Arctic Thunder (2001)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Arctic Thunder: The Ultimate Snowmobile Racing Experience

Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, Arctic Thunder is a snowmobile racing game developed by Midway Games, the creators of the popular Hydro Thunder series. Arctic Thunder takes players on a wild ride through 12 outlandish winter tracks, from the Swiss Alps to the Blizzard in DC to the lost city of Atlantis. Each track is packed with challenges and obstacles, and players must use their skills and cunning to navigate them successfully.

Gameplay

Arctic Thunder is a fast-paced and exhilarating racing game that offers a variety of gameplay modes to keep players entertained. The main mode is the Championship mode, in which players race against seven other AI opponents on a series of tracks. Players can also compete in Time Trial mode, where they race against the clock to set the best possible time. Additionally, there is a Stunt mode, in which players can perform tricks and stunts to earn points.

One of the things that sets Arctic Thunder apart from other racing games is its focus on tricks and stunts. Players can perform up to 62 different tricks, each of which is worth a certain number of points. Tricks can be performed in the air, on the ground, and even on the walls of the track. The more tricks players perform, the more points they will earn, which can give them an edge over their opponents.

In addition to tricks, Arctic Thunder also features a variety of weapons that players can use to attack their opponents. These weapons include atomic snowballs, proximity missiles, snow bombs, and more. Players can use these weapons to slow down their opponents, knock them off their sleds, or even destroy them.

Characters

Arctic Thunder features a cast of eight playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The characters include:

  • Yukon: A skilled snowmobiler from Alaska who is known for his speed and agility.
  • Morgan: A former Olympic skier who is now a professional snowmobiler. She is known for her grace and precision.
  • Sven: A burly Viking who is known for his strength and toughness.
  • Natasha: A Russian spy who is known for her cunning and resourcefulness.
  • Dr. Frosty: A mad scientist who has created a variety of gadgets and weapons to help him win races.
  • Tundra: A mysterious Inuit woman who is said to have the ability to control the weather.
  • Yeti: A legendary creature who is said to inhabit the frozen wastes of the Arctic.
  • Polar: A robotic polar bear who is known for his speed and power.

Tracks

The 12 tracks in Arctic Thunder are all unique and challenging, and they offer a variety of different environments to race in. The tracks include:

  • Swiss Alps: A winding and treacherous track that takes players through the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps.
  • Blizzard in DC: A chaotic and unpredictable track that takes players through the streets of Washington, D.C. during a blizzard.
  • Lost City of Atlantis: A mysterious and underwater track that takes players through the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis.
  • Iceolation: A desolate and frozen track that takes players through a vast and empty wasteland.
  • Northern Exposure: A beautiful and serene track that takes players through the snowy forests of Canada.
  • Arctic Assault: A military-themed track that takes players through a frozen military base.
  • Avalanche Alley: A dangerous and unpredictable track that takes players through a treacherous mountain pass.
  • Iceberg Alley: A challenging and icy track that takes players through a maze of icebergs.
  • Polar Plunge: A fast-paced and exhilarating track that takes players down a frozen river.
  • Snowdrift: A winding and snowy track that takes players through a dense snowstorm.
  • Glacier Gorge: A treacherous and icy track that takes players through a narrow glacier gorge.
  • Iceolation: A desolate and frozen track that takes players through a vast and empty wasteland.

Reception

Arctic Thunder was a critical and commercial success, and it was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging tracks, and variety of characters and weapons. The game was also a hit with fans of the Hydro Thunder series, and it is still considered to be one of the best snowmobile racing games ever made.

Legacy

Arctic Thunder has had a lasting impact on the snowmobile racing genre, and it is still considered to be one of the best games in the genre. The game’s unique blend of speed, stunts, and weapons has been copied by many other games, and it has helped to popularize the snowmobile racing genre. Arctic Thunder is a classic racing game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Review Score

8/10

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More