Police Simulator: Patrol Officers

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Review - Ishcakes

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers is a law-enforcement simulator that puts you as a rookie cop in the fictional city of Brighton. If you’re new to simulation games or want a realistic, immersive experience, there is something for you. I’m no stranger to simulation games, but this one was different for me and instantly had me hooked. 

Gameplay
What I really enjoy most about this game is the ability to play in your own way and the level of customization for the difficulties. Your time in the game is divided into shifts, day and night,  across the different districts you unlock. Work your shifts in Casual Mode or Simulation Mode. 
Casual Mode is great if you want something relaxed or you’re still getting the hang of things. I love this mode because it’s more forgiving and doesn’t punish you as hard for some of your choices. You’re given indicators to help spot violations to respond to. Simulation Mode, on the other hand, is much stricter and more immersive. It’s important to make sure you don’t break procedure or disobey any laws, because this can quickly lead to having your shift ended. No matter which mode you choose, the game provides extensive customization options to tailor the experience to your playstyle. You can toggle things like car or player damage, vehicle collisions with NPCs, and more, letting you fine-tune the game to your preferences. 

Story 

There is no actual story content for character development or progression. It’s simply that you’re starting a rookie cop tasked with different patrol options. Whether you just want to write traffic tickets, parking tickets, or clean up accidents, it is your choice. This does end up feeling a bit repetitive after a while until Open Patrol becomes unlocked.

Progression 

The progression system is fairly laid-back when it comes to leveling up. Simulation mode does up the difficulty greatly because you can be penalized harder for breaking the procedure. Every interaction can earn or cost shift points, which turn into XP and eventually Duty Stars. Duty Stars are what let you unlock new districts, vehicles, tools, and assignments. I actually really enjoy this progression system as it feels rewarding without being overwhelming, and can do it at your own pace. After you’ve collected enough Duty Stars, you can jump into Open Patrol, which lets you roam freely, and you aren’t bound by just a single district. 

Graphics Buildings, signs, cars, and pedestrians all have clear, detailed designs. There are plenty of small visual touches throughout the city that really help bring the environment to life. The graphics in this game are solid overall, though not without a few flaws. You’ll occasionally notice some rough animations, like minor clipping or small FPS stutters. There’s nothing game-breaking about these, clear up fairly quickly, and happen pretty infrequently in my opinion.

Audio
The ambient sounds of the busy city, from traffic and footsteps to conversations, combined with the chatter over the police radio, really help pull you into the experience. This is one area where the game truly shines. Everything works together in a way that makes the world feel alive and makes the immersion feel genuine. 

Overall Rating
For me, this game gets a 9 out of 10 for its extensive customization options and immersive feel. The only downside for me is that it starts to feel repetitive after a while, at least until you unlock  Open Patrol. I really enjoyed playing this game, because it’s not like any of the other simulation games I’ve played. It really stands out for me amongst other simulator games I have played. I will be coming back to it, and definitely trying out the DLC’s.