The Precinct : A Future Indie Classic

I recently stumbled upon a game in development, and I think this game is a gem in the making. Let me introduce you to The Precinct.

Announced on May 26, 2023, The Precinct is developed by the independent studio Fallen Tree Games Limited, consisting of four friends, Eddie, Harry, Joe, and Lewis.

Their previous game, American Fugitive, puts us in the shoes of an escapee fleeing law enforcement, during which the developers asked themselves, “What would it be like to be on the other side?” as they discuss in the first Dev Diary that relates the inspirations for the game.

The Precinct is a game in which we will play as a simple police officer named Nick Cordell Jr., patrolling the dark streets of Averno City. Although the game presents itself as a simple simulation, the developers have confirmed on the official Discord that there will indeed be a storyline.

We don’t have much information about the story yet, but given the details presented in the various game images shown in the trailers, a story delving into vibes of La Cosa Nostra and the vices of 1980s New York seems very possible. With various inspirations like “The French Connection” and “Beverly Hills Cop”, we can also imagine a story set in a different context than La Cosa Nostra (even though I personally dream of it) by focusing on other criminal organizations as antagonists.

It’s in this ambiance of 1980s New York that we will evolve during our patrols to protect and serve. During these patrols, we will face various types of interventions, from issuing fines for improperly parked vehicles and true law enforcement, to bank robberies ending in shootouts, all while engaging in pursuits, whether in a helicopter or in a more classic police car where you can enjoy the game’s physics during your PIT maneuvers against non-compliant drivers.

Furthermore, the game introduces a feature that could be interesting: reinforcements. During your night shifts, you can call on the SWAT team, simple patrollers to set up a roadblock or a spike strip to burst the tires of that taxi driver you’ve been chasing for now 20 minutes.

The Precinct sells us gameplay inspired by the early GTAs with a simulation that seems realistic in every way. For me, this game will be one of the indie games of the year, I recommend it.