Review: The Precinct (PlayStation 5)

It’s time to strap in and hit the streets! The Precinct, the latest title from Fallen Tree Games, puts players in the boots of rookie police officer Nick Cordell Jr., fresh out of the academy and eager to prove himself. Mentored by a jaded training officer nearing retirement, players are thrown into a trial by fire—literally—as they learn the rules of the street.

Set in the 1980s, The Precinct unfolds in the living, breathing city of Averno. As Cordell Jr., son of the legendary Nick Cordell Sr., you’re not just out to clean up the streets—you’re on a personal mission to uncover the truth behind your father’s unsolved murder. The story kicks off with a bang on your first day, tossing you straight into a violent crime in progress. Only after navigating this intense intro are players guided through the game’s basic mechanics.

Gameplay is presented from a top-down perspective, giving you a wide view that’s especially helpful during vehicular patrols. The city of Averno is bustling with activity and rich in detail, making exploration rewarding—especially for fans of pop culture, who might catch an early Clerks reference tucked away.

As a beat cop, you’ll respond to calls, confront suspects, and make critical choices: interrogate, arrest, issue citations, or let someone off with a warning. Early on, you’re expected to follow your training officer’s protocol, but as the story progresses, the game opens up—giving players more freedom to enforce the law their way. Just be careful—decisions carry consequences, and abusing power or cutting corners can come back to bite.

Visually, The Precinct is striking. The gritty, noir aesthetic and 80s-inspired city make for a captivating backdrop. The dynamic weather system and day/night cycle are more than cosmetic—they enhance the atmosphere and add depth to the experience.

It’s genuinely impressive that a five-person team pulled off a game of this scale. Fallen Tree Games has crafted a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh, setting The Precinct apart from the flood of formulaic open-world titles.

That said, the game isn’t without flaws. Story progression feels a bit dated, unfolding through static character images paired with voiceover dialogue. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does disrupt immersion at times.

Combat also shows room for improvement. The cover system works well, but aiming—even with auto-assist—can feel clunky. The aiming reticle is small and hard to track, leading to frequent missed shots. Bullet speed feels sluggish, and running out of ammo requires you to return to your squad car and stand directly behind it to reload, which breaks the pacing during firefights.

There are also occasional bugs and some rough edges in the AI and car physics, but the developers have already released a day-one patch and committed to further updates. These issues are minor in the grand scheme.

In the end, The Precinct is an ambitious and engaging police sandbox that mostly punches above its indie weight class. It delivers a compelling mix of action, investigation, and narrative wrapped in a lovingly crafted 1980s aesthetic. For just $29.99, it’s an easy recommendation for fans of open-world games and retro cop dramas.