Game provided free by Fallen Tree Games
Review by Jon Donnis
In an era where open-world games often lean toward playing the villain, The Precinct dares to flip the badge. Developed by Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, this action-adventure title puts players in the polished shoes of rookie officer Nick Cordell Jr., patrolling the rain-slicked streets of Averno City, a fictional metropolis modelled after 1980s New York. Instead of carjackings and chaos, you'll be issuing tickets, responding to 911 calls, and slowly uncovering the truth behind your father's mysterious death.
This is more than just another sandbox title. It's a love letter to classic cop dramas and a rare attempt to blend police simulator mechanics with high-octane chases and cinematic flair.
A Living City in 1983
Averno City is the star of the show. With its neon-lit back alleys, foggy parks, and graffitied subway platforms, it drips atmosphere. Dynamic weather and a day-night cycle bring life to the world, and while the map isn't massive by modern standards, it is densely packed with detail. From the financial district's towering glass monoliths to the crumbling tenements of the inner boroughs, The Precinct captures the look and feel of a noir-styled East Coast city on the brink.
What sets this city apart is its vibrancy. Pedestrians go about their lives. Criminals break into cars or sprint through traffic. You're not just chasing scripted events. The game generates crimes across the map, prompting you to respond in real time. It makes every shift feel unique.
Cop Drama, With a Twist
You play as Nick Cordell Jr., son of the late police chief, and the story threads that follow his personal and professional life are surprisingly engaging. The narrative unfolds gradually, rooted in gang conspiracies, political cover-ups, and the legacy of his father's death. It's nothing revolutionary, but it serves the tone well and gives purpose to your beat patrols.
Gameplay mirrors the duties of a real patrol officer, taking cues from titles like Police Quest. You'll write parking tickets, read Miranda rights, book suspects at the station, and call for backup. Your starting kit includes a .38 revolver, baton, and taser, all of which feel authentic. The use-of-force system encourages restraint, rewarding players who follow proper procedure rather than blasting through every situation.
Of course, the action heats up often enough. Car chases, shootouts, and helicopter pursuits punctuate the quieter moments, keeping the pace varied. The combat can feel a little rough early on, particularly in shootouts, but the aiming assistance options help smooth that out quickly.
Playing in Shifts
The Precinct thrives in shorter play sessions. The structure of completing a "shift" works naturally with the game's slightly repetitive loop. It doesn't quite hold up for marathon sessions, but it is perfect for dipping in and out. A quick 30-minute stint still feels meaningful, whether you're busting a drug ring or just calming down a heated parking dispute.
Voice acting and sound design are top notch. The chatter of the streets, the crackle of the radio, the crunch of tyres on wet pavement, all of it feeds into the immersive, cinematic mood. The synth-heavy soundtrack feels period-appropriate and drives home that noir cop drama aesthetic.
A Few Scuffs on the Badge
There are a few minor issues. Occasionally, bugs crop up, such as NPCs glitching or animations stuttering, but nothing game-breaking. The combat, particularly firearms handling, lacks polish early on. However, the more you play, the more natural it feels.
More critically, the gameplay loop can begin to feel repetitive. There is plenty to do, but the core tasks cycle back quickly. This is where post-launch support and DLC could make a huge difference. The game world cries out for expansion.
Final Verdict
The Precinct is a refreshing take on the sandbox genre. It succeeds in creating a compelling cop simulator that is both fun and atmospheric. Its strongest asset is its ability to make you want to play "just one more shift". Between the rich setting, the noir-infused storytelling, and the satisfying gameplay systems, there's a lot here to love.
It is not perfect, but it doesn't need to be. What matters is that The Precinct delivers a new kind of open-world experience, and it does so with real style. With future updates or expansions, it could easily grow into a beloved franchise.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4jjraO2
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