Summary
- The Precinct, a police sandbox sim from Fallen Tree Games, is now available with mixed critic reviews.
- The game aims to blend realistic beat cop simulation with action movie flair.
- Critics say the game is ambitious but repetitive, while early Steam users are mostly positive.
A simulation of cop life – for better or worse
The Precinct puts players in the shoes of rookie cop Cordell in 1980s-inspired Averno City. The top-down sandbox game tries to mix routine police work—like writing tickets and checking IDs—with more dramatic moments like car chases and shootouts. On paper, it’s a fresh concept. In practice, reviews suggest the game struggles to maintain balance.
Critics have praised the novelty of simulating mundane policing duties and the ethical gray areas the game quietly surfaces—like whether routine stops and pat-downs are justifiable for minor offenses. However, repetitive patrol missions and shallow combat mechanics tend to dilute the experience. After a few hours, players reportedly feel stuck in an endless loop of tedious encounters.
Critics vs. players: a split in reception of The Precinct
While Metacritic currently holds the game at 65 and OpenCritic at 69, early Steam reviews are more favorable, showing a 90% positive score from over 120 users. Many of those reviews, however, come from players who’ve only spent a couple of hours in the game. The real test will be whether the positive reception holds after extended playtime.
Reviewers note that the simulation often falls apart. You can crash into public property with no consequence, arrest people without reason, and watch your partner magically teleport into your car. Even the more exciting action scenes—like gunfights and car chases—feel weightless, lacking any real tension or feedback.
Gameplay, structure, and tone inconsistencies
Gameplay structure follows a rigid daily patrol schedule. You gain experience points for following procedure and leveling up Cordell with new perks and tools. But the game’s design causes friction between its serious themes and goofy execution. One moment you’re performing a lawful stop; the next, NPCs shout random ‘80s movie quotes like, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner!”
Players also chase after clues that unlock missions tied to rival gangs—the Jawheads and Crimson Serpent—but even these missions often feel like a slightly upgraded version of the regular beat. The overarching story, centered on Cordell’s father’s mysterious death, doesn’t build much momentum until the game’s final moments.
Conclusion
The Precinct deserves credit for trying something different. It attempts to question traditional portrayals of policing and introduce systems that simulate both the tedium and the occasional thrills of the job. But its inconsistent tone, repetitive gameplay, and lackluster action hold it back from reaching its full potential. Whether players continue to warm to its novelty or lose interest after a few hours remains to be seen.
