Chase

Chase

Overview & History

Released in the late 1980s by FCI, Chase is a lesser-known, high-octane vehicular action game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Heavily inspired by classic spy-fi tropes and cinematic car chases, the game casts players as a top-tier secret agent behind the wheel of a heavily modified, gadget-laden sports car. Your mission across the globe is to intercept a rogue syndicate's armored transport vehicles before they successfully deliver stolen nuclear launch codes. While it didn't achieve the mainstream phenomenon status of other racing titles, Chase carved out a dedicated cult following for its unique blending of top-down driving perspectives and tactical combat.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard racing games that focus purely on lap times, Chase is all about relentless pursuit and vehicular combat. Players navigate their armed interceptor through perilous terrain—ranging from bustling city streets to treacherous mountain passes—while dodging oil slicks, mines, and retaliatory gunfire from enemy agents. The core mechanics require balancing high-speed maneuvering with resource management. Your vehicle is equipped with a limited supply of surface-to-air missiles, machine gun ammunition, and a temporary turbo-boost. Destroying specific enemy leads rewards the player with weapon upgrades and armor repairs. As you progress, the scrolling speed increases dynamically, demanding split-second reflexes to avoid civilian traffic and devastating road hazards.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Steer vehicle left/right and accelerate/brake
• Action Keys: Fire weapons (A) and engage turbo boost (B)
• Enter: Start / Pause