Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Review for Xbox 360

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Box Art

System: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, 3DS, PS Vita
Dev: Sumo Digital
Pub: SEGA
Release: November 20, 2012
Players: 1-8
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Language

As I mentioned earlier, there is a pretty good lineup of SEGA characters present here, from Sonic and Knuckles to AiAi and MeeMee from Super Monkey Ball to Joe Musashi of Shinobi. One weird addition, though, is Danica Patrick, who you might recognize from, you know, real-life racing. Her presence is a creative decision that baffles me, as she doesn’t really fit into the über-cartoony vibe of Transformed’s world, and her character model seems pretty generic. It’s just hard to be excited about playing as a cartoonified real-life person when you have someone like Vyse from Skies of Arcadia to choose from.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Screenshot

But the cool thing is that these characters gain experience and level up as you use them. Leveling up a racer won’t unbalance the game, though, as each new level gained basically unlocks a different modification. For example, one modification might increase a character’s speed at the expense of handling. Still, it’s a great feature, and it feels super good to see your experience bar increasing, even when you’re consistently coming in last place. It keeps you motivated to keep playing even when the races start to get frustrating.

And that’s good, because some of the races will get frustrating. The Ring Races, which have you piloting a plane through a series of rings, are especially unforgiving, and they’ll most likely halt your progress as you attempt to unlock all the extra characters and things. Then again, it’s actually kind of nice to be challenged here, as you most likely won’t just blast through the entire campaign in a few hours.

Ultimately, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a worthy kart racer that surprised me by being offered at a discount price. Yes, this game retails for $40ish instead of the typical $60 of other big-budget titles, and that’s a fantastic deal for a game that, despite a few personal quibbles, would have been well worth the full price of admission.

By
Josh Wirtanen
Editor / Social Media
Date: November 18, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.8

Graphics
Excruciatingly detailed environments that are simply cool to gawk at.

4.0

Control
I have a few personal quirks with the way drifting works, but the controls are responsive and tight. There’s a slight learning curve, as each type of vehicle handles differently.

4.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Some of the catchphrases might get a bit repetitive, but the audio is otherwise satisfying.

4.5

Play Value
A level-up system, various unlockables, and online play all make this an experience you’ll come back to several times. This would have been a worthy full-priced title, so the discount price makes this an amazing deal.

4.3

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

This is no ordinary race. Each character is equipped with their own unique vehicle that can transform into a car, boat, or plane to take advantage of the changing terrains. Each vehicle handles differently and players must master all three to triumph.

Over 20 legendary All-Stars are back. The starting line-up has been transformed as new iconic characters from the world of SEGA join the race. What other game sees a hedgehog battle it out against a monkey, a sky pirate, and an axe-wielding dwarf?

Take to land, sea, and air as you race through 16 dynamically changing courses inspired by SEGA's illustrious gaming history. Discover alternate routes, find new power-ups and avoid emerging hazards as you race to victory; every track feels different.

The All-Star Moves also return, this time the more daring and stylishly you race, the more your All-Star meter increases, allowing you to unleash carnage on your opponents!

Old rivalries can be settled and new ones created in up to 8-player online. Journey through the All-Stars' world to take on a huge range of modes and challenges, including Grand Prix, Battle arenas, and an incredible world tour.