Lock 'n' Chase

About

Lock 'n' Chase is a maze-based puzzle game where you play a thief navigating a vault to collect coins and treasures while avoiding capture. Use the environment to your advantage by closing doors that block the path of patrolling officers named Stiffy, Scaredy, Smarty, and Silly. You can only keep two doors locked at once, forcing careful planning to stay ahead of the chase. The game loops through simple but tense rounds of hide-and-seek, with each level growing more complex as you juggle coin collection and escape routes. What makes it pop is the distinct behavior of the four enemies. Each cop moves with unique patterns, brash, hesitant, or unpredictable, adding layers to the strategy. Originally released in arcades in 1981 and later ported to Game Boy in 1990 before a 3DS re-release, it holds a 78% on Mobygames. Fans of old-school reflex challenges might find it refreshing, though modern players may seek more depth. The core mechanic of trapping pursuers with limited tools feels surprisingly satisfying given its 1980s roots.

Storyline

The game's protagonist is a thief. The object of the game is to enter a maze and collect all the coins and, if possible, any other treasure that may appear. The thief must then exit the maze (a vault) without being apprehended by the Super D (policemen). The thief can close doorways within the maze in order to temporarily trap the Super D and allow him to keep his distance from them. Only two doors can be closed at a time. The Super D policemen are named Stiffy, Scaredy, Smarty, and Silly.