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.