Hints/Cheats.
The best hint, is to know the map. Some secrets are not worth taking if you miss the boost available in the regular path (Ship Graveyard, in the arcade - this may not be the case on the console). Follow the links HERE to see the maps.
First, a disclaimer. I've been getting a lot of email asking about hidden boosts and paths, so I threw this together. It ruins a lot of what I consider the best part of the game....exploring. So please, take a few more chances before resorting to this, cause it really does take away from the game. These hints are intentionally vague.
PSX Specific Strategy:
To get the 4-sec boost in the beginning,
when the 3 starts shrinking, hold the X key,
when the 2 starts shrinking, hold the SQUARE key quickly
when the 1 starts shrinking, hold the X key quickly.
You'll start with a 4-sec boost.
Unlike the Arcade, I try to get in front of the other boats as quickly in the race as possible. Obviously, try not to let your boost tank go dry.
Sadly, the PSX version doesn't remember what boat you chose, so I use the High Score initials to serve that purpose (MBS= Mark-BanShee, MTB=Mark-Tidal Blade, etc.)
It may interest you Playstation owners that the PSX version has features the other versions don't - Time Trial, Circuit Mode, and the ability to restart a race while in that race.
Lost Island
Secret behind Waterfall.
Secret on left after Spears.
Hidden 9-sec in the volcano.
Arctic Circle
Shortcut over slanted building.
Secret tunnel if you jump boost through Ice cave.
Right after the Ice Cave, you'll have a lot of speed and with practice, you'll be able to boost jump through the next glacier hole.
9-sec behind Polar Bears.
Through ship, behind penguins.
Greek Isles
Waterfall.
Right after the fall from the first secret path, after the 4-sec boost, on the right before the last pillar.
Jump boost through right tunnel to get 9-sec boost, although on the console version, this is a little high and not worth the time it takes.
Hidden 9-sec behind the huge fallen statue, but it doesn't seem to be worth it.
Far East
Boost jump into tunnel,4-sec.
Waterfall.
Jump boost to secret ditch.
Lake Powell
Waterfall.
Jump over short pier and go through Bat tunnel for hidden 4-sec boost.
New York Disaster
Secret between checkerboard columns on the left.
Revolving door on the left (connects with Checkerboard passage).
Venice Canals
Right after first 4-sec, sharp right to cut between buildings.
After 9-sec Archway, you can go behind pillars on right.
Boost Jump over pier for shortcut.
2nd chandelier in cathedral, 9-sec.
Ship Graveyard
Behind the second ship after first turn, 9-sec.
Waterfall (this route is shorter, but if you take it, you lose out on over 20 seconds of boost).
Boost jump to the right of the shack, 9-sec.
Nile Adventure
4-sec boost in Buzzard. Hard to get, and generally not worth it.
3 archways (In the arcade, this usually only lets one person in before the walls close).
Behind the second to last pillars (both sides) before the Snake cavern.
In the Falling Sarcophagus caves, if you boost jump to grab the 9-sec boost, a path will open on the far wall, boost jump to take this.
Jumping straight through the figure eights, 4-sec over each.
Catacomb
Hidden 9-sec between two pillars near the beginning.
Boost jump at second ship for visible 9-sec.
Castle von Dandee
Through the bell tower.
Over the grave yard.
Through any of the windows on the right.
The Speedway tracks
The hanging banshee in both these tracks.
