Hydro Thunder Hurricane was released on Wednesday for the Xbox Live Arcade as part of the Microsoft gaming console’s Summer of Arcade promotion.
The new feature, developed by Vector Unit, is the first sequel to the popular Midway speedboat racing game, which debuted in arcades across the country more than 10 years ago.
Gamers who have their Xbox 360 console connected to an HD TV, LED monitor or
HDMI projector can take advantage of the game’s upgraded HD visuals and dynamic water sequences.
Just because the game is available as a download and not a fully released in-store title, game developers didn’t limit themselves from adding key new elements, said Ralf Knoesel, VU’s technical director.
“Our goal with Hurricane was to deliver tons of new content with the kind of polish and depth you expect to find in a full retail game,” he said.
Knoesel said the single player mode has many unlockable achievements that are sure to challenge gamers, though the title’s greatest feature is its multiplayer mode.
Three more games are slated to be released as part of the Xbox Live’s Summer of Arcade series, including games from the Castlevania and Tomb Raider franchises. Last week, players were introduced to LIMBO, a mysterious puzzle-solving game that has been well received by critics.
