http://insomnia.ac/reviews/ac/cyberpoli ... review.php
Great review. It's an absolutely gorgeous game, such beautiful sprites, but the balance goes to hell after level 3 as you say.
Anybody a fan of the Mega Drive version? Most people got frustrated by the first (very tricky) level where you get your suit, but the game is sublime in the later levels. And it lets you fly. The weapons are really nicely balanced, and there are lots of really unique environmental obstacles that make it subtly different from Revenge of Shinobi, Moonwalker and Shadow Dancer. Used to finish the game over and over back in the day. Very satisfying once you've learnt the levels off.