CrimeWave

Name: CrimeWave
Programmer(s): Scott Schram
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 1983

Description:

CrimeWave was a fast-paced action game released in 1983 for the Apple II computer. Published by Penguin Software, the game put players in control of a police officer defending a city from waves of criminals. The game was unique for its time, offering fluid animation and intense action on the Apple II's limited hardware.

The game's premise was straightforward: players patrolled city streets in a police car, tracking down and stopping criminals before they could commit crimes. The action took place from a top-down perspective, with the player's vehicle moving across a scrolling city landscape. This scrolling technique was advanced for the era, making CrimeWave stand out among other Apple II titles.

Players used keyboard controls to navigate through the city streets, with different keys controlling acceleration, braking, and direction. The police car could shoot at criminal vehicles, but ammunition was limited and had to be used wisely. Power-ups appeared throughout the city, providing extra ammo or temporary vehicle upgrades.

The game increased in difficulty as players progressed, introducing faster criminals and more challenging scenarios. Success required quick reflexes and strategic thinking, as players needed to manage their resources while pursuing multiple criminals across the city grid.

CrimeWave's graphics pushed the Apple II's capabilities, featuring smooth animation and detailed sprite work for the era. The game included basic sound effects for shooting, collisions, and sirens, working within the hardware's audio limitations.

While not as well-known as some other Apple II titles, CrimeWave influenced later police chase games and demonstrated what was possible on the platform. The game received positive reviews in computer gaming magazines of the time, with praise for its smooth scrolling and action-packed gameplay.

The game compared favorably to contemporary titles like Night Driver and Spy Hunter, though it offered its own unique take on the vehicle combat genre. CrimeWave helped establish conventions for future police chase games, combining arcade action with strategic elements in a way that was accessible to players.