[1] Critical Depth is based on the concept and engine of SingleTrac's original best selling Twisted Metal franchise (a demolition derby which permits the usage of ballistic projectiles), but occurs under water.

The story is based on the disappearance of undersea explorer Douglas McKragen and the discovery of five mysterious and powerful alien pod-shaped objects.

At one end, GameSpot cited several gameplay innovations and assessed that "It's a worthy successor to SingleTrac's Twisted Metal line and fans of the series should be very pleased.

"[7] At the other, IGN razed the game's submarine designs, environments, and controls, before concluding, "It's not totally dreadful -- it's fun for a while -- but it just lacks lasting appeal and is filled with irritations.

[6][8] GameSpot's Joe Fielder, however, argued that this strategy is not reliable: "Certainly, you can try to hide from the computer opponents and wait until they've worn each other down a bit.

But the downside of that is you could find yourself against a much stronger pod-enhanced enemy, or you might even lose the match to a ship that sneaked off through the gateway with all five pods in tow.