Review of Highway Police Simulator [PlayStation 5]

Aerosoft and Z-Software have rolled out Highway Police Simulator for PlayStation 5, and after diving into the game, here’s what we’ve found. Assuming the virtual badge of a police officer in the bustling city of Caminora, players can choose between two gameplay modes: Simulation Mode and Casual Mode. Upon starting, you’re nudged into Casual Mode through a quick tutorial designed to acclimate you to the basic mechanics. If you’re up for a challenge, switching to Simulation Mode promises heightened difficulty, as it strips the game of handy on-screen markers and detailed hints. This decision can only be toggled from the main menu once made.

Before hitting the streets, you’ll customize your character. You have the freedom to choose between male and female avatars and tweak appearances from a range of presets. Select attire, hairstyle, eye color, and see how your officer would look in uniform. An interesting twist lies in choosing your character’s backstory: being from a “police family” grants camaraderie with fellow officers but might alienate you from bikers and criminals. Conversely, a “street kid” background earns respect from locals, though civilians might distrustfully second-guess you.

The game’s early stages land you in a car crash investigation, a seemingly routine rookie task. Yet, the plot thickens as a nefarious breakout plot unfolds, involving an inmate from the bus you were supposed to escort. As you gather clues, document the scene with photos, and file reports from the police cruiser’s computer, you unravel the chaos created by the upside-down spin your police car took during the calamity.

Navigating Caminora, you’ll use the analog sticks to maneuver your character and view, while other functions like crouching, sprinting, and interacting are allocated to controller buttons. In vehicular pursuits, driving commands follow similar patterns with intuitive controls for steering, braking, and engaging sirens, providing an immersive run-and-chase experience. Further gameplay extends to operating drones and helicopters, each with specific controls for surveillance and targeting missions.

For trophy hunters, Highway Police Simulator offers a detailed trophy list leading to a coveted Platinum. To reach this shiny goal, expect to complete various objectives, such as finishing story arcs, racking up miles behind the wheel, interacting with vending machines citywide, unlocking fast travel spots, and arresting wrongdoers.

However, while the premise is promising, Highway Police Simulator struggles with technical difficulties. The game battles persistent bugs—trees and cloaking objects flicker in and out, cars awkwardly nudge sideways, and indoor lighting issues abound. Character animation feels stiff, with peculiar facial renders that detract from the immersion. At $39.99, it’s a mixed bag, testing your patience with its glitches despite its intriguing concepts.

[This review of Highway Police Simulator is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Aerosoft.]