Hydro Thunder - Arcade CodeGuide written by Eric42 (eric42@gmail.com) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Version 1.00c - Final public release - Monday, August 16, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------- This was once meant to be a "FAQ", but I have not updated it for such a long time, that I have finally decided to turn it into a CodeGuide and leave it at that. You shouldn't expect anymore updates. Even though the Codes are meant for the Arcade version of the game, the Strategies could be used for any version of the game, such as the Dreamcast, Playstation, and Nintendo 64 versions, but they will have to be adapted to the platform's controls. Please do not email me asking me questions about any of the Hydro Thunder games. It has been a long time since I've played Hydro Thunder in the arcade and I do not know the controls to any of the home console versions. Email me asking me what the controls to the Nintendo 64 version are and I will ignore it. I don't know. If you have the game, look in it's instruction booklet. 08/16/04 - Updating my email address here: eric42@gmail.com is my brand new email address. -------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Game Codes a. Hidden Boats - There are FOUR hidden boats in the arcade version of Hydro Thunder and to be able to access these hidden boats, go to the Boat Select screen and enter the code for the boat that you like. These codes are listed below. * Chumdinger - Highlight the Razor Back and quickly press the Pilot button three times. * Blowfish - Highlight the Hazard and quickly press the Pilot button three times. * Tinytanic - Highlight the Tidal Blade and quickly press the Pilot button three times. * Armed Response - Highlight the Thresher and quickly press the Pilot button three times b. Hidden Track So far, there is only one known hidden track. To access this hidden track, head to the "Choose Track" screen, highlight the Lake Powell track and quickly press the Pilot button three times. You will now race on the Hydro Speedway Track. -------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Racing Strategy a. Super Starts To start a race with a burst of speed, hold the Throttle in the neutral position between Full and Back during the countdown. When the number "1" starts to disappear, quickly move the Throttle into the Forward position. b. Hop-Starts To start a race with a quick hop in the air, hold the Throttle in the Reverse position during the countdown. When the number "1" starts to disappear, quickly move the Throttle into the Forward position. c. Hydro Jumps The key to mastering Hydro Thunder is learning to use Hydro Jumps effectively. To perform one of these jumps, pull the Throttle into the Reverse position, then press the Boost button while holding the Throttle in Reverse. You must have Boost fuel in order to perform a Hydro Jump, and the amount of time you hold down the Boost button determines how high you will go. Hydro Jumps are effective for clearing obstacles, grabbing boosts, and reaching certain shortcuts. d. Boost Wisely Booster Fuel runs out pretty fast, so never drain your supply of it completely. If you grab Boost fuel on an empty take, it'll take time for your engine to activate its super motor and cost you valuable seconds. By keeping Boost fuel in your tank at all times, you can avoid this delay. e. Boost Fuel You can collect Boost Fuel from two types of canisters: Blue: Gives four seconds of fuel Red: Gives nine seconds of fuel You can also find hidden boosters that are invisible. f. Shortcuts The tracks in Hydro Thunder are filled with shortcuts and secrets that can slash seconds off your time and give you an edge over the competition. For example, waterfalls frequently conceal shortcuts, and it's a safe bet that boosters can be found behind large anchored ships. Eric42 - eric42@gmail.com