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1988

Chase H.Q.

Quick Overview

Chase H.Q. is Taito's 1988 car chase game in which you play a police officer pursuing fleeing criminals in a black Porsche 928. Each level begins with a radio call from headquarters, and the goal is to catch the criminal's car and keep ramming it until it stops. It is one of the best-known arcade racing games of the eighties.

Chase H.Q.

Basics

  • Release1988
  • Developer and manufacturerTaito (Japan)
  • GenreArcade car chase
  • Players1 player
  • HardwareTaito Z System
  • Levels5

Standout Features

Officers Tony Gibson and Raymond Broady in a black Porsche 928Dispatcher Nancy's radio calls at the start of every levelA limited number of nitro boosts to close the distanceTaking the wrong turn at a fork lengthens the chase

Gameplay

Five levels, each with its own criminalCatching the criminal's car within the time limitRamming the fleeing car until it stopsDodging traffic and obstacles

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Game Objective

As police officer Tony Gibson, with partner Raymond Broady, you chase criminals in a black Porsche 928. Each level starts with a radio call from headquarters: the dispatcher Nancy tells you who the target is and what car he is driving. Within the time limit you have to catch up with the fleeing car, then ram it until it stops. If you crash or drive slowly, the criminal gets away. A limited number of nitro boosts help you close the distance quickly.

The Chase H.Q. Series

Chase H.Q. grew into a series. Special Criminal Investigation came out in 1989, Super Chase: Criminal Termination in 1992 and Chase H.Q. 2 in 2007. Taito also spun off games from its world: Crime City (1989) and Quiz H.Q. (1990) both come from the Chase H.Q. universe.

Fun Facts

  • The arcade version came out in autumn 1988 (sources give September or October for Japan).
  • You chase the criminals in a black Porsche 928.
  • There are five levels, each with its own criminal.
  • The radio calls from headquarters are delivered by the dispatcher Nancy.
  • Ocean Software's home versions topped the UK sales chart at Christmas 1989.

The Evolution of Arcade

Chase H.Q. became one of Taito's most successful arcade games. It reached home computers quickly: Ocean Software released versions in 1989 for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Amiga and Atari ST, and they topped the UK sales charts. A sequel, Special Criminal Investigation, followed in 1989.

Who Is It For?

Fans of eighties driving games. If you like fast car chases with simple rules, Chase H.Q. is one of the best places to start.