The Precinct

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. ZTGD
    May 14, 2025
    85
    Look, I freaking love The Precinct but I had a feeling I would when I first saw it back in 2023. The moment-to-moment gameplay feels just like watching those cop shows from the 80’s; running perps down on foot, getting into crazy shootouts and exploding cars, even your partner telling you how close to retirement he is; everything about The Precinct is so deliciously 80’s and I thoroughly savored and enjoyed every moment of it. I do hope we can see more non-lethal options in a sequel or expansion, but I think the ultimate treat would be the ability to be a good cop or bad cop, a morality system would add something for sure, but for now The Precinct stands as a great example of police simulation done right.
  2. Movies Games and Tech
    May 13, 2025
    85
    The Precinct is a fantastic police adventure title. It is grim, gritty, and full of crime. You must rise to the top as you arrest every scumbag and discover the truth behind your dad's death. A must-play indie experience.
  3. Xbox Tavern
    May 27, 2025
    82
    The Precinct offers a look into the life on the other side of crime and violence, a side often portrayed in our beloved videogame hobby. It does it in a well-balanced way that has just enough simulator like details without being overwhelming which I can appreciate. I looked forward to logging in each day to knock out a few shifts. The monotony of resolving crimes did eventually wear on me so I wish the story progression were a bit faster other than seemingly RNG but even then, it’s a game that respects your time. If you think you’d enjoy it by the looks, then you have the same feeling as I did and you probably would!
  5. TheXboxHub
    May 27, 2025
    80
    The Precinct is pretty much all you would want from a game of this ilk, full of variation in crimes, with gameplay that is both clever and multifarious.
  6. XBLA Fans
    May 16, 2025
    80
    If you love the idea of arresting people as a police sim, while having the action of an arcade sandbox experience, you won’t regret giving your time to the precinct.
  7. Generación Xbox
    May 13, 2025
    78
    The Precinct met all my expectations and fulfilled that wish I've been longing for since the days of the original GTA, although I think it still has some elements to polish, such as the bugs I already mentioned, and maybe add some more mechanics so that it doesn't become so repetitive after a few hours. I think it's the most original offering we'll see this year , and that's why it deserves to be on players' radar. If you enjoyed the original GTA or American Fugitive (to name a few more recent titles), I think this Fallen Tree Games game is a sure buy for 2025.
  8. XboxEra
    May 13, 2025
    76
    The Precinct has been a pleasant surprise. Solid shooting and driving mechanics, surprisingly deep police-related activities and an enjoyable 80’s cop movie style presentation mostly make up for the small open world and uninspired plot. The end result is a fun little romp onto the streets of crime – but from a cop’s point of view, for once. It’s not gonna win awards for originality, the gameplay could have surely been more refined, and it’s unlikely to make most people’s GOTY lists come December. Yet, it’s been a fun ride that I enjoyed from start to finish, with the end credits rolling before the game’s limited scope could start hurting the experience. Fans of old school GTA should keep an eye out for this one.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

?
  1. Xboxygen
    May 13, 2025
    The Precinct aims to change the GTA-style genre by reversing the roles, featuring more structured police gameplay and a retro atmosphere inspired by 1980s crime films. While the concept, aesthetics and variety of patrol situations are appealing, the game suffers from a lack of narrative depth, repetitive gameplay and notable technical issues. The game offers an arcade-style police simulation, in which you shouldn't expect anything more than a sandbox world, but one in which you can still have a good time.