Let’s Compare ( APB )

Video Locations:

In this video we’ll be comparing 9 versions
of A.P.B. across various platforms.

1. Arcade 0:30
2. ZX Spectrum 4:03
3. Amstrad 7:37
4. MS DOS 11:10
5. Commodore 64 14:44
6. Atari Lynx 18:17
7. Atari ST 21:49
8. Amiga 25:23
9. Playstation 2, XBOX,
& Game Cube 28:56
( Midway Arcade Treasures 2 )

Gameplay:

The object of the game is to meet (or exceed) the daily quota of citing or arresting various types of law-breakers within a time limit for the day. The player is given an overhead view of Officer Bob’s patrol car, number 54. The player controls the car with a gas pedal and a steering wheel. Bonuses are awarded for a “perfect day” and each arrest over the quota. Picking up donuts extends the time limit for a day. Driving through filling stations refuels the patrol car. Driving through the garage daily upgrades the patrol car with brakes, guns, armor, radar, etc.
The game begins by having the player ticket common misdemeanor infractions (such as littering) by pulling up behind them, pushing the siren button and having them pull over. Certain offenders require more siren taps to be pulled over. Specific offenses are tied directly to distinctive vehicles (e.g., only the pink convertibles toss litter, and that is the only offense they will commit.) The exception to this is speeding, eventually introduced into the game, which can be perpetrated by any vehicle.
The game also gives the player the task of arresting fugitive felons. Every other day, starting on the third day, the player can go after an A.P.B. (“All Points Bulletin”). When a fugitive is caught and returned to the station, the player must violently shake the suspect to get a confession before the Chief enters the room. This is done by filling the “Confess-O-Meter” by tapping alternatively on the “fire” and “siren” buttons. After Day 16, no other petty violators are introduced. The daily quota will be a combination of those above, with a few “Helps”(stranded motorists) and hitchhikers thrown in.
The game’s life gauge of sorts is a demerit meter. The game ends when this meter is maxed out. When the demerit limit is reached, the message “TOO MANY DEMERITS. YOU ARE FIRED.” is displayed. Demerits are gotten for colliding with cones and other vehicles with the siren off, shooting non-offender vehicles, running into donut huts and pedestrians, running out of gas (if the quota is met), and failing to get a confession from an A.P.B. Also, demerits come from the player’s car exploding, from getting hit by trains or dynamite, high-speed collisions with obstacles, and attempting to jump construction pits at too low a speed. Finally, failing to make quota at the day’s end earns one demerit per unmet quota.
The game cabinet is generally a standard upright. The main controls consist of a steering wheel, a siren button, a “fire” button for the gun and an accelerator pedal. The cabinet has two lights on top, red and blue, which flash when the player presses the siren button. Units feature a detachable seat which can be used to convert the cabinet into a sit-down game.