Here is my full breakdown of The Precinct. This neon-noir action sandbox slotted itself into my must-play list. Set in 1983’s Averno City, it tasks you with cleaning up gang-ruled streets. Fallen Tree Games Ltd delivers a police experience that mixes detective work, destructible environments, and high-octane chases. Publisher Kwalee released it on May 13, 2025. Recent reviews are very positive, and I’ll explain why this game stands out—and where it still needs polish.
Overall Impressions
Right from the first patrol, The Precinct nailed its aesthetic. Neon lights glow off rain-slicked pavement, and every corner whispers 1980s crime drama. In fact, it evokes L.A. Noire’s mood but adds modern sandbox freedom. I appreciated how destructible environments let you ram barricades or crash through walls. That said, loose driving physics and partner AI bugs can pull you from immersion. By comparison, other indie cop games often feel one-dimensional. Here, however, the blend of story, chase events, and random crimes keeps hardcore players engaged—despite some rough edges.
Gameplay Mechanics
Vehicle chases form the game’s adrenaline core. However, the handling feels too slippery. Hitting a curb spins you out, often costing your suspect. I’ve done more city damage than criminals. Combat shifts between light melee, baton takedowns, and shootouts. Takedowns sometimes fail to register, forcing repeated inputs. Cover mechanics work inconsistently—my character occasionally stood next to cover without snapping into position. Arrests trigger free-roaming crime events. Once you radio in, new crimes still pop up around you. I agree with many players—calls should pause street crimes until you conclude your arrest. Your AI partner also needs work. He chases fleeing suspects on foot, then abandons them with odd logic. He won’t search dumpsters, costing you XP. I expect smarter partner support, not random stalls.
Story and Characters
You play as a second-generation cop haunted by your father’s legacy. The plot dives into family secrets and gang conspiracies. Voice acting brings characters to life, though some lines feel stiff. Narrative pacing stayed strong through my twelve hours. It balances personal drama with major crime syndicate takedowns. Unlike many flat cop games, The Precinct leans into mood over pure action. Yet, it skews too “clean-cut” at times. I wanted a morally gray tone to match the gritty world. Still, I found myself invested in the protagonist’s quest for justice.
Visuals and Graphics
Fallen Tree Games clearly invested in atmosphere. Neon reflections shimmer on wet roads. Weather effects and particle systems breathe life into Averno City. Destructible environments crack, splinter, and reveal hidden paths. Interior lighting in bars and warehouses scores high on realism. Occasionally, you spot repeated textures on facades and alleys. But that’s a small price for the overall style. The isometric viewpoint never hindered my sense of depth or scale. I could lock onto suspects and objects without frustration.
Sound and Music
The synthwave soundtrack nods to 1980s crime thrillers. Pulsing beats kept my adrenaline high during chases. Ambient sirens and radio chatter added realism. Footsteps echoed convincingly on concrete and tile floors. My one gripe involved occasional audio clipping when too many gunshots rang out. Voice actors delivered solid performances, though a handful of lines felt rushed. Still, the overall sound design elevates immersion in this neon-soaked underworld.
Difficulty and Replayability
The Precinct sits at a moderate difficulty level on default settings. Patrols start easy but escalate when gangs attack key districts. Randomized crime events encourage on-the-fly decision making. You can choose stealth approaches, baton takedowns, or all-out shootouts. Each approach feels viable. Bugs and partner issues sometimes introduce unintended difficulty spikes. I recommend playing patrol missions in smaller doses until a patch fixes core AI and handling bugs. Replay value is strong thanks to destructible sandbox fun, varied mission structure, and unlockable gear. I hope upcoming updates add more crime types and larger map areas.
Trivia and Behind the Scenes
Fallen Tree Games based The Precinct on their own Night Call engine. They improved real-time lighting and destructible physics for this project. The team worked closely with a veteran police consultant to craft authentic procedures. Kwalee pushed for an isometric view to blend strategy with action. Many art assets reference classic police films, and their lead artist studied ’80s cinema noir for months.
Final Verdict
The Precinct earns 4 out of 5 stars. It nails neo-noir atmosphere, story engagement, and sandbox freedom. Driving physics and partner AI hold it back from perfection. With smart patches and quality-of-life improvements, this game can become the definitive indie police sim. If you crave a stylish, challenging cop experience in a destructible open world, The Precinct is a must-try.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
