was also included in the later Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition for Windows - neither of these versions were based on the arcade original, but rather the Dreamcast port. Reception The Dreamcast version received favorable reviews, while the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation versions received mixed or average reviews, according to the review aggregation website GameRankings. GameSpot gave the Dreamcast version a positive review, over a week before its U.S. release date. An unnamed reviewer of Next Generation said of the arcade version in its July 1999 issue, "Boat-racing games have never been very popular, perhaps because it's hard to tune the control just right and keep the excitement as high as in a land-based game. Now, with Hydro Thunder, Midway has finally created the boat-racing game that will bring this sub-genre to the forefront." Three issues later, Jeff Lundrigan of the same magazine (now labeled NextGen) said that "the Dreamcast version is just shy of being a perfect conversion." Five issues after that, Eric Bratcher said that the Nintendo 64 version was "not as pretty as the Dreamcast version, but if you own an N64, you need this game." Game Informer praised the PlayStation port being as well done as the original Dreamcast version and gave praise for the decent frame rate for the two player mode and noting where other racing PlayStation games lack. Dan Elektro of GamePros October 1999 issue said of the Dreamcast version: "With killer visuals, good physics, and addictive gameplay, Hydro Thunder will help anchor the Dreamcast on its maiden voyage. However, two-player showdowns become two-player slowdowns, and after racing alone for a while, you'll plateau in your quest to beat your best time – and that reduces the replay value. Still, Hydro Thunder swims more than it sinks, and is at least a renter for all race fans." Six issues later, however, Lamchop said of the Nintendo 64 version, "Like the Titanic, Hydro Thunder takes to the water well-equipped, but slow gameplay is the iceberg that sinks it. You may still want to rent HT to test the waters, but consider yourself warned." An issue later, Jake The Snake said of the PlayStation version, "If you like arcade-style racers and want a break from automobiles, don't miss the boat on Hydro Thunder." Cam Shea of Hyper gave the Dreamcast version 84% in its January 2000 issue, saying, "After playing the arcade version, it has