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Hydro PC UK Man.qxd 6/7/00 5:06 PM Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Installation
Hardware Rendered Minimum Specifications
• 200Mhz Pentium I CPU
• Windows 95 or 98
• 24 MB RAM
• 4MB 3D Card
Hardware Rendered Recommended Specifications
• 300Mhz Pentium II CPU
• 32MB RAM
• 4MB 3D Card
Software Rendered Minimum Specifications
• 233Mhz Pentium II CPU
• 24 MB RAM
Software Rendered Minimum Specifications
• 300Mhz Pentium II CPU
• 32 MB RAM
Recommended Peripherals
• 3D Video Card w/8MB and supports D3D
• Sound Blaster® or 100% compatible sound card
• 8 Button (or more) PC Controller
• Mouse
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Default Game Config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Default Keyboard Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Default Game Controls
Options Menus
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 - 8
Playing The Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 - 11
On the Water
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Hydro Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Mighty Hull & The H.T.R.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Easy Tracks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Medium Tracks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Hydro Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 - 19
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
For optimum play, we recommend using a Microsoft®
Sidewinder® Joypad or any other 4 or more button
controller. In this manual, Sidewinder illustrations are
used to display default button configurations.
To configure your controller, see Joystick, pg. 7.
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INSTALLATION
• With Windows® 95/98 running, insert the CD into your
drive. The Autorun Installation Screen will appear.
• Click the Install button to begin installation. The Install
Shield Wizard program within Windows will open the
Setup file to begin installation.
• Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Once installed, select “Programs/Hydro Thunder/Play
Hydro Thunder“ from the Start Menu.
Hydro Thunder requires DirectX™ 7.0 or higher to run properly. If you don’t have this (or higher) version of DirectX,
you’ll need to install it from the Hydro Thunder CD-ROM.
During installation, the program will detect your current
version of DirectX (if any), and make recommendations on
whether you should update your current drivers. Read each
stage of the installation carefully during the installation
process.
When DirectX 7.0 installation has completed, you’ll need to
restart your computer. Select “Programs/Hydro Thunder/Play
Hydro Thunder” from the Start Menu to begin playing.
Note: You must have the Hydro Thunder CD in your CD drive
in order to launch Hydro Thunder and hear the games
music soundtrack.
Important
If you experience problems running this game, out-of-date
video card drivers may be the cause. It is important to
always have the most recent drivers for your particular video
card. Check with the manufacturer or visit their web site for
updated drivers.
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DEFAULT CONTROL CONFIG
Before running Hydro Thunder, connect the controller or
other peripheral equipment into the control ports of your
computer.
Before you begin your game familiarize yourself with the
joypad controls. Numbers correspond to the buttons. You
may use these numbers as reference when modifying your
controller.
Button 8
(Right Trigger)
Button 7
(Left Trigger)
Button 4
Button 5
Button 6
Move Player
Button 3
Button 2
Button 9
(Start)
Button 1
For optimum play, we recommend using a Microsoft®
Sidewinder® Joypad or any other 4 or more button
gamepad. Hydro Thunder uses a minimum of 4 buttons on a
controller for gameplay. The diagram above will familiarize you
with the numbered buttons on the Sidewinder, so you’ll have
a reference when configuring the controller to your liking.
To configure your controller, see Joystick, pg. 7.
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DEFAULT GAME CONTROLS
DEFAULT KEYBOARD CONTROLS
Here are the default keys:
<Left> / <Right> Cursor Keys . . . . .Steer
<Up> / <Down> Cursor Keys . . . . .Throttle forward/back
<Shift> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Boost
The following is the default controller configuration for
Hydro Thunder. They can be modified as you like. See
Joystick, pg. 7.
Steer
Brake
All keys may be configured via the Options Menu. Other
useful keys are:
Boost
<F1> . . . . . .Displays a quick info menu (basically this info).
<F2> . . . . . .Brings up the Options Menu which contains:
Keyboard, Joystick, Graphics and Sound menus
<F4> . . . . . .Pauses a race
<F5> . . . . . . .Use Direct3D hardware rendering (if available)
<F6> . . . . . .Use full-screen low-res software rendering
<F7> . . . . . .Use full-screen high-res software rendering
<F8> . . . . . .Use software rendering in a normal window
<ESC> . . . . . .Pauses races, quits attract demos, and can be
used to exit the game
<ALT>+<F4> .Exit from game (standard Windows action)
To change a setting on the keyboard menu, select an item
by pressing <Enter> then press the key you want assigned
to the action.
Start
Menu Item
Device
Accelerate
Item Option Description
Not using a joystick
None
Using joystick #1-16 (as seen in Windows Control Panel)
1 - 16
Force
Feedback
Joystick does not support Force Feedback
N/A
No joystick rumble effects
Off
10% - 100% Viable strength of rumble effects
Sensitivity
20% - 30%
None
Throttle Axis Y - Axis
Z- Axis
Throttle Fwd 1 - 32
Throttle Back 1 - 32
Boost
1 - 32
Change View 1 - 32
Changes the responsiveness of the joystick
Throttle is not assigned to a joystick direction
Pushing forward/backward on joystick controls throttle
(Usually) either joystick pedals or throttle controls Speed
Use to assign button to acceleration
Use to assign button to deceleration
Use to assign button to boost
Use to assign button to changing views
Note
When “None” is selected for Device, your keyboard may be
used to make changes within the Joystick Options window.
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OPTIONS MENUS
OPTIONS MENUS
Graphics
There are many options available to display Hydro Thunder
on your computer. Highlight an option, then press the Arrow
Keys Left or Right (or controller pad) to make changes. See
below for details about each option.
Menu Item
Once you’ve launched Hydro Thunder, press F2 to view the
Options Menu. Use the Up/Down arrow keys or Up/Down
on your controller to select options, then press <Enter> or
the 1 Button to select an option.
At any time during a menu or options screen, you can press
<Esc> to go back to the previous menu. Here are the options:
Keyboard
View or modify your default Keyboard Controls. Press <Enter>
to select a function, then press the new key you would like to
use to control that function. Repeat the process to change all
desired keys. See page 5 for default keyboard controls.
Joystick
You can select a specific joystick to use, as well as adjust
other settings related to your controller. To adjust Device,
Force Feedback and Sensitivity options, press Left or Right
on your Joystick to make changes.
To adjust boat control options,
highlight that option, then press
the new button you would like to
use to control that function.
See page 6 for detailed information on each option.
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Display
Sensitivity
Start Mode
Water
Item Option
Direct3D Card*
Soft Low Res
Soft High Res
Soft Window
Description
Secondary*
Primary
Direct3D Card*
Soft Low Res
Soft High Res
Soft Window
Complex
Simple
When using Direct3D, uses any secondary 3D card
When using Direct3D, uses main graphics card for 3D
Lens Flare
On/Off
Spray+Smoke On/Off
Hardware rendering
Full Screen low-res software rendering
Full Screen high-res software rendering
Software rendering in a window
You can specify which render mode the game will try
to start in. Also, the mode to use when the window
is maximized.
Draws water reflections
Doesn’t draw water reflections
Turns lens flare effects On/Off
Turns boat/waterfall spray and smoke effects On/Off
Sound
Highlight an option, then press the Arrow Keys Left or Right
(or controller pad) to make changes. See below for details
about each option.
Menu Item
Item Option Description
Effects Volume 10%- 100%
Throttle Fwd 10%- 100%
Effects
On/Off
CD Music Volume 10%- 100%
CD Music
On/Off
Changes the overall volume of the sound effects
Changes the volume of the main engine sound
Turns sound effects On/Off
Changes the volume of the CD audio
Turns the CD music On/Off
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PLAYING THE GAME
The object of Hydro Thunder is simple: cross the finish line
first, at all costs! Along the way, collect BOOST icons to
enable your boat’s specialized engines to fire up and propel
you faster. Boost icons are located throughout all tracks.
Some are hidden in secret areas of the track and some are
even invisible! The following will give you an overview of
everything you need to know to win the race.
PLAYING THE GAME
When racing on the Medium tracks, you must complete
each race with a First or Second place finish to advance to
the HARD division.
TRACK SELECTION
When beginning Hydro Thunder, you will only have access
to 3 tracks and 3 boats. Both the tracks and boats are designated as EASY. If you complete each Easy designated race
and place First, Second or Third, you will gain access to the
MEDIUM division boats and tracks.
Racing the Hard boats and Hard tracks takes a lot of skill. It is
recommended that you really master the previous tracks
before advancing to these challenging ones. You must complete each track with a First place finish to access a special
Bonus Track.
You must continue to place First on all the Bonus Tracks to
access the Bonus Boats. There are a total of 4 Bonus Tracks and
4 Bonus Boats, if you’re good enough to earn them.
When choosing a track, it’s important to remember everything
you can about it. Some tracks have numerous obstacles in the
water, causing you to capsize or just slow down. If you’re racing a track for the first time, be alert. Try and learn as much as
you can about the track for future reference.
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PLAYING THE GAME
ON THE WATER
BOAT SELECTION
Each boat in Hydro Thunder
is unique. Not only in appearance, but also in control and
overall performance. Some
boats are faster than others,
while some fly and take turns
better. When selecting a
boat, keep in mind on what
track you will be racing, as it
will make all the difference.
“MIGHTY HULL”
Developed by the H.T.R.A. (see Page 14), “Mighty Hull”
technology is utilized by every boat in Hydro Thunder.
When your boat’s boosters are activated for a short period
of time, your boat will flash. This means that the boat’s
Mighty Hull is activated. Use your Mighty Hull power to
clear unwanted obstacles and opponents out of your course
as you race to victory. Each boat is unique when it comes to
Mighty Hull activation time.
BOOST ICONS
The tracks in Hydro Thunder are littered with Red and Blue
diamond-shaped Boost icons. Each boost will cause your
boat’s engines to transform and enable your boat to travel
faster as well as activate it’s “Mighty Hull” power. Red Boost
icons will give you 9 seconds of boost fuel. Blue Boost icons
will give you 4 seconds of boost fuel. Use your boost sparingly as you never know when you’ll need it. Use your
boosters to help your boat take corners faster as well as
clear any obstacles in your way!
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Current Time
on Course
Time remaining (seconds)
until disqualification
Navigation Gauge
(Location on Course)
Tachometer
Boost Gauge
Current Position
When racing against the clock, you must pass specially numbered buoys (checkpoints) that will give you more time. If
your time is getting short, you will hear the announcer say
“Time running low!”, followed by a series of beeps when
your race clock enters the single-digit range.
When running out of booster fuel, the announcer will say
“Boosters Running Low!”, followed by another series of
beeps when you’re almost empty. When your boosters are
full the announcer will inform you of that as well.
Remember, keep an eye on your booster fuel!
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HYDRO STRATEGIES
As you gain experience in Hydro Thunder, you will find
that each game is different, depending on your style of racing. Each boat in the H.T.R.A. lineup is unique in both
appearance and overall performance. Each track is unique
with its own shortcuts and tricks to mastering them. Practice
does make perfect in this game. This page is devoted to
some great tricks to help you along your path to victory!
MIGHTY HULL & THE H.T.R.A
MIGHTY HULL TECHNIQUES
When your boosters are activated for a short period of time,
your boat will begin to flash. When it does, your boat’s
Mighty Hull technology has been activated. While your boat
is flashing, you can ram other boats and send them flying
into the air! Mighty Hull also helps to rid your path of
annoying obstacles.
BOAT DESIGN
You will notice that each boat is different. Some boats are
designed to fly, while others are built for speed. Try to learn
each boat’s weaknesses and advantages. You will find that
some boats are very easily knocked around by other boats,
while some tend to do more of the knocking.
THE HYDRO JUMP
Each boat can use its boosters
to propel into the air for a brief
period of time. As your boat is
accelerating forward, quickly
let go and press the Brake.
Once you have activated the
Brake, immediately begin to
Boost. This takes practice to
learn, but is well worth the
effort. Use the Hydro Jump to access out-of-reach boost icons
and to gain entry into secret pathways.
Some boats will travel through the air very well if you can
master the Hydro Jump. Using the jump with these boats
will allow you to cut seconds off of your course time.
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Now, you’ve certainly heard of the H.T.R.A. There is no signing up with these guys. Nobody even knows who they are or
on which watery location they’ll race next. But if you’re good
enough and have what it takes to be one of them, don’t
worry, they’ll find you.
This underground clan of adventurous racing renegades doesn’t let anything get in the way of their racing. No place is too
sacred. No place is too dark. No unexplored waterway is too
dangerous. No guidelines. No restrictions. No manners. No
law. These guys are dead serious and have only one goal:
Do anything to cross the finish line first.
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EASY TRACKS
EASY BOATS
THUNDER PARK
DAMN THE TORPEDOES
A traditional H.T.R.A. circuit track.
On a sunny day, Thunder Park offers
a competition-style hydroplane raceway loop. Try to find the hidden 9
second boost on this track.
Note: When racing on a circuit
track, each boost icon can only be
picked up once.
MIDWAY
LOST ISLAND
Located somewhere in the South
Pacific, the Lost Island track offers a
fast-paced trek through a volcanic
island. Lush greenery, native villages,
ancient ruins and numerous secrets
await you!
ARCTIC CIRCLE
Gigantic ice formations and a variety
of wildlife line this unique track. The
race starts near a fishing village high
above sea level, continues in a river
that winds its way down a glacier,
through water-carved ice tunnels
until finally dropping you to the
ocean for the remainder of the race.
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Damn the Torpedoes is a good
introductory boat for racing.
Although it is slower than most
boats in speed and Mighty Hull
activation time, it is ideal for the
beginning racer.
Very stable and not susceptible to being knocked
around by other boats,
Midway is another good
choice for the beginning racer.
Midway’s weaknesses are its slow
booster and Mighty Hull activation times.
MISS BEHAVE
Able to slice the water for
better turning, Miss Behave
is one of the smallest boats
in the H.T.R.A. lineup. The boosters
are slightly under-powered but Miss
Behave’s real strength lies in her ability to
glide while in the air. With parts salvaged from
a World War II aircraft, Miss Behave is the “flyer” of
the beginning boats.
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HYDRO HINTS
HERE ARE SOME POINTERS TO KEEP IN MIND
AS YOU TAKE TO THE WATER.
CREDITS
HYDRO THUNDER ARCADE TEAM
PROGRAMMING
Steven Ranck - Lead Programmer, Michael Starich & Scott Patterson
• Try pressing the Forward and Reverse Throttle a couple times
at the countdown. If you perform a certain sequence, you’ll
get a 4 second Boost at the Start!
PROGRAMMING TOOLS
Lori Miller, Dusty Monk & Detmar Peterke
• Try going through caves and waterfalls. Not only are
there a bunch of short-cuts, but you’ll find lots of Boost
Icons as well!
Eric Browning - Lead Artist, Scott Goffman, Brian Silva,
Dale Henderscheid, Gary Carbonell & Andy Wilson
ARTISTS
MUSIC & SOUND
• Look for the hidden 9 Second Boost on Hydro Speedway
as well as Thunder Park!
• Beware of underwater debris!
• Learn the Hydro Jump! It is essential!!!
• Jumping in the Nile Adventure track will lead to
great things!
Orpheus 'SoundStation' Hanley
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Brian Johnson
MIDWAY HOME ENTERTAINMENT TEAM
PRINT DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Midway Creative Services, San Diego
INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION
Kimberely Tilley, Robert Honeywood & Yvonne White
• WATCH YOUR BOOST FUEL CLOSELY!!!
ADDITIONAL LEVEL DESIGN & ARTISTS
Steve Kramer & John Stookey
SPECIAL THANKS
Deborah Fulton
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CREDITS
Developed by
EUROCOM ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE
LEAD PROGRAMMING
Kevin Stainwright
LEAD ARTIST
Colin Garratt
ADDITIONAL ART
Chris Boyle, Adrian Mannion & Paul Robinson
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING
Paul Bates, Tim Rogers, Dave Long & Mark Hetherington
TEXTURES & MODELING
Adrian Mannion, Paul Robinson & Chris Boyle
AUDIO
Neil Baldwin & Guy Cockcroft
QA MANAGER
Mike Botham
QA
Andy Collins, John Barker, Phil Bennett & Adam Timmons
DIRECTOR
Hugh Binns
SPECIAL THANKS
Steve Ranck, Scott Goffman, Justin Heber, Kimberely Tilley, Lee Jaconbson,
Ed Duran, Rob Sablan, Mat Sneap, Kevin Potter, Sean Wilson, John Bozeman,
John Ubalde, Clark Terrill, Dan Camp, Mark Fontech & Shakir Johnson
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