CrimeWave

CrimeWave (not to be confused with the sidescroller Crime Wave by Access Software) is a video game developed by Eidos Interactive. Though originally announced as a multiplatform game, it was ultimately released as a Sega Saturn exclusive in 1997. As a bounty hunter, the player's task is to shoot down criminals within a given time limit, earning the currency, "Meks", as he does so. Earning enough Meks allows him to travel to different regions of the map to score more points.

The game takes an isometric overhead view, the cars being pre-rendered sprites but the buildings and scenery being represented in 3D. There was also a playable demonstration disc released in Europe.

Reception
CrimeWave received mediocre reviews. While critics complimented the sharpness of the graphics and great amount of detail,   they generally found that the sensitive controls,   the high density of vehicles on the road,  and the rotation of the camera when the player's car turns   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." 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." 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. 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.