Chase H.Q.

2025-10-25T00:53:33Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:1161:220D:64CA:8310: /* Reception */

{{Short description|1988 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Chase H.Q.
|image = Chasehq flyer.png
|caption = North American arcade flyer
|developer = [[Taito]]
|publisher = Taito
|designer = Hiroguki Sakou
|composer = Takami Asano
|programmer = Takeshi Ishizashi Takeshi Murata Kyoji Shimamoto<ref name="arcade-history"/>
|series = ''Chase''
|platforms = {{Collapsible list | title={{nobold|[[Arcade video game|Arcade]]}}|[[Amiga]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Atari ST]], [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]], [[TurboGrafx-16|PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16]], [[MSX]], [[Game Boy]], [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]], [[Sega Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]], [[X68000]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[FM Towns]], [[Sega Saturn]]}}
|released = {{Collapsible list | title={{nobold|September 1988}}|
'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|JP|September 1988<ref>{{cite book | title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編 (1971–2005) | trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971–2005) | last1=Akagi | first1=Masumi | publisher=Amusement News Agency | year=2006 | url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n43/mode/2up?q=%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B9| language=ja | location=Japan | isbn=978-4990251215 | page=43}}</ref>|EU|October 1988<ref name="CVG85"/>|NA|November 1988<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971–2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971–2005) |date=October 13, 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |language=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |pages=136–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n137/mode/2up}}</ref>}} '''Amiga, Atari ST, C64, CPC, ZX Spectrum'''{{vgrelease|EU|4 December 1989<ref name="TGM25"/>}} '''Famicom'''{{vgrelease|JP|8 December 1989<ref name="Famicom"/>}} '''PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16'''{{vgrelease|JP|26 January 1990<ref name="Fam-PCE"/>|NA|November 1992<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |date=November 1992 |title=Game Releases for November, 1992 Appearing in Local Stores Now! |url=https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthlyIssue40November1992/page/n35/mode/2up |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Sendai Publishing |issue=40 |page=37}}</ref>}} '''MSX'''{{vgrelease|ESP|February 1990<ref name="MM12">''[[Micromanía]]'', issue 21, second period (February 1990), [https://archive.org/details/micromania-segunda-epocha-21/page/n53 page 55]</ref>}} '''Game Boy'''{{vgrelease|NA|1 December 1990<ref name="ign2">{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/games/chase-hq/gb-10285|title=Chase H.Q. - Game Boy - IGN|publisher=ign.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>|JP|11 January 1991<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=21262|title=タイトーチェイスH.Q. まとめ [ゲームボーイ] / ファミ通.com|publisher=famitsu.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>|EU|April 1991<ref name="CVG114"/>}} '''Master System'''{{vgrelease|EU|1990}} '''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|JP|8 March 1991<ref name="Fam-GG"/>|EU|August 1991<ref name="CVG118"/>|NA|February 1992<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |date=February 1992 |title=The Games of February 1992... Appearing in Local Stores Now! |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_Issue_031_February_1992/page/n35/mode/2up |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Sendai Publishing |issue=31 |page=33}}</ref>}} '''Genesis/Mega Drive''' {{vgrelease|JP|23 October 1992<ref name="3rd party titles - Sega JP">{{cite web |title=Software List (Software Licensee Release) |url=https://www.sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html |website=Sega Hard Encyclopedia |publisher=[[Sega|Sega Corporation]] |access-date=May 15, 2023 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|February 1993<ref name=GI-93>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-9-march-april-1993_202408/page/n35/mode/2up|title=What's in Store for the First Half of 1993?|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=9 (March/April 1993)|pages=34-35}}</ref>}} '''X68000'''{{vgrelease|JP|October 1992<ref name="arcade-history"/>}} '''Super NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|26 November 1993<ref>{{cite web |title=SUPER FAMICOM Software List 1993 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTC2_SFC1993.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923163002/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTC2_SFC1993.html |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>|NA|December 1993<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/snes_games.pdf |publisher=Nintendo of America |title=Super NES Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611225644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/snes_games.pdf |archive-date=June 11, 2014 }}</ref>|PAL|1993}} '''FM Towns'''{{vgrelease|JP|1993<ref name="arcade-history"/>}} '''Saturn'''{{vgrelease|JP|9 August 1996<ref>{{cite web |title=Software List (Released by Soft Licensees)|url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software_l.html |website=セガ製品情報サイト |publisher=Sega |language=ja}}</ref>}}
}}
|genre = [[Racing game|Racing]], [[Vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]]<ref name="denofgeek">{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/games/11982/the-10-best-combat-racing-games|title=The 10 best combat racing games | Den of Geek|date=10 June 2010 |publisher=denofgeek.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|arcade system = [[Taito Z System]]<ref name="s16">[http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=657 Taito Z System], System 16: The Arcade Museum</ref>
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Chase H.Q.'''''|チェイスH.Q.||"Chase Headquarters"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1988 [[Vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]] [[racing game]] developed and published by [[Taito]] for [[arcade video game|arcades]]. It is sometimes seen as a spiritual successor to Taito's earlier ''[[Full Throttle (1987 video game)|Full Throttle]]'' (1987). The player assumes the role of a [[police officer]] named Tony Gibson, member of the "Chase Special Investigation Department". Along with his partner, Raymond Broady, he must stop fleeing criminals in high-speed pursuits in a black [[Porsche 928]].

''Chase H.Q.'' was [[Porting|ported]] to many [[home computer]]s by [[Ocean Software]] in 1989, including versions for the [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Commodore 64]], [[MSX]], [[Amiga]] and [[Atari ST]]. Taito produced versions for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Family Computer]] (1989), [[Game Boy]] (1990), [[Master System]] (1990), [[TurboGrafx-16]] (1990), [[Game Gear]] (1991), and [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]] (1996). It was released for [[PlayStation 2]] in Japan in 2007 as part of ''[[Taito Memories|Taito Memories II Volume 2]]''.

The game was a commercial success, becoming Japan's highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1989 while also becoming a hit overseas for arcades and home systems. The game was also well received by critics. It was followed by three arcade-based sequels: ''[[Special Criminal Investigation]]'' (1989), ''[[Super Chase H.Q.]]'' (1992) and ''[[Chase H.Q. 2]]'' (2007). Two spin-offs were also released: ''Crime City'' (1989) and ''Quiz H.Q.'' (1990).

==Gameplay==
At the start of each level, the player is informed who they are pursuing, a great distance away: They must apprehend the criminal before their time limit expires.<ref name="SatMag12">{{cite magazine |title=Taito Chase H.Q. Plus S.C.I.: Traffic Cops Take it to the Bad Guys!|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=12 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=October 1996|pages=28–29}}</ref> The criminal's car is constantly moving away, so if the player repeatedly crashes or drives too slowly, the criminal will escape. The road splits at some points during the game, and the correct turn must be taken, otherwise it will take longer to catch the criminal. When their vehicle is reached, the time limit is extended; the vehicle must be rammed a number of times until the criminal is forced to stop, then is arrested.

The game includes five levels.<ref name="SatMag12"/> Both the initial time limit to reach the criminal and the time extension to ram the criminal are 60, 65, or 70 seconds.

When Nancy at Chase HQ (at the start of every level) calls on the radio, the frequency is often between 144 and 148 MHz. This is actually the [[2-meter band]] of amateur or [[ham radio]] frequencies.

Although it is superficially similar in technology to [[Sega]]'s ''[[Out Run]]'', ''Chase HQ'' features significant technical advancements over that title in the presentation of perspective, hills and track splits.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}

Villains (for arcade versions):
:1. Ralph, the Idaho Slasher (White [[Lotus Esprit]])
:2. Carlos, the New York armed robber (Yellow [[Lamborghini Countach]])
:3. Chicago pushers (Silver [[Porsche 911]])
:4. L.A. kidnapper (Blue [[Ferrari 288 GTO]])
:5. Eastern Bloc Spy (Red [[Porsche 928]])

The last villain's car is always listed as unidentified.

If the level is completed, bonus points are as follows: if completed without continuing, 100,000 times level in play, otherwise, 10,000; plus, 5,000 per second saved for completing level. A 5,000,000-point award is collected for beating the game.

==Home releases==
[[File:Chase_HQ_Atari_ST_screenshot.png|thumb|left|320px|Stage 1 in the Atari ST version of Chase H.Q. The Player's black Porsche 928 accelerates past 300 km/h while an on-screen arrow marks the criminals' vehicle up ahead.]]
[[Ocean Software]] released versions of the game for the [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Amiga|Commodore Amiga]] and [[Atari ST]] in December 1989.<ref name="TGM25">''[[The Games Machine]]'', [http://amr.abime.net/issue_838_pages issue 25] (December 1989), pages 76-77</ref> The [[MSX]] version was released in February 1990 only in Spain, roughly one month later after the launch of the rest of Ocean's versions in that market.<ref name="MM12">''[[Micromanía]]'', issue 21, second period (February 1990), [https://archive.org/details/micromania-segunda-epocha-21/page/n53 page 55]</ref>

Taito produced conversions (known as '''''Taito Chase H.Q.''''') for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Family Computer]] (1989), [[Game Boy]] (1990), [[Master System]] (1990), [[TurboGrafx-16]] (1990) and [[Game Gear]] (1991). In 1992, it was released on the [[Sega Genesis]] as '''''Chase H.Q. II''''' (known as '''''Super H.Q.''''' in Japan), with some minor changes, including alternative player vehicles.

In December 1990, the game was included on the '''''Wheels Of Fire''''' compilation, which also featured ''[[Hard Drivin]]'', ''[[Power Drift]]'' and ''[[Turbo OutRun]]'' on the Commodore 64. In June 1991, the game was released on the '''''Power Up''''' compilation, which also featured also on the C64 ''[[Altered Beast]]'', ''[[Turrican]]'', ''[[Rainbow Islands]]'' and ''[[X-Out (video game)|X-Out]]''.

In 1991, the game was released for the [[FM Towns]].

In 1993, Taito released ''Super Chase H.Q.'' (known in Japan as ''Super H.Q. Criminal Chaser'') for the Super NES. Unlike other home versions, it is played in first person perspective and is based upon ''Super Chase: Criminal Termination'' rather than the original ''Chase H.Q.'' Gameplay is modeled on the original with some aspects of ''S.C.I.'' incorporated. A PAL version of ''Super Chase H.Q.'' was released exclusively in Australia in 1993 by [[Mattel]] (Nintendo's ANZ distributor until 1994) and re-released by Nintendo Australia thereafter. There is also a ''Super Chase H.Q.'' for the [[Game Boy]], which was released exclusively in North America, in 1994. The game is similar to the Game Boy's ''Taito Chase H.Q.'' (1991).

In 1996, Taito released an emulation of the arcade original for the [[Sega Saturn]] in Japan, bundled together with ''Special Criminal Investigation'' on one disc.<ref name="SatMag12"/>

In 1999, ''[[Chase H.Q.: Secret Police]]'' was released for the [[Game Boy Color]].

In July 2008, the TurboGrafx-16 version of the game was re-released on the [[Wii]] [[Virtual Console]].<ref>{{cite news|title=One WiiWare Game and Two Virtual Console Games Added to Wii Shop Channel|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/pR2zkTa_ZHOwG8vdUHzaWP46cL2QgQso|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=28 July 2008|access-date=4 August 2008}}</ref>

A spin-off was released in 1989 titled ''Crime City''. The game play deviates from the traditional third-person driving and is instead a side scrolling type shooter.

==Reception==
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="float:right; font-size:80%; text-align:center; margin:1em; margin-top:0; padding:0;" cellpadding="0"
! colspan=5 style="font-size: 100%" | Contemporary reception
|-
! colspan=5 | [[Video game journalism|Review scores]]
|-
! rowspan=2 | Publication
! colspan=4 | Scores
|-
! [[Arcade video game|Arcade]]
! [[PC game|Computer]]
! [[Console game|Console]]
! [[Handheld game console|Handheld]]
|-
| ''[[ACE (magazine)|ACE]]''
| Positive<ref name="ACE"/>
| 840 ([[Amiga|AMI]])<ref name="ace_hq"/> 868 ([[ZX Spectrum|ZX]])<ref name="ace_hq">{{cite web|url=https://wos.meulie.net/pub/sinclair/magazines/ACE/Issue29/Pages/ACE2900042.jpg|title=Image: ACE2900042.jpg, (970 × 1322 px)|publisher=wos.meulie.net|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
| 928 ([[PC Engine|PCE]])<ref>''[[ACE (games magazine)|ACE]]'', issue 34 (July 1990), [https://wos.meulie.net/pub/sinclair/magazines/ACE/Issue34/Pages/ACE3400059.jpg page 59]</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[Computer + Video Games]]''
| Positive<ref name="CVG85"/>
| 93% (AMI) 93% ([[Atari ST|ST]]) 97% (ZX)<ref name="CVG98">{{cite web|url=https://wos.meulie.net/pub/sinclair/magazines/C+VG/Issue098/Pages/CVG09800019.jpg|title=Image: CVG09800019.jpg, (969 × 1331 px)|publisher=wos.meulie.net|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> 36% ([[Commodore 64|C64]]) 97% ([[Amstrad CPC|CPC]])<ref name="CVG100">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/cvg-magazine-100/CVG_100_Mar_1990#page/n68/mode/1up|title=Chase HQ|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=100 (March 1990)|date=16 February 1990|page=69|access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref>
| 86% ([[Master System|SMS]])<ref name="archive">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/Complete_Guide_to_Sega_The_1990_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n53/mode/2up|title=Complete Guide to Sega, The (1990)(EMAP Images)(GB)|year=1990 |access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="CVG">{{cite journal |title=Guide: Sega |journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=November 1990 |issue=Complete Guide to Consoles: Volume IV |pages=89–110 |url=https://archive.org/details/Complete_Guide_to_Consoles_Volume_IV_1990_EMAP_Publishing_GB/page/n88}}</ref>
| 31% ([[Game Boy|GB]])<ref name="CVG114">''Computer and Video Games'', issue 114 (May 1991), [https://wos.meulie.net/pub/sinclair/magazines/C%2BVG/Issue114/Pages/CVG11400072.jpg page 72] (published April 1991)</ref> 90% ([[Game Gear|GG]])<ref name="CVG118">''Computer and Video Games'', issue 118 (September 1991), [https://archive.org/stream/computer-video-games-magazine-118/CVG118_Sep_1991#page/n88/mode/1up page 89] (published August 1991)</ref>
|-
| ''[[Crash (magazine)|Crash]]''
|
| 95% ([[ZX Spectrum|ZX]])<ref name="Crash">{{cite web|url=https://wos.meulie.net/pub/sinclair/magazines/Crash/Issue71/Pages/Crash7100057.jpg|title=Image: Crash7100057.jpg, (1076 × 1369 px)|publisher=wos.meulie.net|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
|
|
|-
| ''[[Famitsu]]''
|
|
| 24/40 ([[Famicom]])<ref name="Famicom">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=6213|title=タイトーチェイスH.Q. まとめ [ファミコン] / ファミ通.com|publisher=famitsu.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> 18/40 ([[Sega Mega Drive|SMD]])<ref name="Fam-MD">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=6374|title=スーパーH.Q. まとめ [メガドライブ] / ファミ通.com|publisher=famitsu.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> 30/40 (PCE)<ref name="Fam-PCE">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=6217|title=タイトーチェイスH.Q. まとめ [PCエンジン] / ファミ通.com|publisher=famitsu.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
| 23/40 (GG)<ref name="Fam-GG">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16069|title=タイトーチェイスH.Q. まとめ [ゲームギア] / ファミ通.com|publisher=famitsu.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
|-
| ''{{ill|Génération 4|fr|Gen4|vertical-align=sup}}''
|
| 92% (AMI) 92% (ST)<ref name="Gen4">''{{ill|Génération 4|fr|Gen4|vertical-align=sup}}'', issue 18 (January 1990), pages 38-39</ref>
| 85% (PCE)<ref>''{{ill|Génération 4|fr|Gen4|vertical-align=sup}}'', issue 20 (March 1990), pages 60-61</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]''
|
| 92% (AMI) 92% (CPC) 90% (ST)<ref name="Joystick1">''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]'', issue 1 (January 1990), pages 94-95</ref>
| 89% (PCE)<ref>''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]'', issue 4 (April 1990), page 44</ref> 93% (SMS)<ref>''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]'', issue 7 (July–August 1990), page 108</ref>
| 83% (GG)<ref>''[[Joystick (magazine)|Joystick]]'', issue 18, page 190</ref>
|-
| ''[[Sinclair User]]''
| 9/10<ref name="solvalou">{{cite web|url=http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/111/74/chase_hq_review.html|title=Chase HQ arcade game review|publisher=solvalou.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
| 96% (ZX)<ref name="SUser-ZX">{{cite magazine|url=https://worldofspectrum.org/archive/magazines/pages/sinclair-user/94/2#104|title=Chase H.Q.|magazine=[[Sinclair User]]|issue=94 (January 1990)|date=18 December 1989|access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref>
|
|
|-
| ''[[The Games Machine]]''
|
| 840/1000 (AMI) 868/1000 (ZX)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/ace-magazine-29/ACE_Issue_29_1990_Feb#page/n41/mode/2up |title=''Chase HQ'' |author=Eugene Lacey |date=February 1990 |magazine=Advanced Computer Entertainment}}</ref>
|
|
|-
| ''[[Tilt (French magazine)|Tilt]]''
|
|
| {{Rating|5}} (SMS)<ref name="abandonware">{{cite web|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Tilt/tilt_numero081/TILT%20-%20n081%20-%20septembre%201990%20-%20page084%20et%20085.jpg|title=Image: TILT - n081 - septembre 1990 - page084 et 085.jpg, (2448 × 1660 px)|publisher=download.abandonware.org|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[Your Sinclair]]''
|
| 94% (ZX)<ref name="ysrnry2">{{cite web|url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/chasehq.htm|title=Chase HQ|publisher=ysrnry.co.uk|access-date=4 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521005645/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/chasehq.htm|archive-date=21 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|
|
|-
| ''[[Commodore User]]''
| 9/10<ref name="solvalou2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/273/74/chase_hq_review.html|title=Chase HQ arcade game review|publisher=solvalou.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
| 70% ([[Amiga|AMI]])<ref name="abime">{{cite web|url=http://amr.abime.net/amr_popup_picture.php?src=cu_amiga/magscans/cu_1990_01/069.jpg&c=90237&n=1&filesize=220377|title=Amiga Magazine Rack|publisher=amr.abime.net|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>
|
|
|-
! colspan=5 | Awards
|-
! Publication
! colspan=4 | Awards
|-
| {{ill|lt=''Gamest'' Awards|Gamest Awards|ja|ゲーメスト大賞|vertical-align=sup}}
| colspan=4 | [[List of Game of the Year awards|Hit Game of the Year]] (10th)<ref name="Gamest"/>
|-
| [[Golden Joystick Award]]s
| colspan=4 | Best 8-Bit Coin-Op Conversion, Best 8-Bit Soundtrack<ref name="Golden"/>
|-
| ''[[Your Sinclair]]''
| colspan=4 | [[List of video games considered the best|Readers' Top Game of All Time]],<ref name="YSinclair100"/> Megagame
|-
| ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''
| colspan=4 | C+VG Hit
|-
| ''[[Crash (magazine)|Crash]]''
| colspan=4 | Crash Smash
|-
| ''[[Sinclair User]]''
| colspan=4 | SU Classic
|}

===Commercial===
In Japan, ''{{ill|Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン|vertical-align=sup}}'' listed ''Chase H.Q.'' as the second most successful upright [[arcade cabinet]] of November 1988.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット型TVゲーム機 (Upright/Cockpit Videos)|magazine={{ill|Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン|vertical-align=sup}}|issue=344|publisher={{ill|Amusement Press, Inc.|ja|アミューズメント通信社|vertical-align=sup}}|date=15 November 1988|page=25|lang=ja}}</ref> It went on to become Japan's highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1989.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Videos of The Year; "Tetris", "Chase H.Q." |magazine={{ill|Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン|vertical-align=sup}} |issue=372 |publisher={{ill|Amusement Press, Inc.|ja|アミューズメント通信社|vertical-align=sup}} |date=15 January 1990 |page=26 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19900115p.pdf#page=14}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, it was a hit in the arcades,<ref name="SUser-ZX"/> becoming the top coin-on arcade game at one point.<ref name="CVG100"/>

The home computer conversions topped the UK sales chart in Christmas 1989.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cundy |first1=Matt |title=Every Christmas Top 10 from the last 20 years |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/every-christmas-top-10-from-the-last-20-years/10/ |website=[[GamesRadar]] |page=10 |access-date=9 March 2021 |date=25 December 2007}}</ref> The ZX Spectrum version reached number two on the UK sales charts in early 1990, behind ''[[Rainbow Islands]]''.<ref name="ysrnry">{{cite web|url=http://ysrnry.co.uk/ys53.htm|title=The YS Rock'n'Roll Years - Issue 53|publisher=ysrnry.co.uk|date=May 1990|access-date=4 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912063151/http://ysrnry.co.uk/ys53.htm|archive-date=12 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Critical===
The arcade game was well received by critics. ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' gave it a positive review, stating "at last" a "racing game with something more to do than just whizzing around a track to beat the course time". They concluded that it is "fast and challenging with great graphics" and "good clear sound effects" and is "definitely a winner".<ref name="CVG85">{{cite magazine |title=Chase HQ |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=15 October 1988 |issue=85 (November 1988) |page=140 |url=https://archive.org/stream/cvg-magazine-085/CVG_085_Nov_1988#page/n139/mode/1up}}</ref> ''[[ACE (games magazine)|ACE]]'' said that the "''[[Out Run]]'' theme keeps being expanded and presented in different ways" like ''[[Power Drift]]'' but considered ''Chase HQ'' better than the former. They concluded that the game's driving and violence is "a winning coin-up combination".<ref name="ACE">{{cite web|url=http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/26/74/chase_hq_review.html|title=Chase HQ arcade game review|publisher=solvalou.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> ''[[Crash (magazine)|Crash]]'' said it "is a great game" and "the ultimate arcade version of cops-and-robbers movies".<ref name="solvalou4">{{cite web|url=http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/80/74/chase_hq_review.html|title=Chase HQ arcade game review|publisher=solvalou.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> According to ''Arcade History'', it "was arguably the first sprite-scaled racer since" ''Out Run'' "to truly capture the gaming public's imagination".<ref name="arcade-history">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=chase-h.q.&page=detail&id=441|title=chase h.q., arcade video game, taito corp. (1988)|publisher=arcade-history.com|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>

The home computer conversions were also mostly well received by critics. The 16-bit Amiga and Atari ST versions received positive reviews, while the 8-bit ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC conversions received high review scores and are generally recognised as the most accurate and most playable of the Ocean Software home computer releases. All three of the ZX Spectrum magazines awarded it 94% or above, praising the speed of the game and the originality. ''Crash'' gave the game 95%,<ref name="Crash"/> while ''[[Sinclair User]]'' awarded it 96%.<ref name="SUser-ZX"/> On the other hand, the 8-bit Commodore 64 conversion received a generally negative reception.<ref name="CVG100"/>

The Master System conversion was well received by critics. ''Computer and Video Games'' said the "gameplay is as exciting as it was in the arcades" and "the high-speed thrills of this conversion" makes this game worth to look at it.<ref name="CVG"/>

===Accolades===
At Japan's 1989 {{ill|lt=''Gamest'' Awards|Gamest Awards|ja|ゲーメスト大賞|vertical-align=sup}}, the arcade version was nominated for [[List of Game of the Year awards|Hit Game of the Year]], for which it was voted 10th place.<ref name="Gamest">''[[Gamest]]'', ''The Best Game 2: Gamest Mook Vol. 112'', pages 6-26</ref> According to an Ocean Software advert in 1989, the arcade version was voted Arcade Game of the Year.<ref name="archive2">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/cvg-magazine-097/CVG_097_Dec_1989#page/n163/mode/2up|title=CVG Magazine Issue 097|date=December 1989 |access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>

At the 1989/1990 [[Golden Joystick Award]]s, the 8-bit home computer versions were awarded Best 8-Bit Coin-Op Conversion and Best 8-Bit Soundtrack.<ref name="Golden">{{cite journal|title=High Society|journal=[[ACE (games magazine)|ACE]]|issue=33|date=June 1990|pages=10|publisher=[[EMAP]]|url=https://archive.org/stream/ACEIssue33Jun90/ACE_Issue_33_Jun_90#page/n9/mode/1up}}</ref> The Spectrum version also topped ''Computer and Video Games''{{'}} "The Best Games of '89" list (along with ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'').<ref name="archive3">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/cvg-magazine-098/CVG_098_Jan_1990#page/n7/mode/2up|title=CVG Magazine Issue 098|date=January 1990 |access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> The Spectrum version was voted number 1 in the ''[[Your Sinclair]]'' poll of [[List of video games considered the best|Readers' Top 100 Games of All Time]] in 1993.<ref name="YSinclair100">{{cite journal|title=Readers' Top 100 Games of All Time|journal=Your Sinclair|date=September 1993|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/ystop100.html|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030232331/http://www.worldofspectrum.org/ystop100.html|archive-date=30 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Records==
[[Brian Kuh]] from [[Weirs Beach, New Hampshire]] holds the official arcade world record with a score of 3,596,680 points achieved on 1 June 2006 at [[Funspot Family Fun Center]], [[Weirs Beach, New Hampshire]]. Robert Gray from [[Dumfriesshire]], [[Scotland]] holds the official [[MAME]] world record with a score of 11,490,280 points achieved on 13 June 2010.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

==Legacy==
''Chase H.Q.'' was successful enough to earn two arcade-based sequels - the widely released ''[[Special Criminal Investigation]]'' released in 1989 and the extremely rare ''Super Chase: Criminal Termination'' released in 1992. It also earned two spin-offs - the [[Shoot 'em up#Run and gun|run and gun]] ''Crime City'', and the [[quiz]] game ''Quiz H.Q.''.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

''Special Criminal Investigation'' expands on the original with the addition of guns - the passenger can rise out of the [[T-top]] of his [[Nissan 300ZX|Nissan 300ZX Z32]] and shoot at oncoming targets. To take advantage of this, enemies are placed throughout the level and will attempt to shoot at or ram the player as they attempt to pursue the main criminal. Deviating from the relatively realistic tracks on offer in the original, the sequel features pursuits through waterfalls and unfinished sections of elevated highway.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

''[[Super Chase: Criminal Termination]]'' was the third arcade release in the ''Chase H.Q.'' series, released in 1992.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

The 1997 [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] game ''[[Ray Tracers]]'', developed and released by Taito, has been described as "more or less a follow up" to the game,<ref name="rtallgame">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:7944~T1 |title=allgame (((Ray Tracers > Review))) |publisher=[[allgame]] |access-date=29 August 2008 |archive-date=1 December 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121201223057/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7944 |url-status=dead}}</ref> with "only a few differences" such as a different speed-boost system and a greater variety of targets.<ref name="rtgamespot">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/driving/raytracers/review.html |title=Ray Tracers for PlayStation Review |website=[[GameSpot|GameSpot, Inc.]] |access-date=31 August 2008}}</ref>

In February 2006, ''Chase H.Q.: Nancy Yori Kinkyuu Renraku'' (''Chase H.Q. - An Urgent Call From Nancy'') was presented at the Arcade Operator's Union (AOU) trade show in [[Tokyo]]. It was shown again at AOU 2007.<ref name="joystiq">{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Jonti |title=AOU 2007: Chase H.Q. 2 on patrol |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-chase-h-q-2-on-patrol/ |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219172952/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/aou-2007-chase-h-q-2-on-patrol/ |archive-date=19 February 2007 |date=16 February 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game was released as ''Chase H.Q. 2'' in December 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=チェイスＨ.Ｑ.２ |url=http://www.taito.co.jp/arc/title/2007/details/chase_hq2.html |website=[[Taito]] |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228094427/http://www.taito.co.jp/arc/title/2007/details/chase_hq2.html |archive-date=28 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Saint Etienne (band)|Saint Etienne]] recorded a demo dance track called "Chase HQ" that was inspired by ''Chase H.Q.'' It includes samples of the "Oh man!" and "Punch the pedal!" exclamations from the game action. The track was released as a bonus track on the 2009 Deluxe reissue of the band's 1991 album, ''[[Foxbase Alpha]]''.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

''Chase HQ''{{'}}s gameplay, which involved ramming the enemy car while avoiding oncoming traffic, has been cited as a precursor to the gameplay of later titles such as ''[[Driver (video game series)|Driver]]'' and ''[[Burnout (series)|Burnout]]''.<ref name="google">{{cite book|title=The Video Games Guide: 1,000+ Arcade, Console and Computer Games, 1962-2012, 2d ed.|author=Fox, M.|date=2013|publisher=McFarland, Incorporated Publishers|isbn=9781476600673|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LVc1QNGo_g0C&pg=PA49|page=49|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{KLOV game|7318}}
* {{moby game|id=/chase-hq}}
* {{WoS game|id=0000903}}
* [http://www.arcade-history.com/index.php?page=detail&id=441 Arcade History Database entry]
* [http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/bt/guruandwez/retroco/17454-chase-hq Xleague.TV/TGWTG Video Retrospective feature of the ''Chase H.Q.'' series]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150521005645/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/chasehq.htm Review of the ZX Spectrum conversion of ''Chase HQ'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050408023412/http://www.classicgaming.com/amigareviews/chasehq1.htm#chasehq1zzap Review of the Amiga and Commodore 64 conversions of ''Chase HQ'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100527213231/http://www.twingalaxies.com/index.aspx?c=22 Twin Galaxies Official MAME World Record]

{{Chase H.Q. series|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1988 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category:Amstrad CPC games]]
[[Category:Atari ST games]]
[[Category:Commodore 64 games]]
[[Category:Crash Smash! award winners]]
[[Category:FM Towns games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:Golden Joystick Award winners]]
[[Category:Master System games]]
[[Category:MSX games]]
[[Category:Ocean Software games]]
[[Category:Racing video games]]
[[Category:X68000 games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Taito arcade games]]
[[Category:Taito Z System games]]
[[Category:TurboGrafx-16 games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Video games about police officers]]
[[Category:Video games scored by David Whittaker]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Yasuhisa Watanabe]]
[[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]

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Chase H.Q.