Hydro Thunder - Arcade
CodeGuide written by Eric42 (eric42@gmail.com)
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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: eric42@gmail.com 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 - eric42@gmail.com