Editorial Review: As the first boat racing game on the Dreamcast, Hydro Thunder takes full advantage of the advanced processing power of this 128-bit machine. You'll steer one of 13 different boats through 14 fast and furious racing environments. As with the arcade version, you'll race against the clock and numerous other boats in a quest to reach the finish line first. The spectacular graphics and detailed race environments make this a most atypical racing game. In fact, there are times when you might find it difficult to concentrate on the racing because there is so much peripheral eye candy. We were most impressed by the New York Disaster, Far East, and Arctic Circle racing areas.
Many of the best elements of Hydro Thunder are likely to be completely bypassed by casual gamers, since there are numerous hidden tracks, boats, and other elements to be uncovered in this game. However, persistent racers will be well-rewarded, since some of the best tracks can only be unlocked after winning several races. --Brett Atwood
Pros:
Detailed race environments
Numerous hidden game elements
Cons:
Difficulty level will challenge beginning gamers
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Multi-platform FUN!!
If you loved this game in the arcade version, then if you own a Sega Dreamcast your more than going to enjoy this take-home version of the game. Good Graphix, Good Physics, and Good Variety make for hours of fun for the Dreamcast Version of this arcade great.
Rating: - A Racing Fanatics Must-Have
Simply, this is one of the best acrade style racing games ever made. Don't be put off because it is boats. If you like the feel of Arcade Racing games that are over the top with hidden paths and speed this one is for you.
Rating: - There are more than 3 tracks
This game has 13 tracks. You start the game with 3 tracks which are easy level, but after you beat those 3, then the others become selectable.
There are also 13 boats which become selectable after beating each track. Although 4 of those 13 boats are very difficult to obtain on one player mode. They are however easy to obtain on two player mode.
Rating: - Awful
I cannot believe how terrible this game is. With it's increidibly long load times and impossible difficulty, this game is something that will just collect dust on your shelf. I guess the graphics are a bit superior to other games, as well as the fact that there is plenty of eye candy make for a good visual feast, but everything else is awful.
Rating: - Great game!
I don't know much about gaming, but this is a great game. Graphics, sounds, controls. The courses start out easy, and then gradually get harder. However, I think I like the "Bonus Tracks" better than the Hard ones. The hard ones are hard! It's great for adults and kids. My 6 year old son has a great time and can, sometimes, beat me. Either way, it's fun for both of us!
- A Racing Fanatics Must-Have
- Awful
