Hydro Thunder

"Better than the Arcade? Close but no."

I played Hydro Thunder at the arcades and like it a lot. It was like a dollar so I only played once. But I was amazed. So when the Dreamcast version of the game came out I wanted it so much. I didn't buy it with the system but I got it a month later. I am happy I got this wonderful game.

Gameplay: 8/10 - This game is so smooth. First you have to beat the first three easy courses in first, second, or third. Then you get new boats and new courses. After you beat those, you get new courses and new boats. After you beat that you get bonus boats and bonus courses. Sounds cool? It is. The only flaw in this game is the two player mode. There is to much slowdown for me. The one player mode is where the fun is, and I rather have my friends try beating my course record then racing them. Overall, the gameplay is still very solid.

Graphics - 10/10 - The graphics are wonderful in this game. You couldn't ask for anything else. It looks exactly like the arcade version of the game. The courses look nice and the boats look really nice.

Sound - 7/10 - Not much sound in the game so this is a hard topic to grade on. I gave it a 7 because the sound I heard from the game was quality sound, but nothing great.

Replay Value - 8/10 - The single player mode is impossible to beat. I am stuck on Venice Canals and I have heard that the Nile River is even harder. I don't think I am going to ever beat the game. I never play the multiplayer mode but I have fun with my little brother seeing who has the best record for the course. A game that will be fun for a long time, but will get old sooner or later.

Overall - 8/10 - A great game to purchase if you have Dreamcast. The best water racing game I have ever played, and yes I have played Wave Race. I think this game deserves more attention then it gets. Make sure you rent this game, or if you don't want to dish out the 6 bucks then I suggest you just buy it and return it if you aren't satisfied.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/08/99, Updated 12/08/99