The Precinct is a top-down action-adventure game set in 1983's Averno City. You’re not just a cop, you’re the son of a murdered police chief. Nick Cordell Jr. is on a mission to uncover who killed his father while trying to keep the peace in a city crawling with criminals, corrupt officials, and gangs. The story is heavily inspired by 1980s noir films, filled with twists, betrayals, and gritty city streets. It’s personal, intense, and the kind of story that keeps you hooked as you peel back layers of corruption and crime.

The game doesn’t just follow a set script, it throws random events at you, like a robbery or a parking ticket, that pop up naturally as you play. You can choose to investigate them or just ignore them, letting you create your own story as you go.

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As you progress through the game, you’ll earn experience and move up the ranks, unlocking new skills and equipment along the way. This progression is closely tied to the story, as advancing to higher ranks opens up more complex cases and gives you a deeper role in uncovering the city's criminal secrets.

The game begins with a tutorial that gradually introduces you to the story, unfolding in a way that's both engaging and well-paced. The gameplay is open-world, top-down, and gives you the freedom to approach your job as a cop however you want although within your working hours. You’ll respond to all kinds of crimes, from petty thefts to high-speed chases, all while trying to stick to police procedures like reading suspects their rights or booking them at the station. You can patrol the streets on foot, in your squad car (you can unlock different cars by moving up ranks), or even take to the skies in a helicopter. There’s a lot of freedom, and each day brings new cases, side missions, and opportunities to explore the city. The dynamic day-night cycle and weather system keep things interesting. Rain makes the roads slippery, and night operations require you to be extra careful. Whether it's a gang shootout or a routine traffic stop, things rarely go as planned.

One of the most fun parts of The Precinct is how alive the city feels around you. As you patrol Averno, the world doesn’t just sit still, it moves with you. You can talk with almost anyone you come across. If someone looks a bit off or seems suspicious, you can ask for their ID, or even frisk them to make sure they’re not hiding anything. The sense of immersion is incredible, and it’s easy to get lost in the little details of the city as it goes on around you.

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The AI is smart with criminals using clever tactics that make each encounter feel challenging. Whether it’s a gang shootout or a simple traffic stop, things rarely go as planned, keeping you alert. There’s a lot of replay value, thanks to random events and side missions. Each time you play, the city feels full of new things to do. Though there are occasional glitches now and then. For example, suspects may drive erratically and illogical, making sudden, unpredictable moves that mess up your chases.

One fun feature is the partnership with your assigned partner, Kelly. While Kelly doesn't drive the car, he accompanies you during patrols, assisting with tasks and providing support during encounters. His presence adds depth to the gameplay, offering a sense of "camaraderie" as you tackle the challenges of Averno City together. One moment, you're chasing down a suspect through rain-soaked streets, your partner Kelly is nowhere to be found. You call for backup, only to realize Kelly is stuck behind a lamppost, trying to figure out how to get into the car. Meanwhile, the suspect is making a clean getaway.

Despite the occasional hiccups with your partner, The Precinct offers a unique blend of police simulation and action. It's a game that keeps you engaged, whether you're solving crimes or dealing with the unpredictable nature of your team (i'm looking at you Kelly).

Another fun feature is that during a high-speed chase, you can call for backup, which you unlock by staying close to suspects and keeping up the pursuit. This lets you request help, like extra patrol cars, spike strips, or even a helicopter to catch fleeing criminals. This feature adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, letting you adjust your approach depending on the situation

The visuals in The Precinct are stunning, with the neon lights and rainy streets capturing the essence of the 1980s perfectly. The city is richly detailed, from the lively downtown to the darker, more dangerous neighborhoods and creepy alleys. The rain-soaked streets and the way light reflects off puddles give the game a truly immersive feel. Add to that a synth heavy soundtrack that fits the setting perfectly, and the sound design, whether it’s the sound of a siren (you can pick from different ones) or the distant noise of a helicopter, it all works together to pull you into Averno City.

One downside I've noticed is that even though I have a high-end computer, I still experience the occasional hiccup while driving. The game seems to struggle with rendering at times, causing some stutter during vehicle scenes.

The Precinct is a thrilling mix of crime-solving, high-speed chases, and moments where you’ll question if your partner is secretly trying to sabotage you. The storyline is gripping, you’re not just chasing bad guys, you’re also trying to figure out who killed your dad.

The city is packed with detail, from the buzzing downtown to those creepy alleys where you just know something shady is happening (probably involving Kelly getting stuck behind a lamppost again). You can interact with pretty much anyone, asking for IDs or frisking people who look a little too suspicious.

Sure, the AI and occasional rendering hiccups can be a bit annoying (like when your car’s driving smoother than Kelly’s attempts at a sprint), but those moments don't take away from the pure chaos and fun this game offers. The game keeps things exciting and lets you explore a city full of surprises.

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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (or should I say remake?) brings back a game that defined an entire generation of RPG fans, and it does so with a fresh coat of paint, smoother gameplay, and the same chaotic charm that made it unforgettable. The nostalgia is overwhelming.

The heart of Oblivion lies in its storytelling, and the remaster does nothing to diminish that. From the main quest about the Oblivion Gates threatening to destroy Tamriel to the countless side quests and factions (hello my old friend, Dark Brotherhood), there’s a wealth of content to dive into. The main quest remains one of the series’ most compelling, with stakes that feel truly high as you battle to save the Empire.

The side quests are where Oblivion really shines, though. From solving murders to helping thieves or even joining the Mages Guild, you can lose hours just exploring these smaller stories. And the beauty of it is that the world never feels static. NPCs go about their daily routines, and every corner of Cyrodiil offers something new to discover, whether it's a random encounter with a bandit or a hidden cave filled with treasure.

Your decisions really matter, and they shape both the world around you and your character's journey. Whether it’s how you handle a quest, who you decide to help, or which factions you align with, each choice has an impact. For example, when you join groups like the Dark Brotherhood or the Thieves Guild, you’re not just following a set path, you’re diving into morally gray areas where your actions can change how people perceive you, and even how entire factions react to you.

The game also features moments where your choices directly affect the story. If you choose to ignore certain characters or let a questline play out differently, it can lead to alternative outcomes or quests that you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. Even something as simple as choosing to be a ruthless leader or a kind one can influence how NPCs treat you and what kind of reputation you build in Tamriel. It makes each playthrough unique because you can always choose a different path and see how the world responds.

The gameplay in Oblivion offers a perfect blend of freedom and depth. You’re free to explore the vast world of Tamriel at your own pace. The open world feels alive, with towns, forests, and dungeons just waiting to be explored.

Combat is simple yet satisfying, with a mix of swordplay, magic, and archery that you can tailor to your own playstyle. Whether you prefer charging into battle with a sword, casting powerful spells from a distance, or sneaking around picking off enemies with a bow, the game lets you build your character however you like. You can also join various factions, each with its own unique set of quests and rewards, allowing you to explore different aspects of the game world.

The leveling system is also key to the gameplay. You improve your skills by using them, so if you want to get better at sword fighting, you’ll need to swing your sword in combat. This makes the progression feel natural and rewarding.

Overall, it offers a lot of flexibility in how you approach the game, letting you carve out your own path, whether you’re playing as a hero or a villain, a mage or a warrior. There’s always something to do, and the world always feels like it’s ready to respond to your next move.

Breakdown of key differences:

1. Engine Upgrade: The remaster utilizes Unreal Engine 5, resulting in a substantial visual upgrade over the original's.
   
2. Improved Textures and Models: Environments, character models, and animations have been updated to meet modern standards, enhancing immersion. ​
   
3. Lighting and Effects: Advanced lighting techniques, including ray tracing, provide more realistic and dynamic visuals. ​

1. Combat System: Combat mechanics have been refined for smoother and more responsive interactions. ​
   
2. Stealth and Archery: Stealth mechanics are more intuitive, and archery has been reworked for better aiming and damage consistency. ​
   
3. Stamina and Blocking: The stamina system has been adjusted to reduce frustration, and blocking mechanics have been improved for more strategic defense. ​
   
4. HUD and UI: The user interface has been redesigned for clarity and modern appeal, enhancing user experience. ​

1. Expanded World: The remaster includes the original game's content along with additional areas and quests, enriching the game's world. ​
   
2. Factions and Storylines: Existing factions and storylines have been expanded, offering deeper narratives and more player choices. ​

1. Enhanced Audio: Ambient sounds and environmental effects have been re-recorded for a more immersive experience. ​
   
2. Voice Acting: While some voice work has been redone, the remaster retains much of the original's acclaimed voice acting, including performances by Patrick Stewart and Sean Bean.

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https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3469521944

Now on to my favorite part of this remaster No Oblivion experience would be complete without its (in)famous bugs. Thankfully, Oblivion Remastered has ironed out some of the more game-breaking issues, but the occasional strange glitch is still present. While it’s a little less common to see NPCs moonwalking through walls or horses launching into the sky, those moments of weirdness are part of what makes the game feel alive, in an unpredictable way.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3469484414

This means that the stealth/lockpicking bug/exploit is left in (thank you Bethesda). Head back to the prison and approach the guard at the desk. Ask him if you can visit a prisoner. Once he opens the door for you, step inside the hallway, then speak with the guard again and repeat your request to visit a prisoner. He'll walk away and close the door behind him, giving you the chance to move freely within the prison. Now, make your way to the prisoner locked behind bars, and use stealth to pickpocket him until you reach 100 (if you have the patience for it). The locked doors in this section are perfect for leveling up your lockpicking skill. Insert the first lockpin correctly into the lock, then repeatedly press the spacebar. This won't use up any lockpicks, but it will help improve your skill level.

Oblivion Remastered takes an already incredible game and breathes new life into it, offering a more polished experience without losing any of its original magic. The remaster improves the graphics, smooths out some rough edges in gameplay, and fixes some long-standing bugs—but it never feels like it’s trying to completely reinvent the wheel. At its heart, Oblivion is still the game I fell in love with back in 2006. Welcome back, my old favorite, my heart is once again racing, captivated by this masterpiece. It’s vast, immersive, and full of character, even if that character occasionally glitches out of bounds. Whether you’re revisiting Tamriel for the nostalgia or diving into it for the first time, the remaster is a worthy way to experience it. So, if you’re looking for a deep, engaging RPG that’s still got a few quirks up its sleeve, Oblivion Remastered is well worth your time. Just be prepared to encounter a few unexpected surprises along the way. After all, it wouldn’t be Oblivion without a little chaos.

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