Map in The Precinct is small but is it a bad thing? Players have doubts

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Title Game: The Precinct – A Police Simulator

Yesterday saw the launch of an immersive game titled “The Precinct”, sparking excitement among 2D GTA fans, particularly those who prefer upholding law and order rather than breaking it. This new release has been warmly received by many (earning 87% positive reviews on Steam), but opinions amongst critics are somewhat divided.

One criticism that reviewers have raised about The Precinct is its relatively small map. Some players seem to share this concern, as well. Therefore, let us delve into it.

Is the map in The Precinct really that small?

As a gamer, stepping into The Precinct transports me to Averno City, a mesmerizing metropolis spread across two interconnected islands. Initially, only one island is accessible, but as I progress through the tutorial, bridges open up, revealing the second island. Yet, even with the entire city map unveiled, I can’t roam freely in every district right away. Instead, I must prove my worth and reach certain milestones to gain permission to work in new areas, gradually expanding my exploration horizons within Averno City.

Unfortunately, the map is rather compact, so don’t anticipate uncovering numerous hidden surprises or a metropolis comparable to that in GTA 5. The compactness of the map becomes particularly apparent when we take to the skies in a helicopter – it only takes a few seconds to traverse from one end of a town to the other. However, driving a car presents a somewhat better experience, especially if you adhere to traffic rules. This means stopping at red lights and taking care to avoid accidents, which will prolong your journey considerably. The map seems most expansive when we walk – unsurprisingly, given our character’s slow pace. Navigating the terrain takes time, particularly when we must travel a significant distance, such as to a distant crime scene, while on foot and with our vehicle parked some distance away from our current position.

Is it bad that the map in The Precinct is so small?

The developers didn’t guarantee a large, high-quality map, as it’s not a AAA title. Nevertheless, they assured us of the 80s police simulator and they have fulfilled that promise. The game has an authentic atmosphere, with different areas offering enough variety so we don’t feel like we’re in the same location repetitively. Players who have experienced Oblivion Remastered can relate to this (remembering all those identical interiors…).

There are always people and vehicles on the streets. We frequently see pedestrians and cars moving about. Crime could be lurking nearby. Additionally, there’s usually so much activity that we barely have a moment to pause, let alone appreciate the sights.

Conversely, if you’re anticipating numerous side activities, you might find yourself underwhelmed. There are hidden gems to discover (museum exhibits) or competitions to conquer. However, if you’re hoping for a question mark symbol every 5 meters, this isn’t the kind of game. You’re playing as a police officer and most of your time will be spent on police duties – patrolling streets, apprehending criminals, or (in extreme cases) defending yourself against those who wish to harm you.

Over time, it could become tedious, a criticism noted by our reviewer. Once you reach this stage, the map can feel increasingly confined and dull. Unfortunately, there may be times when criminals don’t appear as frequently as desired. However, for a critic from Gry-Online, this wasn’t a significant issue. He highlighted that each day offers a new part of the map to explore (or we can choose our patrol routes ourselves), maintaining the world’s novelty. Additionally, the region is intriguing with unique landmarks worth discovering.

In this situation, both parties could have valid perspectives depending on their gaming style. For those who prefer extended gameplay sessions, the game might seem repetitive due to its compact map and potential for monotony. However, for those who break up their playtime, the game remains engaging without becoming stale as frequently changing sessions keep it fresh. It’s unfortunate that The Precinct does not have a multiplayer mode, as it could help alleviate this issue by offering different experiences with each player.

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2025-05-14 20:21