The gaming world is always ripe with new experiences, and Highway Police Simulator from Aerosoft and Z-Software is ready for gamers to dive into on the PlayStation 5. Allow me to take you through what you can expect in this immersive policing simulation.
Set in the fictional city of Caminora, the game hands you the badge and responsibilities of a police officer. It cleverly offers two modes to suit different play styles: Simulation Mode and Casual Mode. You’ll start in Casual Mode during the tutorial to get your bearings. If you prefer a challenge, switch to Simulation Mode later, but be prepared for tougher gameplay with fewer hints and on-screen guides. Changing modes after your initial selection requires a trip back to the main menu.
Creating your character is your first order of business. Choose either a male or female officer and customize their appearance with available presets. Decide on their casual attire, hair and eye color, and even get a preview of their official uniform. An intriguing element is selecting your character’s backstory: a legacy cop with established relations among law enforcers but disliked by criminals or a street-smart individual trusted by locals but viewed skeptically by civilians.
Once you step into the game world, it starts with a gripping opening scene where you must unravel a mystery behind a car crash. This incident kicks off your journey as you gather evidence, snap photographs, and compile a thorough report using your police car’s computer. The crash wasn’t just an accident—it was a dramatic escape attempt involving an inmate on a transport bus, leading to your car flipping over. Now it’s up to you to piece together the events in your report.
Gameplay mechanics are intuitive. When on foot, maneuver your officer with the left joystick and adjust the camera with the right. You can interact, sprint, and crouch with a few button presses. An accessible radial menu lets you check equipment and make radio calls. In more intense situations, aim and fire your weapon with ease.
Behind the wheel, driving mechanics are similarly straightforward. Steering, accelerating, and braking are responsive, and you can engage sirens or switch views with simple button controls. The game expands these mechanics for drones and helicopters, allowing players to scout areas from above, target, and zoom creatively in missions.
For those trophy hunters out there, this game offers a full set of achievements, including a coveted Platinum trophy. Objectives range from completing the entire story arc, walking miles, driving extensive distances, maintaining morality standards, to outfits and assignments completion. These add layers of engagement for gamers yearning for the extra challenge.
However, the game isn’t without its flaws. While Caminora needs your policing finesse, getting immersed can be disrupted by numerous in-game glitches. Visuals can be unpredictable, with objects randomly appearing and disappearing. Navigating the police stations might turn puzzling when outdoor lighting awkwardly infiltrates the interior. Characters lack life, barely blinking or showing emotion, which may detract from the overall experience.
Highway Police Simulator is available for PlayStation 5, priced at $39.99. It presents a mix of excitement and frustration, so it might be a hit or miss depending on your tolerance for bugs.
Disclaimer: This review of Highway Police Simulator is based on a PlayStation 5 review copy provided by Aerosoft.
