My Played Video Games Review: Super Chase H.Q. for the Super Nintendo

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Super Chase H.Q. is a racing game created by Taito and is part of the Chase H.Q. series, serving as the sequel to Special Criminal Investigation, a vehicular combat racing game published by Taito for arcades in 1989. Originally launched in Japanese arcades as Super Chase: Criminal Termination, it later became available in North America in 1993 for the Super Nintendo.

This game marked a notable addition to the Chase H.Q. series by allowing players to drive the car using a first-person perspective. Moreover, it introduced a variety of vehicles for players to choose from, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Give pursuit then furiously ram or sideswipe that criminal's car to get him to stop...This another action driving game with that concept during the early 1990s.

Super Famicom box cover art for Japan (Image source)

The Story

Experience the adrenaline rush as your muscles tense and your nerves stretch in high-speed pursuits through cities and traffic jams, chasing down fleeing suspects. Whether you choose to pull them over or run them down, it's a race against time with you behind the wheel!

Enjoy turbo acceleration for ultra speeds, navigate through rounds of hair-raising chases, and, get ready for the car chase of a lifetime.

Manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics are quite good, utilizing Mode 7 scaling and similar techniques. The game adopts a first-person perspective, providing a view through your windshield, complete with a visible reflection of your face in the front mirror. However, there are some drawbacks, such as occasional pop-up issues that impact gameplay. For instance, a car might appear far in the distance in one lane, but as you approach, it unexpectedly shifts to a different lane, resulting in an irritating collision.

The music is quite good, and the inclusion of voices in the game is noteworthy, especially considering the capabilities of the SNES. However, some sound effects, like car horns honking, might not be as well-executed and could sound pretty bad.

Gameplay video sample of Super Chase H.Q. on the SNES. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

The gameplay in Super Chase H.Q. is somewhat basic, offering five levels and catering to a single-player experience. The primary objective is to drive while avoiding collisions with other cars. Motorcyclists in some levels add an extra challenge by throwing explosives or shooting at you. The gameplay intensifies when you turn on your sirens to pursue the criminal. However, it can be challenging to catch and apprehend them before time runs out. The game features two ways to lose: sustaining too much damage or running out of time, as each level has a time limit.

The game offers a choice between auto and manual transmission, providing decent controls. The game includes options for braking and a limited turbo button, allowing for a sense of speed with the ability to reach up to 250 mph. However, the control experience may not feel like directly maneuvering the car, likened more to controlling a side racket in Pong. Negotiating sharp turns can be challenging, and some obstacles may seem nearly impossible to avoid due to the limited turning capabilities.

The replay value is mediocre. The game lacks substantial content or variation, and once it's completed, there may not be compelling reasons to revisit it. The suggestion is that if you've successfully completed the game on Automatic mode, you might consider going through it again on Manual.

My Verdict

Super Chase H.Q. provides an enjoyable gaming experience, but it's important not to expect a masterpiece. While it has its entertaining moments, the game doesn't reach the level of a groundbreaking title.

Play it on the wonderful Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a likable emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!