Trials HD is a sequel to RedLynx’s earlier game, Trials 2. Rolling steel balls, mobile and breakable platforms, explosives, carts on trains, gymnastics-like even bars, and elevators are among the new hazards in this edition.
Hydro Thunder Hurricane is a boat racing game set in the future. It is the sequel to the more than ten-year-old Hydro Thunder, and while being done by a different development team, it pursues the same arcade-like gameplay with a corny announcer. There is no premise; players race through eight circuits filled with hazards, breakable objects, shortcuts, jumps, tunnels, and events like police boat chases or the rise of a giant sea monster from the depths.
There are no weapons, and the hull effect from the first game has been eliminated; collisions just slow the boats down, and they cannot take damage except when hitting explosive barrels (instant death and respawn). Instead, a slipstream drafting mechanism is in place, which allows boats in pursuit to gain speed by following the tracks of opponents ahead. A boost system is used to provide additional depth. Different sorts of boost power-ups increase speed and can be combined for even more. It takes a few seconds after picking up an item to enable boost since the engines must be converted. It is possible to jump to higher regions while equipped with an increase.
In the primary racing mode, players compete against fifteen opponents. Trophies and credits are awarded for good results, which may be used to unlock new boats and races. Certain things like boat skins can only be obtained by fulfilling specified race tasks. Ships are classified into three classes (novice, pro, and expert) based on their handling, acceleration, and speed—the game’s difficulty changes by the selected boat class. Individual boats also have unique qualities. Flat-bottomed boats are easier to maneuver around turns, whereas multi-hulled boats have superior grip, and V-hulls balance power and control.
Championship (a series of racing events), Ring Master (time trial races via gates that generate boost), and Gauntlet (time trial across an arena littered with explosive barrels) are the other game modes. Multiplayer is available for up to four players locally (split-screen) and up to eight players online. There is a multiplayer mode called Rubber Ducky in addition to the primary Race mode. Players are separated into two teams, with one player controlling a rubber ducky. The goal is for the team’s rubber duck to cross the finish line ahead of the duck from the opposing team.
There are also 80 secret packages throughout the game. These are spinning Hydro Thunder logos, and there are 10 of them on each circuit, frequently in difficult-to-reach locations. A special is unlocked by collecting all of them in a single level.
