8 Best Games Where You're The Law

The ongoing battle between the system and its adversaries is a story as ancient as time itself, and it can manifest in countless forms. To put it another way, if you delve deeper, you might find that the films Heat and School of Rock share the same underlying theme.

Many children have experienced the game of ‘cops and robbers’ at some point in their lives, a common pastime that involves yelling “keep your hands up, stay still!” while mimicking gun fingers. Given its popularity, it seems fitting that such an activity would find a natural transition into the digital realm.

With the passage of time, it becomes increasingly challenging to distinguish clearly between righteous individuals and those who act wrongly. This is one reason why numerous games are often set within the realm of moral ambiguity.

Today, let’s explore games that allow you to assume the role of authority. You can embody a chivalrous character, a ruthless dictator, or even switch between these extremes. As James “Joker” Davis, the warrior philosopher, suggested, such games often delve into the complexities and dual nature of human identity.

For a game to make it onto this list, it should offer the option for players to assume roles within law enforcement agencies, courts, or any duties assigned by a governing entity. Essentially, we’re looking for games that exclude characters like private investigators, vigilantes, and similar figures. Unfortunately, Batman doesn’t fit the criteria in this case.

8. L.A. Noire

Press X to Scream at Suspect

1. A war-weary World War II soldier, a glitzy Los Angeles basking in its post-conflict prosperity, and a police force content to profit from questionable dealings when opportunity arises.

2. A battle-scarred WWII veteran, a vibrant LA city capitalizing on its post-war growth, and a police department that doesn’t shy away from engaging in underhanded business whenever it can.

3. An emotionally wounded World War II combatant, a flourishing LA metropolis reveling in its post-conflict expansion, and a police force willing to participate in shady transactions when convenient.

4. A WWII soldier struggling with trauma, a prosperous LA city post-war, and a police department that sees no problem with getting involved in unsavory business deals whenever possible.

5. A haunted war hero from World War II, a bustling Los Angeles enjoying its post-conflict growth, and a police force that doesn’t hesitate to take part in sketchy ventures when the chance arises.

While L.A. Noire might not top the charts as the best open-world game out there, it more than makes up for any flaws by delivering an unparalleled atmosphere.

The writing surpasses extraordinary levels (and I hesitate to say this, but it might even outshine Red Dead Redemption 2), thanks to the exceptional efforts put into facial scans. Unlike some games such as Life is Strange, you won’t find that awkward uncanny valley effect here.

You solve mysteries by going to crime locations, questioning suspects, and sometimes even exchanging gunfire with them. Some people might argue that this game would have been more effective as a linear story due to the limited activities available in the L.A. Noire open world, but nobody’s perfect.

7. SWAT 4

Lawful Tactical

In a more casual and simplified manner, it could be said that “Irrational Games’ SWAT 4” may be considered as the forerunner of sorts to “Ready Or Not”, yet these two share only a few similarities such as masked individuals tossing flash grenades into rooms.

In essence, playing SWAT 4 means abiding by the guidelines for engagement. If things spiral out of control, remember that it’s ultimately your actions leading to the consequences.

Even though the original game might not meet current gaming standards, considering its two-decade-long age, the SWAT 4 modding community has largely addressed and resolved many of the existing issues.

In the case of SWAT 4, it’s the AI that sets it apart from older shooters. Suspects in this game adapt their behavior and ‘personality’ with each new playthrough, making every experience unique. Additionally, your teammates are dependable and can be controlled via voice commands, which remains an enjoyable feature.

6. Disco Elysium

Embrace The Hobocop

Would you be interested in contributing to a visual storytelling game featuring a complex alcoholic detective, exploring profound political themes that have yet to be matched in the digital realm? Given your passion for such topics, it’s only natural that you’d find this intriguing.

In 2019, Disco Elysium was released, yet due to the extensive discussions, legal matters, and multiple versions that followed, it seems like it’s been a staple in gaming culture for much longer.

Among the numerous impressive features of this game, the most striking might be the significant degree of player autonomy it offers. By this, I mean genuine gameplay freedom, not the illusion of choice through a series of dialogue options that barely impact the overall gameplay experience.

The narrative unfolds predominantly via extensive passages of text, mirroring the protagonist’s thoughts amid his struggles. In essence, this game is a poignant blend of sadness, bleakness, and striking beauty. It encourages profound reflection on life itself, as well as the symbolism behind ordinary accessories like neckties.

5. Battlefield Hardline

Gaze Upon This Fine Country Of Ours

If the campaign suggests it, then the game seems ideal. However, if we’re considering multiplayer aspects, the game fits just as well, regardless of the choice made.

In simpler terms, the game “Battlefield Hardline” was a story of brilliant concepts poorly aligned with its series. It offered gripping cops-versus-robbers action that even Michael Bay might approve, but it received a tepid response because “Battlefield” typically focuses on… you know, battlefields filled with tanks and aircraft.

Visceral Games crafted a gripping gaming experience reminiscent of an intense police drama like Cops, as you delve further into the dark corners of Florida’s criminal world in Battlefield Hardline. Throughout the roughly 4-hour campaign, this game keeps you constantly alert and engaged.

On the multiplayer front, there’s a bit more flexibility as they’ve introduced fresh game modes that deviate from the more structured Conquest-style gameplay commonly found in Battlefield games.

4. We. The Revolution

Don’t Lose Your Head

The French Revolution marked the decline of monarchy’s influence across Europe, and its model for mass rebellions remains prevalent in many parts of the world to this day.

In the game titled “We. The Revolution,” you find yourself assuming the role of a high-ranking judge in 1794 Paris. The fiery spirit that ignited during the storming of the Bastille has since been replaced by political discord, lingering wounds from the monarchy, and an oppressive atmosphere of suspicion.

In simpler terms, your role is to carefully listen to the arguments presented during a court trial, evaluate all the evidence given, and ultimately make a decision on the fate of the defendant – either acquitting them, sending them to jail, or in some cases, imposing a sentence that could result in execution.

The prevailing social climate often complicates the fair administration of justice, as going against popular opinion – whether it’s a judge, jury, or tribunal member – could potentially lead to finding oneself in the role of the defendant. In some cases, even one’s own family may turn on you based on your actions.

In this game, the ethical quandaries are beautifully and distinctively illustrated, yet regardless of how often you play, making choices remains challenging.

3. Ready Or Not

Woe, Flashbang Be Upon Ye

In a somewhat comparable fashion to actual Los Angeles, the make-believe city of Los Sueños serves as the backdrop for VOID Interactive’s SWAT shooter titled “Ready Or Not“. This game blends gritty police action with a fun and tactical mini-game resembling a smaller version of Barbie.

Ready Or Not stands out with its unique gameplay mechanics for a shooter genre. Unlike many others, it doesn’t have a sprint button. Instead, it rewards additional points when you manage to capture enemies alive instead of killing them. Moreover, every map is filled with innocent civilians who have become collateral damage, forcing players to exercise caution and not indiscriminately fire at everything they encounter.

In my opinion, I find the online cooperative mode quite enjoyable, but what truly captivates me is the campaign, where you assume the role of the charming character, Judge Beaumont, and oversee your SWAT team’s gear, abilities, and mental well-being.

As a gamer, I’ve learned that striking a balance is key to success. Going guns blazing can exhaust your troops, making them more prone to mistakes in the next mission. On the flip side, being too cautious might lead to losing an officer in a firefight. It’s all about choices, and Ready Or Not rewards smart decision-making.

2. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

New York’s Killer Romance

It seems unlikely that a child should have played Max Payne 2, yet I found it incredibly engaging. Sam Lake masterfully crafted a gripping story about a troubled police officer, immersing the player in a darkly alluring New York underworld that is both dismal and captivating.

I haven’t discovered any gameplay feature that offers the sensation of limitless control similar to the bullet-time mechanic in Max Payne 2. It could be that our fascination with The Matrix movies was too intense at that time, but let me stray from the point.

Max Payne 2 excels through its presentation, blending sleek noir comic-book style elements seamlessly with captivating cutscenes that effectively establish the game’s mood.

The story masterfully blends elements from police procedural, romance, and morally ambiguous genres, creating a compelling narrative where justice sometimes requires unconventional methods.

1. Papers, Please

A Bureaucrat’s Life

Throughout my life, I’ve frequently changed countries, and on numerous occasions, I’ve found myself standing in long lines at passport control, clutching my passport. Despite the repetition, a sense of unfounded nervousness seems to always resurface when it’s my turn.

As a gamer, I’d say: In contrast to the usual gaming experience, Papers, Please puts me in the shoes of a border control officer at checkpoint Arstotzka. Instead of wielding weapons or casting spells, I’m dealing with reams of paperwork and making decisions that could mean life or death for the people standing before me. The rules keep changing, delivered to me as edicts, and it’s my job to enforce them, making each day emotionally gripping and engaging.

Misjudging a visitor based on incorrect assumptions or neglecting someone with legitimate documents could lead to a reduction in your meager earnings. In addition to maintaining checkpoints, Papers, Please tasks you with managing household finances, ensuring that your family remains comfortable, well-fed, and healthy.

In Papers, Please, you’re faced with a choice: either strictly enforce rules, potentially causing hardship to minor offenders to avoid financial consequences, or show mercy, which could put you at personal risk. However, even when you rest in the comfort of your own home, the faces of those you denied entry linger in your memory.

2025-04-09 16:40

8 Best Games Where You’re The Law