A recent trailer for The Precinct sent me on a nostalgia trip, bringing back vivid memories of those immersive PC gaming sessions from the early 2000s. Each scene felt like stepping into a childhood fever dream, reminiscent of the pure joy of discovery in those early gaming years.
Developed by Fallen Tree Games, The Precinct promises to be a neon-soaked action cop adventure with an open-world twist. Publisher Kwalee bills it as a love letter to classic cop films of the 80s, drawing inspiration from titles like “The French Connection” and “Taxi Driver.”
The developers, in an interview with Push Square, even name-dropped influences like “Cagney and Lacey” and “The Driver,” highlighting their commitment to capturing the essence of the era.
Crime is a living breathing entity in this game, procedurally generating situations that range from high-octane bank heists to calming down a noisy neighbor. Just like swinging through the chaotic streets of Spider-Man 2, you’ll never know what kind of call will crackle over your police radio next. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, ensuring no two playthroughs are ever the same.
The developers, inspired by classic top-down Grand Theft Auto titles, have a clear mission: create a game that truly captures the essence of police work, balancing action with realistic simulation. And from the looks of the trailer, they might just be on the verge of achieving that goal.
Serious offenses like assault, drug trafficking, and driving under the influence fall under the category of Proximity Crimes. In contrast, Infractions encompass minor misdemeanors such as littering, parking violations, and vandalism. Incidents, on the other hand, are unforeseen events that can erupt during patrols, with some harboring the potential to expose a larger criminal conspiracy.
Taking to the streets on foot, a police officer might encounter a wider range of parking violations than just stolen vehicles. Faulty parking can manifest in six distinct ways: obstructing a fire hydrant, exceeding meter time limits, occupying the sidewalk, being parked in a no-parking zone, stopping too close to an intersection, or facing the wrong direction.
The complexity of these missions translates into a reward system. Players who choose to tackle more hazardous situations will be granted a greater amount of experience points. As experience accumulates, new weapons and gadgets become available, expanding the officer’s arsenal.
My inquiries to the game’s official account focused on the vehicles. I wanted to know the car selection and if there was a list. Are these real-world cars or fictional creations like in GTA? Can you modify them?
Their response? No official list yet, but maybe someday. Instead of realism, they’re aiming for an action-arcade style, so don’t expect real-life replicas. The real world serves more as a springboard for inspiration. You won’t find car stats or upgrade options.
However, there are some police pursuit goodies. During chases, you can call for back-ups like roadblocks, tactical vans, helicopters, or spike strips. And yes, just like in GTA, you can engage in police shootouts from behind the wheel. A team behind games like American Fugitive and Quell Memento is poised to step out of the shadows with The Precinct.
Their publisher, with titles like Wildmender and The Spirit of the Samurai, may not be a gaming giant, but The Precinct’s trailers brim with the passion of a dedicated developer. The premise of playing a cop might not be for everyone, but the game’s neon-drenched world, sharp visuals, unpredictable events, and deep gameplay systems offer a breath of fresh air in a market overflowing with samey shooters and battle royales.
The delay from its original August release to fall 2024 is a cause for some concern, but if the wait translates to a polished and innovative title, The Precinct could become an unforgettable experience.
