Publisher Ocean Software felt the two play styles did not work well together and suggested that they split them into two separate games.

[5] Ocean later sold the North American publishing rights for all versions of the game to Acclaim Entertainment, stating that they wanted to focus more on development.

[8][9] A reviewer for Next Generation felt the game could still be worthwhile so long as the buyer didn't expect much from the gameplay,[10] while Scary Larry and Dr. Zombie of GamePro both contended that "a weekend rental" would be sufficient to exhaust what enjoyment the game has to offer,[12][13] and GameSpot's Jeff Kitts found it too relentlessly boring to merit attention.

[9] The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly instead contended that Tunnel B1 does manage to combine its impressive visuals with flawed but overall fun gameplay.

Shawn Smith and Crispin Boyer elaborated that while it does seem repetitious in the early levels, those who persevere will find the game has a satisfying amount of variety.