Hydro Thunder Hurricane is a sequel to the original boat racing game, Hydro Thunder which was released in 1999/2000 on the Dreamcast, PlayStation and Nintendo 64. Ten years on from the original games release, the base of the gameplay hasn’t changed much. Hydro Thunder Hurricane features high-speed races of speedboats that morph. Yes, morph. The basics of the game involve tearing around varied environments which throw up unpredictable elements in super speedboats that rip through the water while bouncing around like a mad caffeine-injected bunny. And it’s a lot of fun.
Ken McKown writes: The From A to Z series lets our editors go back and take a look at games from past generations that are classics, overlooked gems, or just titles they remember fondly. The idea behind this is to pick five games from each letter of the alphabet, once a week to showcase. This delivers 26 weeks and 130 games to talk about. Hopefully it sparks some conversation, and of course plenty of memories.
Our first series will focus on Sony’s first entry into the console business, the PlayStation.
Let’s continue with the letter “H”.
Hardcore Gamer: Hydro Thunder, while certainly aged, brings back all that was fun and memorable about arcade racers. Tight controls, fast paced action and a difficulty level meant to draw quarters out of all but the most seasoned arcade racer veteran are all present in this timeless package.
Axl of WTG: "There’s something intangibly cool about a video game world that drips with atmosphere. There’s some combination of sound and visuals that knocks you out when it’s mixed perfectly, leaving you awed, intrigued, or just plain terrified. Over the years, there have been a slew of unforgettable worlds imprinted upon our memories, just like the worlds of the storybooks and films we grew up with."
In terms of atmospheric game levels, who can forget those creepy, otherworldly, WWI type levels from The Darkness? Those were friggin' cool. Looking forward to giving the 2nd game a try when I have some time.
I was going to mention The Darkness also, but I personally thought the entire game in general was one of the most atmospheric this generation. My picks are:
1. The Darkness
2. F.E.A.R.
3. CoD4
4. Rainbow Six Vegas
5. Uncharted 2
Red Dead Redemption.
Playing cards indoors with 4 fellows.
Rain and thunder outside.
Dat cosy.
LOL these are some horrible choices to be honest. Demon's/Dark Souls, ICO/SotC, NIER, STALKER series, and just about any Zelda game just to name a very few, destroy anything on that list in terms of atmosphere
Tower of Latria... How on earth that isn't there, I don't know. In fact, the entirety of Demon/Dark Souls. They're both absolutely amazing games for atmosphere.
And Amnesia! My God, that game deserves a medal
When you mention atmosphere and you dont have Metro 2033 then the article is a fail
Examples
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
For one single level in the game then watch this (EPIC SPOILER ALERT)
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
Every level is atmospheric and from sound, lighting, animation and everything in between is just designed so damn well.
