Hydro Thunder

Its popularity merited its inclusion on the compilation disc Midway Arcade Treasures 3, which was released in 2005 for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox.

It consists of racing high-tech speedboats through treacherous environments, from the cold seas of the Arctic Circle to a post-apocalyptic version of New York City.

The arcade version of Hydro Thunder utilizes the same basic cabinet as Midway's earlier Hyperdrive, and was also sold as a conversion kit for that game.

It also has the same steering wheel on the control panel as Cruis'n USA, minus the standard foot pedals, and adds a variable position throttle with forward, neutral and reverse directions.

Now, with Hydro Thunder, Midway has finally created the boat-racing game that will bring this sub-genre to the forefront.

"[35] Three issues later, Jeff Lundrigan of the same magazine (now labeled NextGen) said that "the Dreamcast version is just shy of being a perfect conversion.

"[43][d] Six issues later, however, Lamchop said of the Nintendo 64 version, "Like the Titanic, Hydro Thunder takes to the water well-equipped, but slow gameplay is the iceberg that sinks it.

"[44][e] An issue later, Jake The Snake said of the PlayStation version, "If you like arcade-style racers and want a break from automobiles, don't miss the boat on Hydro Thunder.

It may come packing all the graphics, boats and courses, but it's very much a no frills port that ultimately has a similar replay value to the original.

"[46] Five issues later, however, Arthur Adam gave the Nintendo 64 version 72%, saying that it "doesn't give the impression of speed to make it a worthwhile racer, feeling more like a gentle ride up an escalator being powered by monkeys pulling a rope.

"[47] Edge gave the Dreamcast version six out of ten, calling it "mad nautical gaming – aggressive, surreal and compulsive.

Sometimes shallow, it is not Mario Kart on water, more a damp Driver – full of noticeable flaws, but a lot of fun.

Arcade version showcasing the boat Banshee racing on the Ship Graveyard track