It’s all well and good releasing karting games on Sony and Microsoft’s consoles, but it takes a big old set of Sonic Spinballs to try launching one on Mario’s home turf. If anyone’s shown it’s capable of this, though, it’s Sheffield-based studio Sumo Digital.
Very few developers have perfected the art of arcade-style handling like Sumo, and its first attempt at a Sonic karting game – Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing – was a surprisingly fun speed-fest that paid tribute to Sega heroes past and present. Its clumsily-named sequel Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed was even better; with its morphing vehicles and ‘living’ tracks that changed each lap, it may not quite have been up to Mario Kart’s lofty standards but it certainly took the genre further in terms of innovation.
Now we have Sumo’s third attempt, and rather than taking the ‘Sega Superstars’ theme even further, it’s instead stripped back much of what made Transformed so unique in favour of a ‘safer’ karting game solely focused on Sonic the Hedgehog and his mildly-annoying chums. It’s a bold move, and one that doesn’t entirely pay off in all the ways Sega and Sumo may have been hoping.
As the name suggests, the main gimmick in Team Sonic Racing is the ability to race in teams of three. Whereas most races fit the usual leaderboard style points system (15 for a win, 12 for second etc), this time the winner isn’t the racer who finished first, but the team whose combined points total is highest. It’s all well and good taking the chequered flag, then, but if your partners trundle in at 5th and 7th while another team puts in a solid 2nd-3rd-4th performance, the other mob will get the win.
This could potentially lead to frustration: nobody likes a game where you can do the best that’s expected of you and still lose. Thankfully, you have at least some say in your partners’ progress thanks to the item transfer mechanic, which lets you offer up any power-ups you collect and send them to your partners in case they need them more. It’s strangely satisfying when you send some rockets to your 7th place chum and see their ranking climb a few moments later. Even though you’re just watching a number change, there’s an odd feeling of teamwork done well.
For those loners and rebels who don’t play well with others (even if they’re only AI-controlled), there’s still the option to take part in solo races in the Grand Prix, Exhibition Race, Time Trial, Wireless Play and Online Multiplayer modes, but be under no illusions; these are considered an 'extra' option. The game very much puts team racing front and centre, as is clear in its main mode, Team Adventure.
This is a story mode in which Sonic and his pals are invited to take on a series of races by a mysterious tanuki called Dodon Pa. At first you can only race as members of Team Sonic (Sonic, Tails or Knuckles) but as you progress through the mode’s seven worlds taking on various single team races, team GPs and solo challenges, more trios enter the mix and by the time you reach the last couple of worlds you’ll have 12 of the game’s 15 characters to choose from (Team Eggman sits this mode out, for reasons that become obvious).
Anyone familiar with the Story mode in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will know what to expect here, because other than the newfound emphasis on team racing the general structure is similar. You make your way through a series of maps, trying to place high enough to collect enough stars to progress. Some of the solo missions are carried over from its predecessor too, most notably the one in which you have to avoid traffic while driving through moving gates to keep your time limit topped up. These missions can be obscenely difficult to clear with the highest Platinum grade, so if you’re a completionist you’re going to be spending an extremely long time trying to clear this mode entirely.
Progressing through Team Adventure also earns you tokens (as does taking part in any of the game’s other modes). These can be spent in the Mod Pods section, which is essentially an elaborate gacha machine where you can unlock new decals, horns, paint jobs and – most importantly – parts for the game’s vehicles. Each of the 15 characters has 18 different parts to unlock for their car, but if the thought of randomly unlocking 270 separate car parts through what’s essentially a loot box system has you worried, don’t be: the game is generous with the tokens, you never get duplicates and by the time you finish the Team Adventure mode you’ll have already unlocked the vast majority of stuff.
Of course, all this would be pointless if the game’s quality sat nearer to Sonic Boom than Sonic Mania on the quality scale, but thankfully that isn’t the case for the most part. The handling is just as satisfying as it was in Sumo’s previous Sonic racers, right down to the brilliant drift mechanic that lets you hold drifts for an absolute age if you’re good enough (resulting in boosts that come with a lovely kick to them). Weapons are fun to fire, even though the fact they’re depicted by Wisps from Sonic Colours means it takes a little longer than it should to learn which item does what. And the constant dialogue between characters is a nice touch, giving each race plenty of personality.
In terms of performance, the game runs at 30 frames per second as opposed to the 60 seen on other systems. This is understandable given the Switch’s limitations and the detail of the characters and tracks, and the game is certainly still more than playable. That said, while 30fps is never really a deal-breaker round these parts (we aren’t snobs about this sort of thing), if you’ve spent the last two years playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with its solid 60fps it’s impossible to move over to Team Sonic Racing and its halved frame rate without feeling like you’re now playing an inferior, less polished product.
In a sense, most of Team Sonic Racing’s issues boil down to this sort of thing; whether fairly or unfairly, many will judge it on what it isn’t rather than what it is. It obviously isn’t Mario Kart (that goes without saying), and it isn’t a 60fps racer. More importantly, though, it isn’t Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, which in every sense was the better game. It had a wider variety of characters and courses from numerous Sega franchises, as well as the aforementioned transforming vehicles and stages that told a story as you played through them, changing to reveal completely new routes with each lap.
Team Sonic Racing, on the other hand, feels like a far more ‘safe’ offering from Sega, one that will undoubtedly sell well because it puts Sonic and his pals front and centre rather than trying to sell younger gamers on the likes of Alex Kidd and characters from Jet Set Radio. For those younger Sonic fans, this is a dream game that handles really well and is full of stuff to do. For everyone else who knows what’s come before it, you’ll still have fun here... but you had more fun before.
Conclusion
Taken on its own merits, Team Sonic Racing is a fun karting game that doesn’t quite match Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in terms of either performance or sheer level of content, but still offers satisfying handling and should still keep Sonic fans entertained for a while. It’s impossible not to compare it to its predecessor, though, and in all the areas where Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed excelled, Team Sonic Racing is merely competent. By no means a bad game, then, but when we look back years from now it won’t be standing on any karting game podiums.
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Comments 158
I'm actually surprised how natural the team mechanics are, I hope future Sega kart racers have at least a side team mode.
I might've bought this if there wasn't ANOTHER Triple-A kart racer arriving next month, which looks alot more appealing to play. Hopefully TSR's soundtrack will continue the trend of great music.
I think this game is in need of a playable demo, honestly. I hope they provide something like at least a couple of laps on a single track.
I played a bit of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed and didn't really like it so it was pretty unlikely that I was going to buy this one even if it got really good reviews. I'm sure it's probably fine but between Mario Kart's multiplayer and CTR's single player, I don't really have a place for this.
Looks fun. I probably won't get both this and Crash Team Racing though. I'll wait to see how that one is received but right now I'm leaning towards getting Crash.
Got this yesterday and having a bunch of fun with it. Yeah, its disappointing that they took out the all stars transformed stuff, but the racing mechanics are still top notch, race tracks are visually great and fun to play, and the team aspect is unique and fun too. I have no idea who most of the characters are though, and based on them talking during races, I don't want to know anything more about them .
Whatever made them think that ONLY including characters from the Sonic series would be enough? Imagine if Smash went back to a 12 character roster? There is no going back from Sonic All Stars, whether it is transformed (the better one) or not. SEGA is so good at disappointing the s#¡† out of me, and I can only guess lots of other SEGA brand fans feel the same way.
Sounds like a decent game and the fact that it’s 35 quid is very nice. I’ll probably hold off and see how crash team holds up first before buying one or the other. Gotta be realistic I don’t need three of them
Honestly, Story Mode in MK was one of my favorite things in the DS version of the game. The fact that Nintendo never felt the need to add it again was a real loss, in my opinion.
At a pretty reasonable price (that I expect will drop fairly quickly) I anticipate picking this up exclusively for the Story Mode. The difficulty sounds like it will add some real value to replaying it, too.
The 30fps is still a deal breaker for me. I could live with other genres on 30 but for action games and racers...nope! Except for MHGU. I still love that game even on 30fps
They should’ve made a sequel to Transformed. That to me, was the only game that has ever come scarily close to beating MarioKart. That was a great game and they should’ve stuck to their guns.
I gave in last night and bought it digitally since I loved Transformed so much. Is it the same? No. But I am easily convinced when it comes to this stuff. It’s a problem lol
I will never support another kart racer again. Mario Kart is just that damn good.
@N8tiveT3ch
...What if they made a new ModNation Racers?
Man, you guys are killing me with your review opinions.
This game is fantastic. Sonic Racing Transformed was (is) one of the best cart racers of all time, perhaps second only to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. And Team Sonic Racing gives Transformed a run for its money. The team mechanic is brilliant, item swapping and still some dynamic aspects of the tracks. Great world tour single player mode, rock solid solid performance (only stable version released) and crisp res... it's just a fantastic package all around, and at a budget price.
I'd give this game an 8.5 or 9 out of 10, from what I've played of it so far.
Was hoping it would be more like the transformed one on WiiU. Going to skip this and just wait for Crash Bandicoot.
Got my copy yesterday, it's good fun.
The graphics are decent as is the handling of the karts. The Team Racing mechanic is a welcome new addition.
Admittedly it's abit light on tracks (21 I think) but with a long story mode this helps counter this shortfall.
I will play the story mode to conclusion and the online racing will keep me returning going forwards. So overall it's well worth picking up if you like Kart racers and are after something new post MK8 to fill that Kart racing itch!!!
I say 8/10.
Who the hell wants to play in teams in a kart racer? I am not playing kart racers for bonding with friends. I play them to break their spirits.
There is a character named Dodon Pa? I wonder if others are called Genkidama, Kaio Ken or Kamehameha.
I'll try to get this game someday in the future. Love Sonic and friends. Hopefully they add some (free) DLC with more tracks and characters like Jet, Cream, or the rest of Team Chaotix.
@Kal_ Never played it because I don't play bootleg karts from Playstation.
Not going to be my cup of tea but I hope it sells well enough for them to revisit allstars. Sonic hits absolutely no nostalgia notes for me aside from the music, but the allstars games were nice.
So this game also lacks the ‘living’ tracks of the previous one? What a bummer! That step back and restricting all characters and tracks to the "Sonicverse" totally kills any interest I may have had in playing the game
So far, my opinion is that the racing isn’t as solid as Transformed or MK8 but the single player content has been great, and I actually really like the team gimmick. There’s even dialogue for characters on random mixed teams, like Sonic and Shadow, but no way to actually choose a team...
@JaxonH Absolutely agree! It's not Mario Kart but it's still an excellent racer in its own right. The team mechanics are surprisingly intuitive and exciting, the visuals are gorgeous, and performance is rock solid.
I don't know about you, but as a lifelong Sonic fan, this game is absolutely incredible with its fanservice. Playing the Boo's House stage with the ghosts from Adventure 2 and music from Sonic 3...man, this game's given me goosebumps so many times with its tributes to the series.
Not to mention the music. Good lord. Crush 40, Jun Senuoe, and Tee Lopes all working on a single soundtrack? Man, the remixes are absolutely phenomenal. Not to mention that hearing Crush 40 do an original theme song again is absolutely phenomenal.
@N8tiveT3ch
Smh one of the only other Kart Races that could stand a chance against Mario Kart.
Why review the game based on how you want it to be rather than for what it is?
It's a team based Sonic kart racer. Not a solo based Sega transformation racer.
They wanted the team aspect not to be overshadowed by something else and they really did a good job, the team mechanics are great and it makes for a good unique kart racer.
My brother recently download this game from the eShop. Game was not awful but the team mechanic really is a hit or miss so yeah don't think I would ever get use to it but we did have a good time. Playing online is okay but a bit laggy at times and story mode isn't as interesting. I'll probably wait for Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled instead.
@Kal_ Right on but is it really worth getting a whole new console. Is it really a system seller? Maybe I'm missing out but I know what I like and my time and money are precious to be experimenting with a new title on another system. I just stick with what works.
TSR has ticked all of the boxes for me, I didn't over-expect, minus the full Team Chaotix I'm having a blast playing it and the team mechanics are really fun, Mario Kart is fun and all, but it has never been my favourite kart racer, Crash Team Racing has held that title since its original release, TSR is way more fun for me to play personally than Mario Kart.
They are just angry they did not get a preview copy. Add one point. 😀
It really does just seem like a downgrade to go from the previous games that had the likes of Banjo & Kazooie to purely Sonic characters.
Like a lot of people have probably said by now, I'd definitely welcome a demo.
Team Sonic racing isn't bad at all and a 7-7.5 seems like the perfect score for it. The handling feels tight and responsive and the game looks good (portable mode). I haven't tried it docked so I can't comment on that just yet. The 30fps is steady so it doesn't bother me at all. I like the team aspect of the game because it makes it stand out. Wireless play enabled is a selling point for me.
I'm loving it so far! I was getting tired of MK8 after owning it on Wii U as well.
My nephew and niece aren't quite so keen on MK8 Deluxe anymore, their skill isn't great so they tend to finish races in the lower positions.
I think the team racing mechanic in TSR might be the perfect tonic for family play like in my case.
Excellent review and even before release I imagined all of what is said here to be true... strange choices hamstrung the game before it even had a chance. I’ll still enjoy it - but be constantly imagining what could have been
Well, at least this isn't like that OTHER review that compares it to Mario Kart. Haven't gotten it yet, so I can't fully say if I agree or disagree.
Gotta say I've been enjoying this much more than whatever Mehrio Kart games that were on the Wii and Wii U. So much more personalities to the characters and the music curbstomps most competitors. Hoping Crash Team Racing is just as good.
'...nobody likes a game where you can do the best that’s expected of you and still lose...'. So like in Mario Kart then?! Always preferred other racers that didn't have Mario Kart's rubber banding and spinny purple shells.
"Taken on its own merits, Team Sonic Racing is a fun karting game that doesn’t quite match Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in terms of either performance or sheer level of content."
I don't care much for this game, but what does this sentence even mean? If you take it on its own merits you shouldn't go straight to comparing it to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. That is not what taking something on its own merits means....
I had tons of fun with Sonic All Stars Racing Transformed, both on the PS Vita and on PC... Felt different because of the changing stages and the vehicle transformations... And I hoped that a sequel would continue on that trend, but when this new game was announced, I remained skeptic but decided to give them a chance... maybe it will be as good?
Well, seems it's not. Apparently, the team racing mechanic isn't as interesting as the transforming stages and vehicles... Doesn't make it a bad game, but I already have Mario Kart for that kart-racing itch... and I'm not interested in another kart racing game in which you can be the best racer on the track by a mile... and still lose... (like in Mario Kart)....
I think a port of the previous game would've been better. And I probably would've bought it day one. Now this.... maybe when it's on sale...
Well it ISN'T something I already played to death on Wii U, so that alone makes it pretty interesting to me!
There’s no comparison between this game and MARIO kart idk why people keep comparing them. This game is fast paced as hell and isn’t even about being a party game let alone a game like Mario kart. Reviewers are absolute trash because all they want to do is compare and never let anything stand on its own. This game is nothing like Mario kart and you should give it a try if you want a fast paced racing game. Millions of people shouldn’t take the opinion of one guy just to figure out weather or not they will like something. That’s what’s wrong with the gaming industry now. Every game is now subpar or compared to everything else
@AlternateButtons Frame rate isn't everything, if it's fun, why does it matter
Want to call something a legitimate copy then look at crash. Sony is allways copying Nintendo and back in the day when crash was owned by them they did just that.
It still bugs me that Sega characters got removed in this one. That was the charm in these Sonic racing games in my opinion. I’ll probably give this game a try later down the road though.
Get that hedgehog off of my Nintendo!
They should have just brought Transformed to the Switch, with a visual upgrade and more tracks.
I'm 'bouta drop a truth bomb.
1. Mario Kart
2. Modnation Racers
3. Diddy Kong Racing
4. CTR
5. Sonic Racing Transformed
6.LBPK
7.Super Indie Karts
Well I'm not surprised that it's a bit of a disappointment due to running at 30fps when we are all used to mk8, but will still buy it along with CTR.
I would have taken a port of Transformed over this.
It’s a backwards step and I don’t understand why Sega approached it this way.
transformed was great but i never enjoyed the flying or boat sections very much. particularly the flying sections. looking forward to checking this one out!
I’ve enjoyed this greatly its fast,fun,different enough and controls nicely MK8D is a really good game but its been out for 2 years(even longer on WiiU)and I’ve played it to excess so its great to have something new and different thats fun and plays well is a welcome addition to the switch library especially when considering the other lame kart games on the switch.
@AlternateButtons yeah but it's still fun
As someone who purchased Mario Kart 8 on launch on Wii U played it to death including all the DLC and then also double dipped on MK8 Deluxe I've been sorta dying for a new kart racer since I know MK8 inside and out at this point.
The game isn't MK, I don't think it's trying to succeed it either though, it's just a fun Kart racer with a surprisingly decent gimmick. I was really worried about the Team aspect but it's actually the stand out feature that stops this from being overly generic. It's not Transformed but the racing is at least solid.
It could be worse, it could be Nicktoons Racing haha
@AlternateButtons yeah but team sonic racing is pretty fun
I don't understand the common under the table disses on SASRT(Transformed) among reviewers and critics. I played Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U and some of it's DLC for awhile, but I feel like it is the most streamlined, balance Mario Kart to date. That's all well and good, but there's just no /excitement/ to it anymore. Even my friends and family opt for other games to play where Mario Kart is usually our number one pick for years. I totally skipped it on the Switch.
I bought SASRT twice, once on Xbox the other on PC. Played both to death online. What sets it apart is there is always something new to discover, always some trick to perform better or some detail you missed before. From performing a trick before hitting an obstacle at the last second while flying to get a boost to connecting drifts at certain turns to get a bigger boost, there are all kinds of ways to improve while the tracks change it up enough that I was never bored of one level.
If I had a tier list, SASRT would be up there with SRB2 Kart(go check it out if you haven't, absolutely amazing and hilarious kart racing game), followed by Mario Kart DS/Wii/64/SMK, followed by MK8 and beyond. None are bad, and while MK8 has sold more, I think SASRT stands as the better game hands down.
What's 2 player split screen like though? Is that still 30 FPS? Anyone?
Yeah I honestly didn't have that high of hopes for this one, but it should be a good alternative to Mario Kart for someone who is tired of it.
@longy81 And four player if anyone can help as well. Cheers!
CTR can’t arrive soon enough.
No 60 fps, no buy. Games like these it matters.
I don’t understand why they dropped the transforming mechanism, that was the best part of the previous game, and made it totally unique from other kart racers including the King itself Mario Kart. They should have just expanded on the previous game, instead it just looks like a generic step backwards.
Ah the elitist 60fps crew are out load and proud today.
1. Team racing is (and has been) a fun feature of at least the last two Mario Karts. MK Wii had that great parade at the end of a successful circuit.. My kids and I had a blast "marching" and "waving" to the the "crowd".
2. Sonic AS Racing Transformed was so well received folks here wondered if MK8 could top it. MK8 did, though a few might still argue to the contrary.
3. I don't get 30 fps threshold that this last batch of racers (Sonic, RedOut, Xenon) struggle to top or achieve. It's 2019, devs.
Almost picked it up, but decided to wait since Crash Team Racing is only about 4 weeks away now
Actually, growing up, I considered Crash Team Racing to be even better then Mario Kart 64
takes cover
The game is fun but it just doesn’t give you the same sense of speed and control as MARIO kart. Almost feels like the road is moving and not the kart. Also seems to be a little more difficult than I expected.
@h15c0r3r So glad to see someone else say this
Sadly I think a lot of their younger audience don't care about stuff like that as they aren't familiair with those games
I always loved how Ristar was the one to count-down in Transformed, similair to the role Lakitu plays in Mario Kart
Also aiai and his little banana kart, god I loved that!
@kobashi100 it's not being elitist it's just knowing how input delay works
It's also about knowing that in something like a racing game, 60fps is pretty important.
@bluedogrulez 3. I don't get 30 fps threshold that this last batch of racers (Sonic, RedOut, Xenon) struggle to top or achieve. It's 2019, devs.
While I do agree with your third point you do had to realize there's only 2 racing games (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Fast RMX) on Switch so far that achieve 60fps and both are just Wii U ports. I'm sure if Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transform got the next-gen port treatment it too will run at 60fps on Switch. Team Sonic Racing, Xenon Racer, and Redout are all created with current gen platforms in mind so when they got the Switch treatment (which ran at mostly last gen specs), performance on those will likely suffer compare to the other ports.
So..... Maybe I might get that cat racer game or CTRacing .... I'm not sure
@Doktor-Mandrake yes but the way some people go on. The notion that 30fps racers cannot be very good or great is ridiculous.
For example Driveclub on PS4 is easily one of the best racers this generation and runs at 30fps. The sense of speed is terrific also.
@h15c0r3r They had more to pull from as well if this new one wasnt just sonic characters
There's Streets of Rage 4 coming out, they could of had some Streets of Rage characters
Maybe they could of had Dynamite Heddy as well..
I saw someone make a post on steam forums saying "I'm glad they got rid of the other sega ips, no one remembers them and they're not even memorable"
When I read that, a part of me died inside.. I remember all the characters featured in Transformed and as a Sega fan thought it was fantastic, we even had wreck-it ralph! and now just sonic cast and people demanding for characters like Cream who I have no idea who they are
And I bet most youngsters today when they think of House of the Dead.. They probably think of Overkill! -_- heavy sigh
I don't like getting older lol
@kobashi100 Well ya I guess, I wonder what Crash Team Racing will play at on the switch, guess we'll have to wait and find out heh
@Doktor-Mandrake Pretty sure CTR is 30fps on Switch/PS4/Xbox one
Only 60fps on PS4 Pro/Xbox One X/PC
Wonder how many people are gonna cancel there pre-orders.
I agree 60fps is better but some people act like 30fps is unplayable.
Remember Forza Horizon on base Xbox one is only 30fps and there is nobody who can claim that its unplayable. FH is one of the best racers anyone will play.
@Muddy_4_Ever I really miss the story mode in Mario Kart DS. They did have monthly online challenges in Mario Kart Wii to but none have made a return and I can't understand why, they were great additions to the game.
Even if it was paid DLC I'd buy a story mode for MK8 and they could use existing tracks.
I'm going to buy this regardless just not at full price since I've already purchased MK8 on Wii U and Switch.
All I really get from reading this review is that it isn’t MK8 - I’m not an MK8 fan, but based on the superior tone it’s impossible to tell whether Sonic is good/fun/challenging.
Details that would be nice to know: number of tracks? Do you unlock more/is there some sort of progression? Is the rubber-banding a game killer? Is the team aspect fun or annoying? Is your speed based on the character/kart you choose?
I guess like others, I’d love Sega to release a demo, so I can judge without the seemingly all-conquering MK8 distortion-lens.
@kobashi100 No PC annoucement for CTR yet.
I was surprised to hear that N.Sane trilogy actually runs on 30fps on all platforms apart from PC, even the Pro and X versions of PS/Xbox only run it at 30fps... I've only ever played PC version but think I might have to get N.Sane for the Switch as well when CTR comes out, from what I understand the entire game is on the cartridge too which is a nice bonus for me, I hope CTR is the same on Switch
For CTR I will have to get Switch and I'll get PC if it does come to that platform as well, hopefully Spyro will be coming to Switch/PC as well, it seems almost certain with Switch especially given how well N.Sane did on Switch
@h15c0r3r
Bit before my time that, 90s and home consoles for me, the sega mega drive was probably the first time playing any games ever and played all sorts from alex the kid, ristar, dynamite heddy so a lot of the nostalgia for me with Transformed lies within the old megadrive/genesis stuff.. But yeah, none of that stuff is in this one and I was never a big fan of Sonic outside the classic games (and Sonic Mania now) so aside from the usual Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Amy, Dr.Eggman I really don't know a lot of these characters
@N8tiveT3ch
I'm sensing fanboyism...
@wazlon Battle mode against absurd bosses would be amazing in MK8
@Kal_ it's a money issue.
@N8tiveT3ch
Well that makes more sense
Now you're thinking with portals
Sounds like Sega needs to visit Netherrealm Studios to learn how to make a game be 60 FPS on the Switch...
@IHateTombs Sonic Mania ring a bell? https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/sonic-mania-plus
Glad this turned out well and all that concern trolling over the Switch version didnt mean anything in the end.
Yea, I don't get this "30 fps is (nearly) unplayable" talk. Sounds to me like a new meme or something . Of course 60fps is desired, but is 30fps "unplayable"?? I certainly don't think so.
@Orpheus79V Agreed. GamesRadar should honestly fire whoever wrote that garbage - based solely off what he read, one could easily think that this was Sonic Boom all over again.
@Discipledoctor Yeah I actually really like the banter. It adds a layer of depth to the relationship of these characters you just don’t get in Mario Kart. I’ve been playing Tails and he really has a lot of personality with his quips or ones he gets back:
“A bit of a cheap shot, Sonic?”
“Right in your adorable face, Chao!”
“Sorry! Nothing personal, Knuckles!”
If he hits Sonic, the hedgehog will say; “I thought we were best pals?!”
He also talks to himself with nerdy science/ math references. Tails is great here.
But yeah not sure how annoying it will be to keep hearing the banter throughout Story for instance. I’m sure there’s only so many spoken lines, so it’s a double edged sword.
@Doktor-Mandrake Preach. I'd honestly buy a Yakuza-themed DLC. Not a real Yakuza fan, but the thought of karting madness in Shibuya is mouth-watering. (Oh, and why couldn't it be a team based transforming kart racer? I'd play that.)
@Antraxx777 Oh God, what's Big the Cat's banter lines like?
@Bondi_Surfer I’ll answer some:
Note: I’ve only been playing single kart Exhibition
@aznable this way they can sell us non Sonic characters for dlc.
@MarioFan02 Yeah, I haven’t heard him yet, but I hear from reviews it’s pretty bad. But of course, we expect nothing less from the mentally-challenged doofus with the fishing pole. I mean, seriously, who is going to pick this guy?
@MarioFan02 The team based aspect would of worked really well with the entire Sega cast, I still do not understand why they did this since they own the licences to the other franchises
Also speaking of house of the dead earlier really makes me want house of the dead 2 on the eshop xD
@wazlon It was $32 on Amazon recently
@LuciferOnReddit Another thing that can be a pet-peeve with me, this being the first console I've bought in quite a long time now, is the res
Yoshi Crafted World for example, beautiful looking game, fantastic art style and just overall looks great but it plays at something like 720p docked which was saddening, another pet-peeve is when games use too much bloom or depth of field.. The depth of field was kinda annoying me sometimes in Yoshi as well xD
That said, I still loved every moment of that game and it still looks very pretty even at 720p
That's the price of having a hybrid console/handheld I guess heh, I hope we get more remakes of Gameboy games though, gameboy was my first nintendo branded device, then gameboy colour, then N64 ^_^ would love to see a remake of the wario land games and super mario land
@Shpritsz I've noticed YouTubers would often hate games they didn't get review copies for. Then doom 4 came out and despite trashing the game for not giving them review copies they loved it.
@Doktor-Mandrake Yeah you BETTER hide!
Mario kart 64 was the best. However I have to admit I never played CTR because I absolutely hate Crash as a character, still do (such bland, lazy visual design). That said, I now consider MK64 on the lower end of the series, so I’m trying to be open minded about CTR this time. Definitely won’t buy it at full price though. But I hear only good things about it.
If only it were Jak and Daxter racing. Those characters I can stand.
@tendonerd Doom 2016 is one of the best shooters ever. Not surprising. It’s really good on Switch, too (although lack of SnapMap is disappointing), but the definitive experience is PC. Still can’t believe we have a game like that on handheld!
@TJWorks Soundtrack is fantastic in Team Sonic Racing, remixes of some of the Sonic series’ best. So is the audio effects.
@Justifier Considering the game seemingly is still running at 1080p (or somewhere near that realm, come on Digital Foundry) the game performs well at 30fps without any drops, stutter or overall quality issues that I can observe. The sole difference I have seen in side by side footage is that on one stage you race on a wall where water is spraying from some pipes and on the Switch version the spraying water effect was missing. There was a day one patch and I will have to race that section to see if it has since been added. I haven't played but have seen some video footage showing that on Switch the game does dip down to 20fps with it's four player multiplayer, so it does take a hit when running more than two player split-screen.
It would be nice if similar to games like Fire Emblem Warriors that the game offered a 1080p 30fps and a lower resolution 60fps mode. But side by side with the base PS4 the only visual difference is the framerate, all effects and visuals otherwise seem to be there. I grabbed this on Switch and am happy with my purchase though I also own an Xbox One X and could be playing it at 4K 60fps or 1440p 60fps on PS4 Pro, the Switch version performs well enough and on par with it's Sonic Racing Transformed 30fps legacy.
@IceHedge what is SRB2?
@LuciferOnReddit a more powerful switch isn't getting rid of 30pfs across the board dude.
That's pure fantasy land
@IHateTombs Well I agree with the sentiment, but... Sonic Mania?
@Antraxx777 thank you - appreciate the extra detail. I’ll probably grab this as I’m desperate for a racer
@IHateTombs Yep - it’s still a Sonic game put out to market by Sega, but yes it’s not made by that group. That said I think the quality of the Sumo Sonic racing games including this one are good to the point where it’s not ‘great’ but still well made and fun... which is basically a decent expectation for a game in a genre that is very specifically associated with a particular competitor (Mario Kart).
Anyway, I totally agree that Sonic games have been sub-par for a long time now...with the racing games maybe reaching ‘par’
@Antraxx777 I was more MegaDrive>Gameboy>GameboyColour>Playstation>N64 growing up as a kid (with PC thrown around in there too) so naturally being a PS kid Crash is one of my fav games
Was quite lucky in that I got given my N64 to me for free by someone, this would of been probably late 90s by that point though when PS2 was getting announced.. I loved the thing but he was missing many classics including MK64, so alot of my playtime was spent on games like Perfect Dark
Long since added to my collection on n64 games and still do on the odd occasion all these years later, love my ole faithful n64 lol but the boost mechanics in Crash were what made it stand out from MK64, and the adventure mode ofc
I'd even go as far to say the boost mechanics in Mario Kart 8 when drifting was probably inspired by CTR.. It'll be no contender to MK8 when it does arrive in 4 weeks but I'm hoping it'll still be a good hit to go alongside MK8, but TSR I very almost ordered other day and kinda glad I left it now xD Would rather have a port of Transformed
Pros:
-It's fun
-Feels fine at 30fps
-The team mechanic adds an interesting twist
-Great soundtrack
-Funny character banter
-Lots to unlock
Cons:
-Clumsy UI feels like it could have used more work
-Story mode has some funny dialogue, but the whole thing feels phoned-in
-Tracks are pretty, but--except for a couple of standout obstacle ideas-- they all feel the same
-It should never be such a bother to see which item you just picked up. If there's one particular detail where MK8 just decimates TSR, (besides number of courses), this is it.
Overall, I think NL's review is pretty much on-target. I like TSR, I'm glad I bought it, and the team angle makes it a unique experience to return to every now and then. But once Crash Team Racing is released, Sonic's going to fall into the phantom zone which is the "more" section of my Switch downloads.
@Ttimer5 yeah get Garfield kart it's better than Mario kart!
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed was surprisingly good, but this new game seems like a step down to me.
Looks like it has sold well on switch
https://twitter.com/BenjiSales/status/1131329031872352258?s=19
Kinda surprised out of all the things listed above, no one mentioned the fact that the opening intro and Crush 40 song are missing from the Switch version entirely. While I wouldn't necessarily say it's a "deal breaker", but when I read that Sega wanted this game to be "equal" across the console board, it comes as a bit disappointing.
It doesn't surpass its own predecessor nor its rivals. This game only exists for Sonic fans or people who have played so much Mario Kart that they just can't play anymore of it.
Love the title
@Zyph Yeah, 30 fps is a huge deal breaker! Even though 60 fps is the single most important technical aspect of any game for me, I still have Breath of the Wild as my favorite game of all time. I just always play it docked so my smart TV can boost the visuals to a slightly input delayed 60 fps. 60 frame per second is always more satisfying and pleasing in a game.
Sonic lets the team down again.
@Bomberman64 I thought the same of that sentence! The writer doesn't seem to get the concept of taking something on its own merits.
@Antraxx777 Holy geez I'm never come back to this site on my phone again. I go to reply, it has me log in again because it loaded through Gmail and not chrome, then I have to load comments again, scroll through 3 minutes of comments- WTH seriously Nintendolife?
It took longer to reply to this than it would to Google it 10 times over in other words.
SRB2 is Sonic Robo Blast 2, a sequel to a fan gane made in the 90's. SRB2 has had hundreds of mods since it's release, including the stand alone kart racer I mentioned before.
I'd also put Diddy Kong racing on par or better than MK8. Didn't mean to diss it but as the saying goes, you're more likely to remember something outstanding or terrible over something that is just ok, and thats what I think of it. I'd still play it in parties but not on my own time
I fully expected this to show up in the mail today and argue with NintendoLife that they gave Sonic the shaft again. Nope. 7/10 nails it.
Played for a couple of hours. I like the course designs and team mechanics, but the lack of content and constant reuse of stage themes hold it back.
It's good but feels a bit low-budget, however, it's too mechanically competent to be anything worse than average.
@USWITCH64
Not that one.... It was one that came out like a few weeks ago. Haha
@aznable I think the issue would be mitigated a bit if they had more characters from the Sonic franchise in this game because I'm pretty sure there are more than 15 characters existing there if I'm not mistaken.
@TAndvig Dang. Friendship killer much?
@EmmatheBest Um...Are you sure? I feel like that would not be an ideal option given what has been coming out from that studio at the moment. Isn't there any other company that makes racing games that could be a better option?
@Antraxx777 Who's him? But anyway, nobody is saying the game is really bad, they are just saying that is not as good as its predecessor.
@EmmatheBest @JasonH The review says, "one that will undoubtedly sell well because it puts Sonic and his pals". So Nintendolife says the game has not much merits for selling except that it has Sonic.
Nintendolife's score is noticeably lower than IGN and GamExplain. Which is more authoritative in reviewing games, IGN, GameXplain or NintendoLife?
Making the game on 60FTP is quite impossible because it is graphically more intense than MK8.
@JaxonH yeah a 7 seems a tad harsh. It's a top quality kart racer. The graphics and soundtrack are fantastic and the team based gameplay offers genuine strategy to the races. I'd score it at least an 8.
Yeah, I'll stick with "All-Star Racing Transformed." This one stripped away too much, while the only notable addition in team racing is in my opinion an inferior way to play. The only things this game has over its predecessor are things inherint to being a Switch game: unrestricted handheld mode and (presumedly) a larger online user base.
By the way, it's nice to see you guys accurately reviewing this game on its own merits despite obvious comparisons to other previous titles, something you've had trouble doing recently.
@JaxonH Yeah, I'm sure it's good and a nice pickup for those who skipped the Wii U, but why would I ever bother to buy and play this game when I can just play "Transformed" instead?
I love this game. If you are on the fence, get it. If you are skipping it, reconsider. I think this game is an 8.5, as I have seen in other reviews. No, it's not as good as Mk8d, but it's a refreshing game that will hold us over till the next Mk.
Got the game on release day and have to say I am fer more impressed with it than I thought I would be,the graphics are very nice and I do not notice the frame rate half as much as I was expecting,this is a surprise considering how many hours I have put into Mario kart 8 deluxe.
I have to say I was never much a fan of the transforming tracks in the previous game and I also prefer everything to be grounded in the Sonic universe as well,overall a solid 8.5 from me.
I also much prefer the single lap time trial system as well.
This is just great. So far this game is a 8.5/10 for me. Being a huge fan of the previous 2 Sonic kart racers, I'm not tempted to compare this to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In fact, I played the first Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing so much that it took me a long time to really get into MK8DX. Anyway. I really like the controls, the stages, the music, graphics. All very satisfying. To me this is at least as good as MK8DX
The more I play this game, the less I agree with this review. Not that I think the review is unfair, I just think the game is much better than this review says it is, and I think it’s a lot more than just “safe.”
For one thing, the team concept and its specific mechanics really start to grow on you after a while. It adds a layer of engagement and involvement that you don’t get in other racing games or when racing alone in this one.
Two, I think the track design is mostly excellent. There are a few areas where I can’t tell where to go, but those are rare. And while the tracks don’t change with each lap and don’t have vehicle transformation sections, I think they did a lot more with track design to take advantage of the feeling of driving fast and drifting than they ever did with the driving sections of Transformed.
Also, I thought I’d really miss the plane/boat sections of Transformed, but as I put more time into the game and start to learn the tracks, the more I appreciate the feeling of just pure racin’ in a reg’lar old car.
So all in all, this game might not have the immediate wow factor that Transformed had, but I honestly think it just “feels” better to play, from a competing and driving-a-car-on-a-track perspective.
@BAN Nintendo Life is always biased again modern Sonic games developed by Sega. Don't you see it?
That's why people read Ign and GameXplain more than Nintendo Life, for an unbiased and authoritative review.
@BulbasaurusRex
Well for one because it's also a good game. And if you only ever play Transformed the rest of your life and never any other racer you're gonna get awful bored.
For two it's on a hybrid portable system. It can be played anywhere with anyone.
For three it runs better.
Four, you've played Transformed and havent played this.
There's a few reasons.
@aznable While it is disappointing the didn't make a new All-star racing game I do think it is good for the Sonic franchise to promote and get people to familiarize themselves with the other Sonic Characters. My son is having a blast with this game. With that said maybe they are aiming for the younger audience.
If the reviewer is going to compare every racer to Mario Kart then Devs should just stop developing new games.
Sonic and All-Star Racing Transformed was far better than Mario Kart 8, and to me this genuinely looks better, too. There was a story mode, transforming courses/karts, and you could actually protect yourself in first place without having to have randomly picked up the one item that protects you. This game looks to have kept 2 of those things, and adds in an interesting team mechanic.
@kobashi100 THE ENTIRE POINT IF SONIC IS BEING FAST. He was created to show how fast the hardware was,now he lags on hardware that could handle more!
What is this game for?
If you have a switch,and you like kart racing,you already have the best kart racing game that currently exists. Why bother buying this? It’s like stopping at McDonald’s on your way home from 5 guys.
It makes sense on Microsoft or Sony consoles,since those people might miss MK,but not on a Nintendo console.
This game is better than Transformed in almost every way, and no I am not a Sonic maniac. It has more options, it's more friendly to newcomers, the itemplay is better, the courses are arguably better...there are more options.
@Muddy_4_Ever Bosses would be amazing, they could even add co-op.
@rxchrisg yeah, a game that was released five years ago. sure it's great, but it's a bit stale now.
"Sequel Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed was even better; with its morphing vehicles and ‘living’ tracks that changed each lap, it may not quite have been up to Mario Kart’s lofty standards but it certainly took the genre further in terms of innovation."
Funny, I much prefer Transformed over every Mario Kart. Much faster gameplay and overall more challenging track design. And no blue shell.
Time to see today myself if TSC is truly worse than Transformed. Whatever it's gonna be, nothing will beat the The Return of the Kart King next month.
sonic lagging behind mario. like he always has
@JaxonH
1. If I want to play a different style racer, that's what Mario Kart and others are for. This one plays exactly the same as "Transformed" except inferior in every way. Playing an inferior product when you already have the better one is what's boring. It's why I sold the first game when I bought "Transformed." It's also why I never play "Mario Kart Wii" anymore once the Wii's online servers shut down, since there's no longer any point in playing it compared to MK8, MK7, or even Double Dash
2. I really don't care much about being able to play a console game in handheld mode wherever I want if it's the game's only redeeming feature. While it's highly limited, I can "Transformed" in handheld mode via off-TV play, anyway.
3. It does NOT run better. Both games have great HD graphics while running at 30 FPS with any framerate drops being barely noticeable at worst.
4. Once again, there's no point in playing a different game if it's only a downgraded sequel in the same series. The basic game mechanics and physics are all the same, while the only new gameplay addition is a game mode that's less fun to play, yet it forces you to play that way during story mode. It's like how frustrating it was when "Mario Kart Wii" forced me to play with the stupid bikes during 100cc Grand Prix until I beat all of the cups that way.
@Luffymcduck They both have their strengths. "Transformed" has true flight and boat mechanics that are superior to the halfway measures in MK7 and MK8. It has better track design, a better character roster, less rubberbanding, a better Battle Mode, and a better music selection. It actually has an achievement system.
However, the basic controls and physics are much better in Mario Kart. Online play runs better. Plus, it's much less difficult, frustrating, and time consuming to unlock all the characters in "Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe)." I'm all for some decent unlockable challenges, but "Transformed" takes it way too far with a ridiculous number of adventure mode stars needed to unlock some of the characters. It's going to take me years (if ever) before I finally manage to get them all.
@BulbasaurusRex
I'm not here to argue point by point. I dont care what you do. But you said there aren't any reasons, and there clearly are. If you still aren't interested, fine, but there are reasons.
1 This one plays exactly the same as "Transformed" except inferior in every way
First part is factually wrong, since there's the team mechanic which is a pretty big change, including team ultimate and item sharing. Second part is completely subjective. If you think its inferior then fine, dont play it. But plenty will say Transformed is inferior. That's up to the individual
2 Fair enough, everyone's different. It's still a pretty big reason for alot of people though
3 It DOES run better. This game is a solid line at 30fps, while Transformed on Wii U had some pretty noticeable drops whenever the dynamic environments changed.
4 Again, "downgraded" is just a subjective opinion. Some will say the opposite.
At the end of the day, just say it doesnt appeal to you as much and be done with it. But there are plenty of reasons to play it. How much you personally value those reasons is your call, and none of my business as I dont care what you do
@rockodoodle online
Wanting a high framerate and seeing the value in smooth motion and increased response times doesn’t make you a snob Nintendo Life.
But you enjoy your 30fps
To be quite frank I think it turned out to be a pretty good game. When you stop comparing it to other games and take it in as it is you see it for what it is and not what it could be. My house has been thoroughly enjoying it.
@Bomberman64
It’s a sad attempt at sounding intelligent while reviewing a video game. I call it sentence “fluffing”. Just simply an uneducated “journalist” trying to use “smart” sounding words...
How anyone can even suggest that Trasformed might be inferior to this is absolutely crazy.
I actually came in here to complement the review and then saw the above few comments.
FWIW - here's mine. I am known as pretty scathing around these parts and feel the quality of the reviews around here have taken a plunge recently marked particularly by the nadir of Mario tennis aces review.
This, however, is the best review of this game I have read across the internet. I have been playing it on Xbox One since Tuesday and I come from a position where much as I adore Mario Kart in all it's itinerations (I'm old enough to have bought the first in the series on launch day and every other version since then on their launch day), Transformed is easily the best kart racer I have played. The vehicle design, track design, game progression etc etc puts it ahead of any Mario Kart game........
I think that is why this game is such a disappointment. When you look at the originality and beauty of Transformed, the sheer amount of ideas packed into that game and compare it with this, then it is so disappointing.
And as for performance the game runs at 60fps on my Xbox One X but with SLOWDOWN! The only game that exhibits that on the console.
I think this review is absolutely spot on personally.
@Doktor-Mandrake
It's still one of my favourite games of all time. Yeah I still think CTR was way better than mk64. However the others weren't as good sadly.
@starman292 I never played nitro kart or any of the others, from what I understand the CTR remake will have some tracks from nitro kart which is cool, I'm also liking the looks of other things they added like oxide finally being playable, customasiable karts and characters
One of my fav games of all time too, 21st of June seems so far away.. With Mario Maker 2 and CTR, it's going to be one hell of a month
I'm glad these days we can have Sonic, Crash and Mario all in one place ^_^
@Doktor-Mandrake
Yeah the tracks were good on nitro kart it was just that the karts didn't handle the same. Yeah I am glad they are adding all the extra stuff too. I will be getting it on PS4 though as I just want it to feel as close to the original as possible.
Well it's been a few months and honestly I wasn't too impressed with TSR. I've yet to touch CTR, but I think a few misteps were made with this, first being the poorly executed story mode. The difficulty with the checkpoint missions is absolute insanity. I've never had more issues than with those missions. The teammates do NOT have good enough AI in Hard/Expert modes, and is a complete luck of the draw with very few variables you can control for them to come in a decent spot. I question enemy AI, in Transformed there did not seem to be rubber banding but here it's like they outpace your teammates 2 to 1 unless you are constantly shoving items down their throats, meanwhile you aren't using any and getting 1st or 2nd.. how does that work?
I haven't jumped online yet which was the real meat and potatoes of Transformed, but... I dunno. I'm kinda with the Bulbasaur dude above in thinking the team mechanic just isn't enough to say it's on par with Transformed. It could have easily been a second mode on its own, not the primary focus as it is here, and not to mention other kart racers have done team based mechanics more cleverly if not better.
Funny thing is that I had more fun with this TSR than with MK8D... the only thing I couldn't really get into — so far — is the story mode that demands a variety of things other than just race-race-race, and that's what I care about.
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