PGC NEWS

This Is The Police 2 delves into the complex world of law enforcement, exploring the duality of those who uphold the law. Following the original game’s success, Weappy Studio released this sequel in 2018, promising a more immersive and nuanced experience. This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of This Is The Police 2, examining its improvements, frustrations, and overall gameplay.

This Is The Police 2 Gameplay

Improved Management and Storytelling

This Is The Police 2 continues the story of Jack Boyd, now seeking refuge in the small town of Sharpwood after fleeing the law. He encounters Lily, the newly appointed sheriff struggling to maintain control, and a partnership forms. Jack offers his experience to help Lily manage the Sharpwood police department in exchange for her silence about his past.

The game retains the day-by-day management system of its predecessor but with notable improvements. Managing reports is more streamlined, allowing for better resource allocation and distinguishing genuine emergencies from pranks. The game emphasizes police professionalism and introduces a skill system, requiring players to deploy officers with appropriate skills and equipment for each situation.

This Is The Police 2 Management Interface

The sequel gives players more direct control over incident outcomes through tactical decision-making during missions. Choosing the right officer and action is crucial for success, impacting officer professionalism and potential injuries. This enhanced control adds a layer of strategic depth compared to the first game. The narrative and voice acting remain strong, further enhanced by additional cutscenes and character animations.

However, the game’s attempt to add depth to Jack Boyd’s character through extended and often negative interactions can feel excessive and detracts from the overall experience.

Frustrations with Officers and Resources

One of the most frustrating aspects of This Is The Police 2 is the unpredictable behavior of the police officers. While individual personalities add depth, their quirks often become detrimental to effective management. Officers refuse to work with colleagues for trivial reasons, call in sick with dubious excuses, or even arrive at work intoxicated. This forces players to constantly adapt and manage a volatile workforce, adding a significant layer of difficulty.

This Is The Police 2 Police Line-up

The game introduces “Tabs,” a new resource used for recruiting officers and purchasing equipment. Earned through successful case resolutions and lost through failures, Tabs become a crucial element for maintaining an effective police force. However, the high cost of recruiting competent officers combined with the potential for significant Tab loss through failed operations creates a constant resource struggle.

This Is The Police 2 In-Game Scene

This constant shortage of resources and the unpredictable nature of the officers makes managing the Sharpwood police department a challenging endeavor. Players are often left feeling powerless against the whims of their officers, adding to the game’s overall frustration.

Complex and Challenging Combat

The introduction of turn-based combat, reminiscent of XCOM, adds a new dimension to the gameplay. However, these tactical missions, often involving hostage situations or bomb disposal, can become excessively difficult. Limited turns, outnumbered officers, and highly accurate enemy AI create a challenging environment where stealth becomes the only viable option.

This Is The Police 2 Tactical Combat

The high frequency of these challenging missions, coupled with the escalating demands of regular police work, can become overwhelming. Players must balance resource management, officer morale, and financial stability while navigating the complex criminal landscape of Sharpwood.

This Is The Police 2 Character Interaction

Conclusion

This Is The Police 2 builds upon its predecessor with improved management mechanics and a compelling narrative. However, the unpredictable officer behavior, challenging resource management, and complex combat system can lead to frustration. While the game offers a deeper dive into the complexities of law enforcement, its challenging elements may overshadow the positive aspects for some players.

This Is The Police 2 Scene