Classic horror Silent Hill 2: review of the long-awaited novelty

In 2025, the long-awaited 80s-themed police simulator enters the arena. The project by Fallen Tree Games attracts attention with its retro style, the ability to patrol the city freely, and a focus on the role-playing aspect of law enforcement. At the center of attention is the review of The Precinct, examining how well the project meets expectations and whether it can stand alongside genre giants.

### Retro Mood as Driving Force

Visually, the imagery harks back to the VHS era, neon signs, and classic cop dramas. The developers drew inspiration from film noir, arcade games, and the atmosphere of crime-ridden metropolises. The city of Arosa Springs, where the action takes place, is a stylized model of an American metropolis with dirty alleyways, skyscrapers, and outskirts where every turn can lead to a chase or a task with an unexpected twist.

The architecture and detailing of the urban environment create full immersion. Lighting, dirt, old technology, pedestrians’ clothing, and street sounds all contribute to crafting a cohesive 80s atmosphere where the hero patrols not for fame but because the city must be under control.

### The Precinct Game Review: Sandbox and Procedurality

The main idea of the game is to give the player maximum freedom within the framework of police work. It’s a police sandbox game where each shift can be unpredictable. Incoming calls are random, criminals behave unpredictably, and the choice of response method is left to the player. You can strictly detain offenders by the book, issuing fines, or engage in pursuits with the risk of shootouts and civilian casualties.

The key feature is procedural mission generation, which avoids repetitiveness, making each day of service unique. The police here are not heroes but part of the city’s ecosystem. The player must not only fight crime but also build relationships with the system: participate in briefings, fill out documents, and discipline their subordinates for negligence.

### What Makes The Precinct Unique Among Simulators?

Compared to other police games, the project stands out with several features:

– Non-linear shift structure: players decide how to respond to calls;
– Ability to combine foot and car patrols;
– Deep AI behavior editor;
– Strong visual style reminiscent of noir action movies;
– Variety of available tasks, including thefts, carjackings, shootouts, and investigations.

These features make The Precinct game review a comprehensive analysis of a project with a focus on realism, where every player’s move influences the further narrative progress.

### The Precinct Review: Plot and Narrative Structure

Although presented as a simulator, the project incorporates narrative missions. The protagonist is a young officer starting his service in Arosa Springs. His journey begins with routine calls and issuing fines, but gradually, he gets involved in affairs where much depends on decision-making. The story reveals not only external conflicts but also the internal struggle between duty and morality.

The story development occurs not through cutscenes but through interaction with the environment, internal dialogues, briefings, and colleagues’ reactions. This approach aligns the project with the interactive noir genre.

### Design and Technical Implementation

The city’s design deserves special attention—an important focus in The Precinct game review. The map is divided into districts with unique features: central areas are full of traffic and noise, outskirts are dangerous at night, and industrial zones are almost empty during the day. Each sector reacts to police presence differently, affecting mission difficulty and completion methods.

The graphics are styled in retro-futurism: VHS filters, muted tones, textured gloominess, and smooth animations set the right mood. Music plays a significant role—synthesized tracks, tense themes during chases, radio broadcasts in cars—all contribute to immersing players in 1983.

### How Does The Precinct Compare to GTA?

Despite parallels with Grand Theft Auto, especially its older representatives, The Precinct is not just a clone but a standalone game. It focuses not on chaos but on order. You can’t grab a tank and cause explosions here—the player’s goal is control, not destruction. However, the open-world style, interactivity, and freedom of choice do bring the projects closer.

Compared to simulators focused on specific tasks (e.g., Papers, Please or Police Simulator), The Precinct review highlights its scale, variability, and depth. It’s not just a police game but a full-fledged sandbox where you can choose between routine and drama.

### Who Will Enjoy The Precinct?

The project is ideal for those looking for:

– An atmospheric world reminiscent of noir and retro crime;
– Non-linear gameplay with procedural elements;
– Well-thought-out mechanics of patrols, fines, and investigations;
– A story with moral choices and role-playing immersion;
– Flexible pace: from leisurely shifts to intense shootouts.

Players who enjoy managing situations, planning actions, and delving into social conflicts will find a worthy adventure in The Precinct game review!

### Potential Drawbacks to Be Aware Of

Despite its strengths, the game is not without challenges:

– High dependence on procedural generation—not all events are equally dramatic;
– A slow start that may deter fans of action-packed gameplay;
– Limited variety of vehicles and weapons in the release version;
– Occasional unstable AI and graphic drops on weaker hardware;
– The need for frequent interaction with documents and menus.

These aspects are essential for those seeking strictly adrenaline-fueled experiences from the game. The simulator leans towards routine, details, and nuanced storytelling.

### The Precinct Review: Conclusions

The Precinct review demonstrates that the game confidently occupies a niche between a sandbox and a police simulator. Its uniqueness lies in the balance of realism and style, respect for the player, and freedom of decision-making. It doesn’t rush, doesn’t throw you into chaos but allows you to build your own career—with falls, victories, tough choices, and heartwarming moments.

Among PC cop games, The Precinct is one of the few that offers a comprehensive mechanical and narrative system capable of holding attention for dozens of hours. For those seeking atmosphere, freedom, and the ability to influence the city not with a fist but with a badge, it’s a definite recommendation!

The modern market of interactive entertainment offers a huge variety of dynamic projects where every second matters. The best action games on PC are not just about shooting and chasing, but highly organized mechanics, stylistic expressiveness, well-developed worlds, and rich gameplay.

This genre remains the flagship of PC gaming, combining a gripping storyline, mechanical engagement, and artistic realization. Below is a review of projects that rightfully belong to the top action games on PC based on player reviews and professional publications.

Control — telekinesis, weapons, and a living office

Developed by Remedy, Control is one of the brightest representatives of adventure games, combining action, puzzles, and elements of horror. The main character, Jesse, arrives at the Federal Bureau of Control, where reality is disrupted by anomalies, and the AI behaves unpredictably. Using unconventional weapons, she battles a mysterious enemy, gradually uncovering the essence of what is happening.

An important feature is the architecture of the building, which lives its own life. Thanks to its unique storyline, style, and realistic graphics, Control is included in the ranking of PC action games where the main focus is on atmosphere and unconventional world perception.

System Shock (remake) — a cult comeback

One of the most anticipated remakes in recent years. The project takes the player back to a space station controlled by the maniacal AI SHODAN. The combination of survival horror mechanics, tactical battles, and exploration of hostile environments makes the game particularly intense.

Among the best action games, System Shock has secured strong positions on PC by preserving the classic formula and adapting it to modern standards. The visual design, level of complexity, and tactical approach to gameplay set the game apart even among competitors in the sci-fi genre.

Death’s Door — stylish dynamics and philosophy

A project by Acid Nerve that combines Souls-like gameplay with minimalist visuals. The player controls a crow collecting souls in a kind of afterlife bureaucratic world. Top-down camera view, fast reactions, evasions, and precise damage are the main components of the combat system.

Despite its minimalism, the project impresses with depth and quality of execution, offering rich levels and truly well-thought-out hero abilities.

Torn Away — a tragic drama in wartime settings

Torn Away stands out for its unusual combination of platformer mechanics, quest elements, and emotional narrative. The story of a girl torn from a peaceful life unfolds in the backdrop of World War II. The project explores the themes of childhood and survival in conditions of total catastrophe.

Hitman 3 — silent style and precise strikes

Agent 47 returns in the final part of the new trilogy by IO Interactive. Each playthrough is a unique scenario where precision, planning, and freedom of action create a unique experience. Massive locations, weapon variety, the ability to manipulate the environment, and apply clever tricks make the project an outstanding representative of tactical action.

In the list of the best action games, Hitman occupies a special niche on PC — not for its speed, but thanks to its intellectual component and cinematic execution.

The Forgotten City — a time loop and choice

The project started as a mod for Skyrim but grew into a standalone game. The hero finds himself in a Roman city where any crime leads to the death of all residents. Through repeating time loops and dialogues with the inhabitants, the player must uncover the mystery and find a way to avoid the deaths. There is no furious shooting here, but interactivity, philosophy, and a systemic approach create a unique gameplay experience.

The best action games on PC are not always based on shooting — The Forgotten City shows that tension can arise through choices, morality, and dialogues.

Owlboy — pixel precision and flight

An indie platformer with unique gameplay where the player controls the owl Otus. He can soar in the air, carry companions, use their abilities to overcome levels, and fight enemies. The graphics are done in a pixel art style with outstanding animation and a deep color palette. Despite its visual simplicity, the project offers rich mechanics and an emotional story.

Neva — a future for sensitive hearts

Neva is a new project from the creators of Gris, done in the style of an animated masterpiece. The main heroine travels through a dying world accompanied by a mystical creature. The gameplay combines elements of action, puzzles, and platforming. Emotional delivery, strong visual concept, and original levels form a gaming canvas where style is more important than noise.

Among the selection of the best action games, Neva occupies a position as an art-oriented project on PC, creating an impression through meaning rather than mechanical aggression.

Indiana Jones — classic in a modern interpretation

An announced project from MachineGames studio that is an adventure action game in the spirit of the iconic franchise. Players will search for artifacts, decipher messages, and fight enemies in an old-school manner. Expect a rich storyline, varied locations, and a recognizable style. The game is expected to enter the top action games on PC, targeting those who appreciate cinematic qualities and the charisma of the main character.

Best action games on PC: interesting mechanics

Some gameplay decisions define the quality of a project. Below is a list of key mechanics that make action games successful:

• reactive combat system with a focus on timing;
• variety of abilities and weapons;
• varied ways to complete levels;
• presence of intelligent AI opponents;
• connection of storyline and gameplay through choices and consequences.

These elements form the basis of captivating action games, providing not only visual appeal but also deep gameplay engagement.

Conclusion

Modern best action games cover a wide range of styles on PC — from stylized indie graphics to high-budget remakes with photorealistic presentation. The distinctive features include intense gameplay, well-developed abilities, original worlds, and multi-layered storylines. Action has long surpassed shooters: it has become an expressive form, combining mechanics, art, and interactive dramaturgy!