Hydro Thunder

"Not the best of the N64's racers, but still good."

While the N64's selection of ''real'' racing-games (those featuring different types of cars) might be considered to be a bit slim, especially compared to the mighty selection of different driving-games on the Playstation, one have to admit that the machine had an excellent quantity of ''alternative'' racers. There were the futuristic racers, well represented by games like F-Zero X and Star Wars: Episode I Racing to name a few, and there were the ''crazy racers'', which in their fold included Mario Kart 64, Micro Machines 64 and Diddy Kong Racers. Hydro Thunder, originally an arcade-game, is more of a futuristic racer, but unlike its stable-mates, it takes place on water, and the crafts you are racing with are racing-boats that resembles to space-ships. Unusual, but is it good?

Graphics: Portably the strongest point of the game, while not as visually impressive as its arcade-original, it is still a far better-looking game than most of the other N64 games on the marked. The boats look very pleasing indeed, and the different tracks are quite impressive, with lots of details and a pleasing lack of pop-ups. There are some slight glitches that spoils the overall impression, though, and it looses much of the details in multiplayer, but the graphics are still great by N64-standards.
8.5/10

Sound/Music: The engine-noises of these super-boats is quite satisfying, loud and clear, just as most of the sound-effects are. The music is quite good as well, even though there is only a small number of different tunes, those who are featuring are actually really pleasing, far better than in racers like Extreme-G 2 and Wipeout 64. The sound in Hydro Thunder can't be considered to be spectacular, but it certainly gets the job done.
7.5/10

Gameplay: When it comes to the selection of different boats and tracks, Hydro Thunder really isn't too impressive. But the different boats are quite unique to steer, and the tracks are mostly pretty big, quite well-designed and packed with short-cuts. The speed might not match that of Wipeout 64, but when you play it, it feels fast enough, and the control, while it might take some minutes to get used to it, is decent as well. But while the races might be exciting and enjoyable (and quite challenging as you make progress), it got a bit of random feel, like it's almost as much luck as skill that decides the outcome. Still, the whole experience feels refreshingly different from the usual racing-games, and the gameplay as a whole is also well above average.
7.5/10

Lifespan/Replayability: Most arcade-game that are converted to home-consoles don't usually last that long, and Hydro Thunder isn't exactly much different when it comes to this. The limited number of boats tracks means that there isn't that much explore, and while it isn't an easy game, it won't take that long before you have seen all it has to offer. Still, there is an entertaining multiplayer-mode, and the replay-value is also pretty high. In the end, though, this really isn't the kind of game that can keep you playing for weeks.
6/10

Pros and Cons:

+
Great graphics
Pretty good sound-track
Big and well-designed tracks with lots of short-cuts
Good sense of speed
An unique and enjoyable experience
Pleasing multiplayer
Cool boats

-
Not that many tracks
Not that many boats
Doesn't last that long

To rent or to buy?
With it's not too impressive lifespan in mind, this is really more of a rental if you're not that found the of the genre. However, if you loved the arcade-version, don't have money-troubles, but do have a friend or two, you might well consider buying it. Anyhow you see it, Hydro Thunder might not be the cream of the N64's racing crop, but it is an unique and enjoyable experience that is a decent addition to the collection of the N64 games available.

Overall: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/29/03, Updated 09/30/03