Beat Cop (2017)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Beat Cop (2017): A Retro-Styled Detective Adventure

Beat Cop is a retro-styled pixel art adventure game developed by Pixel Crow and published by 11 bit studios. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2017.

The game follows the story of Jack Kelly, a police officer who has been framed for murder. Jack is demoted to a beat cop and must work to clear his name while patrolling the streets of Brooklyn.

Beat Cop is a unique blend of adventure, detective work, and humor. The game features a thick crime story with plenty of twists and turns. Players must use their detective skills to investigate crimes, interview witnesses, and gather evidence.

In addition to the main story, Beat Cop also features a number of side quests and optional activities. Players can choose to help out their neighbors, play mini-games, or simply explore the city.

Beat Cop’s pixel art style is reminiscent of classic 80s and 90s video games. The game’s soundtrack is also inspired by the music of that era.

Gameplay

Beat Cop is a top-down adventure game. Players control Jack Kelly as he patrols the streets of Brooklyn. Jack can interact with objects and people in the environment, and he can also use his detective skills to investigate crimes.

When Jack investigates a crime, he must first gather evidence. This can involve interviewing witnesses, searching for clues, and taking photographs. Once Jack has gathered enough evidence, he can then piece together the crime and identify the suspect.

In addition to investigating crimes, Jack must also complete a number of other tasks as a beat cop. These tasks include writing parking tickets, responding to calls for service, and arresting criminals.

Setting

Beat Cop is set in the fictional borough of Brooklyn, New York City, in the 1980s. The game’s world is full of colorful characters and detailed environments.

The game’s setting is inspired by classic 80s cop shows such as Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. Beat Cop captures the gritty realism of these shows, as well as their dark humor.

Characters

Jack Kelly is the protagonist of Beat Cop. He is a dedicated police officer who has been framed for murder. Jack is determined to clear his name and find the real killer.

In addition to Jack, Beat Cop features a number of other characters, including:

  • Maria Rodriguez: Jack’s partner on the force. Maria is a tough and experienced cop who is always willing to help Jack out.
  • Nick “Nicky” Collucci: A local mobster who is suspected of being involved in Jack’s framing. Nicky is a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to protect his interests.
  • Father Mikhail: A local priest who is Jack’s confidant. Father Mikhail provides Jack with advice and support as he investigates his case.

Themes

Beat Cop explores a number of themes, including:

  • Corruption: The game’s setting is a corrupt city where crime is rampant. Jack must navigate this corrupt world in order to clear his name and find the real killer.
  • Justice: Jack is determined to find justice for himself and for the victims of the crimes he investigates. The game explores the themes of justice and revenge.
  • Redemption: Jack has been framed for murder and must work to redeem himself. The game explores the themes of redemption and forgiveness.

Critical Reception

Beat Cop received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique blend of adventure, detective work, and humor. Critics also praised the game’s pixel art style and soundtrack.

Beat Cop was nominated for a number of awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Indie Game. The game also won the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Narrative.

Conclusion

Beat Cop is a unique and engaging adventure game that offers a fresh take on the detective genre. The game’s pixel art style, retro soundtrack, and dark humor create a truly immersive experience. Beat Cop is a must-play for fans of adventure games, detective stories, and 80s cop shows.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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