Courier Crisis

Description
Courier Crisis for the SEGA Saturn, released in 1997, is a game that tried to bring players a unique experience, but its execution is unfortunately rather mediocre and does not stand out from the crowd. This title from New Level Software puts you in the role of a courier who delivers packages around the city on his bike, in a race against time.
At first glance, the concept is appealing; the city is full of narrow streets and obstacles, giving the player ample opportunity for creative driving and quick decision making. The game's graphics are, to say the least, satisfying. Within the technical capabilities of the SEGA Saturn, the city feels somewhat empty and monotonous. The colour palette is bland, and there's no question of environmental detail. The game thus fails to impress much from a visual standpoint, which is a shame for a title with such a dynamic theme.
The controls are another stumbling block of the game. Movement on the bike is often imprecise and stiff. Players can expect numerous collisions with invisible obstacles and frustrating moments where seemingly simple maneuvers become challenging due to the controls. The game's physical model also fails to realistically simulate the movement of a bicycle, further dulling the overall experience.
The audio-visual presentation also falls short of expectations. The soundtrack is energetic and attempts to reflect the hectic nature of courier life, but after a while it becomes repetitive and lacks variation. The sound effects are mediocre, adding no significant depth or atmosphere to the game.
A certain bright spot of the game for some may be the structure of the missions themselves. The time limits and varied routes create some tension and a sense of challenge. However, even here the game does not use its full potential. The constant repetition of the same tasks and locations soon leads to monotony, which detracts from motivation and fun.
Given the aforementioned shortcomings, Courier Crisis is a game that, while delivering an interesting concept, falls short of expectations in practice. It's a title that quickly fits in with other mediocre games of its era, and cannot be considered a classic worth remembering. If you're a fan of retro games and courier simulators, this game may offer some enjoyment, but if you're looking for a truly quality experience, you'll likely be disappointed.