One high speed pursuit after another (Chase HQ - Secret Police (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Chase HQ - Secret Police (GB)
Date:	26/01/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Audio

"Chase HQ - Secret Police" is a fast paced action game based on capturing fugitives from the law. It was not immediately obvious to me whether the player controls a Government based police force or street level "bounty hunters". Suspects, however, have committed illegal crimes from a legal perspective. After brief reading into the history of this title, it is suggested that the player controls a "real" police officer.

Players begin by reading through a slight mission briefing regarding a crime that has just occurred and the criminal's last known location. The player will then choose three secret policemen to apprehend the suspect in question by deploying them in three separate locations around a small map. A radar will then show where the criminal is proceeding and the player can quickly choose a nearby policeman to pursue in a "battle" sequence; a high speed police chase involving two fast cars and weaponry. The task is successfully complete when the player pummels his or her opponent into submission by damaging the opposing car in such a way that it cannot drive any further (represented by a health status bar). Controls do not require an any additional reading with "A" accelerating the player's vehicle, "B" making use of the on-car weapon and the arrow keys guiding movement.

Graphics are acceptable for the Gameboy Color. "Chase HQ" borrows techniques from other vintage racing titles and implements them rather well, for example continual horizontal stripes which alternate frequently as the player accelerates to create the image of "speedier" movement. I found there to be an acceptable range of colour and detailing which made for a pleasing visual experience.

The audio department, however, could have used additional work as there is very little to review by the way of sound. The policeman's on-car weapon comes across as a slight "bop" noise which overpowers the very screechy music. Audio does not play a significant factor in this title so one may opt to play this game in silence without hindering gameplay.

I enjoyed "Chase HQ - Secret Police" and found it to be an interesting concept with some hints of more in-depth gaming. There is also a second player option which could further enhance the player's experience of this game. It is not particularly challenging and somewhat repetitive, but I would recommend this title without hesitation.

Summary: A worthy title to purchase