GAMEPLAY. Sonic and SEGA All-Stars racing is a fun, fast-paced kart racing game that focuses on the thematic worlds of Sonic and well-known SEGA characters. The game includes a plethora of characters, tracks, and game modes to choose from. Not only does it have solid single player modes - such as Grand Prix Championship, Missions, Single Race, and Time Trial - but it also supports full eight player races via Xbox Live and Playstation Network.
The action on the track feels great, as drifting can be executed with ease and great control around the sharpest of corners. Weapons are also scattered on the track and can be used to take down enemies a notch or two. Missiles instantly take down enemies, "K.O. gloves" bounce off walls and can knock an enemy down, rolling bombs detonate nearby enemies, rainbows block your opponents view, and shooting stars literally turn the track upside down.
In the end, what's important is that ultimately Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing is an extremely fun kart racing game and very addicting. Unlocking new tracks and characters makes the game that much more worthwhile and there is certainly something very special about this kart racer.
GRAPHICS. You'll instantly recognize both the characters and locations throughout the game, which are taken from many of SEGA's well-known worlds such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Jet Set Radio Future, Samba de Amigo, and many more. The use of vibrant colors, massive oversized weapons, and light-hearted menus all make for a great sense of fun to complement the fast-paced gameplay.
The variety of visuals is also impressive. One moment you'll find yourself on the beach's of Sonic the Hedgehog while in the next race you will literally be inside of a pinball machine themed track, where the trackside is littered with tons of lights, noises, and a bustling casino atmosphere. The only complaint we had was with the game's framerate, which stuttered only on specific tracks at specific times. Other than this, the visuals are very impressive and are a perfect fit for this game.
SOUND. On the track, Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing sounds great overall. The characters all talk and make comments while racing, many of the karts have various engine sounds, weapons have easily identifiable sounds, and we even heard sounds from previous SEGA games, giving the game that feeling of true authenticity.
The background music also suits the game well and keeps the action flowing. There is even a commentator who reports on the action trackside. Not only does he comment on your doings, but also on your competitors' as well. We enjoyed what the commentator had to add, but for those who prefer to not hear him at all, there is even an option to shut him off.
REPLAYABILITY. As you know, the game includes both single player and multiplayer modes. The single player mode alone will keep you busy for hours as you work to unlock new characters and tracks through earning "SEGA Miles." And, even with everything unlocked, there are a total of twenty-four tracks in the game and they're all definitely worth revisiting numerous times due to the various nature of their settings which include oceanside views, sewage systems, haunted forests, casinos, and many more. And, when you're done with all of that, eight player action on Xbox Live and Playstation Network will be waiting for you. We were able to get into lobbies quickly and jump into races with ease.
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