Hydro Thunder - Arcade
CodeGuide written by Eric42 ([email protected])
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Version 1.00c - Final public release - Monday, August 16, 2004
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This was once meant to be a "FAQ", but I have not updated it for
such a long time, that I have finally decided to turn it into a
CodeGuide and leave it at that.  You shouldn't expect anymore
updates.  Even though the Codes are meant for the Arcade version
of the game, the Strategies could be used for any version of the
game, such as the Dreamcast, Playstation, and Nintendo 64 versions,
but they will have to be adapted to the platform's controls.

Please do not email me asking me questions about any of the Hydro
Thunder games.  It has been a long time since I've played Hydro
Thunder in the arcade and I do not know the controls to any of the
home console versions.  Email me asking me what the controls to the
Nintendo 64 version are and I will ignore it.  I don't know.  If
you have the game, look in it's instruction booklet.

08/16/04 - Updating my email address here: [email protected] is my
brand new email address.
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 I.  Game Codes

  a. Hidden Boats -

There are FOUR hidden boats in the arcade version of Hydro Thunder
and to be able to access these hidden boats, go to the Boat Select
screen and enter the code for the boat that you like.  These codes
are listed below.

 * Chumdinger - Highlight the Razor Back and quickly press the
 Pilot button three times.

 * Blowfish - Highlight the Hazard and quickly press the Pilot
 button three times.

 * Tinytanic - Highlight the Tidal Blade and quickly press the
 Pilot button three times.

 * Armed Response - Highlight the Thresher and quickly press
 the Pilot button three times

  b. Hidden Track

 So far, there is only one known hidden track.  To access this
 hidden track, head to the "Choose Track" screen, highlight the
 Lake Powell track and quickly press the Pilot button three
 times.  You will now race on the Hydro Speedway Track.

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II.  Racing Strategy

  a. Super Starts

 To start a race with a burst of speed, hold the Throttle in the
 neutral position between Full and Back during the countdown.
 When the number "1" starts to disappear, quickly move the
 Throttle into the Forward position.

  b. Hop-Starts

 To start a race with a quick hop in the air, hold the Throttle
 in the Reverse position during the countdown.  When the number
 "1" starts to disappear, quickly move the Throttle into the
 Forward position.

  c. Hydro Jumps

 The key to mastering Hydro Thunder is learning to use Hydro
 Jumps effectively.  To perform one of these jumps, pull the
 Throttle into the Reverse position, then press the Boost button
 while holding the Throttle in Reverse.  You must have Boost fuel
 in order to perform a Hydro Jump, and the amount of time you
 hold down the Boost button determines how high you will go.
 Hydro Jumps are effective for clearing obstacles, grabbing
 boosts, and reaching certain shortcuts.

  d. Boost Wisely

 Booster Fuel runs out pretty fast, so never drain your supply of
 it completely.  If you grab Boost fuel on an empty take, it'll
 take time for your engine to activate its super motor and cost
 you valuable seconds.  By keeping Boost fuel in your tank at all
 times, you can avoid this delay.

  e. Boost Fuel

 You can collect Boost Fuel from two types of canisters:

  Blue:  Gives four seconds of fuel
  Red:   Gives nine seconds of fuel

 You can also find hidden boosters that are invisible.

  f. Shortcuts

 The tracks in Hydro Thunder are filled with shortcuts and secrets
 that can slash seconds off your time and give you an edge over
 the competition.  For example, waterfalls frequently conceal
 shortcuts, and it's a safe bet that boosters can be found behind
 large anchored ships.

Eric42 - [email protected]