Have you heard about Highway Police Simulator, the latest release from Aerosoft and Z-Software? Now available on PlayStation 5, this game invites players to dive into the role of a police officer in the city of Caminora. My review will fill you in on all the details you need to know!
In Highway Police Simulator, you’ll have the option to play in either Simulation Mode or Casual Mode. The game starts with a tutorial in Casual Mode to help you get the hang of things. If you’re up for a challenge, you can switch to Simulation Mode, but bear in mind, it removes objective markers, provides minimal guidance, and generally cranks up the difficulty—which might become a bit overwhelming. Once you choose your mode, you can only switch it from the main menu.
Starting your adventure means creating your character. You have the choice between a male or female officer, with various presets to customize their appearance. You’ll pick outfits, hairstyles, and even eye color, all while toggling between civilian clothes and the uniform to get everything just right. When it comes to your officer’s backstory, your options are being from a police family or growing up as a street kid, each providing unique perks and drawbacks. Go with a police family, and you’ll find favor among your colleagues and emergency teams, but expect bikers and criminals to hold a grudge. Choose the street kid narrative, and while locals might show more respect, civilians could be a bit wary.
After an introductory sequence, you’re thrown into your first case: investigating a car crash. You’ll have to talk to witnesses, take photos of the scene, collect evidence, and report it via the police car’s PC. Strange as it sounds, the crash wasn’t an accident—it turns out someone was trying to free an inmate being transferred on a bus. Your task now is to piece everything together for a complete report.
You control your character using the left stick to move and the right stick to adjust the camera. You can crouch with a press of the right stick, interact using the X button, and sprint with the Circle button. The L1 button opens a handy radial menu for accessing your radio and equipment, while R2 and L2 manage your firearm.
When you’re behind the wheel, the left stick helps you steer, and the right stick lets you look around. R2 is for acceleration, L2 for braking, and the Square button engages the handbrake. You can shift perspectives using the Triangle button, toggle lights with the D-Pad, and exit the vehicle with Circle or X.
The game even lets you fly a drone or a helicopter. Your left stick controls movement, while the right stick manages the camera. D-Pad commands help with altitude and zoom functions, and you can mark targets as needed. The drone’s overdrive and helicopter’s overview function add to the immersive experience.
In terms of achievements, Highway Police Simulator comes with a full trophy list, including a coveted Platinum trophy. Trophies range from completing story arcs to driving extensive distances, maintaining morality, investigating crimes, and unlocking various uniforms and vehicles.
The setting of Caminora might demand your policing skills, but be prepared for some frustrating quirks. The game is plagued with bugs—objects disappear and reappear, vehicles teleport, and the in-game physics are often unpredictable. Inside the station, lighting glitches make navigation tricky, and interactions with NPCs can feel lifeless, with awkward animations and facial expressions that leave much to be desired.
Priced at $39.99, Highway Police Simulator is available on PlayStation 5. While the concept is enticing, the experience is marred by technical issues that might overshadow its potential.
This review of Highway Police Simulator is based on a PlayStation 5 version provided by Aerosoft.
