This is the Police (2016)

In This is the Police, players take on the role of Jack Boyd, a 60-year-old police chief in the small town of Freeburg. Jack has been informed that his retirement is scheduled in 180 days, and during this limited timeframe, he must secure enough funds to guarantee his pension for the rest of his life. The target amount Jack aims to collect is $500,000, creating a pressing financial goal that drives every decision and action throughout the game.

Story and Characters

Jack Boyd’s personal life is complicated. His wife has left him for another man, taking their children with her. Despite these challenges, he finds a potential ally in the town's new prosecutor, a young woman who shows him sympathy and support. In contrast, the mayor of Freeburg is determined to see Jack dismissed and has already established the conditions for his termination. The tension between personal life, professional responsibilities, and the political environment of the town creates a complex backdrop for the gameplay.

Freeburg itself is not peaceful. Two rival mafia groups operate within the city, and a violent conflict between them begins, further complicating the situation. Jack must navigate this criminal landscape carefully. Choices made in response to police calls, including potentially ignoring them for monetary gain from the mafia, can have serious consequences. Every decision affects not only the town but also Jack’s ability to reach his financial and professional goals before retirement.

Gameplay Mechanics

Each in-game day starts with Jack assigning police officers to various tasks. The officers have different skill levels, experience, and levels of rest. Some may struggle with personal issues, such as alcoholism or other limitations, affecting their performance. The initial stages of the game are relatively straightforward, allowing players to get familiar with managing resources and personnel. As the game progresses, however, scenarios become more complex, requiring careful strategic planning to maintain order and respond effectively to incidents throughout the city.

Players must make critical decisions regarding how to deploy their forces, prioritizing between emergencies, ongoing investigations, and opportunities for financial gain. The strategic element of the game revolves around balancing professional integrity with personal objectives, making every choice meaningful. Successfully managing the city and its law enforcement operations increases Jack’s chances of surviving until retirement while amassing the necessary capital.

Strategic Decisions and Consequences

The game emphasizes the impact of choices. Jack’s actions influence both the outcome of criminal events and the stability of his department. Ignoring certain calls can provide immediate financial benefits but may worsen the city’s crime situation. Sending well-prepared and rested officers to critical tasks ensures better outcomes but may limit short-term gains. Each decision requires weighing potential rewards against risks, making foresight and planning essential components of gameplay.

As days pass, new challenges arise, forcing players to adapt strategies and respond to evolving threats. The growing complexity demands attention to officer management, city dynamics, and interactions with both political figures and criminal organizations. Properly navigating these elements is key to reaching retirement successfully, achieving financial security, and leaving a lasting legacy within Freeburg.

Conclusion

This is the Police combines management, strategy, and narrative depth to create a simulation where every choice carries weight. Players guide Jack Boyd through the final 180 days of his career, balancing law enforcement duties, personal dilemmas, and financial ambitions. By carefully deploying officers, responding to city incidents, and navigating political and criminal pressures, players determine whether Jack can survive until retirement and secure the financial future he needs. The game challenges players to think critically, plan strategically, and weigh ethical and practical decisions in a dynamic urban environment.

This is the Police puts you in the shoes of Jack Boyd, a police chief facing a ticking clock. The story is gripping, full of tough choices and moral dilemmas. Managing your officers and balancing city politics with personal gain makes each decision weighty and meaningful.

The gameplay is challenging but rewarding. You need strategy and planning to handle emergencies, crime, and the mafia. Mistakes feel real, and success is satisfying. The game's pace is slow at times, but it fits the story and adds tension.

Overall, we recommend This is the Police. It's a deep, story-driven strategy game with a unique take on morality and leadership. If you like thinking through consequences and managing a team under pressure, this game is worth your time.