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Special Criminal Investigation

Arcade

Arcade

Special Criminal Investigation is the sequel to the 1988 original Chase H.Q. Instead of the black Porsche 928 of the first game, the player commands a red example of the just-introduced (at the time) Nissan 300ZX Z32 T-Top Turbo. Unlike the first game, the player was able to fire at offending veh...

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Developer
Taito

Released on
1988

Size
1 Player

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Racing

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Special Criminal Investigation is the sequel to the 1988 original Chase H.Q. Instead of the black Porsche 928 of the first game, the player commands a red example of the just-introduced (at the time) Nissan 300ZX Z32 T-Top Turbo. Unlike the first game, the player was able to fire at offending vehicles, with some cabinets containing buttons on the steering wheel, and others having a fire button on the gearshift, along with a button to activate the nitrous boost.

The game brings back protagonists Tony Gibson and Det. Raymond Broady of the first game, and their second game appearance. Broady has taken over the driver’s seat this time, while Gibson, as the passenger, serves as the gunman.

Special Criminal Investigation

Overview & History

Released by Taito in 1989, Special Criminal Investigation (often known simply as S.C.I.) serves as the high-octane sequel to the cult-classic vehicular combat game Chase H.Q.. Eschewing the standard police procedural, this arcade cabinet thrusts players into the stylish suits of S.C.I. agents Nancy and Gibson as they embark on a blistering, cross-country highway war against a ruthless drug syndicate operating out of Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. Unlike its predecessor, which focused purely on ramming fleeing sedans, S.C.I. introduces a revolutionary tactical element: the ability to draw and fire a sidearm directly from the driver's seat. The game's vibrant, scaling-sprite graphics and an unforgettable, pulse-pounding synth-rock soundtrack cemented its status as an iconic coin-op quarter-eater of the late golden era.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

S.C.I. blends high-speed racing with frantic vehicular combat across distinct stages, each culminating in a tense boss takedown. Players race against a strict countdown timer, aggressively ramming designated target vehicles while dodging civilian traffic, aggressive syndicate roadblocks, and environmental hazards. The defining gameplay evolution is the integration of offensive firepower. By collecting power-ups, players can unleash a barrage of submachine gun fire to shred enemy tires, blow up armor plating, and ultimately disable fleeing criminal bosses before time expires. The game demands razor-sharp reflexes, precise steering through treacherous curves, and split-second decisions on whether to brake, accelerate, or shoot.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Steer vehicle, navigate menus, and adjust aim vertically
Action Keys: Accelerate, brake, turbo boost, and fire submachine gun
Enter: Start / Pause