This Is the Police
Dec 13, 2018 8 years ago
Jack Boyd, beloved police chief of Freeburg, has 180 days before he's forced to retire. But Jack won't be going out quietly. Over the next six months, he'll be going all out to fulfill a dream: earn half a million dollars, any way he can. That might be play money for a corrupt cop, but up until now, Jack has been playing by the book. Even with overtime, in six months he wouldn't make fifty grand. But a police chief has access to all sorts of… informal income. Bribes, weapons and drug sales, deals with the Mafia, skimming off the budget, kickbacks – you name it. And Jack is tired of playing nice. He's is ready for anything, but only you can decide how far he'll go.
What it’s like
This Is the Police offers a gritty, noir-inspired experience where you manage Freeburg’s police force while Jack Boyd desperately seeks illicit income before retirement. The narrative is driven by high-stakes moral dilemmas, forcing players to choose between integrity and survival in a corrupt system. Visually, it stands out with a striking abstract expressionist style that emphasizes mood over realism, complemented by a tense, atmospheric soundtrack. While the management simulation provides a unique layer of strategic tension, the gameplay can feel repetitive and lumpy, often overshadowing the otherwise compelling writing and character dynamics. The story remains the primary draw, delivering a dark, engaging tale of crime and intrigue that prioritizes narrative impact over mechanical polish.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodStory / NarrativeAudio / MusicCharactersVisuals / ArtWriting / Dialogue
Keep in mind The management mechanics are often criticized as shallow and tedious, which may frustrate players seeking deep strategic simulation. Additionally, technical issues and a lack of refinement in later stages can detract from the otherwise strong narrative immersion.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from steambase.io, metacritic.com, pcgamer.com, cyberpowerpc.com, gamespot.com, steamcommunity.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 02, 201610 years ago |
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 02, 201610 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 02, 201610 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 30, 201610 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Mar 22, 20179 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 24, 20179 years ago |
| Android | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 12, 20188 years ago |
| iOS | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 13, 20188 years ago |
