Crime Wave (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Crime Wave (1990): A Side-Scrolling Shooter with a Cop Attitude

Released in 1990, Crime Wave is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Data East. The game puts players in control of a police officer tasked with taking down a powerful criminal organization and rescuing the President’s daughter. Crime Wave is known for its digitized graphics, fast-paced action, and over-the-top humor.

Gameplay

Crime Wave is a side-scrolling shooter in the vein of games like Narc and RoboCop. Players control a police officer who must shoot their way through various levels, including slums, inner cities, and even a prison. The game features a variety of enemies, from street thugs to heavily armed criminals. Players must use their wits and reflexes to survive and complete each level.

One of the unique features of Crime Wave is its digitized graphics. The game uses digitized sprites for its characters and environments, which gives it a unique look and feel. The graphics are detailed and colorful, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Crime Wave is also known for its fast-paced action. The game is constantly throwing enemies at the player, and there is never a dull moment. Players must be constantly on their toes if they want to survive.

In addition to its action, Crime Wave also features a healthy dose of humor. The game is full of over-the-top characters and situations, and it never takes itself too seriously. This humor helps to make Crime Wave a more enjoyable experience, and it keeps players coming back for more.

Story

The story of Crime Wave is simple but effective. The player takes on the role of a police officer who is tasked with taking down a powerful criminal organization known as the Red Dragons. The Red Dragons are led by a ruthless crime boss named Mr. Big, who has kidnapped the President’s daughter.

The player must fight their way through the Red Dragons’ territory, rescuing hostages and taking down Mr. Big’s henchmen. Along the way, the player will uncover a sinister plot that threatens the entire city.

Graphics and Sound

Crime Wave’s graphics are some of the best that the arcade had to offer in 1990. The game uses digitized sprites for its characters and environments, which gives it a unique and stylish look. The graphics are detailed and colorful, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

The sound in Crime Wave is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is catchy and energetic, and it helps to set the mood for the action. The sound effects are also well done, and they add to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Gameplay

Crime Wave is a fast-paced and action-packed side-scrolling shooter. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great challenge for players of all skill levels. The game’s controls are responsive and the gameplay is smooth, making it a joy to play.

Crime Wave is also a very replayable game. The game features multiple difficulty levels, and there are a variety of different ways to approach each level. This makes the game highly replayable, and it ensures that players will always find something new to enjoy.

Conclusion

Crime Wave is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still a lot of fun to play today. The game’s fast-paced action, over-the-top humor, and digitized graphics make it a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are a fan of side-scrolling shooters, or if you are just looking for a great arcade game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Crime Wave.

Additional Information

  • Crime Wave was developed by Data East, a Japanese video game developer and publisher. Data East was known for its arcade games, including other classics like Bad Dudes, RoboCop, and Heavy Barrel.
  • Crime Wave was released in arcades in 1990. The game was later ported to the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
  • Crime Wave was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and humor. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
  • Crime Wave has been included in several retro video game compilations, including Data East Arcade Classics and Sega Genesis Classics.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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