Sonic & All-Star Racing: Transformed, a solid multiplayer racer, was somewhat overlooked last generation, despite receiving significant playtime in our editorial office on the Wii U. Team Sonic Racing makes no secret of its inspiration from Nintendo’s acclaimed Mario Kart (8). The question is whether non-Nintendo platforms can effectively replicate that racing magic. The results are mixed.
Team Sonic Racing‘s gameplay closely mirrors that of Mario Kart, but it places a greater emphasis on teamwork. Item boxes can be shared with teammates, either human players or AI-controlled, who may benefit more from their contents. Success is determined by the team’s cumulative score, not solely on individual performance. This introduces an interesting dynamic, setting it apart from a straightforward Mario Kart 8 clone. However, this reliance on teammates presents both advantages and disadvantages. While a struggling team member can provide an unexpected boost to the overall score, conversely, a teammate’s poor performance can hinder even a flawless run.
A more significant issue lies in the execution. Sumo Digital appears to have focused primarily on the game’s rules and mechanics, overlooking a crucial element in any racing title: the handling and overall feel. While Team Sonic Racing offers appealing visuals with vibrant colors and imaginative track design, maintaining a consistent 60 fps on the PS4 Pro (though not consistently on the Xbox One X), it lacks the precise steering and finesse found in Mario Kart. The Xbox One X version, which we specifically tested, exhibits an inconsistent frame rate, with frame drops occurring at regular intervals. This may contribute to a perceived sluggishness and clumsiness in the handling, adding unnecessary difficulty. The bonus track featuring slalom challenges highlights this issue. Furthermore, like Mario Kart 8, performance degrades further in local multiplayer modes.
It is unfortunate that Sumo Digital did not dedicate more effort to optimizing the Xbox One version of Team Sonic Racing, as the potential is evident. Adequate performance and responsive steering are paramount for a successful racing experience. The game’s presentation is generally well-executed, and the track designs offer varied challenges. The story sequences between races, presented as still images with text, follow a typical Japanese style and may not fully engage all players. However, they can be easily skipped.
In conclusion, Team Sonic Racing is a competent racing game and a viable alternative for players seeking a Mario Kart-esque experience without access to a Wii U or Switch. However, for those with access to the original, it remains the superior title. Nintendo’s focus on game feel and technical polish ultimately sets it apart.
