Taito/£25/Game Gear

When Taito’s scroll into the screen, rolling road coin op Chase HQ first appeared in the arcades, everyone was more than a bit impressed. At last we had the chance to play Outrun with blue flashing lights and a licence to drive as fast as you wanted. The concept was a novel one and the pelican crossings and traffic lights were a particular favourite. (You what? Ed.)

Anyway, the idea is to apprehend a baddie, such as Ralph the Idaho Slasher, by smashing into his getaway motor with your cop car. When you’ve brought him to a grinding halt, you can haul him out, throw him over the bonnet and read him his rights. Then feel his collar!

There are two main parts to the game — the chasey bit, where you dash along the highways avoiding innocent road users, and the fun bit whore you bash into the perp’s car. To aid you, there are a multitude of add—ons (well, five anyway) such as tyres and superchargers, as well as the now traditional turbo boost. Once you’ve caught him, the delectable Nancy at HQ informs you of the next victim... ahem... villain to apprehend.

Although the Game Gear version is smooth, fast and faithful to the original, it suffers from being far too easy. On my second go I reached the last level! All in all, Chase HQ is fun for a few minutes, but only worth the dosh if you’re a devoted fan of the original.

VERDICT

62

Rating

62

Reviewer

Zero magazine

Region

UK

Scans

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