As part of Steam Next Fest we got our mitts on tonnes of demos. One of which that has been on my wishlist for a while was The Precinct and I’ve been really looking forward to trying it out. It’s like a reverse GTA where instead of leading a life of crime, robbing banks, stealing cars. You’re a cop trying to prevent that, and it’s real good fun!
The Precinct
Patrolling the streets of Averno City in 1983 you are a beat cop stepping into the front line dealing with every day misdemeanors as well as hardened criminal gangs. From issuing parking tickets to high-speed chases. Punishing vandals or bank robbery shootouts. You’re going to be getting a taste of it all as this sandbox becomes your playground.
The demo we got to try was just a little slice of the game. However, it gave a good overview of a few of the mechanics we can expect in the full game. I got to stop various vandals who were graffitiing buildings. You can then decide whether to arrest them, let them off, or fine them. Sometimes people will stop and accept the consequences of their actions. Other times they will try to run. Once you have them in cuffs you can choose to escort them back to the station yourself or call for a car to come pick them up. It was pretty good fun and I can see myself enjoying just patrolling to streets on foot looking for little crimes here and there.
Later in the demo things got a little more serious and I was called to a bank robbery in progress. I rushed to the scene and joined the cops already there waiting out front. A shootout ensued and multiple criminals were taken down. However, some escaped from a back door which then led to a car chase. Ultimately justice prevailed and I slept a little better knowing the streets were just that little bit safer.
Fun Filled Demo
I only spent around 30 minutes in total playing The Precinct but those 30 minutes were fun and refreshing. It’s not often that games put you in the shoes of the police and I guess that’s usually because committing virtual crimes is more fun. That being said, I can see The Precinct being a really fun time. I’m sure there will be people who’ll enjoy the roleplay aspect of it. I must say there was something satisfying about spotting illegally parked cars and dishing out parking fines in one minute. Then the next flying a helicopter chasing down cars in the dead of night.
THe Precinct has a vague release date of Q4 2024 and given he state of the demo. I’d wager that’s still a good bet. It seemed in good shape and felt polished and enjoyable. Let’s hope it won’t be too long until were busting criminals!
-Will
