Hydro Thunder was built for arcade, meaning it’s all about the gameplay loop. However, there are indeed bits of lore that can be gathered.
The H.T.R.A. (Hydro Thunder Racing Association)
The H.T.R.A. is a mysterious underground racing organization dedicated to the sport of lawless boat racing at the highest level. Participants can only become members by secret invitation.
“So, you have your own boat you say? You’ve tapped out your bank account and spent endless months building it out of state-of-the-art racing materials. You’ve tuned the specialized motors, refined the hull shape to perfection and won more races than you can count. You’re at the top of the international boat racing game. Nobody comes close. You long for a challenge.
Then one day that challenge comes to you in the form of a sealed envelope with no return address. Only the words Hydro Thunder Racing Association mark the envelope. You open it. Inside, a single sheet of blue paper, with your name written upon it, simply states, “You have been chosen as a permanent member of the H.T.R.A.” Below, a map and date are printed. The next secret race location!
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 time is too dark. No unexplored waterway is too dangerous. No guidelines. No restrictions. No manners. No law. These guys are deadly serious and have only one goal: Do anything to cross the finish line first.”
Mighty Hull
Developed by the H.T.R.A., “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.