-: [REVIEW] The Precinct —The Most Fun We’ve Had Since Classic GTA

Join me as I patrol the rain-soaked, neon-lit streets of The Precinct. Discover how this 80s-inspired cop game delivers GTA-style thrills from the other side of the law.

If you told me back in 1997, when Grand Theft Auto first hit the scene, that one day I’d be just as obsessed with playing a cop as I was with being a criminal, I’d have laughed you out of the room. Yet, here I am in 2025, glued to my screen, badge in hand, patrolling the rain-slicked streets of Verno City in The Precinct- and loving every minute of it.

Why The Precinct Exists: A Twist on GTA’s Origins

Let’s get this out of the way: The Precinct isn’t just a cop game. It’s a love letter to the 1980s, to gritty police procedurals, and to the sandbox chaos that made GTA a household name. What’s wild is that, deep in GTA’s own prehistory, DMA Design (now Rockstar North) actually considered making players the police before flipping the script to focus on criminal mayhem. The Precinct finally asks the question: Can being the good guy be just as fun? After playing through its 12-hour campaign, my answer is a resounding yes.

Setting & Atmosphere: Soaked in 80s Style

The first thing that struck me was the game’s commitment to its 1980s setting. There’s no cybercrime, no smartphones, no social media- just you, your partner, and a crackling police radio. The city is a neon-drenched, grimy playground straight out of a classic TV show. Every shift feels like the most action-packed day of any real cop’s career, with bank robberies, car chases, and street crime erupting at every turn.

Gameplay: Old School, But Fresh

I’ve played my fair share of police games, but The Precinct nails the balance between nostalgia and innovation. The action unfolds both on foot and behind the wheel. Whether I’m pounding the pavement chasing down vandals or screeching around corners in a squad car, the game’s isometric camera and weighty vehicle handling make every pursuit feel cinematic. There’s even the occasional helicopter mission, which is as wild as it sounds.

The gameplay loop is simple but addictive: patrol, respond to crimes, chase suspects, and make arrests. The variety of crimes-from carjackings to drunken drivers-keeps things interesting, though I’ll admit the repetition set in near the end of the story. Still, the city’s endless supply of crooks meant I was never bored.

Mechanics: Doing It by the Book (Mostly)

What sets The Precinct apart is its focus on proper police procedure. You’re rewarded for following the rules, checking IDs, using non-lethal force, and booking suspects correctly. Go rogue, and you’ll see your experience points take a hit. I found myself actually caring about playing by the book, which is a far cry from my usual GTA antics.

Upgrades are standard fare (more ammo, better armor), but calling in riot vans or setting up roadblocks adds a tactical edge. You can even choose to personally escort suspects to the station for extra XP, though I usually let the game automate the paperwork so I could get back to the action.

Story & Characters: Classic Cop Drama

If you’ve ever watched an 80s cop show, you’ll recognize the cast: the rookie, the grizzled veteran, the mustachioed chief, and yes-someone named Kowalski. The dialogue is a bit hammy, and the voice acting sometimes leans into cliché, but honestly, it fits the vibe. This isn’t a gritty police simulator; it’s an idealized, action-packed romp where you’re always the hero.

The Precinct is not a GTA clone but a unique 80s cop show aesthetic that takes players to uphold the law rather than breaking it. The main story takes about 12 hours, but players can continue patrolling and busting crooks in procedural missions. The game is repetitive, but the variety of crimes and the satisfaction of a perfect arrest keep players coming back. The Precinct is pure escapism, not a commentary on real-world policing. While there are minor glitches, they are not game-breaking. The game is worth playing for fans of retro games, open-world chaos, and 80s nostalgia, and while not perfect, it is a blast.

Bottom Line: Why I’ll Keep Coming Back

The Precinct isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it delivers a tight, focused, and fun experience that scratches the same itch as classic GTA, but with a fresh perspective. For me, the thrill of racing through neon-lit streets, sirens blaring, and bringing order to chaos is more than enough reason to grab my badge and hit the beat again and again.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on the right side of the law in a GTA-inspired world, give The Precinct a try. You might find, like I did, that being the cop is every bit as fun as being the crook.

About the Writer

Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.

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