CrimeWave

Reception
Review scores Publication Score EGM 6.125/10[5] GameSpot 5.3/10[6] Next Generation [7] Sega Saturn Magazine 73%[8]

CrimeWave received mediocre reviews. While critics complimented the sharpness of the graphics and great amount of detail,[5][6][8][9] they generally found that the sensitive controls,[5][8][9] the high density of vehicles on the road,[5][8] and the rotation of the camera when the player's car turns[5][6][9] make the game disorienting and sometimes frustrating to play. Rob Allsetter wrote in Sega Saturn Magazine, "Although Crimewave has its moments, it's let down by gameplay that's too repetitive and controls that are often frustrating."[8] GamePro's Coach Kyle similarly described it as "an average driving/shooting game that's neither varied enough nor thrilling enough to offer great gunplay."[9] Shawn Smith and Crispin Boyer of Electronic Gaming Monthly were slightly more positive, with Boyer opining, "Crime Wave doesn't offer revolutionary graphics or especially innovative gameplay. It's just a fun title that delivers plenty of arcade action." Co-reviewers Dan Hsu and Sushi-X fell more in line with the majority; Hsu said the game made him throw his controller down in frustration.[5] Ryan MacDonald of GameSpot concluded that CrimeWave "isn't bad", but that the gameplay is limited and average enough that it becomes dull after a relatively short time.[6]

Next Generation had a different take, arguing that the level design and controls are brilliant, but that the mid-level loading "leaves the player frustrated and transforms it into a merely noteworthy game instead of a classic."[7]