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Detective Innis Garris rose from his desk and sighed. This was going to be a long night. As part of Precinct 20's homicide squad, he was used to getting more than his fair share of unusual cases. But this... this one outdid them all. This case wasn't just strange... it was Dead Strange.

Based on the programmer's own novel of the same name, Precinct 20: Dead Strange puts you in the gumshoes of Detective Garris as he investigates a series of murders around Precinct 20. Rumours of cult activity abound, with the mysterious Cult of Albhukra strongly suspected of having committed a string of ritual murders. That would be horrifying in itself, but there are whispers of the supernatural too. A character known only as The Birdman roams the area, pecking the eyes out of his dead victims. Then there's Slenderman, a creepy figure who preys on lonely pedestrians. As if all that wasn't enough, there have been reported sightings of a terrifying giant face...

Garris may know the streets like the back of his hand, but it's up to you to guide him. Streets and building interiors are displayed in a quasi-isometric 3D, enabling Garris limited movement in and out of the screen. These are mean streets and every inhabitant causes the detective damage; even the rats, dogs and bays hurt him on contact.

Fortunately, Garris can defend himself. He starts armed with a torch which, thanks to the supernatural element at large, damages or destroys whatever its beam touches. Other weapons such as knives may be found lying around, as are bloody clues which should be collected. Shops are placed handily, and in a break with convention all Garris needs do is go to the shop door and its weapon is granted to him. Unfortunately, he can only hold one weapon at a time and, if Garris takes a hit, he's left limping and with just his default torch for protection.

Should Detective Garris prevail, he'll put a stop to the spooky shenanigans and the area around Precinct 20 will be safe for its residents once more. Or will it..?

I've been a big fan of Alf's creations using the Shoot-'Em-Up Construction Kit, but this one really breaks the mould. Using the Sideways SEUCK by Jon Wells and clever additional code from Martin Piper and Richard Bayliss, this is a non-linear side-scrolling action game with extra weapons (purchased from shops) and a ghoulish energy display instead of the usual lives.

The large sprites and gloomy backgrounds play into the horror setting, backed with spooky sounds. It's just a shame the difficulty is frustratingly high, discouraging the player from returning to discover more and occasionally leaving you feeling like you are walking in circles. Play with the lights on...

You can tell that Precinct 20 was created with SEUCK, but it is so far removed from expectation that you can't fail to be impressed with the end result. Getting hit slows you down, but picking up anything thankfully restores your speed, albeit that the game is already difficult enough when you can still move at full speed.

Part of that is the slow burn of the torch weapon, and part is that, despite the pseudo 3D graphics, the collision detection is still on a flat plane. Learning the map and what weapon each shop delivers is vital to knowing where best to go when armed with the pistol.

The map isn't logical and it's easy to find yourself returned to where you have been. I wanted to like it, but frustration sadly held me back.

This game really frustrated me. I can see so much potential with if it had been fully realised... all it needed was just a little bit more tweaking.

The idea is interesting and original, but there are a few flaws. A torch as a weapon is a great idea, but you can only wield it in the direction you're walking and it's too slow with too short a range.

Also, getting hit takes your current weapon from you and leaves you with the torch. It would have been fairer if weapons were retained and cycled through, with you only losing the one you're holding when hit. It's a shame because I found a lot to like here. Precinct 20 is well worth persevering with, but be aware that frustration may get in the way.

Presentation 76%
Good title screen, password to start on Parts 1 or 2, but control options could have been better.

Graphics 80%
A little animation, decent backdrops and a range of nasty and creepy enemies.

Sound 91%
Spooky, strange and atmospheric - Richard Bayliss has produced some of his best work here.

Hookability 73%
Very difficult, but gripping nonetheless.

Lastability 79%
The urge to progress is quite high.

Overall 78%
A really intriguing title which, despite a number of flaws, remains interesting and worthwhile.