5 Games That Let You Play Good Cop/Bad Cop

The good cop, bad cop routine is a well-known concept that you've probably seen in film interrogations or even workplace negotiations. One guy storms in, ranting about all the bad things that will happen to you, while the other appears sympathetic and on your side. In the end, all they want is an advantage over their opponent, who may prefer to comply with the cop who offers them a carrot rather than a stick.

If you’re looking for good cop/bad cop scenarios in video games, we’ve got you covered. This article will look at five games that let you play good cop/bad cop, so you can have fun playing out intense scenarios that require you to get into character – and fast. 

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

We'll kick off with Red Dead Redemption 2, an odd choice among the five games that let you play good cop/bad cop. This action-adventure game follows Arthur Morgan; a devious outlaw turned law enforcer who may be forced to prosecute his fellow bank robbers. 

It’s not so clear cut, though – that all you need to do is choose whether to be a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ lawman. At some point, you’re forced to choose between your morals and the gang that raised you. Sometimes, you’re free to drag down to jail anyone you feel is breaking the law. You’re, after all, a self-appointed law enforcer free to do as you please. Other times, the locals band together against you, and you have no choice but to flee to the next town for a fresh start. You might even revert to your old gang habits and rob train passengers. How you choose to proceed is entirely up to you.

Simply put, this game tests how far you’re willing to go as a ‘wannabe’ cop. Perhaps being a good cop is too boring for you, so you'd want to shake things up a wee bit? In this Western era of the 1899 Wild West, everything goes, making for a great game to play good cop/bad cop.

4. Good Cop Bad Cop

Good Cop Bad Cop is a 52-card game in which five to ten players take on the roles of law enforcement officers in a corrupt police district. The game lasts about thirty minutes and is a good party filler. 

Good Cop Bad Cop is a hidden-role game in which you uncover hidden identities. By calling bluffs, you must determine who is on your side and, instead, target the suspected kingpin. At its core, Good Cop Bad Cop is a quick, easy-to-learn game that is excellent for mastering social engineering techniques. So, if you're looking for a great team-based, social deduction game night filler, feel free to check out Good Cop Bad Cop with friends and family.

3. True Crime: Streets of LA

If you like Grand Theft Auto, you'll likely enjoy playing True Crime: Streets of LA. This open-world action-adventure game will put your patience to the test as the struggle to maintain a good cop/bad cop balance gradually creeps in. Playing as Nick Kang, a cop suspended for his hostile methods of questioning suspects; the game provides an ideal setting to put his skills to use. 

Nick Kang’s aggressive skills are required by a new ‘Elite Operations Division’ squad to solve the toughest cases on the streets of Los Angeles. So if you’re ready to crack down on unsuspecting suspects, here’s a gem you may want to check out. It’s worth mentioning that True Crime: Streets of LA barely has limits. With mayhem erupting around every corner, whether on foot, with weapons, or by mowing down suspects in your vehicle, regular police work pales in comparison to this city's system.

Furthermore, prior to your missions, you will receive extensive training. Everything from martial arts to high-speed cruising is available to you. But, before you get too excited, there's a ‘good cop, bad cop' meter to keep track of your actions. It goes without saying that mowing down innocent people contributes to the ‘bad cop' meter, so when you've reached your limit, a SWAT team will track you down and put an end to the chaos. Provided you’re solving crimes without harassing innocents; you’re good to go.

2. L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is a detective action-adventure game based on real-life police work in 1947 Los Angeles. As Cole Phelps, a detective works his way up the LAPD ranks; he must investigate a variety of crimes, some of which are based on true-life events. Whether you're questioning suspects and witnesses or investigating crime scenes, each clue brings you closer to the truth. 

Cole Phelps plays a meticulous, remarkable detective who works tirelessly to uncover the truth by combing through evidence and keeping an eye out for lying tell-tale signs during interviews. So, if you want to get your hands dirty, L.A. Noire has plenty of vice, arson, homicide, and traffic cases to fill a dull weekend.

1. Just Cause

Just Cause has a solid reputation for creating open-world action on an unimaginable level. It's your world, and you make the rules. And why so? Well, just cause you can! 

In Just Cause, you play as a black ops agent tasked with overthrowing San Esperito's dictator, who may possess weapons of mass destruction. This happens in the context of an alliance between the Agency you work for and the PRASE Guerrilla war, which is the main force opposing San Esperito’s government. During your missions, you will be given compromising tasks like assassinating the chief of police, Velasco. But it's all for the better.

In addition, Just Cause has impressive visuals and grapple systems that seamlessly draw you in on all the fun you could have. Everything from skydiving to parasailing and other stunts is possible, with seemingly no way for the adrenaline to ever die down and allow you to catch your breath.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our five games that let you play good cop/bad cop? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.