Released quietly in May 2025, The Precinct had all the makings of a niche game with potential to surprise. Often compared to an anti-GTA with retro elements both visually and conceptually, the game developed by Fallen Tree Games offered an immersive experience set in the style of 1980s cop shows, featuring car chases, field investigations, and an open city inspired by urban noir aesthetics. While the intention behind the game is praised, its execution has divided opinions as reflected in Metacritic scores. As of this article’s publication, The Precinct holds an average score of 65/100 on Metacritic, positioning it among the notable disappointments of 2025. This overall mixed reception confirms what previews had suggested: a game that is endearing due to its aesthetic and concept but constrained by budgetary limitations and technical capabilities.
What the press praises about “The Precinct,” released in May 2025 by Fallen Tree Games, includes its successful recreation of a retro atmosphere reminiscent of 1980s cop shows. The game offers a concept similar to Grand Theft Auto but from the perspective of law enforcement, featuring police-related mechanics such as patrols, fines, and chases. Additionally, the procedural aspect ensures that each gaming session is different due to varying scenarios and events.
Critics have pointed out several issues with “The Precinct”: failed shootouts, rigid driving mechanics, repetitive gameplay, a lack of charismatic characters, and an underwhelming story. Despite its promising concept and retro atmosphere inspired by 1980s cop shows, the game has received mixed reviews, with Metacritic scores averaging 65/100. While praised for its innovative police-centric mechanics such as patrols, issuing fines, and engaging in chases, as well as its procedural aspect that ensures varied gameplay experiences, the execution falls short due to budget constraints and technical limitations, leading to divided opinions among players.
Here are the overall scores obtained from the press:
Released discreetly in May 2025, “The Precinct” from Fallen Tree Games had potential to surprise within its niche market. Often likened to an anti-GTA with a retro aesthetic and approach, the game aimed to immerse players in the 1980s cop show genre through elements such as car chases, field investigations, and an open-world inspired by urban noir. While the concept has been praised for its unique take on the police-themed game, the execution has garnered mixed reviews, evident from the Metacritic scores. As of this article’s publication, “The Precinct” holds an average score of 65/100 on Metacritic, positioning it as one of 2025’s notable disappointments. The overall reception, characterized by both appreciation for its aesthetic and concept and criticism regarding technical limitations, confirms the mixed feedback suggested by earlier previews.
Fallen Tree Games’ The Precinct, released quietly in May 2025, is an 80s cop show-inspired niche game often compared to a reverse GTA with retro elements. It includes car chases, field investigations, and an open city set in an urban noir environment. While the game has been praised for its successful retro atmosphere, innovative concept of reversing GTA mechanics (such as police-related tasks like patrols, fines, and chases), and procedural elements that ensure varied gaming sessions, it has received mixed reviews.Criticism centers on technical limitations such as poor shootout mechanics, an unrefined driving experience, repetitive gameplay, lackluster characters, and a mediocre storyline. The Metacritic score of 65/100 reflects this division in opinion, positioning The Precinct among the disappointments of 2025. Critics acknowledge its charming aesthetic and unique concept but express disappointment due to budget restrictions and technical constraints.Gamekult: 7/10, Gameblog: 5/10, Actugaming: 6.5/10, GamerGen: 11/20, Carole Quintaine: 13/20.
