If you’ve ever wanted to step into the shoes of a 1980s cop straight out of a gritty action flick, The Precinct is your ticket. Released on May 13, 2025, this indie title from Fallen Tree Games (a tiny UK studio of just five devs!) and publisher Kwalee is a love letter to classic cop movies, blending police sim vibes with a top-down, open-world sandbox. Think early Grand Theft Auto but on the right side of the law. Let’s break down what makes this neon-noir adventure so addictive.
The Premise: A Rookie Cop in a Crime-Ridden City
Set in the fictional Averno City in 1983, The Precinct casts you as Officer Nick Cordell Jr., a rookie cop fresh from the academy. The city’s a mess—gangs run the streets, and corruption seeps through the cracks. Your personal stake? Solving the mystery of your father’s murder, a former police chief gunned down in the line of duty. The story unfolds through static dialogue scenes with snappy, schlocky writing that leans into 80s cop clichés—think Lethal Weapon meets Miami Vice. It’s not the deepest narrative, but it sets the stage for a thrilling ride.
Gameplay Loop: Patrolling the Mean Streets
The core of The Precinct is its sandbox gameplay. You start each shift at the police station, gearing up with a .38 revolver, baton, and taser. From there, you hit the streets—on foot, in a squad car, or even a helicopter—to tackle procedurally generated crimes. These range from petty parking violations to high-stakes bank heists and drug busts. The game’s dynamic crime system keeps you on your toes; you never know if you’ll be ticketing a bad parker or chasing a street racer through Averno’s neon-lit alleys.
Between patrols, you gather evidence to unlock main story missions, which dig deeper into the city’s conspiracies. The loop is simple but engaging: patrol, respond to calls, bust criminals, repeat. It’s less about narrative tension and more about feeling like a cop in a living, chaotic city.
Some players note the gameplay can get repetitive, but the variety of crimes and the sandbox chaos (like NPCs sparking neighborhood-wide mayhem) keep things fresh.
Mechanics: Balancing Action and Protocol
The Precinct nails the balance between arcade action and police sim realism. You’re encouraged to follow proper protocol—read Miranda rights, book suspects, and avoid excessive force—or face penalties. The controls take some getting used to, with a selection wheel for charges and context-sensitive prompts, but once you’re in the groove, it feels intuitive.
Chases are a highlight. Whether you’re weaving through traffic in a boxy cop car or tracking a perp from a chopper, the top-down perspective (reminiscent of GTA II) makes every pursuit cinematic. You can call for backup, set up roadblocks, or deploy spike strips, adding tactical depth. The game’s visuals—grimy 80s streets with glowing sirens—pop, though some report frame rate dips in busy areas on consoles.
Why You Should Play The Precinct
For an indie game, The Precinct punches above its weight. Its 6-8 hour campaign (10-15 for completionists) is packed with nostalgic charm, addictive gameplay, and surprising depth. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, it’s a must-try for fans of sandbox games or 80s cop dramas. Sure, it’s got some clunky moments and a so-so story, but the thrill of cleaning up Averno City makes it worth the ride. Grab your badge and hit the streets