Aerosoft and Z-Software’s Highway Police Simulator has rolled into town, ready for action on your PlayStation 5. Feeling intrigued? Let’s dive into what it has to offer in this review!
Highway Police Simulator transports you to the bustling streets of Caminora, casting you as a police officer navigating the city’s challenges. You have two distinct ways to play: a more laid-back Casual Mode, or the demanding Simulation Mode. Initially, you’ll ease into things with the Casual Mode tutorial, giving newcomers a chance to get familiar with the game. If you’re up for a challenge afterward, switch to Simulation Mode where the stakes are higher with no on-screen markers and minimal guidance—prepare for a tougher, albeit potentially tedious experience. If you change your mind, remember that switching modes is only possible via the main menu.
Your first task is to bring your character to life. Start by choosing between a male or female avatar, tailoring their appearance using preset options. From hairstyle and color to eye color and casual outfits, customization is in your hands. You can even preview how they’ll look in their police uniform. Lastly, decide on your character’s backstory—will they hail from a police family or be a street-savvy individual? Choosing a police lineage means easier camaraderie with fellow officers but less rapport with bikers and criminals. Opting for the street kid narrative earns you respect from locals, though you might face skepticism from civilians, some of whom won’t hesitate to ask for a "real cop."
After a quick intro and cutscene, you’re plunged into your first scene of action—a car accident investigation. Here, you’ll interview witnesses, capture crucial details with photos, hunt for clues, and then compile and send off a report using your police vehicle’s on-board computer. But why did this accident occur in the first place? It turns out someone attempted to spring an inmate during a bus escort you were involved with! The turmoil left your police car upside down, prompting a deeper dive into the mystery.
As you navigate this world, the left analog stick maneuvers your character, with the right stick adjusting your view. Sneak around by pressing in on the right stick, interact with items using the X button, and sprint with the Circle button. Need the radial menu? Just hit L1. For encounters requiring a firearm, aim with L2 and shoot with R2, while reloading is done with L1.
Driving adds another layer of skills. Steer using the left stick and look around with the right. Acceleration and braking are handled by R2 and L2, respectively. The Square button activates the hand brake, Triangle changes your perspective, and the D-Pad lets you toggle lights and sirens. To leave the vehicle, just press Circle or X.
If gadgets like drones and helicopters pique your interest, navigating them uses similar controls, packed with specific commands for marking targets, adjusting altitude, and deploying various camera modes.
For trophy hunters, the game boasts a full trophy cabinet ripe for collection, crowned by a coveted Platinum trophy. With 6 Bronze, 11 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies, there’s plenty to keep you engaged. Success hinges on achievements like completing story arcs, racking up miles, reaching moral pinnacles across Caminora, and unlocking hidden features and items—all while managing daily law enforcement duties.
However, not everything is smooth sailing. Highway Police Simulator challenges not just with gameplay but with technical issues too. Bugs abound—trees and objects blink in and out of existence, cars erratically shift positions, and in-station light glitches obscure your path. Character animations could use polish, often lacking realistic nuance. Despite these setbacks, Highway Police Simulator retails for $39.99 on the PlayStation 5.
Disclaimer: This Highway Police Simulator review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Aerosoft.
