Hey there, fellow gaming enthusiast! If you’re keen on trying out a new game on your PlayStation 5, you might want to check out Highway Police Simulator by Aerosoft and Z-Software. Let’s dive into what this police-themed adventure has to offer, shall we?
In Highway Police Simulator, get ready to step into the shoes of a police officer in the fictional city of Caminora. As you embark on your law enforcement career, you can choose between Simulation Mode for a more realistic experience or Casual Mode if you prefer a laid-back approach. Initially, the tutorial will guide you through the basics in Casual Mode, helping you get the hang of things. But if you’re feeling ambitious, switch up to Simulation Mode anytime via the main menu, bearing in mind that it’ll challenge you with fewer hints and possibly more tedious tasks.
Before you hit the streets, you’ll need to create your character. Select either a male or female avatar and tweak their appearance with different presets. Decide on civilian attire as well as hairstyle and color. You’re even able to switch between their casual look and police uniform. Additionally, choose a backstory that will affect interactions in the game: either a police legacy or a rugged street background, each with their unique social advantages and setbacks.
Your journey kicks off with a brief intro and a cutscene that lands you right in the thick of your first scene. There’s been a car crash and amidst all the chaos, you’ll be talking to witnesses, taking crucial photos, and gathering evidence. Use the computer in your police car to document your report. The plot thickens as this accident turns out to be more than just a simple crash—it involves the thwarted escape of an inmate from a prison transport.
Now, let’s talk a bit about controls. While on foot, navigate using the left analog stick and maneuver the camera with the right. You can squat by pressing the right stick, interact with the X button, and sprint by hitting Circle. Access your radio and other equipment through the L1 button, and if the situation calls for it, aim and shoot with L2 and R2, respectively.
Shifting gears into vehicle control, you steer using the left stick and look around with the right. Accelerate or brake with R2 and L2 and use the handbrake via Square. If you want to get a different view, Triangle lets you do just that. Flash your blues with the right D-Pad and switch on the siren using the left D-Pad.
Drones and helicopters add a bit of flair to your duty roster. For drones, you control movement with the left stick and altitude with L2/R2. Bad guys can be marked with Square. For the chopper, use similar controls but get a wider view of the scene with the Square button.
And for the trophy hunters out there, there’s a full list to work through, including a coveted Platinum trophy. With a mix of Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies, you’ll have your hands full completing story arcs, clocking up serious mileage, achieving top morality scores, and engaging in all aspects of law enforcement life.
While Highway Police Simulator offers a promising setup, it’s not all smooth sailing. The game is marred by a host of bugs. Expect in-game elements to glitch, like trees and objects that mysteriously come and go, cars taking impromptu teleports, and odd lighting issues inside buildings. Not to mention, the character animations leave a lot to be desired.
Interested in giving it a go? You can snatch up Highway Police Simulator for $39.99 on your PlayStation 5. Just be prepared for an adventure that’s as challenging off-road as it is on.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Aerosoft. Happy gaming!