Hydro Thunder

"A fun game that can get you hooked for a while, but has flaws"

I remember playing Hydro Thunder in the arcades with my friend. It was frickin' sick, and we were both waiting for it to come out on our dreamcasts. The day came, and I was dying to play it. The game kept me entertained for a while, but there were many problems that can't be overlooked.

Graphics: 7/10

The water and boats look decent, and the levels look great (and there are also a great variety of levels, they all have different themes and don't look the same). There are some pretty big issues with framerate though. In single player, the framerate usually runs pretty well with occasional slowdown. Gameplay in two player just runs horribly, it is definately not as enjoyable as single play because the framerate really does hinder the entire experience. There is also some clipping. If your boat goes underwater, the camera goes to follow the boat, and the water kind of turns blank for a little while. This WAS an early dreamcast game though, so the graphics are good overall considering the time at which it was made

Audio: 9/10

Outstanding sound effects. The rocket sounds made by using the turbo boosts are really convincing. As you race, you will pass several boats not involved in the race, like a police boat, and a tour boat, and you hear their sirens and screaming and everything, and its great. The audio is pretty much solid

Gameplay/Controls: 7/10

The game controls well, as different boats have a different response to turns. It all comes down you which boats you get used to. You may think a boat controls poorly, but that just may not be the right boat for you, try using a different one (damn the torpedoes!!!) There is also this thing called a ''boost jump'', which helps you get to different places. It can be a little difficult to pull off, but once you get used to it, it gets much easier.

The gameplay is fun, and addictive. The levels are all unique and enjoyable (incredible level design!). This is probably the only racing game that I have really played for an extended period of time. Like I said before though, the framerate really hinders the two player experience...and this game really NEEDED a strong two player experience. This was an arcade game though, so like all arcade games, it can get old pretty quick, unless it adds alot of replay value

Replay value: 5/10

The game is enjoyable, and you'll probably be addicted to it for the first week. There are usually secret paths to take in each level that lead to booster fuel and such. You can spend a good ammount of time unlocking 4 new boats and 4 new levels (I think 4 new levels :P). Other than that, the replay value will be based on how much you enjoyed the single player game overall, because the two player mode can feel almost unplayable at times...or just piss you off so much because of the framerate that you'll turn it off

Pros

-Incredible level design
-Addictive gameplay...in the beginning
-People screaming when you crash into a tour boat >: )

Cons

-Horrible framerate at times
-Not much in replay value

Overall (not an average): 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 02/12/03, Updated 02/12/03