The resurgence of retro-style games in recent years highlights the enduring appeal of pixelated characters and angular graphics. Here at senses.se, we’ve recently reviewed the modern retro titles Thimbleweed Park and Raging Justice.
In Beat Cop, players assume the role of Jack Kelly, a police officer recently demoted to patrol duty following a high-profile, and ultimately unsuccessful, mission. Accused of theft and ostracized by his colleagues, Kelly resolves to clear his name by solving the case himself.
Beat Cop, originally released in 2017, now makes its debut on the Nintendo Switch. As with many multi-platform titles tested on the Switch, the game’s design doesn’t always fully leverage the console’s hybrid nature. While perfectly functional on a television, the small screen of the portable mode can make elements appear diminutive and somewhat difficult to interact with. The game’s modest technical requirements mean it loads quickly and maintains a smooth frame rate.
The pixel art is well-executed, evoking memories of classic games like Police Quest for the Atari 1040 STe. However, the gameplay experience differs significantly. While Police Quest, despite its simplicity, offered a compelling narrative, Beat Cop‘s pacing can be uneven. Before progressing with the main investigation, players must perform routine tasks as a patrol officer: issuing tickets, engaging with citizens, potentially accepting bribes, and even finding lost cats. The in-game days progress rapidly, which can lead to frustration when a mission is interrupted by the day’s end. The patrol area is initially confusing but quickly becomes familiar due to its limited size. The dialogue is amusing, and the character archetypes—the irascible police chief and the rule-bending protagonist—are reminiscent of classic 1980s police dramas.
In conclusion, Beat Cop provides an entertaining diversion. While it may take some time to fully engage with the gameplay, and its depth may not warrant a strong recommendation, fans of retro aesthetics and 1980s police tropes will likely find it appealing.
