If you’re a regular around these Gaming Nexus parts, at this point, you have probably ascertained that I am a massive Police Simulator: Patrol Officers mark. It has its flaws, but I stand by my review from last year where I declare it one of the best simulator experiences on console. Since launch, developer Aesir Interactive has kept a steady stream of updates and patrol vehicles coming, with the latest being this week’s so-called “Tackling Update” and two new DLC vehicles – the Guardian Police Vehicle and Surveillance Police Vehicle.
Thanks to Aesir and publisher Astragon Entertainment, I was able to take both the update and new vehicles on patrol recently, and while it is a relatively small content update in the grand scheme of things, I still walked away pleased with where the game is at. For starters, as I note in my gameplay video above, the game has never performed better on my PS5. I noticed considerably less graphical bugs and a general crispness in the visuals that felt improved since the last time I played.
In terms of content, the ability to now tackle suspects as opposed to having to taser them is a welcome addition. It didn’t take long for me to encounter a fleeing suspect, but unfortunately for them, my officer is a world-class athlete. The tackling animation and physics felt clean, although I did encounter a bug where I couldn’t tackle a suspect at one point. The two new vehicles serve their purpose as well, with the Guardian being a large box van that lets you transport up to six arrestees, which really allows you to rack up the Shift Points. Meanwhile, the Surveillance vehicle, in my opinion, is the best-looking patrol vehicle thus far, featuring advanced technology that allows you to detect if vehicles and their occupants have broken any laws.
Overall, it is a nice little content update for Police Simulator: Patrol Officers. I’ll be protecting and serving the citizens of Brighton for a long time, who, curiously, are all still 6’4” tall. Check out a trailer for the new Tackling Update below:
