This Is the Police 2 is a strategy indie adventure game that blends management simulation with narrative choices and turn-based tactical encounters. Set in the border town of Sharpwood, players take on the role of sheriff Lilly Reed while working alongside the fugitive Jack Boyd to maintain order amid gangs, smugglers, and local tensions.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on running the sheriff's department through daily operations. Players assign officers to calls, balance their personal issues such as drinking habits or reliability problems, and build loyalty through training and equipment distribution. Officers possess individual stats including professionalism, experience, and skills that improve over time with use and instruction. Equipment slots allow customization for different situations, from non-lethal tools to firearms.
Investigations form another key layer. Players gather evidence from crime scenes, review case files, and question suspects. Decisions during interrogations can involve standard procedures or more direct approaches, with outcomes affecting court proceedings and department standing. The story unfolds through these choices, placing the sheriff in situations where personal freedom and departmental integrity hang in the balance.
When operations escalate, the game shifts to turn-based tactical combat on grid-based maps. Teams of officers move in sequence against suspects, using cover for stealth approaches and positioning to avoid detection. Skills such as aimed shots or interceptions become available as shooting proficiency increases. A single well-placed bullet ends an officer's involvement permanently, forcing careful planning rather than reliance on attrition.
Game Modes
This Is the Police 2 operates as a single continuous campaign without separate selectable modes. All elements integrate into one story-driven experience where management, detective work, and tactical missions occur within the same progression. Tactical operations appear as map incidents that require direct control, starting often in stealth with patrolling suspects and shifting to active combat once alarms trigger. No distinct multiplayer or alternative play styles exist beyond the main narrative path.
Story and Setting
Sharpwood serves as a harsh environment filled with competing criminal elements and political pressures. The narrative follows Lilly Reed's efforts to stabilize the town while relying on Jack Boyd's unconventional methods. Character interactions and branching decisions influence available resources and long-term consequences, including risks of legal repercussions for the player character.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on Steam shows mixed overall reviews alongside very positive recent feedback. The game suits those who enjoy detailed officer management combined with high-stakes tactical decisions and a branching story. Its systems reward attention to individual cop profiles and strategic positioning during operations. Those seeking lighter experiences or frequent updates may find the 2018 release less engaging today, as no major seasons or ongoing content additions have followed the initial patches. The title appeals most to fans of narrative strategy games that emphasize consequences over action spectacle.
