Dispatch has proven to be one of the best games of the year, as its unique and charming take on the superhero genre has resonated with many gamers. Since its launch, Dispatch has been noticed by many with its clever premise. Its compelling characters and all-around strong story have helped it stand out from this year's crowded list, which is no easy feat. 2025 has been absolutely packed with amazing games, and at the same time Dispatch is a solid package, many players loved its broadcast gameplay combined with everything else.
There are many fans who prefer to decide over Dispatchs two romantic options and experiencing its story-driven moments, but sending heroes across the city to fight crime can definitely be another highlight of the experience. It's so popular that some fans have even taken to social media to request an endless procedural mode that only focuses on dispatches. Unfortunately, there are no known plans to bring this kind of mode to life, but thankfully there's a game on Steam that can quickly scratch that up: This is the police.
This is the cop that could be the cure for some broadcast fans' woes
- This is the police was released on Steam back in 2016.
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It is also available for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and Mobile.
Dispatch fans who love to participate in the titular task will immediately recognize a resemblance to This is the police. With its isometric map and crime-focused story, This is the police puts players in control of Police Chief Jack Boyd, a longtime officer on the verge of retirement. Boyd will retire in 180 days, and during that time the players must find a way to get him $500,000 before he leaves the force for good. Throughout the game, Boyd must decide which members of the town to align with while dispatching teams of police officers to various crime scenes in the struggling city of Freeburg. Like the choices in Dispatchwhat a player decides in This is the police can greatly affect what happens in the game, but this time there is a darker edge.
This is the police 2 was released in 2018, but it added tactical combat into the mix. Instead of the sequel, Dispatch fans should check out the first game for the best comparison.
This is Police Takes Dispatch's best mechanic and makes it the centerpiece
IN This is the policedispatch is one of the central game mechanics players engage in. As Freeburg spirals out of control, Jack Boyd must strategize to ensure the right cops are sent to the right crime scene. It is incredibly reminiscent of Dispatch because the heroes that Robert Robertson sends out to emergency situations can have different outcomes depending on the hero's abilities. Based on a hero's stats, they can be a perfect fit or a disaster waiting to happen, so players really need to weigh the options when choosing the right team. Dispatchs story may overshadow many of the game's broadcasting moments, but with This is the policedispatch is made an integral part of the story.
This is the police taking a more grounded and brutal approach than sending
Dispatch handles mature themes, though This is the police can be starkly realistic and grim with its depictions of a police department struggling with personnel issues and rampant crime. This is the police goes so far with its real-life themes that it is sometimes even a bad idea to send officials of different political affiliations to work on a case together as it can lead to conflict. Not only does Jack Boyd have to strategize about which officer is best suited to handle a particular crime, but he even has to think hard about how a particular officer will behave around a teammate. Criminals aren't the only cause for concern, and so does planning This is the police more difficult. Dispatchs gameplay may not be as realistic as This is the polices, but that's also what makes it a perfect candidate for fans who want something deeper and more realistic.
In addition to avoiding conflicts within the police department, Jack Boyd also has to deal with the local mafia. Moral dilemmas in games are nothing new, though This is the police presents these types of scenarios realistically, showing that sometimes you can unexpectedly back yourself into a corner, with the only way out seemingly being to bend your morals. It's a game filled with moral gray areas, and while that may be a turn-off for some, it's incredibly compelling for those who find this kind of power dynamic fascinating.
This is the police can be starkly realistic and grim with its depictions of a police department struggling with personnel issues and rampant crime.
Until AdHoc Studio makes infinite broadcasting a reality, This is the Police is the Next Best Thing
Even if DispatchThe story and characters are some of the key aspects that make it such a great game that it would definitely benefit from an infinite broadcast mode. Right now, the only way to enjoy more of that game is a second Dispatch playthrough is experiencing the entire game from start to finish (or third…or fourth…).
As far as fans know, AdHoc Studio has no real plans to make an infinite Dispatch situation happen, which feels like a wasted opportunity. It could give the game even more replayability, but only time will tell if the developers will take that leap. Nevertheless, even without an infinite procedural option, Dispatch is a standout game this year. Whether it's a broadcast-only mode or more narrative content, it's clear that Dispatch players want more.
With hopes of one Dispatch Season 2 continues to grow, it will be interesting to see if AdHoc Studio decides to make a sequel. If so, it could potentially pave the way for a highly replayable, broadcast-focused mode, but until it arrives (if at all), This is the police has plenty to offer to satisfy that craving.
- Released
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October 22, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood, crude humor, intense violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, drugs and alcohol
- Developer
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AdHoc Studio
- Publisher
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AdHoc Studio
