Contraband Police: Prologue offers a peek into the life of an officer trainee at a border post, which you’ll be able to experience in full in Contraband Police. This free-to-play demo occurs over the span of five days, with players following orders and learning the essential mechanics that set the stage for the main game.
The experience of Contraband Police: Prologue is reminiscent of Papers, Please, but with added layers of complexity and freedom that enrich the gameplay. Unlike the aforementioned title, this game allows players to leave their posts,inspect vehicles more thoroughly, and even chase runaway visitors.
Set against the backdrop of the tightly controlled Acarist People's Republic, this simulation game thrusts you into a world where every decision counts and every action is closely monitored. This prologue kicks off with an intense start when a fellow officer is killed during an intervention, setting a serious and engaging tone for the narrative. Document control is a core mechanic, requiring players to meticulously examine the documents of every visitor.
Even small discrepancies can lead to a refusal of entry, and as the days progress, the number of documents and the complexity of errors increase, challenging yourattention to detail. Intelligence reports keep you informed about suspicious drivers so players are tasked to search vehicles thoroughly. Another of the standout features of Contraband Police: Prologue is its implementation of action-packed combat and police chases, where desperate smugglers attempt to flee the control zone.
Post management introduces strategic elements, allowing you to upgrade your station to bolster defenses and improve inspection efficiency. Special assignments also add variety and depth, requiring you to solve crime puzzles, support comrades, and combat rebels. However, as this is only the prologue, there is a noticeable lack of narrative depth and meaningful character interactions. The brief duration also gives playerslimited time to develop connections with the characters.
Contraband Police: Prologue provides an engaging glimpse into the life of a border officer, blending meticulous document control with action-packed combat. The prologue sets a serious tone with its intense start and introduces core mechanics that promise a compelling main game. However, the limited duration and lack of narrative depth leave players eager for more meaningful interactions and a fuller experience in the complete game.
