel. At night, siren lights cast a vibrant glow on wet streets, enhancing the game’s immersive vibe. Averno City is packed with details—vandalized payphones, seedy club signs—that reward players who slow down to soak it in. Despite the distant camera angle, the care put into the environment is evident, and the game runs smoothly with no major technical hiccups.
Where It Stumbles
While The Precinct nails its atmosphere and core gameplay, it’s not without flaws. The dialogue often feels stiff and overly dramatic, with voice acting that can come off as cheesy. The arrest system, while initially engaging, grows predictable by the end, as most encounters follow the same pattern: ID, search, cuff. Occasional quirks, like the game penalizing players for defending themselves in extreme situations, can frustrate. Minor glitches, such as odd physics or invisible barriers, also pop up, though they don’t derail the experience.
Final Thoughts
The Precinct delivers a unique spin on the open-world genre, trading crime sprees for cop duties in a vibrant ’80s sandbox. Its focus on procedure and retro flair makes it a must-play for fans of action-packed nostalgia, even if the gameplay loops and dialogue don’t always keep pace. Averno City’s streets are worth patrolling, and with potential updates adding new cases, there’s reason to return for another shift. For gamers looking to channel their inner ’80s cop, The Precinct is a badge worth wearing.