The Precinct – Childhood Dream in a Pixelated Police Uniform

When I was a kid, every time I saw a police officer in the street, I looked at him with admiration and thought, “Wow, I wish I could be like him!” Wearing the uniform, driving the siren car, chasing criminals—just like in those 90s action movies.

At the same time, I grew up with GTA 2—the first game that introduced me to open-world gameplay with a top-down view. I used to roam the streets, cause trouble, or escape from the cops. So I always wondered… why isn’t there a game where *you* play as the cop? Why is the police always the obstacle?

So when I saw *The Precinct* for the first time, it felt like it was made just for me. A top-down, open-world game full of cars, chases, police action, investigations, and all wrapped in an 80s vibe… everything I ever dreamed of in one package! From the moment I grabbed the controller, I felt like that little kid again who wanted to become a cop—only this time, I was actually one.

But is the game actually fun? Did it really deliver the dream I had?

The Story

What grabs you isn’t just the idea of being a cop—it’s also that you start from the very bottom. Your name is Nick Cordell Jr., fresh out of the academy, excited for your first day in a suspicious city called Averno City. It’s full of neon lights, wet roads, and tense citizens.

From the first scene, it feels like an old-school TV show—you’re in your car, listening to dispatch calling out robberies, gang activity, or traffic violations. It’s all set in a daily rhythm.

Every day you choose a shift and start your routine. One day you’re handing out parking tickets, the next you’re in a high-speed car chase.

In the background, there’s a bigger mystery. Your father, who was once the sheriff, was murdered under suspicious circumstances… and you haven’t forgotten. Between missions, you collect clues, hear stories, and meet people who knew him. The story unfolds slowly, drawing you into a gang war as you get closer to the truth.

But this game doesn’t try to be a movie—it’s more about living the *routine* of a cop. That’s what made me connect to the story, even if it’s not the most cinematic one out there.

Gameplay

The game uses a top-down camera like classic GTA, but this time you’re chasing, not running.

What impressed me the most is the freedom. You can ignore the mission, walk the streets, stop and search people, drive around, or even call in a helicopter for backup. The radio keeps calling: “Bank robbery in progress”, “Suspicious vehicle”, “Illegal parking in front of the diner”…

And it’s up to you—respond or not. The game doesn’t pressure you. It genuinely feels like being a cop on a 24-hour shift.

The police mechanics are detailed. It’s not just shooting and arresting. You ID suspects, search them, do breathalyzer tests, and gain XP. Do well and you level up, unlocking tools like spike strips or backup units.

The car chases? Fast and wild. The car feels like it’s flying down the wet neon roads. Some moments felt like pure action movies—I literally leaned forward in my chair, especially when a criminal crashed into a shop.

But I did notice some issues. Cars break too easily, and physics aren’t always realistic. Hit a pole and it falls like paper. Flip your car and it drives off like nothing happened.

Combat is simple. You’ve got a pistol or a taser. But gunfights lack impact—no blood, no weight in the shooting. Enemies can be dumb too—some stop running for no reason mid-chase.

Still, the variety of missions kept it fresh. Every shift tells a new story, and that’s what made the gameplay enjoyable, even if some parts need polish.

Graphics

The thing that grabbed me first? The city. Averno City is stunning. Neon everywhere, wet roads, reflections—pure 80s vibes. It feels like walking through an old Chevy commercial or a scene from *Blade Runner*.

The city has day-night cycles, and rain changes everything. People walk under umbrellas, cars shine, and every chase feels like a silent movie set in neon noir.

Still, the graphics aren’t next-gen. It looks like a polished PS4 game, not AAA like *Cyberpunk*. But honestly? I didn’t care. The vibe was way more important than raw detail.

Character models are simple, no fancy animations, but the city is the real star. Every street feels unique. Even the billboards feel like they’re from another universe.

Final Verdict

8/10

*The Precinct* isn’t just a police game—it’s my childhood dream brought to life. It took me back to a world I used to only see on TV and let me live it. Are there flaws? Sure. But when a game makes you enjoy your daily police shift like you’re living it for real—that’s something special. If you loved old-school GTA or always dreamed of putting on the badge and chasing criminals, this game is for you. Just like it was for me.