Hover!

Overview

Hover! (also known as Microsoft Hover!, and not to be confused with the 2017 game Hover) is a sci-fi first-person hovercraft-racing game developed and released by Microsoft for Windows PCs in August 1995, included as a bonus in the installation disc for the CD-ROM version of the Windows 95 operating system.

In Hover!, players are put into the cockpit of the "Hover 950" hovercraft as they navigate an open maze to collect all the blue flags before their opponent drones collect all the red flags. Along the way, they can collect multiple power-ups (including speed boosts and shields) and must be careful to navigate around hazards (in the form of floor "pads" that either trap the hovercraft, send the hovercraft flying in one direction, or returning a flag from the hovercraft's possession).

The game includes three themed mazes (one set in a medieval castle, one set in a neo-futuristic city, and one set in an underground sewer), with the game looping between each maze while adding additional flags and more and smarter drones.

Although the game did not receive any standalone release or sequel, it received an enhanced port in 2013 as a browser game to showcase WebGL support in Microsoft's Internet Explorer 11 web browser. This version features higher-definition graphics and online multiplayer support, was later released in app form for the Windows Store, and was later discontinued in 2019.

Gameplay

Along with standard tank controls (in which players control their forwards and backwards momentum and can turn in either direction), players have access to three abilities (which are replenished with power-ups):

• Jump (defaults to 'A') - Propels the player upwards, allowing them to reach higher platforms and avoid hazards.

• Wall (defaults to 'S') - Deploys a temporary wall behind the player.

• Cloak (default to 'D') - Cloaks the player from enemy drones.

Pods

Scattered around the arena are floating green "pods" that can be collected to gain one of eight effects: