Hydra (video game)

Hydra
Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1990
Founder	ICE Software
Products	Vehicular combat arcade game

Hydra is a vehicular combat arcade game from 1990, developed and released by Atari Games. In this title, players control a hovercraft tasked with transporting highly confidential cargo while maneuvering around mines, hostile hovercraft, and various hazards. The gameplay incorporates X-Y yoke controls alongside mechanics for collecting fuel and money.

Gameplay

Players in Hydra operate a prototype speedboat to traverse rivers and seas through nine distinct stages. Their mission involves securing treasures at checkpoints to thwart thieves aiming to steal valuable museum artifacts. Gathering money bags boosts the player's funds, whereas crystals serve to refill the fuel supply. Challenges include navigating past gun emplacements and enemy vessels that may cause players to lose their cargo, which must then be recovered downstream. Upon completing each level, players deliver their cargo and have the option to invest in upgrades to improve their speedboat's capabilities.

Development and release

The game was created by ICE Software and published by both Domark and Tengen. Originally launched in arcades, Hydra was ported to the Amstrad CPC in Europe during the same year. The following year, versions for Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum were introduced. In 1992, an iteration for the Atari Lynx, developed by NuFX and distributed by Atari Corporation, expanded its availability.

Reception

The Atari Lynx edition garnered favorable critiques, with Robert Jung from IGN awarding it an 8 out of 10 score. He remarked on its resemblance to RoadBlasters while emphasizing its engaging gameplay experience. Additionally, Game Zero Magazine gave it an 82 out of 100, indicating positive critical feedback.

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