This is the Police 2

The story of This is the Police 2 receives widespread praise for its mature, complex narrative and thematic depth. Critics like Vandal highlight its exploration of corruption, justice, and moral ambiguity through Jack Boyd’s journey in the isolated town of Sharpwood, while Ragequit.gr and GameSpew commend its noir-inspired atmosphere and emotionally resonant storytelling. The game’s focus on player choices and their consequences is frequently lauded, with Twinfinite noting its emphasis on balancing immediate challenges with long-term repercussions. Many reviewers, including Nintenderos and Multiplayer.it, appreciate the dark humor and layered character dynamics, particularly the interplay between Boyd and Sheriff Lilly Reed. IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com also praise the game’s crime novel-like structure, with twists and moral dilemmas that engage players in a "hard boiled" narrative style. The sequel’s willingness to tackle controversial themes like sexism and systemic corruption is seen as a strength by critics such as Push Square and DualShockers, who emphasize its realistic portrayal of law enforcement struggles. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the story’s execution. Cubed3 and Gaming Age criticize the narrative for being overly long, tonally inconsistent, and plagued by repetitive dialogue that drags down pacing. The shift from Lilly Reed’s perspective to Jack Boyd’s is seen as a misstep by some, with Cubed3 noting the "misguided script" and GamingTrend pointing out the flat treatment of female characters despite initial feminist themes. Others, like Switch Player and Eurogamer Italy, argue that the story feels convoluted or meandering, with excessive cutscenes and ponderous dialogues that detract from immersion. IGN Italia and Nintendojo highlight issues with pacing, particularly in the early stages, while Trusted Reviews and GameGrin note that the narrative often feels disconnected from gameplay mechanics. The game’s reliance on lengthy exposition and its struggle to maintain a cohesive tone are recurring criticisms, with DarkStation and Xbox Tavern describing the story as "unlikable" or "boring" despite its ambitious themes. Overall, the critics present a mixed but largely positive consensus, acknowledging the game’s narrative ambition while critiquing its execution. While many praise its mature themes, moral complexity, and character development—particularly from outlets like Vandal, Ragequit.gr, and Push Square—the story’s pacing, dialogue, and tonal inconsistencies are frequently cited as major drawbacks. The sequel is seen as a worthy follow-up to the original, with critics like Multiplayer.it and DualShockers appreciating its continuation of Jack Boyd’s redemption arc and noir-inspired storytelling. However, the narrative’s flaws, such as repetitive elements and uneven pacing, prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these issues, the game is generally regarded as a compelling, if imperfect, exploration of corruption and ethics in a small-town setting, with many reviewers agreeing that its strengths in thematic depth and player agency outweigh its shortcomings.

The gameplay of This is the Police 2 receives praise for its expanded management systems, strategic depth, and innovative mechanics that build on the original game’s foundation. Critics like Vandal highlight the blend of police management, strategy, and tactical combat, noting improved mechanics, varied cases, and a balanced approach to tasks. Ragequit.gr and GameSpew commend the enhanced resource management, character development, and XCOM-like strategic elements, emphasizing the satisfaction of mastering its systems. GamingTrend and Nintenderos also appreciate the game’s engaging loops, with the latter praising the complexity of officer leveling and mission variety. These reviews underscore the game’s ambition to offer a nuanced experience through layered decision-making and tactical planning, making it appealing to fans of simulation and strategy genres. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the gameplay. Cubed3 and Gaming Age criticize the repetitive management mechanics and dull, poorly designed combat, arguing that the turn-based sequences lack creativity and meaningful depth. Gamersky and DarkStation highlight issues like monotonous task repetition, artificial difficulty spikes, and unforgiving systems that frustrate players. TheXboxHub and DualShockers note that while XCOM-style missions add strategic elements, they feel underdeveloped or poorly paced, leading to a disjointed experience. Additionally, many reviewers, including IGN Spain and Eurogamer Italy, point out unbalanced difficulty scaling, inconsistent pacing, and quality-of-life issues that undermine the game’s potential. These criticisms suggest that while the game’s core systems are ambitious, their execution often falls short of expectations. Overall, critics agree that This is the Police 2 is a bold but uneven evolution of its predecessor. While it introduces compelling management mechanics, strategic depth, and new tactical elements (as noted by Vandal, Ragequit.gr, and Nintenderos), the game’s repetitive tasks, frustrating difficulty curves, and underdeveloped combat systems (cited by Cubed3, Gaming Age, and DarkStation) create a mixed experience. The consensus leans toward appreciation for its ambition and complexity but with reservations about its execution. As IGN Italia and Trusted Reviews note, the game offers a rich, challenging experience for dedicated players, yet its flaws—particularly in balancing difficulty and variety—prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these issues, many critics acknowledge that This is the Police 2 remains a thought-provoking entry in the genre, even if it struggles to reconcile its ambitious design with consistent polish.

The graphics and visual design of This is the Police 2 have been widely praised for their distinctive, atmospheric aesthetic and narrative-driven approach. Critics like Vandal highlighted the game’s low-poly 2D art style, inspired by films like Fargo, which creates a cinematic feel through attention to detail and conceptual visuals. Gamersky and Twinfinite noted how the comic-panel-style cutscenes and minimalist character designs effectively reinforce the game’s gritty, noir-inspired tone, while Nintenderos and Switch Player praised the expressive, albeit simplified, characters that enhance storytelling. The art direction is consistently described as "well-crafted" (Jeuxvideo.com) and "polished" (DualShockers), with GameGrin emphasizing improvements like animated cutscenes and a refined UI. Many critics, including Multiplayer.it and Areajugones, appreciated the consistency with the series’ "Office Anni Novanta" aesthetic, which balances retro charm with emotional depth through strong color contrast and composition. However, several critics pointed to limitations in visual ambition and technical execution. Xbox Tavern criticized the simple color palette and faceless cutscenes, arguing they broke immersion, while Eurogamer Italy noted the minimalistic style lacked "visual ambition." BaziCenter and COGconnected highlighted issues like repetitive visuals in combat sequences and visibility problems, respectively, which detracted from the experience. IGN Spain and Everyeye.it acknowledged the art’s functionality over polish, with the latter describing the cel-shaded aesthetic as "dreamlike" but limited in detail. While some praised the stylistic choices, others felt the lack of graphical complexity or innovation—such as GamingTrend’s observation that the "cardboard cut-out style" was "not particularly innovative"—underscored the game’s prioritization of atmosphere over technical flair. Overall, critics largely agree that This is the Police 2’s visual design succeeds in creating a cohesive, immersive atmosphere that aligns with its narrative and tone. While some critiques about simplicity and repetition exist, the consensus leans toward appreciation for its unique aesthetic choices. Vandal and Gamersky emphasized how the art direction enhances storytelling, while GameGrin and TheXboxHub noted incremental improvements over the first game. Despite mixed opinions on technical polish, the majority of reviewers, including Nintenderos, Areajugones, and Trusted Reviews, recognized the visuals as a key strength, with their charm and emotional impact outweighing limitations in detail or innovation. The game’s stylized approach, though not visually ambitious, is seen as integral to its identity and narrative effectiveness.

The sound design and music of This is the Police 2 receive largely positive acclaim, with critics praising their atmospheric and emotional contributions. Vandal highlights the soundtrack’s cinematic quality, noting its blend of jazz, classical, ambient, and dark tones, which enhance the game’s mood and narrative depth. Jeuxvideo.com and BaziCenter specifically commend the jazzy soundtrack for fitting the noir aesthetic, while TheXboxHub and COGconnected emphasize its role in creating a tense, immersive experience. Nintenderos and Areajugones also praise the music’s ability to heighten tension and emotional impact, with BaziCenter noting the added value of track selection options. These reviews collectively underscore how the audio elements align seamlessly with the game’s storytelling and visual style, reinforcing its oppressive, noir-inspired atmosphere. However, some critics point to limitations in the sound design and musical execution. GamingTrend and Gamersky note that while sound effects are exaggerated and effective (e.g., crunching snow or thudding shot glasses), there is little mention of a cohesive musical score or ambient audio beyond these elements. Nintenderos criticizes certain tracks for becoming repetitive or annoying over time, and Xbox Tavern describes the audio as “adequate but unremarkable,” suggesting it lacks standout moments. Additionally, Everyeye.it points out the absence of manual music selection options, which could have deepened player engagement. These critiques highlight that while the soundtrack is generally effective, its creativity and variety occasionally fall short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily positive, with most agreeing that the sound design and music significantly enhance the game’s atmosphere and immersion. The jazzy, noir-inspired soundtrack is frequently lauded for its ability to complement the narrative and visual style, as noted by Vandal, Jeuxvideo.com, and BaziCenter. While some reviewers, like Nintenderos and Everyeye.it, point out minor flaws such as repetition or limited customization, these are largely overshadowed by the general praise for the audio’s quality and emotional resonance. The combination of effective sound effects, well-executed voice acting (notably highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and BaziCenter), and a soundtrack that balances tension with thematic cohesion creates a cohesive auditory experience that aligns with the game’s dark, introspective tone.

The majority of reviewers praised the voice acting in This is the Police 2, highlighting its quality and impact on immersion. Critics like Vandal and Ragequit.gr specifically commended standout performances, with Vandal noting Sarah Hamilton’s portrayal of Lilly Reed as a narrative highlight and Ragequit.gr praising John St. John’s role for elevating storytelling. Twinfinite, BaziCenter, and GameGrin emphasized Jon St. John’s compelling performance as Jack Boyd, while GRYOnline.pl and Jeuxvideo.com praised the voice acting as surpassing the first game in quality. Others, such as COGconnected and Eurogamer Italy, highlighted its "slick" and cinematic delivery, with Multiplayer.it noting that Italian subtitles enhanced clarity. The consensus was that the voice work added depth to characters and enriched the game’s atmosphere, making it a strong suit for narrative-driven gameplay. However, several critics raised concerns about inconsistencies in the voice acting. Gaming Age and Gamersky criticized the performances as unnatural, with Gaming Age pointing to "unrealistic accents" and Gamersky noting "excessive pauses" and "hesitant speech patterns" that disrupted immersion. DarkStation added that while the voice acting was high-quality, the cutscenes felt overly long and monotonous, detracting from their impact. These critiques suggested that while some performances were strong, others failed to maintain emotional depth or coherence, particularly in dialogue delivery. The issue of pacing and script quality also emerged as a recurring problem, with some reviewers feeling the narrative suffered despite the actors’ efforts. Overall, the critical reception was largely positive, with most reviewers acknowledging the voice acting as a key strength that enhanced the game’s storytelling and character engagement. While there were notable criticisms from Gaming Age, Gamersky, and DarkStation regarding delivery and pacing, these voices were outliers compared to the broader praise. The majority of critics, including Twinfinite, BaziCenter, and GameGrin, emphasized that the voice work effectively conveyed emotion and immersion, with specific performances standing out as exemplary. This suggests that while not flawless, the voice acting in This is the Police 2 was widely regarded as a significant asset to the game’s narrative experience.

The technical performance of This is the Police 2 on PC has seen mixed reception, with some positives noted despite its flaws. Critics like Multiplayer.it highlighted improvements over the first game, such as smoother management systems and more rational save mechanics, while Gamers Heroes acknowledged a balance patch that addressed early issues like unresponsive officers. Eurogamer Italy also mentioned smoother management systems, though they criticized unbalanced difficulty and bugs. On Nintendo Switch, Nintendojo noted that while technical issues exist—such as the need for an extra button press to view officer skills or missing character traits in SRPG segments—their impact is mitigated by the platform’s portability and accessibility. These positives suggest that the game’s core systems, when functional, offer a more refined experience compared to its predecessor. However, technical issues on PC are more pronounced and persistent. Gamersky pointed out flaws in tactical combat, including complex controls and a lack of save points after failure, while GRYOnline.pl criticized the absence of save functionality during missions and artificial difficulty inflation. Jeuxvideo.com and BaziCenter both emphasized frequent Game Overs, translation errors, and bugs that require reloads or patches, with Eurogamer Italy adding that resource management mechanics feel punishing without clear feedback. On Switch, Nintendojo noted minor but frustrating issues like unclear consequences for actions and AI limitations in tactical combat, though these were deemed less severe than PC’s more systemic problems. The consensus is that technical instability and design flaws significantly hinder the experience on both platforms. Overall, critics agree that This is the Police 2 struggles with technical execution, particularly on PC, where issues like save mechanics, difficulty balancing, and bugs create friction. While Multiplayer.it and Gamers Heroes acknowledged incremental improvements, the game’s complexity often feels overwhelming without proper polish. On Switch, Nintendojo noted that while technical flaws exist, they are less disruptive due to the platform’s inherent flexibility. Despite these challenges, many reviewers recognize the game’s ambition and potential, with Eurogamer Italy and Jeuxvideo.com emphasizing that its core systems, when functional, offer depth and engagement. The divide between PC and Switch highlights how technical performance varies across platforms, but both face criticism for not fully realizing the game’s vision.

The reviewers who highlight positive aspects of This is the Police 2’s replay value emphasize its flexibility in decision-making and strategic depth. Vandal praises the game’s high replayability, noting that players can restart days or turns to experiment with different approaches, while Ragequit.gr points to the complexity and challenging mechanics that encourage mastery through repeated play. GamingTrend also highlights the dynamic storytelling and tactical missions, suggesting that varied outcomes based on choices keep the experience engaging across multiple playthroughs. BaziCenter adds that updated gameplay mechanics and tactical elements may entice players to revisit the game for different experiences, even if the narrative remains linear. These critics collectively argue that the game’s emphasis on experimentation and strategic planning creates a foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of management and decision-driven narratives. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s limitations in sustaining long-term engagement. Gamersky criticizes the repetitive task management and lack of meaningful choices, arguing that the grind of handling emergencies and underperforming officers diminishes enjoyment over time. IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com both note that repetition in mechanics and a linear script reduce replayability, while DarkStation calls out the punishing difficulty and frustration as deterrents to revisiting the game. Multiplayer.it and Xbox Tavern also highlight repetitive mission structures and slow pacing, suggesting that the game’s focus on narrative may not appeal to all players. Trusted Reviews acknowledges the ability to retry operations without punishment but points to a lack of randomness in some systems, which could limit long-term appeal. These critiques collectively underscore a disconnect between the game’s design philosophy and its capacity to maintain player interest beyond initial playthroughs. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a divide between those who appreciate the game’s strategic depth and narrative experimentation and those who find its mechanics repetitive or unbalanced. While reviewers like Vandal, Ragequit.gr, and GamingTrend celebrate the game’s potential for varied experiences through decision-making and tactical engagement, others such as Gamersky, IGN Spain, and DarkStation argue that its flaws—such as linear storytelling, grinding tasks, and punishing difficulty—undermine its replayability. BaziCenter and Trusted Reviews offer nuanced perspectives, acknowledging some redeeming qualities but also recognizing the limitations that could deter repeated play. Ultimately, This is the Police 2 seems to cater more to players who value strategic management and narrative depth, even as its repetitive elements and lack of innovation may alienate others. The game’s replayability hinges on individual preferences for its core mechanics versus its shortcomings.