Say ‘1980’s now. Scattered images will stir across the desert of your mind’s eye. And, depending on your age, these images will vary with the next person. Margaret Thatcher in a blue dress. Mr. T staring at Murdoch. Michael and Kit racing into a dubiously purple distance. For me, entertainment was writ large as an 80’s child. And it came mostly in the form of a game which still haunts my dreams from time to time.
Police Quest II has a special place in my memory.
I’d race to our IBM compatible and immerse my eyes into the bright and brooding world of Detective Sonny Bonds. The plot certainly isn’t for children, really, with an interface that requires a thinking, patient gamer. It’s improved – no more squiggly lines for cars, and there is a pervading sense which gave rise to the title: ‘The Vengeance’.
Moving around can be slow-going at times but there ways around that if you use your loaf. There are plenty of times to get stuck, but don’t be tempted to go for a walk-through. If you’ve watched any police drama, you’ll realize what you can and can’t do.
The plot revolves around the fugitive Jessie Bains (whom Sonny takes down in a Hotel Delphoria
operation in Police Quest I) who manages to escape from Jail during a re-trial. As a promoted Detective (who would have thought two games of poker would lead to promotion?), Sonny has to drive to destinations and meet people who can help him get to Bains. On the way, you’ll need to ‘look around’ for gathering information that can move the story forward and you’ll have to pick up items along the way which could be useful to you (and fatal if you don’t!). If you like reading, solving and thinking, this is the game for you. If you can’t read, you hate the smell of handcuffs and/or can only describe yourself as ‘trigger-happy’, this game isn’t for you.
Like most great games, things go from bad to worse. Let the game overtake you like I once did, and you’ll soon appreciate the finer elements of justice, US style. Overall, the graphics are in the classic Sierra format with 16 colours (VGA) and there are things you see which aren’t always easy to identify. But hey, thankfully that’s what the whole game is about. Not only knowing what an item does is useful, choosing when to use it will ultimately bring you success or game over (as well as lot of irritating messages). It’s a classic, remember. It precedes all your modern greats so don’t expect fast-paced NYPD Blue camera shots or CSI quips (though there is some gentle humour). Take your time when you can to see anything that could be of use whether that’s people, places or items.
Police Quest II is about justice and integrity. It’s about standing up for what is right. It’s also about shooting the bad guy.
