The Precinct (2024) Xbox Playstation PC Gaming

[David76]

Looking forward to this one. Sadly, it has been delayed until the end of the year.

 

[Bad Gizmo]

So, the premise is pretty simple. You're a rookie cop in a fictional city called Averno back in 1983. You drive around, partner in tow, and try to tackle all sorts of crimes from drunken brawls to muggings. But instead of just throwing punches or shooting it out, you're actually arresting people and doing some paperwork. Yeah, it's not as glamorous as it sounds!

Here's what I found interesting about the game:

• You can choose your shift — want to patrol the streets looking for parking violations? Go for it. Prefer to bust some gang members? That's an option too!
• The game has this sort of role-playing element where you have to profile certain NPCs based on their looks. Like, if someone's got a funky hairstyle, they might be part of a gang.
• The writing, though? It feels a bit stale. The characters throw around lines that are straight out of pop culture clichés, which can get pretty annoying.
• The mechanics can feel clunky when the action heats up. You'll find yourself in some chaotic cover shooting situations that just don't flow well.
• And don't get me started on the radial command wheel — it's cumbersome and slows down the action way too much!

But what I really enjoyed was just wandering around the city. There's a ton of funny moments, like when I chased a suspect and ended up tackling her onto the train tracks. Yeah, not my finest hour!

 

[Strawberry Man]

Since it launched last month, it's been quietly improving with a few patches over the past few weeks, and now it's set to get a free update with two "exciting new features".

The first of these features is maybe the most notable one, and it's called "Solo Mode". Now, you can opt to take on your shifts without a partner, meaning you don't have to wait around for them, and you obviously don't get their help either.

Beyond that, there are various new cosmetic additions to both your cop cars and your character, with the latter now offering the ability to choose between 10 outfits, eight hats, and four types of glasses.



You can see some of this in the trailer above, and here's more specific information on each feature:

Introducing Solo Mode: Your partner's on a break - it's just you, your patrol car, and a city full of crime. For the first time, players can take on Averno's criminal underworld solo, without backup.

Cop Cars and Custom Fits: All six squad cars now feature five slick new livery options. Roll out in a design that matches your precinct's vibe - or flex your individuality with a custom look just for your ride. In addition, Officer Nick Cordell Jr. gets a stylish upgrade with a range of customisation options. Players can now choose from 10 outfits, eight hats, and fourtypes of glasses to create a look that suits their own policing persona.