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Preview: Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Few developers have a large enough catalog of praised franchises that they can make entire games featuring a variety of their own iconic characters. Nintendo is obviously the leading company that has made a habit of doing this regularly, and Sony has just recently announced trying their hands at a mascot-riddled fighting game. Since too many people claim that Sega remains a distant memory -- still holding them to the standards of its former glory -- it's easy for us to forget that this company, born of the 80s, has established a long record of familiar names and faces. A lot of those faces, to my own nostalgic surprise, make their way onto the tracks of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The great difference with this game is that racers are no longer restricted to the asphalt of the road, but will also take to the skies in planes and to the seas in boats. And here I thought people would never take inspiration from old goodies like Diddy Kong Racing.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (3DS, PC, PlayStation 3 [previewed], PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360) Upon selecting a racer, more than one moment saw me pointing to a character and saying aloud, "Oh yeah, I forgot Sega made that game!" Of course, the expected Sonic cast was present: Tails, Knuckles, Dr. Robotnik (I don't call him "Eggman," because this is America, goddamnit). Joining them, though, were characters whom I had forgotten even belonged to the Sega family: Amigo (Samba de Amigo), Beat (Jet Set Radio), and B.D. Joe (Crazy Taxi). It was at that point that I realized Sega actually had a shit-ton of variety and eclecticism within their body of work, and this little racing game was, in a lot of ways, a testament to that. Now, even though I've had my fair share of Sega consoles (everything except for the Sega CD), I can't call myself a "Sega kid." I got my hands on every piece of hardware I could while growing up, no matter the company. Still, that didn't keep the warm feelings of my childhood from brewing in my gut, especially once I took to the roads of the Panzer Dragoon course. While I did play the game in a relatively early state (alpha, to be exact), it was little snippets of nostalgia like these that made me realize that Sega fans were going to be in for a real treat. Considering how much of the company's history the previous All Stars Racing game encapsulated, I can only imagine this follow-up will provide more of that iconic imagery. "Shit yes," says my 13-year-old, malnourished inner-self.
So the nostalgia is a great hook, but how does it play? Well, the "Transformed" in the subtitle actually has significant meaning. During each race, courses will change their structure after every lap. So, naturally, each character's vehicle morphs into the appropriate form. On the Panzer Dragoon course, the first lap had me clattering over a creaky wooden bridge -- a favorite in professional racing, of course. On the second lap, though, a fuckin' dragon burst out of the water and destroyed it! No worries, because B.D. Joe's cab flipped its wheels and presented a nice set of propellers for the water below. Upon reaching that area for the third time, instead of sloshing into the lake, Joe's Chevy Impala took to the skies like Doc Brown's DeLorean, but with less time traveling and more ... well, craziness, I suppose. The elaborate changes in courses not only provided a fresh pace to the otherwise-bland genre of "kart racers," but they also quelled the boredom that can sometimes present itself after the third lap on the same track. Seeing as how I only got to try out two courses (the other being a downhill Super Monkey Ball-themed one), I'm anxious to see what other creative twists Sumo has added to the track selection.
Amidst all of this reverential Sega imagery and the nostalgic glow it emanated, I couldn't help but feel a bit of remorse in the end. Seeing the diversity of Sega's franchises under one roof (or skybox) sort of brought to light the tragic reality that, well, while the company has a quality portfolio, it has continued to face more and more hardship. I mean, Transformed featured a roster of characters from games that had absolutely nothing to do with each other -- all of them great, to boot. It now makes less sense to me than it ever did why Sega has taken such a tumble down the staircase of this industry. Goddamned Nintendo has thrived on the same names and faces we've known since the late 80s, yet they have managed to accumulate an Olympic-sized pool of gold bullion. Mascot-themed games provide a rather decent retrospective of a company's history. Super Smash Bros. showed us Nintendo's backstory, Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale will compile Sony's, and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed does that very thing for Sega. The result is a relatively fun and robust experience that makes you think, "Wait a minute ... if they made that game, then what the hell is the problem?" Oh well, perhaps I don't have the full picture. In fact, I know I don't. For all I know, the Sega execs of old might have blown all the company's money of cocaine and classy hookers. What matters is that, while Sega has taken hit after hit, despite all rules of logic and reality, games like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed show that they can still make a fun and engaging title ... complimented by a cast from their own great games.
Sumo Digital has put a lot of care into making this game its own great experience, even going as far as building the engine from the ground up, as well as implementing their own physics into the gameplay. Transformed plus liquor is a combination that's bound to be worthy of a friendly, split-screen gathering ... err, I mean "fun for the whole family." By the way, this preview taught me one important fact: Max Scoville is rather graceless at competitive racing games. So if you find yourself at a bar with him, and he's downed a few slippery nipples (yes, that's a real drink), the handheld version of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a sure way to win a "wager of the pantsless variety" with him. You didn't hear that from me, though. Legacy Comments (will be imported soon)People, SEGA have made Diddy Kong Racing 2, and has actually included interesting characters. Bow down.
But yeah, this looks fun. The original was probably the best kart racing experience you could get, especially on the Wii. I am looking forward to this one. But, Sumo PLEASE. PUT IN SEGATA FUCKING SANSHIRO THIS TIME. I hope this winds up being the mario kart ass kicker, MK needs to start getting fun again. Sega all stars is lookin good, really loved the first one and this one looks like its only getting better
*crosses fingers for Nights and Metal Sonic* As much as this seems "inspired" by Mario Kart and Diddy Kong, that was a pretty nice trailer.
And if RedComet is right, and I did see some things in the trailer that could very well have been Vyse, than that is just a whole new level of awesome. Loved the first game, though I wish they'd just called it "Sonic Racing" and ditch the all-stars idiocy. Also ditch the awful announcer (at least you could mute him).
I also noticed: a) PC version announced from the start, w00t! b) Wii version MIA. Without the Wii to drag it down we could be looking at a pretty spectacular looking game. Generations engine, please?! c) Has split-screen been officially announced? I am hoping it has it, but I didn't see a word on it from Sega themselves. If the PC has multiplayer this time maybe I will bite because the original was shockingly good.
Seriously though who at Sega up and thought it was a good idea to not include multiplayer for the first one on PC? Was this the same idiot that broke Alpha Protocol's shooting mechanics? The best news is that now the vehicles can fly and traverse water, people can finally shut up with "HOW COME SONIC NEEDS CAR WHY NOT RUN!?!" If you haven't played it the original Sonic and Sega All Stars Racing is $7.49 on GamersGate.
@Tim: Uh, it has multiplayer. Local multiplayer, which is a freaking blast. There are plenty of racers with online multi on PC, I'd rather have local for a change. Also, the game was like $30 at launch so I'm not about to bitch about cut features. But hey, if there's one thing Sonic fans and PC gamers like to do, it's bitch. @Tim:
Sorry, *I* was being really bitchy with that post, didn't realize how bad till I re-read it. Haven't eaten all day, it is doing bad things to me O_O Ugh why is there STILL no fucking edit button?! Without even playing the first game I'd probably say it was better then Mario Kart Wii. Unfair rubber banding AI, & constant blue shells pretty much ruined the single player offline mode. I feel so burned for pre-ordering that game, and buying it full price. However I've been reasonably happy with MK 7, just wish it had Dry Bones & Online had more options.
It would be so sweet if you can play as Squad 7 in the Edelweiss. The concept is a total rip-off of Mario Kart 7, but I loved the first game and Mario Kart 7. Total chocolate/peanut butter situation going on here. I'm in! The first game was surprisingly good. Maybe the PC version will actually have online multiplayer this time.
Also, I can't imagine Sega just dropping support for Nintendo consoles, so I can see this on the Wii U. @Rogue257 LOL at you commenting on things. Those checkerboard patterns on the ground are such a goddamn tease.
If there's no Space Harrier track this time, there's no way I'm playing this game. This has the potential for awesomeness. Hoping for some Golden Axe, Shinobi and Space Harrier love. Maybe even some Wonderboy please?! Toejam & Earl and I'm in.
Just the thought of driving the Rapmaster Rocket Ship makes me...oh god, no words can describe. Each year that passes, SEGA disappoints with a game that may look promising with shiny graphics or whatever. This game will result in the same way for sure. Call me if/when they release SA3 or a remake of one, two or both! oh my gerd a mario kart 7 rip off lol Sega can't come up with their own ideas. (waits for people to respond just to see what they'll say.) first game was easily the best kart racer not made by Nintendo and i can't wait for this one - hopefully there will be more non-Sonic characters this time around. it's great that they're using new engine since those visuals look great.
though you omitted some important information, Ryan: 1. the game is coming to Wii U(as was hinted by the game's producer) - it would be stupid for them not to release this on Wii U given the fact that Sonic games sell best on Nintendo platforms(similar to Rayman franchise) and the fact that original outsold both ps3 and 360 versions COMBINED. and given the fact that Transformed is running on new engine with features allowing them to "update" games for upcoming consoles. 2. there's no Commentator. Sonic drives a car because it would be totally unfair to the other characters if he didn't.
Looks promising. Tracks that change each lap is an intriguing idea. Looks fun. I'm really stoked to get this on Vita, for a great kart racing experience, that actually caters towards the skilled. The first game was awesome - I was definitely a Sega kid, so I'm hoping for someone from Phantasy Star (pre-online), and maybe a bit of Streets of Rage love. I'm sure it won't happen, but a guy can dream. @sofik88
It has been "hinted" that this game is coming to the Wii U, but it hasn't yet been officially confirmed. I actually had to email the game's PR rep, because I thought to myself, "They've mentioned it coming to Wii U, but did they set it in stone?" Even if I put that information up, I'd get an email from them asking me to take it down. :/ Here's a new trailer for Naruto Shippuden UNS 3I've always been a fan of the Naruto franchise when it comes to the realm of video games. Ever since the GameCube era, they really haven't dropped in quality, despite my waning interest in the series as a whole. It looks lik... more Project X Zone getting localized, coming to North AmericaProject X Zone, the crazy crossover game featuring Namco Bandai, Capcom, and Sega characters all working together, is coming to North America! Namco will be bringing the role-playing fighting game hybrid to North American, Eu... more Persona 4 Arena on sale for just $20 at GameStopHave you been sitting on the fence when it comes to Persona 4 Arena? Ouch! Maybe you should stop doing that. It sounds really uncomfortable, and besides, Atlus is throwing a pool party. Why not hop on over and join ... more This Shao Khan figure wants to rule your toy shelfPop Culture Shock's latest figure is Shao Khan of the Mortal Kombat universe. The 1/4-scale figure features an extra head so you can see his ugly face, and comes with one weapon depending on which figure you want to blow way ... more Dead or Alive 5 Plus cross-platform features detailedDead or Alive 5 is heading to the PlayStation Vita and is set to feature cross-platform play with the PlayStation 3 version of Team NINJA's fighting game. One of the features you can expect is that players will now see notifi... more Kat and Emmett get new PlayStation All-Stars trailersRemember when we reported that two new characters would be coming to PlayStation All-Stars, and they would be free for a limited time? That's nearly upon us, as Gravity Rush's Kat and Starhawk's Emmett Graves will be availab... more Persona 4 Arena might be nearing a European releasePersona 4 Arena was supposed to come to Europe back in August, but that didn't happen. Instead, Zen United, the title's distributor, announced an indefinite delay. And while there still isn't a definite release date, the... more Injustice: Gods Among Us dated for Wii U, 360, and PS3There seem to be mixed reactions to Injustice: Gods Among Us, and while the roster has a few more Batman characters on it than I would have probably liked, it's still undeniably neat to see a game like this exist. We'll have ... more OC ReMix arranges the games of the Apex 2013 tourneysRunning all weekend at Rutgers in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is the Apex 2013 fighting tournament. To promote the event as well as game arrangements in general, ten artists from OverClocked ReMix took a shot at arranging the ... more Bane and Lex Luthor join Injustice: Gods Among UsThe latest issues of @Gamer magazine has revealed that Bane and Lex Luthor will be joining the cast of fighters in Injustice: Gods Among Us. That brings the list of playable characters up to 15 now, yet we still don't know ho... more |     Dtoid is... Dale North Editor-in-Chief Jim Sterling Reviews Editor Hamza Aziz Dir. Communications Conrad Zimmerman Managing Editor Jordan Devore PC Editor Andy Dixon Community Manager Rick Olson Dtoid.TV Producer Niero Gonzalez Publisher Editors Meet the team Our sites Flixist Japanator Tomopop Contact Us Suggest News Advertising General Info  |
4:30 PM on 04.30.2012
