Badge On, Lights Flashing – Welcome to Averno City
Grab your badge and hit the gritty streets of Averno City! The long-awaited action sandbox title, The Precinct, is finally here. Released on May 13, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this title puts players behind the badge in a vibrant, dangerous world steeped in 1980s neon-noir aesthetic.
Developed by Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, The Precinct takes cues from classic top-down action games but flips the narrative—you’re not the outlaw anymore. You're the one trying to restore law and order.
Averno City: A Sleepless Hub of Crime
Step into the neon-lit chaos of Averno City in 1983. As Officer Nick Cordell Jr., a fresh-faced recruit driven by the death of his father (a cop who died in the line of duty), you’ll patrol a city that’s bursting with atmosphere and under siege by crime. With dynamic gang power struggles, crime feels ever-present and unpredictable.
From issuing parking tickets to chasing down bank robbers and drug dealers, no two shifts are alike. The city lives and breathes around you, complete with a day/night cycle and real-time weather effects, plunging you deeper into its urban heartbeat.
Highlights:
- The Precinct released on May 13, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
- Set in 1983’s crime-ridden, neon-drenched Averno City
- Play as rookie officer Nick Cordell Jr., haunted by his father’s legacy
- Features intense car and helicopter chases, destructible environments
- Combines police simulation with sandbox-style action gameplay
- Realistic day/night cycle and dynamic weather system
- Mixed reviews at launch, but strong post-launch support is underway
High-Octane Action Meets Authentic Police Work
The Precinct masterfully blends adrenaline-fueled action with realistic law enforcement procedures. Dive into car and helicopter chases through destructible environments, and use law enforcement tactics like:
- Calling in backup units
- Deploying roadblocks and spike strips
- Investigating scenes and suspects
But it’s not all action. As an officer, you’ll handle routine duties like:
- Responding to 911 calls
- Booking criminals back at HQ
- Reading Miranda rights
- Conducting patrols and minor investigations
This balance delivers a uniquely immersive police simulation experience in a living, breathing sandbox.
Key Features That Keep You on the Beat
- Explore a Living City: Patrol Averno City on foot, in a squad car, or from the skies in a helicopter
- Dynamic Crime System: Respond to random crimes, ranging from petty theft to major felonies
- Thrilling Vehicle Chases: Pursue criminals across destructible cityscapes
- Call for Backup: Use law enforcement resources to help control chaos
- Uncover Gangs and Conspiracies: Peel back the layers of Averno’s criminal underground
- Real-Time Conditions: Work through day/night shifts and unpredictable weather
Initial Reception: A Mixed Bag With Promise
Upon launch, The Precinct received mixed reviews. Critics and players praised its:
- Distinct 80s aesthetic
- Innovative blend of genres
- Engaging vehicle chases
However, feedback also pointed to repetitive gameplay, AI behavior inconsistencies, and some bugs. Fortunately, the developers at Fallen Tree Games are already taking action. They’ve committed to:
- Bug fixes
- Quality-of-life updates
- AI improvements
- Adjustments to crime rate balance
- Fixes for the escort unit system
Their swift response and roadmap for improvement show dedication to making The Precinct live up to its potential.
Suit Up and Hit the Streets
If you’ve been craving a fresh spin on the sandbox genre with a nostalgic, neon-noir twist, The Precinct delivers an experience like no other. Whether you’re patrolling the beat, engaging in high-speed pursuits, or unraveling the dark conspiracies behind Averno’s criminal empire, you’ll find plenty to keep your badge dirty.
Step into the shoes of Officer Nick Cordell Jr. and bring justice back to Averno City. Just remember—crime never sleeps, and neither should you.
Related Stories:
