LA Cops
Metacritic
IGDB
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About LA Cops
LA Cops is a 3D top-down shooter with strategy elements set in 1970s Los Angeles. Developed by Modern Dream and published by Team17, it launched in 2015 for PS4, PC, Xbox One, and Mac. You play as two cops navigating crime-ridden streets, taking down gangsters, corrupt officials, and the enigmatic Hawaiian Mo. The game leans into retro aesthetics with a neon-soaked visual style and a soundtrack evoking 70s cop dramas. While the premise of dual-officer coordination sounds promising, the execution often feels clunky. It’s a niche title for fans of old-school tactics and chaotic action, but its dated design and stiff controls might turn off newcomers.
Gameplay
You control two officers simultaneously in real-time, using a grid-based targeting system to aim and fire. Each cop has unique abilities, like throwing grenades or tackling enemies, requiring you to switch between them mid-battle. Missions involve clearing out bad guys in staged environments, balancing offense and defense. The smart targeting UI feels more like a crutch than a tool, often forcing pauses to reposition characters. Combat is frenetic but lacks depth, with cover mechanics that feel half-implemented. Sessions average 45 minutes to an hour, but repetition sets in quickly due to minimal variation in level design. The "Nightmare Mode" achievement (1.8% unlocked) hints at hidden difficulty, but most players struggle to finish the base game.
What Players Think
Critics panned it hard: Metacritic sits at 45/100, IGDB at 46.4/100 (6 ratings). Average playtime is 12.5 hours, with 23% completing it. Community moods are split, 27% love it, 41% dislike it, 32% are neutral. Reviews call it “a relic of early 2010s indie experimentation” and “solid concept, flawed execution.” Achievements (13 total) have a 13.1% average unlock rate, with “Nightmare Mode” remaining a rare feat. Fans praise the 70s vibe and dual-officer strategy, while critics cite stiff controls and repetitive missions. The 1.8% “Nightmare Mode” unlock rate suggests it’s either a secret challenge or a red herring.
PlayPile's Take
LA Cops is a polarizing title best suited for retro enthusiasts or those craving 70s-inspired chaos. At its $19.99 launch price, it felt overpriced for its undercooked mechanics. While the dual-officer system is novel, the lack of polish and depth makes it a hard sell. Achievements add replay value, but most players won’t get past the first few. Skip unless you’re a completionist or a die-hard fan of niche strategy shooters. For most, it’s a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing execution.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
46.4
RAWG Rating
2.7
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