Download.it search icon
Advertisement

Race high performance boats on a collection of white-knuckle hydrofoil tracks

Race high performance boats on a collection of white-knuckle hydrofoil tracks

Vote: (118 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Microsoft Studios

Version: 1.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(118 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Version

Microsoft Studios

1.0

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Multiple control options to suit different play styles
  • Xbox LIVE integration for competitive gameplay
  • Dynamic environments make each race unique
  • Striking graphics and realistic water physics
  • Plethora of unlockables ensuring extended playtime

Cons

  • Early version was limited in content
  • Multiplayer features were not initially included

Adrenaline-Fueled Racing on Water

Hydro Thunder Hurricane for Windows 10 is a high-speed boat racing game that takes the excitement of arcade racing to the tumultuous waves of wild waterways. It stands out as a vivid example of the racing genre with a specialized focus on watercraft, providing a splash of fresh adrenaline for racing aficionados and casual gamers alike.

Intuitive Controls Across Various Platforms

Hydro Thunder Hurricane is engineered to cater to a range of control preferences, showcasing its versatility in a Windows 10 environment. The game initially presents users with touch and motion controls that include virtual buttons for navigation and turbo boost—taking advantage of the Windows 10 touch screen capabilities. For those who long for the classic tactile feedback, the game offers the flexibility to switch to gamepad or keyboard settings, ensuring that the control scheme meets everyone's taste and comfort level.

Xbox LIVE Integration & Player Engagement

Given its roots in Microsoft Studios, the game proudly features Xbox LIVE integration. This adds a community dimension to the game, encouraging players to climb leaderboards and engage in a bit of friendly competition. Although the game's early version was limited to single-player action, the full release allows players to not only strive for their personal best but also to compare their scores with other racers, ramping up the stakes and the fun.

Dynamic Gameplay and Polished Graphics

Hydro Thunder Hurricane excels in delivering dynamic gameplay, punctuated by ever-shifting environments that demand constant attention and agile reflexes. Players can expect to cut through choppy waves, dodge obstacles, and even evade the attention of police boats in hot pursuit. The game's environmental variability ensures that no two races feel the same, keeping the player's experience fresh and engaging.

The visual aspect of Hydro Thunder Hurricane is just as noteworthy. The game displays a wealth of graphical prowess with splash effects and a convincing sense of speed, especially during turbo-boosted runs. The water physics are commendably realistic, adding both to the visual flair and the strategic depth of each race.

Unlockables and Longevity

To enhance replay value, the game is jam-packed with a variety of unlockable items and boats. By offering these incentives, the game rewards continuous play and exploration, inviting players to return to the waves to discover what new speeds and secrets they can uncover.

Conclusion

Hydro Thunder Hurricane demonstrates a strong potential for future Windows 10 gaming. With its focus on striking graphics, engaging touch controls, and lively gameplay, it sets a high tide mark for fun and fluid arcade-style racing. While the single-player mode and the initial limitation of tracks and boats in the early preview version may have once been a drawback, the full game delivers a wave of content that should keep players engaged.

Pros

  • Multiple control options to suit different play styles
  • Xbox LIVE integration for competitive gameplay
  • Dynamic environments make each race unique
  • Striking graphics and realistic water physics
  • Plethora of unlockables ensuring extended playtime

Cons

  • Early version was limited in content
  • Multiplayer features were not initially included