This one is interesting. Chase H.Q. definitely has its roots firmly planted in the Outrun camp. That being said it managed to add its own interesting little twist to that format. The 80;s cop aesthetic and focus on smashing your target to pieces did a lot to help the game stand out and with the various ports gave other console owners a small taste of what Sega’s classic racer was like. But when the two games are on the same system you can’t help but compare and in this regard Chase HQ II comes up short. Even with the different focus in gameplay it can’t match up to the game that inspired it.
This version of Chase HQ is a sequel in name only as it is merely a remixed port of the original with a few added elements. The real Chase H.Q. 2 didn’t actually hit the market until 2007 if you can believe it. Part of the confusion comes from an unfortunate name change: in Japan this is known as Super Chase which actually sums up the game pretty well. The few new play mechanics don’t really warrant calling this a sequel. I can certainly understand the US division’s enthusiasm as this is a valiant attempt at adding some depth to what is otherwise a simple game but ultimately it doesn’t pan out. Regardless of the features added this is still a short game that doesn’t have enough meat to warrant tracking down.
Rather than the spruced up sports car of the arcade you have a choice of three vehicles prior to each mission. Each comes with with separate stats in speed, weight, and attack strength. Honestly they all neatly fall into established tropes. The sport car has the highest top speed but has a weak body and mediocre attack strength. The semi-truck is the slowest but has the highest attack power and weighs the most. The 4 wheel drive is average in all three categories and the safest pick when you can’t make up your mind based on the hints given out by Nancy.
You’ll notice the differences immediately once you hit the tarmac. In the truck passing vehicles barely register once you hit full speed which is a godsend. Its high attack power can make short work of the pursuing vehicle, the only problem is actually catching it. The truck’s slow speed is a detriment and means you’ll have to run a perfect race in order to catch your suspect. Pray to god he doesn’t get away or it’s over. The sport vehicle is a nice default but its frustrating having to smash the bastard 30 times to get them to pull over. While the stats show a huge discrepancy next to the jeep it isn’t as noticeable.
The missions are similar to the arcade while featuring new locations and other extensions. There are intersections with traffic and bumpers, new hazards such as ice, water, and even attacking helicopters. It certainly livens up the game in addition to having more vehicles on the road. The game starts to show its Outrun influenced roots in its choices of scenery and elevated roads like Outrun 2019. Having said that the handling here isn’t as smooth as that game. It’s a hassle to try and weave through traffic. The sense of speed is also severely lacking. That last one is surprising; if I’m going 200 mph it should feel faster than my parent’s old station wagon. In addition to the extra crap you have to deal with on the road it makes the game more frustrating rather than actually exciting.
Despite a strict time limit the other versions of Chase HQ were incredibly easy due to the unlimited continues. That isn’t the case here; credits are limited and simply reaching your target is a harrowing experience in itself. Traffic is denser and aggressive in impeding your progress whether intentional or not. The new track designs have more elements to slow you down such as water and even bombs. Mistakes ate even harder to come back from since the game is so unbalanced.
Regardless of the increased difficulty however this is still a short game. There are only six missions and while some have their moments (there is a nice surprise when you think its over after the harrowing chase of mission six) but not enough to hold your interest. The added challenge means it will take probably an hour or so to see all of the content. At that point this will go on the shelf and never be played again.
Visually this version of the game is pretty interesting. Obviously it can’t match the arcade but it makes up for it by featuring more varied terrain. Each mission goes through at least 3 changes in scenery which is more than the coin op. Little bits of animation have been cut here and there although you would have to be familiar with the original to notice. Chase HQ certainly wasn’t a pretty game so this version didn’t have a lot to work with; it is passable.
In Closing
I applaud Taito for at least trying to make Chase HQ II a worthwhile proposition but the execution of their ideas comes up short. This seems less like a sequel and more like a half assed mission pack.
