There are better serial killer movies from the 80s, like 'Manhunter' (1986) from Michael Mann or 'Rampage' (1987) by William Friedkin.

'Night Game' with Roy Scheider is gritty, has the typical conflicts between two cops and their jurisdiction, with verbal and physical fights that normally would suspend both.

Roy Scheider plays the good cop Mike Seaver, a detective with his own methods, he hunts a serial killer but somehow the thrill doesn't want to set in. A lot is too superficial and rather boring for the murder hunt to be exciting and intense.

The kills try to be intense and with suspense, but the victims are typical victims and you know, they are next. No thrill or suspense.

Finally at the end, when Roxy (Karen Young), the soon to be married with Mike love interest, is the target of the serial killer, the movie had the chance to grip and get suspenseful, but the whole scene with the serial killer following Roxy through the hotel bar, kitchen and the outdoor terrace, full of guests and witnesses, is so dumb and disappointing that you might ask yourself, why did it take the police so long to hunt down this stupid serial killer. And this guy is so noticeable that you again ask yourself, how come that anyone hasn't seen this guy lurking around at the beach and not being suspicious about him.

Anyway, if you like Roy Scheider, you might give this flick a chance. It's still entertaining till the bad finale, has a really good hot original score, despite being a low tension, stereotyped, superficial cop thriller. Otherwise, skip this movie and watch instead 'Manhunter' or 'Rampage', if you haven't seen them.