What Police Stories is
Police Stories is a top-down 2D shooter built around tactics rather than reflexes. You play as police operatives John Rimes and Rick Jones, moving through gang hideouts, hostage situations and other life-threatening calls. The game takes inspiration from SWAT 4 and gritty police TV shows, and it pushes you to make split second decisions while staying in control of the situation. Shooting first is not an option: the Surrender System lets you apprehend suspects without violence, whether by firing a warning shot near them or engaging them in melee until they submit. Criminals, hostages and evidence are placed randomly, so every restart of a level produces a different layout and new situations to deal with.
Playing together
Missions can be completed alone or in Online Co-op, and Remote Play Together is supported as well. In co-op you work through the mission as a pair for better scores and a shared run. Outside of co-op you still have Rick Jones at your side: you issue him commands and he can end up saving your life if you use him well. Either way the job stays the same — neutralize criminals, rescue civilians and defuse bombs while keeping the situation from escalating.
What to know before starting
Your actions are scored in real time, and playing aggressively will not earn a high enough result to unlock the next mission. Staying unseen, not wasting bullets and checking your surroundings regularly are the core habits the game rewards. Police equipment helps with that: under-the-door cameras, door blast charges and other tools are available for gathering information and entering rooms on your terms. The opposition varies too, from petty criminals to organized gangs and terrorists, each with their own weapons, behaviour and shooting skill, so the same approach will not work twice. Expect a tense, unforgiving experience where patience beats speed.