Hydra (USA, Europe)

Hydra is a vehicular combat game that originally hit arcades in 1990 courtesy of Atari Games, then made its way to the Atari Lynx handheld in 1992. This Lynx version is a faithful port, bringing the same hovercraft piloting action to a portable screen. It's an arcade-style title through and through, designed for quick, intense sessions that fit the Lynx's pick-up-and-play nature.

The core gameplay puts you in control of a hovercraft tasked with delivering top secret items across hazardous arenas. Your main enemies are mines, other hovercraft, and logs scattered around the course. You can pick up money and fuel along the way, which are vital for keeping your vehicle running. The controls use a classic X-Y yoke system, giving you direct command over movement and aiming.

For a Lynx owner in 1992, Hydra was a solid dose of arcade vehicle combat in your pocket. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it executes its simple premise well. If you enjoy old-school racers that mix driving with shooting and obstacle dodging, this is worth a try. It holds up as a nostalgic piece of the Lynx library, though it's certainly a product of its time.