Remember the first time you played San Francisco Rush and were flying around the tracks, laughing and marveling at the jumps and shortcuts, tossing your car around in ways only possible in this bent world of physics? That's the same feeling you'll get when you sit down to play Hydro Thunder, only this time there's tons more to see, more gameplay to master, and even more laughs and thrills to be had! For an Arcade game, there sure is a lot to keep you busy. Nine boats are offered, each with totally unique characteristics, ten courses (two of which have to be unlocked before you can race them) filled with spills, thrills, and shortcuts, and a few moves that'll take you more than a pocketful of quarters to master.

Each boat is equipped with turbo boosters. First you'll have to pick up a blue or red power-up to get some juice (the blue gives you four seconds while the red gives you nine seconds of boost) . Once you've got fuel in your tank, hold down the button on the throttle and off you go. Once you've done that there are two techniques which you can employ to help you win. The first is the "mighty hull." After holding down the turbo button your ship will flash white; you've engaged the "mighty hull" and now you're invincible! Hit opponents or obstacles and watch them get tossed around the course.

The second technique is the hydro jump, which uses turbo fuel to make your boat jump out of the water. This is a dastardly hard move to learn but it will help you win once you master it. Pull all the way down on the throttle (putting the ship into reverse) and hit the turbo. Depending on how much turbo you give it and how long you hold down the throttle you'll change the height of the jump. Like I said, it takes practice.

Now for the tracks. All of them are packed with jumps, hidden shortcuts, choppy waves, tourists, police (don't sweat it, they won't bust you, just slow you down), obstacles, animals, and 15 other competitors. Right from the get-go, there's a feeling of speed, fun, and elation. Even if you lose, the game is a blast and will keep you pumping quarters into the machine to see it all. The Greek Isles course, for example, sees you racing through tons of ancient ruins only to grind your way down a huge spiral staircase with your boat completely out of the water! The whole game is filled with moments like these. One part absurd, ten parts thrilling fun!

The other facet of the game that gets you involved is the audio. You'll hear your pit crew talking about everything from upcoming turns to a bad feeling they have about the track ahead. It'll totally get you involved in the game, especially when you hear them, and your driver, screaming and 'wahoo-ing' as you sail over waterfalls!

I could go on for pages about how much fun this game is and many other subtle details I don't have room to mention, but finding out for yourself is half the fun and I don't want to ruin the whole game. Track this one down at your local Arcade and have at it! ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

Midway came up with some exclusive hardware for this one, and it shows! Superb graphics and plenty of details. ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

I don't know if there's music in this game. The effects and numerous voice-overs drown out any other audio. ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

The same thrills as San Francisco Rush but faster and wilder! Alone or with a friend, this game's a blast! ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide

It'll take you five races in a row to unlock both tracks and the shortcuts. The sights will have you returning often. ~ Shawn Sackenheim, All Game Guide