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[ghibli99]

Okay, anybody here who has actually played the game and not like it?

Let's get some more actual 'impressions' folks.

Right here. My friend picked this up, so I had a chance to sit down and give it a spin. I wasn't expecting much, but I love racing games, and Sonic Rush was fun, so I figure if we're not going to get NiGHTS, I might as well see what ST is up to, besides rubbing rabbits.

This is more an initial impression than anything, so FWIW, here's my take. First of all, I like the idea of creating a Sonic game that tries to take the speed of the Sonic series, turn it into a racing game, and maintain some of the branching platforming and item collecting that are common to the series. On paper, I think it sounds like a cool idea, since I've always had a problem with Sonic games walking that fine line between exploration and flat-out speed (I've never thought the styles mixed well, although the Genesis Sonic games remain some of my favorites).

The problem I have with Sonic Riders is that, much like my complaint about the 2D versions, the gameplay styles here don't really blend together that well. The controls also feel really loose, and I think it takes more time than necessary to get used to them. I found myself really fighting with them, and collecting coins and busting through power-ups felt like a chore (compared to the ease of games like Mario Kart or Wipeout Pure). I think that in racing games, if the controls don't feel immediately or near-immediately intuitive, it's a major fault. Granted, I have only tried Sonic and Tails, so I have to insert a caveat here and say that these are far from my final thoughts, and that I'm going to give it another go later today and come back with more thoughts.

That being said, I like the presentation, and I think the music (from what I've heard) absolutely fits the theme of the game. The graphics (PS2 version) look about as good as I'd expect from ST on the platform and for a Sonic game, and so far, I haven't noticed anything wrong with the visuals. Everything seemed to move along at a nice 60fps.

Anyway, just my thoughts. Jury's still out, but I can certainly see how a game like this could polarize fans of the series even further.

 

[xsarien]

Okay, anybody here who has actually played the game and not like it?

Let's get some more actual 'impressions' folks.

Hi.

About the only thing Sonic Riders has going for it is that yeah, it looks pretty. But that's about it. The game controls like a wet noodle, The UI isn't exactly intuitive, the control mapping is almost arbitrary, and Sonic Team - inexplicably - has decided to take a page from Kirby's (fucking) Air Ride and handle all but the most secondary aspects of acceleration for me.

No thanks.

 

[Katana_Strikes]

I was looking forward to this but I knew it was gonna be a case of being a bit naff.

I'll certainly be giving it a try, but it's disappointing that this didn't turn out to be something better.

Box art still rocks though!

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Actually, I thought the graphics were pretty crappy for GC standards myself.

But that's not why I play games anyway.

 

[Kevtones]

Sonic and Mario are now whores. Why?

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Sonic and Mario are now whores. Why?

Their companies need money. Their mascots provide it.

That's the way the industry works these days, sadly.

 

[ghibli99]

Their companies need money. Their mascots provide it.

That's the way the industry works these days, sadly.

I've always thought a stylish Klonoa 2.5D-style Sonic game would be great... marry the 2D gameplay to today's 3D power, and if they want to do 3D levels, keep them restricted to the bonus stages, like they used to.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

I've always thought a stylish Klonoa 2.5D-style Sonic game would be great... marry the 2D gameplay to today's 3D power, and if they want to do 3D levels, keep them restricted to the bonus stages, like they used to.

We should send you to Sonic Team. XD

No seriously, this is a great idea, and many have thought of this. But Sonic Team just doesn't seem to get it.

On one occasion, Yuji Naka even stated "Maybe Sonic is better suited for 2D...".

Ya think?

And yet, the upcoming game for 360 looks to be more Sonic Adventure gameplay.

Naturally!

Well, maybe they'll get it right this time. 3rd, uh no, 4th.. wait... 5th time's the charm, right?

 

[D-X]

Can't say I've played the game but it annoys me that Jet sounds EXACTLY the fucking same as Sonic. I know 4Kids spread their VA's thinnly in their shows but keep it away from the games.