Arctic Thunder , the fourth installment in Midway's Thunder racing series, is an extreme, action-packed snowmobile racing game that plays like a mix of Hydro Thunder and Mario Kart on ice. The main objective of the Xbox port is to upgrade available snowmobiles and unlock additional racers, sleds, and tracks. This is done by earning either enough points or gold medals, both of which are done by winning races. The arcade-style gameplay involves attacking opponents through armed and hand-to-hand combat, collecting power-ups, and performing stunts. Exclusive to the console port is a Battle Mode that emphasizes the game's frantic combat.
The game features various tracks and racers, each with their own unique characteristics. Players can also customize their snowmobiles and unlock new parts to improve their performance. With its fast-paced gameplay and variety of options, Arctic Thunder is a thrilling experience for racing fans.