The Precinct Review: A Stylish Throwback to 80s Cop Action
Imagine if Grand Theft Auto had stayed true to its original concept—putting you in the shoes of a cop instead of a criminal. That’s exactly what The Precinct aims to explore. Developed by Fallen Tree Games, this top-down action sandbox game drops you into the gritty streets of 1980s Verno City, where flashing sirens, high-speed chases, and cheesy cop drama collide in the best way possible.
Welcome to Verno City
Crime Never Sleeps
Set in a fictional crime-ridden city soaked in neon and rain, The Precinct wastes no time throwing you into the chaos. The game ditches modern-day clutter like smartphones and apps. Instead, it fully embraces the analog charm of the '80s. Think static-filled police radios, greasy diners, and a constant backdrop of sirens echoing through the night.
You play as a rookie officer, newly assigned to the city’s toughest district. Partnered with a grizzled veteran and supervised by a growling, mustache-wearing chief (yes, all the clichés are here), your job is to restore some order—one call at a time.
Gameplay That Keeps You Moving
One of The Precinct’s strengths is how varied your daily patrols can be. One moment you’re busting a drunken brawler in an alley, the next you’re tailing a suspect in a squad car. There’s even an overhead chopper segment where you can track suspects from the skies with a spotlight. Missions are short and sweet, making it easy to jump in for a quick session or sink hours into the city’s madness.
Driving feels surprisingly tight for a top-down game. There’s a real sense of weight and momentum in the way vehicles handle, and car chases—complete with ramming suspects off the road—are especially fun. The combat is simple but satisfying, and you’ll often need to decide whether to go in guns blazing or take a more tactical, by-the-book approach.
Choices Matter (Sort Of)
While this isn’t a hardcore simulation, the game does encourage you to be a “good cop.” Use unnecessary force or skip key steps in an arrest, and you’ll lose out on experience points for the day. Promotions and gear upgrades depend on playing fair—though you won’t get punished too hard for bending the rules here and there.
This light moral system adds some structure, even if it’s not overly deep. And in a game that leans heavily into 80s cop show energy, it works well enough to keep you engaged.
Style Over Substance
– And That’s Okay
Let’s be clear—The Precinct isn’t trying to be Red Dead Redemption or Cyberpunk 2077. It’s not massive, it doesn’t have hundreds of missions, and it doesn’t dive into serious themes about police systems. But that’s kind of the point.
This game knows exactly what it is: a love letter to classic cop movies and TV shows. The isometric visuals, punchy synth soundtrack, and dialogue ripped straight from VHS tapes all combine into a tight, nostalgic package. And for many players, that’ll be more than enough.
What Could Be Better
The campaign lasts around 12 hours, which feels just right—but some players may find the gameplay a bit repetitive toward the end. Missions follow a similar structure, and once you’ve done a few, you’ve kind of seen it all. The voice acting is also hit or miss; sometimes it’s charming, other times it’s unintentionally funny.
Still, none of these issues seriously drag the experience down. If you’re here for the vibes and the action, you’ll leave satisfied.
Final Verdict:
A Retro Ride Worth Taking
The Precinct delivers exactly what it promises—a fast-paced, stylish cop game that throws you into the chaos of 80s-era crime fighting. With fun vehicle mechanics, a refreshing setting, and a strong sense of style, it’s a unique spin on the sandbox genre. If you’ve ever wanted to patrol the streets like it’s 1984, this one’s worth the ride.
Rating: 7.5/10
Stylish, fun, and unapologetically retro—just don’t expect too much depth, and you’ll have a blast.
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