Crime City was officially released to the arcade market in 1989 by the renowned Japanese game developer Taito. Set in a fictional modern metropolis where law and order have collapsed and gangs rule the streets, players step into the shoes of heroic detectives Tony and Raymond. Their mission: infiltrate the heart of the enemy's lair to dismantle the massive crime syndicate controlling the city. The game utilizes the side-scrolling format popular at the time, seamlessly blending traditional beat 'em up action with intense gunplay. With its destructible environments and realistic urban street aesthetic, it successfully captures the high-octane tension of a Hollywood police action blockbuster.
The core gameplay revolves around a combination of suppressive fire and strategic positioning. There are no fundamental attribute differences between 1P (Tony) and 2P (Raymond); both are experts in various firearms.
The game's standout feature is the "Dodge Roll" mechanic (performed by pressing Jump and a directional key simultaneously). During the roll, characters are invincible, making it the essential skill for evading dense bullet patterns and close-range ambushes. Players start with a handgun featuring infinite ammunition, but can obtain powerful limited-use weapons like submachine guns and shotguns by breaking wooden crates or defeating specific enemies. The shotgun, with its wide spread, is ideal for clearing groups of minions. The game consists of six major stages. When facing bosses, avoid standing still to trade shots, as the AI leaders possess extremely high accuracy. The optimal strategy is to use vertical movement to bait the boss into firing, then use a side roll to close the distance and punish them with a shotgun blast or rapid fire the moment you stand up. Keep an eye out for reinforcements flanking you from both sides, maintain your offensive rhythm, and you will clear the game with ease.
Arcade
Arcade
NES / Famicom
Arcade
Playstation
NES / Famicom
Arcade
NES / Famicom
Arcade
NES / Famicom
Arcade
Nintendo DS