Remember when shooters were just about shooting things? No skill trees, no crafting systems, no open-world checklists. Just you, a hallway full of bad guys, and enough firepower to make John Woo proud. That’s exactly what indie developer targim is delivering with Cop Bastard, a brutally focused FPS that just released an updated demo on Steam.
Set in early 90s Osaka, this corridor shooter puts you in the shoes of a corrupt detective with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The game throws away modern conventions in favor of relentless, old-school action where every bullet counts and survival depends on quick reflexes rather than stat optimization.
Pure Action With Zero Fluff
Cop Bastard makes its intentions crystal clear from the start. No quests, no character progression, no puzzles to slow down the momentum. The developer describes it as delivering the most intense and focused action experience possible, and that philosophy shows in every design decision. You won’t spend time managing inventory or upgrading skill trees because there simply aren’t any.
The game strips everything down to the essential elements of classic shooters. You move through narrow, blood-soaked hallways fighting waves of Yakuza enemies in tight spaces where precision matters. There’s no aiming down sights, no cover system, no hand-holding. Just raw shooting mechanics that demand skill and quick thinking to survive each encounter.
F.E.A.R. Meets Hong Kong Action Cinema
The game’s biggest inspirations are immediately recognizable to anyone who grew up with 2000s shooters and 90s action movies. F.E.A.R.’s intense particle effects and satisfying gunplay combine with the stylistic violence of John Woo and Takeshi Kitano films. The result feels like playing through a gritty Japanese crime thriller with the mechanical precision of classic PC shooters.
PC Gamer noted that the visual style finds a sweet spot between fuzzy analog video and low-poly FPS aesthetics, creating moments of striking realism until you notice the Max Payne-style frozen grimaces on enemy faces. Muzzle flashes are huge and over-exposed, dust kicks up when you fire, and you genuinely feel like you’re lighting up a room when holding down the trigger.
The Updated Demo Changes Everything
The recently released demo represents a significant upgrade from the earlier version that players tested back in July 2024. Initial feedback pointed out issues with enemy AI that didn’t pose much challenge, overly forgiving damage systems, and weapon balance problems where the pistol outclassed everything else. Developer targim took that criticism seriously and rebuilt core systems.
The new demo features enhanced gun mechanics that make each weapon feel distinct and powerful. Improved visuals give the 90s Japan setting more atmosphere and authenticity. Revamped AI now provides actual challenge rather than standing around waiting to be headshot. Updated audio makes every shot resonate with proper impact, and numerous adjustments amplify the visceral feel of combat.
Signature Cop Bastard Moments
Beyond the shooting, the game embraces its deliberately cheesy tone. Enemy voice lines are delivered with exactly the cadence of old movie dubs, whether that’s intentional or happy accident. When you complete sections, the game displays exactly how many bullets hit you and where, leading to absurd revelations like taking 25 headshots and 64 hits to the right forearm during a single level.
Your character has multiple signature phrases he’ll spout during combat, ranging from simple expletives to full sentences like “Another idiot thinking he’s better than me” or “This place ain’t for losers like you.” And yes, as the developer proudly notes, you can actually spit on your enemies. It’s that kind of game, leaning fully into its B-movie roots while delivering mechanically solid shooting.
Solo Developer Passion Project
What makes Cop Bastard particularly impressive is that it’s the work of a single developer who has spent years crafting this experience. Targim has been transparent about the development process, regularly engaging with community feedback and iterating based on player responses. The jump from the initial demo to the updated version shows a developer willing to make substantial changes based on criticism.
This commitment to improvement bodes well for the full release scheduled for 2025. The game already has a strong foundation in terms of atmosphere and mechanical feel. With continued refinement of enemy AI, weapon balance, and level design, Cop Bastard could join the ranks of successful retro-inspired shooters that prove old-school design philosophies still have a place in modern gaming.
A Love Letter to Classic Shooters
Cop Bastard exists for a specific audience, gamers who remember when shooters prioritized moment-to-moment action over everything else. Those who still consider F.E.A.R., Max Payne, and classic corridor shooters to be the pinnacle of the genre will find plenty to love here. The game doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel or add modern open-world trappings.
Instead, it focuses on perfecting the core loop of moving through tight spaces, engaging enemies with satisfying weapons, and surviving through skill rather than stat advantages. The 90s Japan setting with noir-style cinematography provides atmospheric context without getting in the way of the action. Every design decision serves the goal of delivering unfiltered shooting chaos.
FAQs
Is the Cop Bastard demo available now?
Yes, an updated demo for Cop Bastard is currently available on Steam. The new version features enhanced gun mechanics, improved visuals, revamped AI, updated audio, and numerous improvements over the earlier demo released in 2024.
When will Cop Bastard be fully released?
Cop Bastard is scheduled for release in 2025. The exact date hasn’t been announced yet, but the developer continues posting regular updates about development progress and improvements based on community feedback.
What games inspired Cop Bastard?
The game draws heavy inspiration from F.E.A.R.’s intense particle effects and gunplay, combined with the stylistic violence of John Woo and Takeshi Kitano action films. Max Payne also influenced certain visual and gameplay elements, particularly the frozen enemy expressions and dramatic combat presentation.
What platforms will Cop Bastard release on?
Currently, Cop Bastard is confirmed for Windows PC through Steam. The developer hasn’t announced plans for console versions, though the game’s straightforward control scheme could potentially translate to controllers as some players have already tested gamepad support in the demo.
Does Cop Bastard have RPG elements or progression systems?
No, Cop Bastard deliberately strips away modern gaming conventions. There are no quests, no character progression, no skill trees, no crafting, and no puzzles. The focus is entirely on pure shooting action without any systems that might slow down the momentum.
Can you really spit on enemies in Cop Bastard?
Yes, the developer specifically mentions that spitting on enemies is a feature in the game. It’s one of many details that embrace the game’s deliberately over-the-top B-movie aesthetic and gives players extra ways to disrespect their defeated foes.
Who is developing Cop Bastard?
Cop Bastard is being developed by targim, a solo independent developer who has dedicated several years to creating this passion project. The developer actively engages with the community and has shown willingness to make substantial improvements based on player feedback.
Download and Try It Now
The beauty of Cop Bastard releasing a free demo is that you can experience exactly what the game offers without committing any money. If you’ve been craving a return to straightforward corridor shooters or you miss the days when F.E.A.R. dominated PC gaming discussions, this demo deserves your attention. The updated version shows real improvement over earlier builds, suggesting the full release will deliver on its promise of pure, unfiltered shooting action set against the gritty backdrop of 90s Osaka. Sometimes a game just needs a great name, satisfying guns, and enemies to shoot. Cop Bastard understands that better than most.