This is the Police

The story of This Is the Police receives widespread praise for its moral complexity, narrative depth, and immersive character-driven conflicts. Critics like Brash Games and Eurogamer Italy highlight its "beautifully crafted story" and "deeply realistic and psychological" exploration of Jack Boyd’s struggles with corruption, personal dilemmas, and systemic issues. The game’s use of comic book-style cutscenes, as noted by GameSpot and Twinfinite, adds a unique visual flair that enhances the noir atmosphere. Many reviewers, including PlaySense and Game Informer, commend the narrative’s focus on ethical choices and their impact on the storyline, with Eurogamer Italy emphasizing its "compelling and immersive experience" through the interplay of personal tragedy and societal corruption. The story’s ability to balance existential drama with management mechanics is also praised by Everyeye.it, which describes it as a "deeply engaging" blend of themes. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the narrative’s execution. Destructoid and IBTimes UK criticize the lack of meaningful social commentary, calling the story a "depleted take" on real-world policing issues and accusing it of relying on clichéd cop show tropes. GameSpew and PC Gamer note that while the moral dilemmas are present, many choices feel "meaningless" or lack lasting consequences, undermining player agency. Repetitive gameplay mechanics and predetermined outcomes, as highlighted by PlaySense and GamingTrend, further diminish the story’s impact. Additionally, TheXboxHub and XBLA Fans point to pacing issues, with overly long cutscenes and inconsistent storytelling disrupting the narrative flow. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Impulsegamer also argue that the game exploits emotional moments without delivering substantial consequences, reducing the weight of its ethical challenges. Overall, the critical reception of This Is the Police’s story reflects a nuanced divide between admiration for its thematic ambition and frustration with its execution. While many reviewers, including Brash Games, Eurogamer Italy, and Twinfinite, celebrate its moral complexity and atmospheric storytelling, others like IBTimes UK and ICXM find it shallow and unengaging. The consensus leans toward acknowledging the narrative’s strengths in character development and ethical tension but recognizing its shortcomings in depth, player agency, and meaningful consequences. Despite these criticisms, the game’s story remains a standout element for many, with Worth Playing calling it "the strongest part of the game" and We Got This Covered noting its "compelling, well-written" approach. The mixed feedback underscores a tale that is ambitious but uneven in delivering on its potential.

The gameplay of This Is the Police is praised for its strategic depth, narrative-driven decision-making, and unique blend of management simulation with moral complexity. Critics like GameSpew highlight its "simple yet deep" mechanics, where players balance police resource allocation, investigative tasks, and ethical dilemmas, creating a system where choices carry meaningful consequences. IGN Spain commends the game’s emphasis on long-term planning and ethical trade-offs, while Twinfinite appreciates how it seamlessly integrates narrative and mechanics, offering a smooth and engaging experience. The game’s focus on "Sophie’s choice" moments—where players must weigh competing priorities—resonates with reviewers like GamingTrend, who note its ability to create tension through high-stakes decisions. Additionally, the procedural events and branching scenarios, as mentioned by GameSpot, add variety to the core management loop, making the experience feel dynamic despite its repetitive structure. However, the gameplay faces significant criticism for its repetitive nature, lack of progression, and mechanical shortcomings. Multiple reviewers, including COGconnected and PlaySense, note that the 180-day cycle becomes monotonous as players master systems, leading to predictable patterns in handling calls and assignments. Digital Chumps and Brash Games argue that the game’s strategic elements lack interactivity, with decisions feeling minimal beyond tactical choices. Issues like unclear detective case visuals (PlayStation Country), rigid puzzle-like investigations (Eurogamer Italy), and frustrating task repetition (GamingTrend) further detract from immersion. The game’s reliance on "deploying more officers" as a core mechanic is critiqued by IBTimes UK, who argue it tacitly endorses flawed policing systems rather than challenging them. Even the UI, described as "minimalistic" and "lacking immersion" (Everyeye.it), fails to elevate the experience beyond its repetitive mechanics. Overall, critics agree that This Is the Police succeeds in creating a thought-provoking management simulation with compelling moral choices but struggles to maintain engagement over time. While Game Informer and PC Gamer acknowledge the initial appeal of its strategic depth and narrative weight, they also highlight how repetition and unbalanced difficulty erode enjoyment. The game’s ability to force players into ethical dilemmas is widely praised, yet many feel its mechanics lack the polish or innovation to sustain interest beyond the early stages. Despite these flaws, Twinfinite and IGN Spain argue that the game’s unique approach to police management and consequence-driven storytelling makes it a memorable experience, even if its repetitive nature ultimately limits its longevity. The consensus is one of admiration for its ambition but frustration with its execution.

The majority of reviewers praised This Is the Police for its distinctive and cohesive visual style, which aligns closely with its narrative tone and thematic elements. Critics highlighted the game’s use of minimalist, stylized aesthetics, such as comic book-style cutscenes, graphic novel panels, and 2D cell shading, which create a unique identity. COGconnected noted the "stylized visual novel-style" with "minimalist character designs," while Brash Games commended the "classy, professional aesthetics" of the 2D animation. Digital Chumps and GamingTrend emphasized how the art style enhances the noir atmosphere, with the latter describing it as "stylish noir aesthetic" and "distinct visual identity." The game’s retro-inspired visuals, including block colors, harsh lines, and muted palettes (as noted by Nintendo Life and TheXboxHub), effectively evoke a 1970s/80s detective vibe. Additionally, the attention to environmental storytelling—such as dynamic lighting effects in city models (PlayStation Country) and atmospheric vector graphics (GRYOnline.pl)—was frequently lauded for adding depth without overcomplicating the design. However, several critics pointed out limitations in the game’s graphical fidelity and technical execution. The minimalist approach, while intentional, was sometimes seen as a drawback. Everyeye.it criticized the "static and minimalistic" visuals for detracting from immersion, while Nintendo Enthusiast called the graphics "unimpressive" and "not visually striking." PC Gamer noted that specific details about visual design were limited, focusing instead on general praise for its style. Eurogamer Italy mentioned inconsistencies, such as detailed agent faces conflicting with the otherwise simplified character designs. Similarly, TheXboxHub and XBLA Fans acknowledged the effectiveness of the "sober yet attractive" aesthetic but noted it lacked extravagance. Some reviewers, like PlaySense and Twinfinite, observed that cutscenes were the primary focus of visual discussion, with little elaboration on overall graphical quality or technical polish. Overall, critics largely agreed that This Is the Police prioritizes stylistic cohesion over technical sophistication, with its visual design serving as a deliberate narrative choice. While many praised its ability to evoke a noir atmosphere through minimalist and retro-inspired aesthetics (as highlighted by IGN Spain, GameSpot, and Nintendo Life), others felt the lack of graphical detail or dynamic elements limited its appeal. The consensus leaned toward appreciation for the game’s unique identity, even if it didn’t prioritize visual polish. Reviewers across platforms—whether on PC, PS4, Switch, or Xbox—recognized the art style as a strength, with some (like COGconnected and Brash Games) celebrating its professionalism and attention to detail, while others (like Everyeye.it and Nintendo Enthusiast) found it lacking in immersion or technical depth. Ultimately, the game’s visuals were seen as a defining feature that complements its storytelling, even if they didn’t push graphical boundaries.

The sound design and music of This Is the Police are widely praised for their atmospheric cohesion and thematic resonance, particularly in evoking a noir-inspired 1980s setting. Critics highlight the game’s curated jazz and classical tracks, which create an immersive, laid-back yet gritty mood. PC Gamer commends the "smooth jazz, ambient noises (rain, blinds), and a noir-inspired audio palette" as "perfect for the setting," while Hooked Gamers notes the "smoky jazz score [that] complements the noir atmosphere." Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it emphasize the variety of music, including classic, jazz, and lively tracks, with players able to expand their collection through unlockable vinyls. The soundtrack’s ability to enhance immersion is a recurring theme, as seen in PLAY! Zine’s observation that "atmospheric jazz music plays in the background" and Twinfinite’s praise for its "smooth, immersive auditory experience." These elements collectively reinforce the game’s narrative and simulation aspects, making the audio a standout feature for many reviewers. Despite these positives, some critics point to limitations in sound design depth and technical execution. Impulsegamer notes that the "sound design is sparse, with limited background noise beyond sirens and radio calls," while XBLA Fans criticizes the "songs end before shifts conclude, requiring manual track changes." Additionally, several reviews mention a lack of detailed discussion about musical composition or sound effects beyond general descriptions. For instance, Game Informer and TheSixthAxis acknowledge the jazz elements but note that "no in-depth discussion of sound effects or musical composition" is provided. While the soundtrack’s variety and thematic fit are celebrated, these critiques suggest that the audio design, while effective, lacks technical complexity or innovation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that This Is the Police’s sound design and music successfully enhance its noir atmosphere, with jazz and classical tracks serving as a core component of its identity. While some reviewers, like PC Gamer and Nintendo Enthusiast, highlight the soundtrack’s ability to "complement the cop drama atmosphere," others, such as Impulsegamer and XBLA Fans, point to technical shortcomings. The game’s audio is broadly seen as a strong, if not groundbreaking, element that aligns with its narrative tone, offering players an immersive experience through its curated musical selections and atmospheric sounds. This balance of praise and minor criticisms reflects a general appreciation for the soundtrack’s role in reinforcing the game’s setting, even if it doesn’t push the boundaries of audio innovation.

The voice acting in This Is the Police is widely celebrated as a standout element, with multiple critics highlighting its ability to elevate the game’s narrative and immersion. Reviewers like Brash Games and GameSpot praise Jon St. John’s performance as Jack Boyd, noting his "sublime" and "deep, impactful" delivery that anchors the protagonist’s antiheroic persona. Digital Chumps and PlayStation Country emphasize how the voice work brings emotional depth to characters, making even minimal visual representation feel meaningful. IGN Spain specifically commends St. John’s ironic tone for capturing the game’s dark humor and satirical edge, while Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it highlight the professionalism of the English voice acting, with the latter praising St. John’s portrayal of Boyd’s "rough demeanor" through nuanced references to alcohol and smoking. The consensus here is that the voice acting not only enhances storytelling but also reinforces the game’s mature, gritty atmosphere. While most critiques are positive, some reviewers point out minor flaws. Impulsegamer notes issues with poorly edited dialogue and a lack of interaction between characters, which slightly detracts from the experience. Destructoid acknowledges that while Jon St. John’s performance is "excellent," the game’s dialogue occasionally lacks depth, and Game Informer observes that Boyd’s unlikable nature, though bolstered by voice work, doesn’t fully elevate the overall experience. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy mentions that the absence of Italian localization may limit accessibility for some players. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is strong, it isn’t without its limitations, particularly in terms of narrative nuance and technical execution. Overall, the majority of critics agree that the voice acting in This Is the Police is a significant strength, with COGconnected, PlaySense, and Twinfinite all emphasizing its contribution to immersion and emotional impact. Even reviewers who noted minor shortcomings, like Impulsegamer or Game Informer, acknowledge the quality of key performances, particularly St. John’s work as Boyd. The game’s reliance on dialogue-driven storytelling means that voice acting plays a central role, and while some aspects could be refined, the collective praise underscores its importance in shaping the game’s identity. As Nintendo Life and Switch Player note, the voice talents add "authenticity" and "gravitas," reinforcing the narrative’s dramatic tone and ensuring that the characters resonate despite the minimalist visuals.

The technical performance of This Is the Police varies across platforms, with notable positives highlighted by critics. Digital Chumps praised the PS4 version as "almost perfectly crafted" with no technical issues, emphasizing smooth performance and polished execution. Nintendo Life noted the Nintendo Switch's interface was "clear and responsive," despite minor text size concerns on TV. These platform-specific strengths suggest that the game runs reliably on PS4 and Switch, with minimal friction in their respective implementations. While other platforms faced challenges, these reviews indicate that the core technical foundation of the game is sound when optimized for specific hardware. However, several critics pointed to significant technical shortcomings on PC and Xbox One. Destructoid criticized the PC version for "typos, unbalanced gameplay mechanics, and a flawed save system," while Everyeye.it highlighted the lack of a free save system and repetitive gameplay. TheSixthAxis noted inflexible officer routing and unclear investigation images, which, though not major bugs, hindered immersion. ICXM on Xbox One mentioned grammar errors and typos, pointing to broader quality control issues. These critiques suggest that PC and Xbox One versions struggled with polish, balancing, and user experience, creating a less seamless experience compared to the PS4 and Switch releases. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a mixed technical landscape. While the PS4 and Switch versions received praise for stability and responsiveness, PC and Xbox One faced more pronounced issues, including save system flaws, repetitive mechanics, and grammatical errors. Despite these problems, many reviewers acknowledged that the game's core mechanics remained functional, with TheSixthAxis noting that technical limitations were "not major bugs." This suggests that while This Is the Police has platform-specific technical hurdles, its overall design and execution remain resilient, with the PS4 and Switch versions standing out as more polished experiences.

The review of This Is the Police highlights several elements that could theoretically support its replayability, though these are often overshadowed by its limitations. Critics like GameSpot and Everyeye.it acknowledge the game’s moral decision-making system and multiple endings, which encourage players to explore different choices for varied outcomes. Eurogamer Italy notes that testing alternative paths offers some appeal, while PlaySense and Brash Games mention that the game’s strategic depth could attract players seeking a management simulation experience. Additionally, Game Informer and Nintendo Life point to hidden content and split paths as potential incentives for repeated playthroughs, suggesting that the narrative and consequences of decisions might initially engage players looking for a story-driven experience. These positives indicate that the game’s core mechanics, when viewed through the lens of choice and consequence, have some replay value for specific audiences. However, the majority of critics emphasize significant drawbacks that diminish replayability. Digital Chumps and PlaySense describe the game as “tedious” due to its repetitive decision-making and predictable tasks, while Brash Games and Destructoid criticize the linear story and lack of branching paths. Game Informer and Nintendo Life highlight the frustration of repeated content and pre-determined daily cycles, which can make the experience feel monotonous. TheSixthAxis and SomosXbox note that the fixed structure of the main campaign forces players to restart entire runs after poor decisions, further reducing long-term appeal. Even critics like Everyeye.it and Nintendo Enthusiast acknowledge that the punishing difficulty and repetitive core mechanics may deter players from returning beyond a few playthroughs. These critiques collectively underscore a game that struggles to maintain engagement over time due to its lack of variety and innovation in gameplay loops. The overall consensus among critics is that This Is the Police has limited replay value, despite some redeeming qualities. While GameSpot and Destructoid suggest that future updates like a sandbox mode could improve this, most reviewers agree that the game’s repetitive nature, linear progression, and punishing mechanics hinder its longevity. The balance between strategic decision-making and monotony is a recurring theme, with critics like Eurogamer Italy and PlaySense noting that the appeal of choices fades as the same tasks repeat. Although some players might enjoy the narrative depth or management aspects, the majority find the experience overstay its welcome. Ultimately, the game’s replayability hinges on individual tolerance for repetition, but the critical reception leans heavily toward it being a one-time or limited-play experience.