Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

S.C.I.: Special Criminal Investigation puts you behind the wheel of a heavily modified chase vehicle, complete with a V6 DOHC 3000cc Twin Turbo engine. From the moment you press the accelerator, you feel the roar of raw power as you tear through city streets hunting down the suspects linked to the kidnapping. Your vehicle isn’t just a speed machine—it’s also armed with a steering-wheel-mounted gun and five sets of nitro-fuel boosts, allowing you to pursue your targets with both speed and firepower.

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The core loop is reminiscent of classics like Chase H.Q., but S.C.I. amps up the intensity by having cars travel in both directions, and adding an aggressive AI that fires back. You’ll find yourself weaving through traffic as enemy vehicles tailgate you, attempting to pepper your car with gunfire. On top of that, at least once per stage a rogue helicopter swoops in to drop grenades—both an opportunity and a threat—while a motorcycle gunman closes in to hurl explosives at your bumper.

Time management is critical. Each mission comes with a strict countdown, forcing you to choose between taking a risky shortcut or playing it safe around city corners. Nitro boosts can shave precious seconds off your timer, but using them carelessly can result in heavy crashes that slow you down. Meanwhile, the onboard gun gives you the ability to directly damage the target vehicle rather than relying solely on ramming tactics, adding a satisfying layer of strategy to each high-speed encounter.

Graphics

Graphically, S.C.I. channels the arcade styling of late-’80s and early-’90s driving games, featuring bold, colorful sprites and detailed backdrops. Each street feels alive with bustling pedestrians, neon signs, and varied city landmarks. While not as polished as modern 3D racers, the 2D sprite work has a nostalgic charm and a surprising level of detail, from the glint of your car’s chrome trim to the skid marks left in burning rubber.

Vehicle sprites are distinct and vivid—you can easily tell the difference between the suspect cars, civilian traffic, and law enforcement vehicles. Explosions and gunfire effects are crisp and impactful, making each hit feel weighty. The occasional weather effects, such as rain slicking the pavement or fog drifting down narrow alleys, add atmosphere and sometimes complicate your chase, forcing you to adapt your strategy on the fly.

Despite its retro leanings, the game maintains a smooth frame rate even when the screen fills with multiple enemies, environmental sprites, and particle effects from grenades and gunfire. Every stage has its own visual identity, from neon-lit downtown boulevards to industrial docks at dusk. The combination of vibrant color palettes and responsive animation ensures that the action always feels clear and dynamic, even in the heat of a high-speed pursuit.

Story

The narrative hook is simple but effective: three girls, including the mayor’s daughter, have vanished under mysterious circumstances. Chase Special Investigations tasks you with tracking down five vehicles believed to be involved in the abductions. This premise sets a tense, personal stake in each pursuit, as you’re racing not just against the clock, but against a dangerous criminal network.

Each stage briefing provides just enough context to keep you invested without bogging down the action. Between missions, terse radio chatter hints at escalating stakes: the suspects become more heavily armed, the routes more unpredictable, and the clock more unforgiving. There’s a palpable sense of urgency in every transmission—every second wasted could mean losing a vital lead.

While the in-game cutscenes are brief and mostly sprite-based, they do a commendable job of driving the story forward. You witness the relief of returning victims and the frustration of Commissioner Blake as your time slips away. These narrative beats, though minimalist, give your high-octane missions emotional weight and remind you that real lives are on the line behind every blazing tire track.

Overall Experience

S.C.I.: Special Criminal Investigation strikes a satisfying balance between classic arcade driving and tactical combat. The mix of speed, weaponry, and timed objectives keeps each stage fresh, while the retro graphics and sound design deliver a potent dose of nostalgia. If you’re looking for a title that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking in equal measure, S.C.I. will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Replay value is high, thanks to multiple difficulty settings and the challenge of shaving seconds off your best times. Mastering the use of nitro boosts, learning enemy patterns, and deciding when to gas or gun down your quarry all contribute to a sense of progressive mastery. Even after you’ve completed the main campaign, chasing faster completion times can be just as addictive as the initial playthrough.

Ultimately, S.C.I. delivers a fast-paced, engaging chase experience that stands out among arcade-style driving games. Its combination of high-speed pursuits, strategic weapon use, and a time-sensitive narrative makes for a compelling package. Whether you’re a fan of classic car combat titles or simply crave an adrenaline-fueled chase, S.C.I. is a pursuit worth undertaking.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10