Hydro Thunder (1999)
Genres:Sport, Racing
Themes:Action
Game modes:Single player, Multiplayer, Split screen
Story:The gameplay of Hydro Thunder consists of racing high-tech speedboats through treacherous environments, from the cold seas of the Arctic Circle, to a post-apocalyptic, flooded version of New York City.
Vote to bring this game to GOG and help preserve it.217
I have been playing this game for well more than 20 years, never stopped. It has remained my favorite game of all time, only a select few ever coming remotely close.
This game has never been re-released on a digital store. I want nothing more than for it to have a current release, as it would help accessibility massively, and really help the community to grow. I think GOG is perfect.
I speak on behalf of this game's community as well, we all want this to happen.
I have done reverse engineering work with this game, and i'm the developer of the QoL Patch Tool for the PC version. I am more than happy to assist with improvements if this game was to be added.
This is one of my favorite games to play at the arcade. I have sunk so many hours into it over the years, and it's a shame that there is no way to play the original arcade version at home. All of the console ports are inferior to the arcade in some way and seeing a PC release would breathe so much new life into this wonderful game.
My local town had a Hydro Thunder cabinet that I had followed and played from location to location growing up. I played it at the bowling alley, Pizza Hut, mall, eventually it was retired but I tracked it down, bought it, and fixed it up. Now I have three Hydro Thunder cabinets linked but not everyone is lucky enough to have the coin-op game. This would be the prefect way for the modern generation to play at home. It's a fantastically fun and timeless game!
This game has been an incredibly large part of my life, it was the first videogame I ever played and continued to be one of my favorites for years to come, the idea of this game fading away makes me terrified. This is why the opportunity to preserve it is not something I take lightly, please preserve!!!!
Absolute GOAT of arcade racers. No pizza place was worth the time if they didn’t have it. Would definitely drop more than a few quarters to see it on pc, would name my firstborn after the person who can get a multiplayer function to work as well.
Why Hydro Thunder (Original PC EU Version) Needs to Be on GOG – The Best Boat Racing Game Ever
Hydro Thunder, originally released in arcades in 1999 and later ported to consoles and PC, stands as one of the most exciting and unique racing games ever made. The European PC version, in particular, deserves a spot on GOG to preserve its legacy and allow both nostalgic fans and new players to experience the definitive water racing thrill ride.
What sets Hydro Thunder apart is its fast-paced, explosive gameplay. Unlike typical racing games of its time, it put players behind the controls of high-powered, futuristic speedboats tearing through imaginative tracks — from arctic wastelands to post-apocalyptic ruins. Each course was full of ramps, shortcuts, secret routes, and turbo boosts that kept every race intense and dynamic. The boats themselves had distinct stats and personalities, adding strategy to each race.
The PC version, especially the European release, was notable for its smoother graphics and tighter controls compared to some of the console versions. With modern compatibility, controller support, and GOG’s trademark DRM-free experience, Hydro Thunder could roar back to life for today’s audience.
There’s never been another boat racing game that matched its flair, speed, and pure arcade fun. Hydro Thunder was ahead of its time, and now it deserves a second wave on GOG. Let’s bring this adrenaline-fueled masterpiece back for the fans — and for the future of water-based racers.
Classic arcade action, all packed into a great home release for those of us who couldn't get to arcades regularly!
Brilliant tracks - Lake Powell and Ship graveyard personal favourites
Your boat options matter - It's not just "easy handling" to "hard handling but a bit faster" and a selection of colours, each boat option has genuine characteristics - I liked Thresher and Rad Hazard so much.
The sequel on XBLA just didn't do it for me sadly, but even that is long in the tooth now, and the original hasn't seen a digital platform release!
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