Arctic Thunder

True to Midway style, Arctic Thunder boasts plenty of arcade style gameplay. Of course, the game originated in the arcades, one of the final Midway games to do so. Bringing this style of action home is a specialty of Midway's and true to fashion, shouldn't disappoint the faithful.

Gamers will take control of one of a number of riders who take snowmobiles through fantasy styled snow-covered courses. These racers are ready for some snow-covered action. Players will get to choose from several characters initially, Agent 5, Candy, Dirty McKurdy, Mai Zhou Lin, Ponzo and Willie Quinn, but there will be even more characters hidden for you to unlock. Was that a Yeti? HmmmmЕЕ

Tracks run the gamut from Washington D.C. to the Alaskan Pipeline to the Swiss Alps. There are six courses initially open for racing, and six others that will have to be unlocked. That adds up to 12 total tracks, for those of you with math skills. Some of the unlockable courses include China, Atlantis, a logging camp, and a theme park.

Of course, getting to the finish line takes more that just knowing where the shortcuts are. In true Midway fashion, combat will be an element with this racer. An arsenal of weapons will help slow down the competition, ranging from atomic snowballs, proximity missiles, snowbombs, and super attacks. Don't forget the ever-popular shield as well, and the turbo boost.

This game stands apart in another way as well, for not only will you have УtraditionalФ arcade style weapons, but hand to hand combat can be utilized as well. If the other riders are too close to use an atomic snowball, reach over and pound them with your fist.

There is an upgrade shop in Arctic Thunder as well, where players will be able to upgrade their snowmobile, giving it more power and better weapons. Players will also have the ability to perform tricks while racing. These tricks translate into points, which players can then take to the upgrade shop and build up their sled.

Arctic Thunder also has a multiplayer battle arena mode, where up to four players (the PS2 version only supported 2 players Ц HA!) battle head-to-head in an enclosed ice arena. Players must use an array of explosive weaponry and strategic weapon combat tactics in order to destroy their opponents. There are a total of three different arenas, each with some cool features. If this doesn't add to the replay value, then you must not have any friends. All in all, there will be a total of 6 ways to get your Thunder on: Race, Points, Battle Arena, Upgrade Shop, Training and Arcade. Midway is packing in a ton of features, trying to keep gamers satisfied with arcade style combat racing goodness.