REVIEW: FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol (2026 Video Game) - on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol places players in the role of a forensic investigator tasked with examining crime scenes, gathering evidence and piecing together exactly what happened. Across nine separate cases, each featuring its own setting and storyline, the game focuses on observation, deduction and methodical detective work rather than action or spectacle. From grim alleyways to seemingly ordinary residential streets, every location hides clues that slowly reveal a darker truth.

At its best, FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol delivers an experience that feels refreshingly different from the usual detective game. The emphasis on patience and logical thinking is one of its strongest qualities. Rather than rushing players through objectives, the game encourages careful exploration and rewards those willing to inspect every corner of a crime scene. The absence of timers and fail states helps create a more relaxed pace, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in each investigation without unnecessary pressure.

The variety between cases also deserves praise. Although the core gameplay remains largely the same throughout, each scenario introduces a different environment and narrative backdrop. This helps prevent the investigations from becoming too repetitive and keeps players curious about what the next case will involve. The mature themes, ranging from kidnappings to crimes of passion, give the stories a darker edge that suits the subject matter.

One of the more interesting aspects of the game is its collection of specialist forensic tools. Players can deploy drones to reach difficult locations, send ground robots beneath vehicles and utilise analysis equipment to examine evidence. These mechanics help reinforce the feeling that you are performing genuine forensic work rather than simply clicking on highlighted objects. There is satisfaction in uncovering a clue using the right piece of equipment and gradually assembling the larger picture.

The realistic approach to crime scene investigation is another area where the game succeeds. Much of the enjoyment comes from slowly reconstructing events through observation and evidence gathering. Players who enjoy investigative gameplay and detailed problem solving will likely appreciate the deliberate pace and focus on procedure.

Unfortunately, many of the game's strengths are undermined by serious problems on Nintendo Switch. The biggest issue is that FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol simply does not feel suited to console controls. This is clearly a game designed around the precision of a mouse, and the transition to a gamepad is a poor one. Navigating scenes, examining objects and interacting with evidence often feels awkward and frustrating. What might have been straightforward on PC becomes cumbersome when using analogue sticks and buttons.

The situation becomes even worse in handheld mode. The small screen makes spotting evidence significantly more difficult, to the point where some investigations become frustrating rather than engaging. Important clues can blend into the environment, and missing a tiny detail can halt progress entirely. While the game is at least more manageable on a television, the control issues never truly disappear.

Progression itself can also become irritating due to the game's rigid structure. While investigative games naturally require players to follow evidence, FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol often insists on a very specific sequence of actions before allowing progress. There are moments where players may have already worked out what happened, yet the game refuses to move forward because a particular step has not been completed in the expected order. This rigidity can make investigations feel less rewarding and more like following a checklist.

The voice acting does little to improve matters. Performances frequently sound unnatural and lack conviction, making it difficult to become invested in the stories being told. During key moments, the delivery can feel distracting rather than immersive.

Replay value is also virtually non-existent. Once a case has been solved and every twist uncovered, there is little reason to return. The mystery is the primary attraction, and once the answers are known, the experience loses most of its appeal.

FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol contains the foundations of an interesting forensic investigation game. The use of specialist tools, varied cases and focus on logical deduction all show genuine promise. However, the Nintendo Switch version struggles under the weight of poor controls, frustrating progression systems and significant usability issues, particularly in handheld mode.

This is a game that feels far more at home on PC than on a console. The investigative concepts remain intriguing, but the execution on Nintendo Switch turns what should be engaging detective work into an often tedious and awkward experience. FORENSIC - M.E. Protocol could have been much better than it is, but in its current form it is difficult to recommend.

Score: 4 out of 10.

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/FORENSIC-M-E-Protocol-3115279.html

REVIEW: The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire (2026 Video Game) - Out On Early Access on Steam

Review by Jon Donnis

The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire sits in that hybrid space between simulation, RPG and open world crime strategy, where management and mayhem are constantly pulled together. It builds its identity around the idea of running a glamorous nightclub empire while also steering a criminal operation that stretches into gang wars, bribery and street level control. It is an early access release, and that context matters when judging how far it currently reaches and where it still stumbles.

At its best, the game presents a clear and easy to grasp loop. You meet the main figure of authority, take on some starting funds, and begin building your nightclub empire from the ground up. From there, it expands into hiring staff, improving your venue and managing the flow of guests and money. It never feels overly complicated in those early hours, and there is a certain satisfaction in how quickly it lets you get into the rhythm of building and upgrading.

The presentation also helps carry the experience. The top down view will feel familiar to anyone who remembers older crime management games such as Gangsters Organized Crime. There is a similar sense of overseeing a living system from above, watching your influence spread across a city that feels like it is constantly shifting between business and violence. Visually, it does enough to make the world readable and appealing, and the soundtrack, made up of custom in game tracks, does a solid job of supporting the nightlife atmosphere without becoming intrusive.

Where it becomes more ambitious is in its mix of systems. The game pushes you to juggle club management with criminal activity, from handling VIP guests and running your venue to dealing with rival gangs, illegal trading and corrupt officials. It wants you to move between legitimate business and organised crime almost seamlessly, and when it flows properly, that combination gives the game its identity. There is a clear attempt to make your decisions matter across both sides of the empire you are building.

It is also worth noting how straightforward the core structure feels at its best. You are essentially growing a business while building a criminal family, assigning roles, upgrading your influence and expanding into new areas of the city. There is a sense of progression that is easy to follow, even when the systems begin to stack up.

However, the early access label is impossible to ignore, especially when it comes to usability. The controls are one of the biggest barriers right now, feeling fiddly and inconsistent in places. There is also a surprising lack of clarity around them, with no option to review controls in the menu, which leads to unnecessary confusion early on. Even simple things like adjusting the viewpoint take longer than they should, which interrupts what is otherwise a fairly smooth gameplay loop.

There are also moments where the ambition outpaces the current polish. The idea of switching between nightclub management and open world missions without loading screens is strong on paper, but in practice the experience can feel uneven depending on what you are doing at any given time. It is a game that clearly has systems with potential, but they are still settling into place.

As it stands, The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire feels like a solid foundation rather than a finished statement. It has a strong concept, a readable structure and enough variety in its systems to suggest something much bigger underneath. The presentation and atmosphere already work in its favour, even when the mechanics are not fully refined.

There is a good game here waiting for more time and development to bring everything into sharper focus. It is ambitious, occasionally messy, but built on an idea that is strong enough to carry it forward if the rough edges are smoothed out.

Out Now on Early Access

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2774040/The_Boss_Gangster_Criminal_Empire/

REVIEW: The Precinct (2025 Video Game) Law, Order, and a Touch of Neon Noir - Out On Xbox Now

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