Step into the gritty, noir-inspired world of This Is the Police, a strategy and adventure title where corruption runs deeper than the city's sewers. Set in the decaying metropolis of Freeburg, this game places you in the worn-out shoes of Police Chief Jack Boyd. As the city spirals toward chaos, you are faced with a daunting ultimatum: navigate a web of crime, politics, and betrayal to secure a comfortable retirement, or watch your legacy crumble along with the streets you are sworn to protect.

A High-Stakes Race Against Time

The premise of This Is the Resthe Police is driven by a clear, high-pressure objective. Following pressure from a corrupt Mayor Rogers—who is already plotting to replace Boyd with a relative—the Chief has been given just 180 days until forced retirement. To ensure his exit strategy is successful, Boyd must amass a retirement nest egg of $500,000. However, achieving this goal requires more than just standard policing; it requires navigating the murky waters between the law and the criminal underworld.

As you manage the daily operations of the Freeburg Police Department, you will find yourself caught between competing factions. The city's mafia is tightening its grip, and even your second-in-command, Deputy Francis Kendrick, has revealed ties to the local mob. Every choice carries weight, as you must decide whether to uphold the law, succumb to political pressure from City Hall, or strike deals with crime bosses to fund your future.

Gameplay Mechanics and Management

Functioning much like a police chief simulator, the gameplay focuses on resource management, decision-making, and tactical deployment. Your primary responsibilities include:

  • Officer Management: Oversee two shifts of officers and a specialized pool of detectives. You must decide which officers to assign to tasks and handle requests for time off—both legitimate and illegitimate.
  • Emergency Response: As calls flood into your office, you must quickly determine how many officers to dispatch to various crime scenes. With limited resources, you cannot respond to every crisis, forcing you to prioritize which threats to tackle.
  • Investigative Oversight: Use your detectives to solve complex crimes and gather evidence against the gangs terrorizing Freeburg.
  • Political Navigation: Balance the demands of a corrupt mayor who may threaten to cut department funding if his interests aren't met, while simultaneously managing the influence of organized crime.

The consequences of your tactical errors are dire. Neglecting a threat can lead to criminals escaping, civilians being killed, or officers being injured or killed in the line of duty. Conversely, how you handle crime scenes—whether through negotiation or force—will directly influence the unfolding narrative.

A Narrative-Driven Experience

This Is the Police is celebrated for its heavy, text-driven storytelling and unique visual style, which evokes the feel of mid-century abstract expressionism. The game features a rich, fully voiced story, with Jack Boyd portrayed by Jon St. John (the iconic voice of Duke Nukem), adding to the gritty atmosphere.

This title is a perfect fit for players who enjoy deep, choice-driven narratives and strategy games that reward careful planning. If you enjoy titles where morality is grey and every decision can lead to unforeseen consequences, Freeburg awaits. Will you emerge from your 180 days as a wealthy retiree, or will the weight of corruption break you?