The Precinct – A Cop Sim That’s More Than Just Parking Tickets

If you’ve ever dreamed of patrolling the neon-lit streets of a crime-ridden city, writing parking tickets with the intensity of a seasoned detective, and chasing down criminals in boxy ‘80s police cruisers, then The Precinct might just be your next obsession. Developed by Fallen Tree Games, this top-down police simulator blends open-world crime-fighting with procedural gameplay, offering a unique take on law enforcement that’s equal parts thrilling and oddly bureaucratic.

But does it deliver the ultimate cop fantasy, or does it feel more like a glorified traffic warden simulator? Let’s investigate.

Set in the fictional city of Averno, The Precinct drops you into the grimy, neon-soaked streets of 1983, where crime is rampant, the police force is underfunded, and your rookie cop, Officer Nick Cordell Jr., is just trying to survive his first few shifts.

The game’s setting is a highlight, capturing the essence of ‘80s crime dramas like Hill Street Blues and Miami Vice. The streets are packed with drunken brawls, speeding cars, and shady alleyway deals, all waiting for you to intervene. And yes, you can absolutely write parking tickets, because nothing says “justice” like fining someone for being two inches over the line.

At its core, The Precinct is a sandbox police simulator that lets you choose how to approach your daily shifts. You can:

- Patrol the streets in your cruiser, responding to crimes in real-time.

- Investigate cases, gathering evidence and tracking down suspects.

- Engage in high-speed chases, which are surprisingly intense given the era’s clunky car physics.

- Write reports and process arrests, because even in video games, paperwork is unavoidable.

The game rewards proper police procedure, meaning you can’t just go full Grand Theft Auto and start blasting criminals on sight. Instead, you need to follow protocol, issue warnings, and actually read people their rights. It’s a refreshing take on law enforcement that makes you feel like a real cop—minus the coffee addiction and existential dread.

When things get violent, The Precinct shifts into a top-down action mode, where you’ll engage in shootouts, fistfights, and tactical takedowns. The combat is functional but not ground-breaking gunplay feels weighty, but cover mechanics can be clunky, and melee combat sometimes resembles two drunk guys trying to hug aggressively.

That said, chasing down criminals and cornering them in alleyways is undeniably satisfying. There’s a real sense of progression, as you unlock new gear, improve your skills, and slowly climb the ranks of the police force.

If you thought chasing criminals was tough, wait until you try driving in Averno. The game’s vehicle physics are deliberately old-school, meaning your cruiser handles like a shopping cart with a jet engine.

High-speed pursuits are equal parts exhilarating and hilarious, as suspects take unpredictable turns, crash into pedestrians, and occasionally drive straight into rivers. It’s chaotic, but in a way that feels authentic to the era after all, ‘80s cars weren’t exactly known for their precision handling.

Visually, The Precinct nails its retro aesthetic. The neon-lit streets, boxy cars, and grainy textures make Averno feel like a city ripped straight from an old VHS tape. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring synth-heavy beats that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Blade Runner nightclub.

The game’s dialogue and voice acting lean into the cheesy cop drama vibe, with characters delivering lines that range from gritty noir monologues to outright dad jokes. It’s charming, even if some of the writing feels a little stiff at times.

The Precinct is a refreshing twist on the open-world crime genre, offering a thoughtful, procedural approach to policing that stands out from the usual chaos of games like Grand Theft Auto. While its combat and driving mechanics can feel a bit rough around the edges, the game’s immersive setting, engaging police work, and satisfying progression make it a must-play for fans of crime sims.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely just don’t expect to be a one-man army. This is a game about doing your job, following the rules, and occasionally chasing down criminals who think they can outrun a boxy ‘80s police cruiser. Spoiler: they can’t.

Final Score: 8/10 – A fun, flawed, but fascinating cop simulator