No character creation so it's going to be real awkward when I only give tickets to minorities.

I think some people will like this game, but it was not for me. I had a few issues with it during my hour of play time. - The biggest issue for me was the driving, and NPC behavior while driving. Nothing felt fluid, and it really took you out of the immersion of it all. When pulling cars over, you just stop in the middle of the road, cars don't always respect lights, cars constantly lurching to stops for no reason causing you to rear end them. - Voice acting is passable but not great. Not that I expected much but wanted to point that out. - Gun fights don't feel good to be a part of. Sprinting to cover feels janky as if you don't let go of SHIFT at the exact right time your character hurdles over the cover. Changing from cover to cover also does not feel fluid at all. This would all be a huge problem if the gun fights weren't brain dead easy. Shooting also does not feel satisfying, as I might as well just be moving my mouse and clicking on the enemies. I really think this could be a great game. But right now I cannot recommend it. Like I said, there are some people that will enjoy this but I just couldn't get into it with the issues listed above.

This game has enough cursing to make a sailor blush, so playing it near my son is basically an automatic trip to the parenting hall of shame. It also stutters like it's delivering a dramatic monologue. And the city? Let’s just say it’s cozy enough that my character might bump into their ex every five minutes.

This game is missing a female cop option. Really hoping for a DLC to fix that😀

You can play this game. It is okay. I am forced to give a negative review out of pure sadness for what it could be as what is here now is a shell for its potential. It feels early access to me, or that the developers ran out of financing and time. I think it is priced, _okay_ with the discount, you will probably get what you put in if you like games like this. But if you're on the edge, I would wait for updates. This game has spent ~6 years in development. With that they've nailed the aesthetics and 80s vibe of the city, and it's clear a good amount of work has gone into the sandbox itself. On performance i had no issues or crashes, but I am on a very top of the line rig. Others express different sentiments and the game is capped to 30fps on console. To that end, almost everything else feels bolted on. The story is as cliche and as "cop drama" as you'd expect. You've almost certainly heard it before. Rookie cop convinces senior cop to care, chase down some cop family drama with a twist at the end, etc. It was so mundane I skipped the ending cut scenes. The story isn't a reason to play and you finish it about six hours in. Some items are so bolted on you could miss them, there is an entire subway network with no crimes or patrols (to my knowledge so far) associated with it. The progression system is barebones, outside of a few new unlocks for "support actions" most of it is "increase x by %" type perks. Unlocks for health are kind of needed because the combat system isn't skill based. There is strong auto aim, but only a small percentage of shots will hit on the target due to random MOA spread applied to each weapon. You unlock vehicles as you play, but none of them are better than the starting vehicle because they literally cannot keep up with criminal vehicles on chases so "can ram more" doesn't really come into play. There are additional weapons to unlock, but no additional non lethal weapons. Each weapon suffers from the artifical random spread so really none of them are better than the others, except for the "sniper" rifle and only because of its ammo to kill ability. The sandbox feels good in the beginning, but quickly gets tedious due to the limited number of interactions available. It will be no time at all until you start "Delegating" paperwork to your partner for almost all arrests not because you don't enjoy noting down the crimes, but because the interface and selection wheel for doing so is so crude. In the story you were called to interview residents for example, once, but that's it. In the free roam game-play there is no support type missions like setting up roadblocks, speed traps, or serving warrants. There is no EMS services like Fire or Ambulance despite them being modelled in the game. There is no "after the fact" type crimes where you're expected to interview potentially unreliable informants for a Be-on-the-lookout type system. There is no emergent story. There are no tow trucks, no calls for trespass etc. Criminals respond as not-in-their-self-interest as possible, with almost every criminal running. I get that's there for game feel but with how shallow everything is it feels pretty rough. Each event is separate from every other event, there is no sandbox permanence, it's "reset" every time you enter the precinct. Everything feels so well established as a _foundation_ for what this game could support but does not. I understand that this is a small developer studio, but wish more attention was put into systems than aesthetics, because the aesthetics show what this small and mighty team can do. The whole time through all I was saying to myself was "if only" and unfortunately that's a rough feeling to have for a game like this. My hope is that this world realises its full potential, and doesn't fall into a similar trap like shadows of doubt, or other games that have shown such a strong foundation, but have been unable to leverage it for anything that truly feels special. EDIT: Today, May 15th, the publisher announced there will be post release content on the discord. They did not elaborate as to what that content will be. This is different than their previous stance at launch when they said they had no post release roadmap, and haven't yet decided if they will do post release content. So some of you on the edge may wish to follow the game to see what that entails, or does not entail.

Something to stop my thirst till gta 6 But dont sleep on it for just being that, this game has its own backbone.

The last time I ate a hotdog, I was called to stop a bank robbery — so I’m honestly terrified to find out what happens when I bite into a donut.

I enjoyed the game, it's not bad at all. I think it has a huge potential to be even more bigger than it is, more crime types, incidents, AI improvements and so on. The police chases are entertaining and there's a loooooooooot of crimes to respond and solve. You aren't completely alone as you can call for officer backup and you are partnered with an officer. Review video: https://youtu.be/hWCbbPWQvxg

For a game i found by mispelling something in the steam search bar. Its not bad Some bugs but the game is 24h old not unexpected. I would recommend as long as your okay with a more arcade-like game, the shooting and chases are very arcade style.

Kelly and I chased a suspect into a petting zoo. Long story short — I now fear goats.

Storyline

The Precinct is a top-down action-adventure game set in 1983's Averno City. You’re not just a cop, you’re the son of a murdered police chief. Nick Cordell Jr. is on a mission to uncover who killed his father while trying to keep the peace in a city crawling with criminals, corrupt officials, and gangs. The story is heavily inspired by 1980s noir films, filled with twists, betrayals, and gritty city streets. It’s personal, intense, and the kind of story that keeps you hooked as you peel back layers of corruption and crime. The game doesn’t just follow a set script, it throws random events at you, like a robbery or a parking ticket, that pop up naturally as you play. You can choose to investigate them or just ignore them, letting you create your own story as you go. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3481285349 As you progress through the game, you’ll earn experience and move up the ranks, unlocking new skills and equipment along the way. This progression is closely tied to the story, as advancing to higher ranks opens up more complex cases and gives you a deeper role in uncovering the city's criminal secrets.

Gameplay

The game begins with a tutorial that gradually introduces you to the story, unfolding in a way that's both engaging and well-paced. The gameplay is open-world, top-down, and gives you the freedom to approach your job as a cop however you want although within your working hours. You’ll respond to all kinds of crimes, from petty thefts to high-speed chases, all while trying to stick to police procedures like reading suspects their rights or booking them at the station. You can patrol the streets on foot, in your squad car (you can unlock different cars by moving up ranks), or even take to the skies in a helicopter. There’s a lot of freedom, and each day brings new cases, side missions, and opportunities to explore the city. The dynamic day-night cycle and weather system keep things interesting. Rain makes the roads slippery, and night operations require you to be extra careful. Whether it's a gang shootout or a routine traffic stop, things rarely go as planned. One of the most fun parts of The Precinct is how alive the city feels around you. As you patrol Averno, the world doesn’t just sit still, it moves with you. You can talk with almost anyone you come across. If someone looks a bit off or seems suspicious, you can ask for their ID, or even frisk them to make sure they’re not hiding anything. The sense of immersion is incredible, and it’s easy to get lost in the little details of the city as it goes on around you. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3481285679 The AI is smart with criminals using clever tactics that make each encounter feel challenging. Whether it’s a gang shootout or a simple traffic stop, things rarely go as planned, keeping you alert. There’s a lot of replay value, thanks to random events and side missions. Each time you play, the city feels full of new things to do. Though there are occasional glitches now and then. For example, suspects may drive erratically and illogical, making sudden, unpredictable moves that mess up your chases. One fun feature is the partnership with your assigned partner, Kelly. While Kelly doesn't drive the car, he accompanies you during patrols, assisting with tasks and providing support during encounters. His presence adds depth to the gameplay, offering a sense of "camaraderie" as you tackle the challenges of Averno City together. One moment, you're chasing down a suspect through rain-soaked streets, your partner Kelly is nowhere to be found. You call for backup, only to realize Kelly is stuck behind a lamppost, trying to figure out how to get into the car. Meanwhile, the suspect is making a clean getaway. Despite the occasional hiccups with your partner, The Precinct offers a unique blend of police simulation and action. It's a game that keeps you engaged, whether you're solving crimes or dealing with the unpredictable nature of your team (i'm looking at you Kelly). Another fun feature is that during a high-speed chase, you can call for backup, which you unlock by staying close to suspects and keeping up the pursuit. This lets you request help, like extra patrol cars, spike strips, or even a helicopter to catch fleeing criminals. This feature adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, letting you adjust your approach depending on the situation

Graphics & Sound

The visuals in The Precinct are stunning, with the neon lights and rainy streets capturing the essence of the 1980s perfectly. The city is richly detailed, from the lively downtown to the darker, more dangerous neighborhoods and creepy alleys. The rain-soaked streets and the way light reflects off puddles give the game a truly immersive feel. Add to that a synth heavy soundtrack that fits the setting perfectly, and the sound design, whether it’s the sound of a siren (you can pick from different ones) or the distant noise of a helicopter, it all works together to pull you into Averno City. One downside I've noticed is that even though I have a high-end computer, I still experience the occasional hiccup while driving. The game seems to struggle with rendering at times, causing some stutter during vehicle scenes.

Final Verdict

The Precinct is a thrilling mix of crime-solving, high-speed chases, and moments where you’ll question if your partner is secretly trying to sabotage you. The storyline is gripping, you’re not just chasing bad guys, you’re also trying to figure out who killed your dad. The city is packed with detail, from the buzzing downtown to those creepy alleys where you just know something shady is happening (probably involving Kelly getting stuck behind a lamppost again). You can interact with pretty much anyone, asking for IDs or frisking people who look a little too suspicious. Sure, the AI and occasional rendering hiccups can be a bit annoying (like when your car’s driving smoother than Kelly’s attempts at a sprint), but those moments don't take away from the pure chaos and fun this game offers. The game keeps things exciting and lets you explore a city full of surprises.

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Old GTA Vibe before GTA VI? Definitely YES.

This game is awesome: -Gta2/Gta Chinatown vibe with police mod. -The gameplay is too good, and the graphics are beautiful like 80s -Synthwave songs -Good story -Have a great atmosphere -The Ai needs some improvement and there are a couple of bugs in the game

Don't hesitate and try it out because you won't be disappointed.

Seriously? Spamming buttons to restrain suspects? No accessibility options for people with handicaps, such as myself?

The gameplay is good, and the graphics are beautiful. However, the AI is not very good, and there are a decent number of bugs (though none game-breaking so far). Overall, it's a good game that just needs some bug fixes and AI improvements. Hopefully they will also add more content to make for a even better sandbox experience!

It's a good and fun game overall, but it's missing some basic polish. For example, after zipping up dead bodies, they still just lie there, which really breaks immersion. When an escort unit arrives, they walk the criminal away on foot and leave their car blocking the road. There's also no option to tow abandoned or illegally parked vehicles, which feels like a big oversight for a game in this genre. Movement is another issue: it's clunky, and your walking speed doesn't match your partner's, which makes AI-based missions frustrating. These might seem like small details, but they add up and impact the experience in a noticeable way.

A decent Cop simulator game set in 1980s US. Worth every cent it cost, not a masterpiece but quite good already. My top 3 indie game this year so far.

Amazing game! While the main story isn't great, all other things make up for it Works great on Steam Deck! Thank you Kwalee for a review copy. Check out my detailed review here: https://gtagossip.com/the-precinct-review-grand-theft-auto-in-an-alternate-universe/

Well, to be perfectly honest, and in my humble opinion, without intending to offend anyone who might hold a different perspective, while also considering this matter from various angles, and without condemning anyone’s views but rather aiming for objectivity, and taking into account every valid opinion, I honestly believe I have nothing to say.

Optimization is terrible Why can I not get over 120 FPS for such a game on high settings with a 4080? AI is terrible The AI constantly does stupid stuff like run into traffic, rear end your car, or run into explosive containers (why are there explosive containers that in a city????) This is especially annoying when the support cruisers you called yourself, decide to crash into you instead of the criminal you're both chasing. They also just cheat constantly, like wdym a station wagon suddenly outperforms my police cruiser in a chase??? Driving is Terrible Granted I'm playing on Mouse and Keyboard, but it is still so trash, there's no smoothing of your turns. Press A, instant ~30° left turn. Your Partner (Kelly) is terrible The Story portrais him as the guy who doesn't want to do his job and oh boy, this guy is basically just a lap dog. He'll follow you, but will look at you getting beat up by 2 criminals like you're the idiot for having to fight them, if you do manage to restrain both criminals (somehow) he won't even help you arrest them/file paperwork. The Tutotial/Handholding for every little thing is terrible It took like 30-40 minutes to get to the actual "gameplay" portion, nvm the fact that any story event is immediately put into handholding mode where it says, go there, do this, grab this, read this, go here Also why the fck are you, a rookie, tasked with flying a helicopter as your second mission? The Interactions/Callouts are terrible If you stop a car in the middle of the road and arrest the driver, the car just stays there, on a highway blocking traffic. If you kill someone you bag their body and leave it there to rot, no ambulance, nothing. Overall this game has potential, but atm this feels more like an attempt to make an immersive police game, than an actual immersive police game. Gonna refund and put it back on my wishlist

Ah i can finally commit police brutality.

It was OK. Not enough to keep me playing though.

-Arrested someone with no justification -Shot someone with no authorization for lethal force -Promoted at end of shift 10/10, like I'm back in the 80's.

ACAB

Suspect evades in a vehicle at over 2x the posted limit, crashes into dozens of cars, drives down the sidewalk for a whole city block and runs over and kills so many people I lost count, ditched the car and ran on foot, assaulted myself and other officers before I tazed him... but the only charge that stuck was evading arrest. Just... What? The legal/justice system doesn't seem to account for what actually happens...

Bad boys, bad boys Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Bad boys, bad boys Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

As a huge fan of American Fugitive, I was excited to see what the team could do next - pleased to report it's a huge leap. I'm nearly on, but loving the atmosphere and busywork - and the shootouts and chases are loads of fun too. Looking forward to playing more.