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Videogame
Source : Sega Dreamcast |
Hydro
Thunder |
| Graphics |
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8.7 |
| Sounds |
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8.1 |
| Replay |
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8.6 |
| Gameplay |
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8.0 |
| Overall |
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8.6 |
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Review
by miffo |
With so many titles to choose from during the Dreamcast
launch, I surprised myself by picking this one up along with Sonic Adventure and Soul
Calibur. It's not that I thought it would be bad, but I could have gotten more intriguing
games like Power Stone or NFL 2K. Today, I'm glad I ended up with Hydro Thunder because it
definitely blew many of the other games out of the water, and I sorely regret having sold
it for another game later on...
Midway's Hydro Thunder is a racing game with a twist: it's on water. Choose from one of
twelve boats and race throughout twelve different tracks, and have one of the most
refreshing experiences in a while. The control is tight with a good mix between realism
and the oh-so-important arcade feel, which is obviously there in what used to be an arcade
game. The Dreamcast game is pretty much a straight port of the arcade version, with little
changes, but little extras, sadly. Despite this, it's still thrilling to race down rivers,
bounce over waves, and dive off waterfalls!
Utilizing the trigger buttons for controlling speed, control is easy to go and you can use
other buttons for boosts and power ups. The jump action is hard to master, but well
rewarded if you do. Unlocking new tracks can be done by winning the races, so practice
hard, because it IS a hard game!
The two player mode is also fun, although it seems slower and doesn't give you the same
adrenaline rush that's there in the solo play, plus you don't have the bots. A four player
mode that's available in the Nintendo 64 version is missing here, along with the other
options. Funnily enough, each time someone wins in two player (and one of the two will
obviously win) you unlock new levels, which automatically unlocks them for you in one
player. I thought this defeated the purpose of unlocking them, but it's nice because I'm
really bad at it anyway.
Graphically, the game is impressive for a launch title, with decent water and lighting
effects. The frame rate is steady, and the graphics are good overall. The music and sound
effects are average, but nothing special.
- Bottom Line -
As a straight port of an arcade game, there aren't enough added things to make it feel
complete. But if that's fine with you, then you'll still get your money's worth of fun out
of this and will keep you hooked for hours on end. It's only $20 now, so it may be worth
checking into.... miffo |
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