There has not been another in the series since and this title might be the last one, so if you never played any “Thunder” game befor, this is a wonderful starting point, showcasing the very best that arcade racers have to offer. Hydro Thunder Hurricane on Xbox is still absolutely worth playing today and it is available as a backwards compatible title on the Xbox One. Two players of equal skill level can create some insane moments, but it’s easy to pick up and play for anyone. It manages to avoid the feelings of repetitiveness and grind that some arcade racers can deliver, all helped along nicely by the fact that Hurricane also supports local multiplayer which is an absolute blast and can become really hectic and intense quickly. It takes some time and dedication to unlock everything in Hydro Thunder Hurricane but it never feels like a slog. Both modes seem similar but really offer a distinct challenge, testing your reflexes and knowledge of the tracks. Ring Master also involves finishing the track in the best time, but you can only gain boost by going through marked rings missing one slows you down to a halt. Gauntlet involves getting through the tracks as fast as possible – there’s a twist however, as the entire track is now covered in bombs that will destroy the boat, leading to a massive time reduction. It’s not just about racing though there are two other major game modes, Gauntlet and Ring Master. It is helped by the fact that there are several different boats to unlock and each one feels unique, particularly the final few. The AI is smart and challenging on higher difficulties too, forcing you to memorize shortcuts and track layouts in order to cut the perfect line through. It helps that the moment-to-moment gameplay is so fantastic as well curving through the water at high speeds feels tight and responsive, and it’s thrilling to make split-second turns and dodges in the waves. They are a great reward and motivation to keep playing. Neither voice nor text chat is supported, so there is little worry that players will be exposed to unseemly behavior from other players.These are really the main events and they do not disappoint as you slowly unlock them, collecting points from completing events, excited at what the next track would bring. Online interaction: This game can be played online with a group of up to four players on each local screen. And then there are the secret collectible logos hidden around each track, which can be devilishly difficult to locate and grab while racing - a good challenge for hardcore players. They’ll also need to explore to find the best shortcuts and locate triggers that, say, create ramps or turn on wave generators.
Players will need to learn when to use “boost” to cut corners and how to deal with dynamic environmental obstacles, such as the giant water snake that appears in one track. And while it’s easy to jump in and win your first few races, things become a little more complex as you go along.
Earning points through each of the four modes (and plenty more online) gradually unlocks all of the courses, boats, and competitions - a good carrot to keep playing until the credits start to roll. This is a pretty straightforward boat racer, but it’s fun. Which Side of History? How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives.Cómo saber si una aplicación o sitio web son realmente educativos.How to Tell If an App or a Website Is Good for Learning.Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews.Check out new Common Sense Selections for games.10 tips for getting kids hooked on books.Common Sense Selections for family entertainment.