Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Vector Unit
Genre: Racing
Release date: Available now

Back in 1999 (I can’t believe that was 11 years ago), Hydro Thunder hit local arcades. A relatively simple game, it quickly became popular as one of the most exciting boat racing games on the market. As a result, the title soon found itself gracing all of the current generation platforms and consoles, from the Dreamcast to the PC. Now after nearly a decade-long hiatus, Hydro Thunder has been revamped and repackaged for the Xbox Live Arcade.

Racing games usually offer very little in the plot department, and Hydro Thunder Hurricane isn’t much of an exception. The goal is simply to get from the starting line to the finish line ahead of your fellow boats without blowing yourself up or smashing your vessel to smithereens. If you’re more of a time trial kind of player, there are also modes that test your handling and speed skills as you navigate courses in order to beat the clock.

This is my kind of game, through and through. It takes an old title, and instead of futzing with the concept, it merely gives it a face lift and expansion in order to appeal to a modern crowd. All of the tracks from the arcade are here plus many more, and they’ve all been redrawn with beautiful graphics. Hydro Thunder Hurricane is just a good old fashioned, fun racing game. The kind that can really take advantage of current online gaming technologies.

This is my kind of game, through and through. It takes an old title, and instead of futzing with the concept, it merely gives it a face lift and expansion in order to appeal to a modern crowd. All of the tracks from the arcade are here plus many more, and they’ve all been redrawn with beautiful graphics. Hydro Thunder Hurricane is just a good old fashioned, fun racing game. The kind that can really take advantage of current online gaming technologies.

I actually have a hard time coming up with real negatives for this game. The controls are solid, there are plenty of options, and it has a really high replay value (if you enjoy racing games, that is). Hydro Thunder Hurricane understands its strengths, and focuses on them, leaving out unnecessary clutter. When a game exploits its core competencies, it gets high marks in my book.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane is a fast paced, simple boat racing game. If that concept sounds up your alley, this is the best title out there in the genre. Give it a try, as there is an extensive demo, and see if you’ll be hooked like I was.

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