The Precinct: 80s police simulation with a retrowave kick

16 December 2024 |

Gaming

The Precinct threatens to scratch an itch I didn’t realise I had. Playing Falling Tree Games’ upcoming title, I realised I’d always thought that the action-packed parts of Grand Theft Auto roleplay cops’ jobs looked quite fun, but that the amount of grinding and bureaucracy to navigate to get there put me off.

The Nottingham-based developer’s new game does the opposite, putting the paperwork aside and focusing on action inspired by 80s and 90s cop movies. It leans heavy into stereotypes – the main character is a fresh academy graduate and the son of a legendary officer, and even in the short demo encounters all the skeptical colleagues, jaded veterans, and hints of corruption you’d expect.

It would all feel a bit derivative if it didn’t come in a package so polished that it reassures you the designers know what they’re doing. While The Precinct is a fully 3D game, its angles and zoom levels are reminiscent of 2D GTA. Averno City, while small, is densely populated and atmospheric, and the whole thing is set to convincing voice actors and a pulsing retrowave soundtrack.

Gameplay sees your cop head out on his beat to fight crime in all its forms, from ticketing illegally parked cars to pursuing bank robbers. The Precinct’s longevity could depend heavily on the variety here. Thankfully there’s a long list of potential crimes in the police handbook – I just hope there are plenty of substories and unique dialogue to avoid low-level crimes feeling like a grind over time.

However, that may not matter if action feels solid enough. Combat is mostly a one-button affair, and in my opinion much of the fun lies in the vehicles. The driving model supports the retro cop show vibe, enabling long sideways slides when arriving on the scene, and the demo even includes a helicopter chase.

What sets The Precinct apart are its police mechanics. The handbook tells you how much force you can use in any particular situation, and what the penalty should be for the culprit. You need to abide by these or face the repercussions. Pursuits also present some interesting options, as you’ll need to augment your own driving with tactical calls for backup from the rest of the force.

I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on The Precinct ahead of its to-be-announced 2025 release date. The strength of the story and variety in the scenarios remain to be seen, but if the full game is as polished and engaging as the short slice of action Fallen Tree Games offered in the demo, it could be an indie gem.