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The Precinct

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Precinct
Item: The Precinct
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresIndie, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableMay 13, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperFallen Tree Games

Overview

Averno City, 1983. Gangs rule the streets and your father lies restless in his grave. Clean up the city, uncover the truth, and embark on thrilling vehicle chases through destructible environments in this neon-noir action sandbox police game.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Precinct impresses with its nostalgic 1980s cop vibe but falters in storytelling. Critics praise its premise and potential, yet lament clichéd characters and a predictable plot that lack depth and emotional engagement. Gameplay overshadows narrative, leaving players with a forgettable experience despite a promising setup.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of The Precinct has garnered some positive remarks from critics, particularly for its nostalgic setting and premise. Many reviewers, such as Carole Quintaine and IGN Deutschland, appreciate the game's homage to 1980s cop narratives, which evoke a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of early GTA games. The central plot, revolving around rookie cop Nick Cordell Jr. investigating his father's murder amidst a backdrop of crime and corruption in the fictional city of Averno, has been recognized for its potential to engage players. Critics like KeenGamer highlighted that while the narrative is straightforward, it remains effective in driving the gameplay forward, suggesting that the foundational elements of the story are sound, even if they are not fully realized. However, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the story's shortcomings. Many reviewers, including Areajugones and COGconnected, criticized the narrative for relying on tired tropes and clichéd characters, leading to a lack of depth and emotional connection. Gameblog.fr pointed out issues with pacing and abrupt transitions that hinder player engagement, while Gaming Nexus noted that the storyline feels disjointed, often overshadowed by the chaotic sandbox gameplay. The lack of character development was a recurring theme, with critics like Critical Hits and Voxel labeling the characters as forgettable and lacking depth, which detracts from the overall impact of the story. Overall, the critics' consensus suggests that while The Precinct has a promising premise and a nostalgic setting, it ultimately falls short in execution. The narrative is frequently described as straightforward and clichéd, with many reviewers noting that it lacks the depth and compelling character arcs necessary for a truly engaging experience. Critics like GamingBolt and Push Square emphasized that the story feels secondary to gameplay, indicating that while the game may provide an entertaining experience, it does not deliver a memorable narrative. In summary, The Precinct presents a familiar cop story that, despite its engaging elements, struggles to resonate deeply with players due to its predictable and underdeveloped narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Precinct impresses with its chaotic police simulation and open-world elements, earning praise for intuitive controls and procedural crime generation that keeps gameplay dynamic. However, it suffers from significant flaws, including poor shooting mechanics, repetitive tasks, and frustrating controls that undermine player engagement. Critics highlight that while the concept is promising, the execution lacks depth, leading to a mixed reception where initial excitement gives way to monotony. In short, potential exists, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Precinct has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its unique blend of police simulation and open-world elements. Reviewers like Gaming Nexus highlight the chaotic nature of the sandbox environment, which allows players to respond to various crimes dynamically. IGN France also praises the intuitive controls and the wide range of actions available, suggesting that the game manages to keep players engaged with diverse activities during their shifts. Critics like Push Square appreciate the procedural generation of crimes, which adds an element of unpredictability and variety, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, a significant portion of the reviews points to substantial drawbacks in the gameplay. Many critics, including 4P.de and Carole Quintaine, express dissatisfaction with the shooting mechanics, describing them as the worst aspect of the game. Repetitiveness is a recurring theme, with multiple reviewers such as COGconnected, GameBlast, and Gameblog.fr noting that the gameplay can quickly become monotonous and tedious. Issues with controls, particularly during driving and combat, are frequently mentioned, leading to a frustrating experience for players. Critics like Voxel emphasize that the lack of meaningful choices and the repetitive nature of tasks detract from the overall enjoyment, making the gameplay feel more like a chore than an engaging experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Precinct has a promising concept with its blend of police work and open-world exploration, it ultimately falls short due to repetitive mechanics and control issues. Reviewers such as Critical Hits and Multiplayer.it acknowledge the initial excitement and interesting mechanics but agree that the gameplay becomes stale over time. The game’s procedural elements and dynamic patrols are seen as highlights, yet many critics, including Hobby Consolas and Toisto, suggest that the execution lacks depth and variety. The general sentiment indicates that The Precinct has potential but is hindered by its repetitive gameplay and mechanical flaws, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Precinct dazzles with nostalgic graphics and a vibrant aesthetic, reminiscent of classic GTA games, earning praise for its isometric view and dynamic city design. However, critics lament lifeless environments and weak NPC interactions that undermine immersion. While the 80s vibe is well-captured, the overall visual experience suffers from basic animations and repetitive models, signaling a need for deeper engagement and refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of The Precinct reveal a number of positive aspects that critics have noted. Many reviewers, such as 4P.de and Areajugones, appreciate the game's isometric perspective and its homage to older GTA titles, which evokes a sense of nostalgia. Critics like GameBlast highlight the visually appealing city of Averno, enriched with neon signs and a dynamic day-night cycle that enhances the gameplay experience. Carole Quintaine praises the beautiful artistic direction, suggesting that it contributes positively to the overall experience. Additionally, Gaming Nexus points out the realistic cel-shaded style that not only enhances the visual appeal but also aligns well with the game’s tone, effectively capturing the essence of the 1980s. However, several critics have raised concerns regarding the visual design's shortcomings. For instance, Gameblog.fr mentions that while the cartoony cel-shaded style provides a unique identity, the environments feel lifeless and overly clean, which undermines the gritty cop theme of the game. Critics like COGconnected and KeenGamer have noted issues with NPC behavior and the underpopulation of the world, which detracts from immersion. Furthermore, GamingBolt describes the visual presentation as merely passable, with repetitive character models and a lack of depth in sandbox interactions. Voxel echoes this sentiment by stating that although there are moments of detail, the overall experience suffers due to basic visuals and poor animations. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that The Precinct offers a visually nostalgic experience that pays homage to classic titles, yet it falls short in delivering a fully immersive and dynamic environment. While the vibrant aesthetics and artistic direction are praised by many, the lack of life in the environments, inconsistent NPC behavior, and superficial design elements hinder the game's potential. Critics like IGN France and Multiplayer.it acknowledge the effective capture of the 80s atmosphere but also point out that the static nature of certain elements may detract from the overall visual experience. Ultimately, while there are commendable aspects to the graphics and visual design, the critiques suggest a need for improvement in depth and engagement to elevate the game's overall presentation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on The Precinct's sound design and music. While some praise its nostalgic '80s synth soundtrack for enhancing the immersive atmosphere, others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking depth, with insufficient environmental sounds and unvoiced dialogues. The game shows potential but ultimately struggles to deliver a fully engaging audio experience, leaving players feeling somewhat disconnected.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions regarding the sound design and music of The Precinct reveal several positive aspects that critics have highlighted. Carole Quintaine emphasizes the strong points of the music and overall atmosphere, noting that they significantly enhance the immersive experience. IGN France echoes this sentiment, praising the soundtrack for its retro new wave and synth sounds that effectively evoke the 1980s vibe, contributing to a more immersive audio experience. Similarly, Gaming Nexus appreciates the original music for capturing the '80s essence, which enhances the atmosphere of Averno City. Toisto also supports this view, mentioning that the synth-heavy score complements the visuals, creating an audiovisual treat for fans of old-school aesthetics. These positive remarks suggest that the game has successfully tapped into a nostalgic sound that resonates well with its intended theme. However, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the sound design and music. Gameblog.fr criticizes the music for being often repetitive and not enhancing the overall experience, despite some catchy tracks. KeenGamer shares a similar sentiment, stating that the audio is lacking, with repetitive background music and minimal environmental sounds, leading to a hollow atmosphere. Additionally, Hobby Consolas raises concerns about the sound design, noting that many dialogues are not fully voiced, which detracts from immersion and forces players to rely on subtitles. This inconsistency in audio quality is echoed by Multiplayer.it, which mentions that while the narration fits the noir theme, the overall audio quality can be rough at times. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the nostalgic elements of the music and those who find significant flaws in the sound design. While Carole Quintaine, IGN France, and Gaming Nexus highlight the effective use of music to enhance the game's atmosphere, others like Gameblog.fr and KeenGamer point out the repetitive nature of the soundtrack and the lack of immersive sound design. This dichotomy suggests that while The Precinct has the potential for a captivating audio experience, it ultimately falls short in execution, leaving some players feeling disconnected from the game's world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Precinct features mixed reviews on voice acting; some critics commend the quality and use of subtitles, particularly for key characters like Officer Kelly. However, the majority express dissatisfaction, citing unnatural delivery, awkward timing, and inconsistency that undermine immersion and narrative strength. Overall, while there are highlights, the voice acting largely fails to connect with players, detracting from the game's impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Precinct has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics, with some positive notes emerging amidst the overall critique. IGN France highlights that the game is fully voiced in English and provides good quality subtitles, which contribute positively to the overall experience. GameBlast also points out that the voice acting is present during key moments, enhancing the storytelling and allowing for better understanding through subtitles. Additionally, Gaming Nexus mentions that the voice acting for main characters, particularly Officer Kelly, exceeds expectations, suggesting that there are moments where the voice performances shine and resonate with players. However, the majority of reviewers express significant concerns regarding the voice acting quality. COGconnected describes the voice acting as lacking visual dynamism and cinematic flair, which contributes to an uninspiring narrative. Gameblog.fr echoes this sentiment, noting that the delivery feels unnatural and more like reading than a performance, which detracts from character immersion. Critics like KeenGamer and GamingBolt further amplify these concerns, citing awkward timing and cheesy dialogue that fails to enhance character depth. Hobby Consolas adds that the inconsistency in voiceovers impacts the overall experience, indicating a lack of cohesion in the voice acting throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are some redeeming qualities in the voice acting of The Precinct, such as the presence of key performances and subtitle support, these positives are overshadowed by a general lack of quality and consistency. Many reviewers, including GamingSurf and Critical Hits, note that the voice acting fails to create a strong connection with players, which ultimately affects immersion and the narrative experience. The mixed feedback indicates that while the game attempts to utilize voice acting effectively, it falls short of delivering a compelling auditory experience that fully engages players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Precinct on PS5 gets a mixed bag from critics. While some praise its smooth performance and visuals, most highlight serious issues like bugs, glitches, and AI problems that disrupt gameplay. Many feel the game is unfinished, overshadowing its potential. A day-one patch is likely needed to fix these technical flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Precinct on the PlayStation 5 has received a mixed reception from critics. Some reviewers, like Toisto, noted that the game runs well overall, highlighting a smooth experience without noticeable hiccups or stutters. Additionally, Gameblog.fr acknowledged that despite some framerate issues and frequent loading times, the game holds up technically for its ambitious scope. This sentiment is echoed by IGN France, which stated that while there are issues with AI behavior during driving, they do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Overall, a few critics recognized moments where the game showcases solid technical performance, particularly in its visual execution. However, the negatives surrounding the technical performance of The Precinct are more pronounced among the reviews. Many critics, including Carole Quintaine and COGconnected, pointed out the presence of bugs and glitches that disrupt immersion and affect gameplay. GameBlast highlighted issues with control responsiveness and vehicle physics, while GamingBolt reported performance issues such as slowdowns even on high-end hardware. Critics like Voxel and KeenGamer also noted the prevalence of random bugs, particularly in driving mechanics and character responsiveness, which can lead to frustration. These technical shortcomings seem to be a common thread in the reviews, overshadowing the positives. The overall consensus among critics is that while The Precinct has potential and some moments of solid technical execution, it is marred by significant issues that affect the gameplay experience. Many reviewers expressed that the game feels unfinished due to the numerous bugs and technical problems, as noted by Voxel and Hobby Consolas. The complaints regarding AI behavior, control responsiveness, and performance issues suggest that the developers have room for improvement, particularly on the PS5 platform. Despite some critics acknowledging a smooth performance, the overwhelming sentiment leans towards disappointment due to the game's technical flaws, indicating that a day-one patch may be necessary to address these concerns and enhance the overall experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on The Precinct's replay value. Some praise its dynamic crime system and skill unlocks as motivating factors for multiple playthroughs, while many others highlight its repetitive gameplay and formulaic missions as major turn-offs. Overall, despite some redeeming features, the game’s monotonous tasks overshadow its potential, resulting in a lukewarm reception regarding replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

38%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of The Precinct reveal a mixed sentiment, with some highlighting positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. For instance, 4P.de points out that the game includes a system for earning points to unlock new skills and equipment, which suggests a layer of motivation for players to return. Similarly, Areajugones describes the game as addictive, emphasizing its dynamic police simulation and ongoing story elements that encourage multiple playthroughs. Push Square also notes the dynamic nature of the crime system and varied patrols, indicating that these features provide significant replay value, making the game hard to put down despite some tedium towards the end. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value due to its repetitive nature. COGconnected and Gameblog.fr both emphasize that the formulaic main story missions and lack of variety in gameplay tasks diminish the desire to replay the game. Critics like GamingBolt and Toisto echo this sentiment, noting that while there are various crimes to tackle, the repetitive gameplay and structure limit the overall appeal for extended play. Even critics who acknowledge some replay value, such as Critical Hits and Gaming Nexus, recognize that the repetitive nature of patrols and tasks may deter players from returning. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious view of The Precinct's replay value. While some aspects, such as the dynamic crime system and opportunities for customization, are praised, the overarching theme of repetitiveness is a common concern. Critics like IGN Deutschland and Voxel firmly state that the monotonous gameplay significantly impacts the game's appeal for replayability. Thus, while there are elements that could encourage players to revisit the game, the repetitive tasks and lack of depth appear to overshadow these positive aspects, leading to a generally lukewarm reception regarding replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding The Precinct reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with several critics acknowledging its strengths. Reviewers such as Areajugones and Gaming Nexus highlight the game's engaging police simulation elements, noting its fun and chaotic nature, particularly in car chases and crime mechanics. IGN France praises its immersive 80s atmosphere and solid storytelling, suggesting that the game provides good value for its price. Additionally, Push Square commends the dynamic crime system, indicating that it offers hours of entertainment. These positive aspects contribute to a sense of nostalgia and enjoyment for fans of the genre, suggesting that the game has a foundation worth exploring. However, the criticisms directed at The Precinct are significant and numerous. Many reviewers point out the game's repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. Critics like COGconnected and Carole Quintaine express disappointment over a dull gameplay loop and technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, several reviews, including those from Gameblog.fr and Voxel, emphasize the weak narrative and forgettable characters, which fail to engage players meaningfully. The consensus among critics is that while the game has potential, it is marred by flaws that hinder its overall appeal. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that The Precinct is an ambitious yet flawed title. While it offers engaging mechanics and a nostalgic experience for police simulation fans, many reviewers, such as Critical Hits and IGN Deutschland, underscore its repetitive nature and technical shortcomings. Despite some critics finding enjoyment in its chaotic gameplay and thematic elements, the game ultimately struggles to deliver a consistently engaging experience, leading to a general recommendation to approach it with tempered expectations.

TL;DR

The Precinct delivers engaging police simulation fun and a nostalgic 80s vibe, but suffers from repetitive gameplay, technical issues, and a weak narrative. Critics agree it has potential but recommend approaching it with caution due to significant flaws that hinder a consistently enjoyable experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

116 reviews found

Push Square

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct is an impressive sandbox game with a dynamic crime system that offers hours of fun, despite some repetitive elements as the campaign progresses.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct is a fun and chaotic police simulation that fulfills a long-held gaming fantasy, despite some imperfections in storytelling.

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Areajugones

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct is a fun and engaging police simulator with excellent car chases and a compelling open-world experience, despite some repetitive elements and less polished mechanics.

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Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct is an ambitious project that offers a unique take on the police genre, with engaging crime mechanics and special events. However, it suffers from repetitive gameplay and some technical shortcomings.

KeenGamer

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct is a chaotic and entertaining crime sandbox with a solid gameplay foundation, but it suffers from technical issues and a lack of depth in its world and audio design.

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IGN France

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct delivers a solid experience with its engaging story, varied gameplay, and immersive 80s atmosphere. Despite some AI issues, it offers great value for its price and is highly recommended.

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PC Games

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, The Precinct offers an engaging police simulation experience with a mix of action and story, though it has some weaknesses in character development and pacing.

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GameBlast

PlayStation 5

May 16, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct offers a nostalgic police action experience with a solid narrative, but it needs improvements in controls and mission variety to enhance enjoyment.

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Critical Hits

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct has a solid concept and engaging mechanics but is hindered by weak AI, forgettable characters, and repetitive gameplay. It may appeal to fans of police simulations.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

May 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Precinct is an irregular title with potential, offering some entertainment but ultimately falling short of expectations due to its repetitive gameplay and predictable story.

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