H2Overdrive
| H2Overdrive | |
|---|---|
 H2Overdrive logo | |
| Developer(s) | Specular Interactive |
| Publisher(s) | Raw Thrills |
| Platform(s) | Arcade |
| Release | May 2009 |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
H2Overdrive is a powerboat arcade racing game developed by Specular Interactive and released in 2009 by Raw Thrills. It is considered a spiritual successor to 1999's Hydro Thunder. The game was also released in the People's Republic of China by UNIS (Universal Space).
Gameplay
[edit]
Players race using powerboats with various levels of difficulty against other boats, as well as seven other players on nearby cabinets. During the races, players can run into crates that give them power-ups that can range from speed boosts to MegaHull and HullCrusher abilities,[1] which can be used to destroy opposing boats.[2] On the cabinet, a throttle is used to move the boat, instead of pedals.[3] On the throttle, a red button is used to boost the boat. Unlike in Hydro Thunder, boats can now perform stunts, as well as various acrobatic maneuvers.[4]
The game has a password entry system, which features a number keypad to store game data as the player progresses through the game,[5] and achievements that the player unlocks are available, and players can increase their rank and level until it reaches the highest possible rank/level.[2][6] The game is played on a 42" LCD screen.[7]
Development
[edit]The game was developed by Specular Interactive which consisted of former Midway San Diego employees,[8] along with Hydro Thunder creator Steve Ranck.[9] It was unveiled by Raw Thrills at the Amusement Trades Exhibition International in January 2009.[10] The game is considered a spiritual successor to Hydro Thunder, and was originally named Hydro Thunder 2 before being renamed to its current name;[1][11] Midway had been intending on creating a sequel to the game, but the plan would later be scrapped – Midway would also declare bankruptcy the same year H2Overdrive released.[5] An unrelated game by the same name was developed for the PlayStation 2 by Crave Entertainment in 2003, though the game was never released.[12] A similar game titled Hydro Thunder Hurricane would however be released for the Xbox 360 console via Xbox Live Arcade.
See also
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References
[edit]- ^ a b "H2Overdrive". Specular Interactive. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ a b "H2Overdrive – Videogame by Raw Thrills". Arcade-museum.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "H2Overdrive Arcade Machine – Driving Machines – Arcade Machines". Arcade-game-sales.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ Contact Michael McWhertor: Comment (9 June 2009). "New H2Overdrive Trailer Full of Raw Thrills". Kotaku.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ a b Leone, Matt (23 January 2009). "H2Overdrive Preview for ARC from". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "H2Overdrive™ Commissions First Fleet Admiral | Raw Thrills, Inc". Rawthrills.com. Retrieved 20 August 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "H2Overdrive – Racing Simulator and Interactive Driving Game Arcade for rent". Videoamusement.com. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "H2Overdrive – Arcade". IGN. Archived from the original on 14 April 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "Arcade Heroes – Getting to know Dirty Drivin' and Specular Interactive". Arcade Heroes. 8 September 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ "Arcade Heroes – New boat racing game by Raw Thrills' and the Hydro Thunder team to be at ATEI". Arcadeheroes.com. 22 January 2009. Archived from the original on 6 July 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "Hydro Thunder 2 renamed H2Overdrive as spiritual sequel". Videogamesblogger.com. 23 January 2009. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "H2Overdrive (2003) – PlayStation 2". IGN. Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.