Following the release of Team Sonic Racing has been something of a roller coaster ride.
Following the release of Team Sonic Racing has been something of a roller coaster ride.

At first, I was excited at the prospect of a new Sega racing game from Sumo Digital.
At first, I was excited at the prospect of a new Sega racing game from Sumo Digital.

I adored Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed to the point where I actually prefer it over
I adored Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed to the point where I actually prefer it over

Mario Kart 8.
Mario Kart 8.

But then gameplay details started releasing and nothing clicked for me.
But then gameplay details started releasing and nothing clicked for me.

The team dynamic seemed like a weird choice and the game just didn’t look as fast or
The team dynamic seemed like a weird choice and the game just didn’t look as fast or

fun as the previous Sumo Digital games.
fun as the previous Sumo Digital games.

And yet, now that the game has arrived, the mechanics I once scoffed at feel right.
And yet, now that the game has arrived, the mechanics I once scoffed at feel right.

This is a quality racer in its own right, full of unique ideas that just work.
This is a quality racer in its own right, full of unique ideas that just work.

The main conceit of Team Sonic Racing is just that.
The main conceit of Team Sonic Racing is just that.

Sonic and his friends are on teams as they race together across 21 different tracks.
Sonic and his friends are on teams as they race together across 21 different tracks.

And winning is entirely dependent on how well your team cooperates with one another.
And winning is entirely dependent on how well your team cooperates with one another.

While you still want to finish in a top position, you also need to help your teammates along
While you still want to finish in a top position, you also need to help your teammates along

the way.
the way.

It’s possible to finish in first but still lose if the rest of your team straggled behind.
It’s possible to finish in first but still lose if the rest of your team straggled behind.

And that was the major oddity for me.
And that was the major oddity for me.

I want to win.
I want to win.

Why should I be punished if the rest of my team isn’t up to snuff?
Why should I be punished if the rest of my team isn’t up to snuff?

But Team Sonic Racing has enough incentives to go along with this idea that the team mechanics
But Team Sonic Racing has enough incentives to go along with this idea that the team mechanics

became my favorite part of the game.
became my favorite part of the game.

There are multiple ways to support your team during a race.
There are multiple ways to support your team during a race.

The first is the skimboost, which is when a yellow trail appears behind a teammate during
The first is the skimboost, which is when a yellow trail appears behind a teammate during

the race.
the race.

By following that trail, it’s possible to get a slight speed boost.
By following that trail, it’s possible to get a slight speed boost.

This also ties into the slingshot maneuver where you can use the skimboost to catch up
This also ties into the slingshot maneuver where you can use the skimboost to catch up

then leave the trail in order to get a temporary boost of speed, launching you ahead.
then leave the trail in order to get a temporary boost of speed, launching you ahead.

And this can then immediately be used by the teammate that gave the initial boost, potentially
And this can then immediately be used by the teammate that gave the initial boost, potentially

allowing the entire team of three to consistently launch each other ahead.
allowing the entire team of three to consistently launch each other ahead.

Even better is that if one member of the team is spun out, another can give them an immediate
Even better is that if one member of the team is spun out, another can give them an immediate

boost if they pass by close enough.
boost if they pass by close enough.

There’s a lot of give and take between a team.
There’s a lot of give and take between a team.

And this is even emphasized with the item boxes.
And this is even emphasized with the item boxes.

If you pick one up, you can offer it to another member of your team.
If you pick one up, you can offer it to another member of your team.

To further reward this teamwork, sometimes these items will be randomly upgraded to include
To further reward this teamwork, sometimes these items will be randomly upgraded to include

multiple Wisps, making them even more potent.
multiple Wisps, making them even more potent.

By performing all of these team actions, a Team Ultimate meter fills.
By performing all of these team actions, a Team Ultimate meter fills.

Once it’s ready, your team can unleash their Ultimate which not only grants a huge burst
Once it’s ready, your team can unleash their Ultimate which not only grants a huge burst

of speed but invulnerability as well.
of speed but invulnerability as well.

And if the team can time this activation together, it lasts even longer.
And if the team can time this activation together, it lasts even longer.

Unfortunately, this is all but impossible to do effectively with a team of AI, but they
Unfortunately, this is all but impossible to do effectively with a team of AI, but they

handle the other aspects of teamwork well enough.
handle the other aspects of teamwork well enough.

And in fact, I found myself not only trying to get first, but push my teammates ahead
And in fact, I found myself not only trying to get first, but push my teammates ahead

in any way possible.
in any way possible.

The better they did, the better rank I would get.
The better they did, the better rank I would get.

And it’s that sense of teamwork that really drew me in to the game’s mechanics.
And it’s that sense of teamwork that really drew me in to the game’s mechanics.

All of a sudden I had to pay attention to more than just my own position.
All of a sudden I had to pay attention to more than just my own position.

I needed to be aware of where my teammates were and help them get ahead as best as I
I needed to be aware of where my teammates were and help them get ahead as best as I

could.
could.

Filling up the Team Ultimate and using it at just the right time is extremely rewarding,
Filling up the Team Ultimate and using it at just the right time is extremely rewarding,

especially when managing a come-from behind win.
especially when managing a come-from behind win.

Working together just naturally feels good, and it provides the game an identity that’s
Working together just naturally feels good, and it provides the game an identity that’s

all it’s own beyond Sonic and friends in a kart racer.
all it’s own beyond Sonic and friends in a kart racer.

That said, there is more to Team Sonic Racing than just the team aspect.
That said, there is more to Team Sonic Racing than just the team aspect.

Characters come in three types: Speed, Technique, and Power.
Characters come in three types: Speed, Technique, and Power.

Speed types obviously have a greater focus on their speed stat, but they also have the
Speed types obviously have a greater focus on their speed stat, but they also have the

ability to create a Radial Burst around their car when boosting.
ability to create a Radial Burst around their car when boosting.

This can potentially destroy any items coming their way though I could never effectively
This can potentially destroy any items coming their way though I could never effectively

pull it off.
pull it off.

Still, it could be potent in the right hands.
Still, it could be potent in the right hands.

Next are Technique types that have a lower top speed but fantastic acceleration and handling
Next are Technique types that have a lower top speed but fantastic acceleration and handling

in addition to their ability to drive over any surface without experiencing slowdown.
in addition to their ability to drive over any surface without experiencing slowdown.

Finally, there’s the Power type which has poor acceleration, but the best defense and
Finally, there’s the Power type which has poor acceleration, but the best defense and

boost potential.
boost potential.

They also have the ability to break through objects in their way which includes opening
They also have the ability to break through objects in their way which includes opening

up new shortcuts on the racetrack.
up new shortcuts on the racetrack.

Each one is fun in their own right, but I found myself drawn to the Technique types
Each one is fun in their own right, but I found myself drawn to the Technique types

due to their great handling.
due to their great handling.

But even if there’s a character you like that doesn’t handle like you want, there
But even if there’s a character you like that doesn’t handle like you want, there

are mods to help with that.
are mods to help with that.

After every race, coins are awarded that can then be spent, gacha-style, for a random mod
After every race, coins are awarded that can then be spent, gacha-style, for a random mod

for one of the characters.
for one of the characters.

This not only changes the look of the character’s car, but its stats as well.
This not only changes the look of the character’s car, but its stats as well.

So if you wanted to slow down Sonic in order to have better handling, it’s possible.
So if you wanted to slow down Sonic in order to have better handling, it’s possible.

Now because of the random rewards, it might take a while to get the specific mod for the
Now because of the random rewards, it might take a while to get the specific mod for the

character you want, which can certainly be annoying.
character you want, which can certainly be annoying.

That said, the coins are plentiful and it didn’t take long for me to build up a surplus.
That said, the coins are plentiful and it didn’t take long for me to build up a surplus.

In addition to the car mods, there are different customization options that can be obtained
In addition to the car mods, there are different customization options that can be obtained

through these Mod Pods such as paint kits, horn sounds, and vinyls.
through these Mod Pods such as paint kits, horn sounds, and vinyls.

Every color and aspect of each car’s appearance can be changed to make something uniquely
Every color and aspect of each car’s appearance can be changed to make something uniquely

yours.
yours.

While it’s not something that appeals to me personally, the sheer amount of options
While it’s not something that appeals to me personally, the sheer amount of options

are appreciated.
are appreciated.

Mod Pods can also contain bonus boxes that grant temporary bonuses during a race such
Mod Pods can also contain bonus boxes that grant temporary bonuses during a race such

as starting with a specific Wisp, charging drift boosts faster, or granting immunity
as starting with a specific Wisp, charging drift boosts faster, or granting immunity

to slowdown surfaces.
to slowdown surfaces.

It’s not much, but it’s potentially enough to give you the edge in a race.
It’s not much, but it’s potentially enough to give you the edge in a race.

Finally, there’s the Wisps, which serve as the game’s items.
Finally, there’s the Wisps, which serve as the game’s items.

Each one fills a familiar roll such as bombs, speed boosts, traps, and rockets, but there
Each one fills a familiar roll such as bombs, speed boosts, traps, and rockets, but there

are unique ideas as well.
are unique ideas as well.

Quake can create rock formations, Laser has to be focused on a racer in order to wipe
Quake can create rock formations, Laser has to be focused on a racer in order to wipe

them out, and Void can suck up item boxes, rings, and even slow down other racers.
them out, and Void can suck up item boxes, rings, and even slow down other racers.

There are even Wisps that are exclusive to certain racer types that can then be passed
There are even Wisps that are exclusive to certain racer types that can then be passed

between a team.
between a team.

Together, they create a ton of variety that keeps things chaotic but never felt unfair.
Together, they create a ton of variety that keeps things chaotic but never felt unfair.

There’s nothing equivalent to the Blue Shell, yet I never had an issue catching up to first
There’s nothing equivalent to the Blue Shell, yet I never had an issue catching up to first

place.
place.

It all feels more skill-based, much like the items in All-Star Racing Transformed.
It all feels more skill-based, much like the items in All-Star Racing Transformed.

All of this is built on top of a racing engine that feels good.
All of this is built on top of a racing engine that feels good.

Each kart is responsive and the different stats of that kart can be felt immediately
Each kart is responsive and the different stats of that kart can be felt immediately

when switching from one to another.
when switching from one to another.

Drift boosts are simple to pull off and responsive while tricks can be performed in the air for
Drift boosts are simple to pull off and responsive while tricks can be performed in the air for

another boost when landing.
another boost when landing.

Even the initial speed burst at the beginning of a race feels good as its based on the timing
Even the initial speed burst at the beginning of a race feels good as its based on the timing

of the countdown.
of the countdown.

The races themselves can certainly be intense, especially on higher difficulties where the
The races themselves can certainly be intense, especially on higher difficulties where the

speed is increased, but it feels good to get a handle on your favorite racer, the tracks,
speed is increased, but it feels good to get a handle on your favorite racer, the tracks,

and the best strategies as you try to win.
and the best strategies as you try to win.

That just leaves the different modes in Team Sonic Racing.
That just leaves the different modes in Team Sonic Racing.

On the single player side, the main attraction is the new story mode.
On the single player side, the main attraction is the new story mode.

A mysterious Tanuki named Dodon Pa invites Sonic and his friends to race, which they
A mysterious Tanuki named Dodon Pa invites Sonic and his friends to race, which they

do under heavy suspicion.
do under heavy suspicion.

Nobody really trusts Dodon Pa, but Sonic really wants to race and, hey, they’ve got nothing
Nobody really trusts Dodon Pa, but Sonic really wants to race and, hey, they’ve got nothing

better to do.
better to do.

It’s completely silly, but in all the right ways.
It’s completely silly, but in all the right ways.

The characters only appear as cutouts, but every line of dialog is spoken which helps
The characters only appear as cutouts, but every line of dialog is spoken which helps

sell the interactions.
sell the interactions.

The characters also talk and react throughout each race which would elicit the occasional
The characters also talk and react throughout each race which would elicit the occasional

chuckle.
chuckle.

But if it ever becomes annoying, they can be turned off in the options.
But if it ever becomes annoying, they can be turned off in the options.

In the same way, the cutscenes are completely optional and can be skipped without a second
In the same way, the cutscenes are completely optional and can be skipped without a second

thought, allowing players to focus on the actual challenges.
thought, allowing players to focus on the actual challenges.

These range from single races and grand prixs to more individual challenges that help improve
These range from single races and grand prixs to more individual challenges that help improve

your racing skills.
your racing skills.

Daredevil has you driving as close to Star Posts as possible to maximize points, Ring
Daredevil has you driving as close to Star Posts as possible to maximize points, Ring

Challenges have you collecting as many rings as possible in a time limit, Eggpawn Assault
Challenges have you collecting as many rings as possible in a time limit, Eggpawn Assault

has you destroying as many Eggpawns as possible, and there’s many more, all akin to All-Stars
has you destroying as many Eggpawns as possible, and there’s many more, all akin to All-Stars

Racing Transformed.
Racing Transformed.

But like that game, these challenges can also be extremely brutal.
But like that game, these challenges can also be extremely brutal.

You’ll get better, but the frustration I felt sometimes killed a lot of the fun.
You’ll get better, but the frustration I felt sometimes killed a lot of the fun.

In addition, the only real reward is more cosmetic options for your cars.
In addition, the only real reward is more cosmetic options for your cars.

So if you don’t care about that, there’s not huge point in completing them.
So if you don’t care about that, there’s not huge point in completing them.

That said, it is a meaty mode that will take several hours to finish, let alone complete
That said, it is a meaty mode that will take several hours to finish, let alone complete

entirely if you so choose.
entirely if you so choose.

Otherwise, single player consists of the typical grand prixs, single races, and time attacks.
Otherwise, single player consists of the typical grand prixs, single races, and time attacks.

While the story mode has set teams, these modes allow characters to be mixed and matched
While the story mode has set teams, these modes allow characters to be mixed and matched

in any way.
in any way.

Not only that, but there’s the option to race without the team mechanics in a more
Not only that, but there’s the option to race without the team mechanics in a more

traditional racer.
traditional racer.

But without the teamwork aspect, the game just didn’t feel as fun and getting hit
But without the teamwork aspect, the game just didn’t feel as fun and getting hit

by Wisps felt way more brutal than before.
by Wisps felt way more brutal than before.

The game doesn’t quite click in the same way without the team mechanics.
The game doesn’t quite click in the same way without the team mechanics.

There’s also online races to to enjoy which come in both casual and ranked as well as
There’s also online races to to enjoy which come in both casual and ranked as well as

teams and solo.
teams and solo.

While my first few races were a little spotty as the person I played with kept disconnecting,
While my first few races were a little spotty as the person I played with kept disconnecting,

eventually I had no issues playing online.
eventually I had no issues playing online.

The connection seemed solid with no hints of slowdown or the odd quirks of slow connections
The connection seemed solid with no hints of slowdown or the odd quirks of slow connections

and the gameplay was rock solid.
and the gameplay was rock solid.

There are unique modes as well such as a king of the hill mode, dodging lightning, or limiting
There are unique modes as well such as a king of the hill mode, dodging lightning, or limiting

items to a single Wisp type.
items to a single Wisp type.

While this sounds like it would change up the races significantly, the goals and the
While this sounds like it would change up the races significantly, the goals and the

way you raced pretty much stayed the same.
way you raced pretty much stayed the same.

Even King of the Hill, where teams competed over who could stay in first the longest didn’t
Even King of the Hill, where teams competed over who could stay in first the longest didn’t

change much.
change much.

They’re still a good time, but mainly because the main teamwork is fun
They’re still a good time, but mainly because the main teamwork is fun

If there’s one big takeaway from Team Sonic Racing, it’s that it is absolutely gorgeous.
If there’s one big takeaway from Team Sonic Racing, it’s that it is absolutely gorgeous.

The amount of detail put into every single track is fantastic.
The amount of detail put into every single track is fantastic.

There are plenty of callbacks to the Sonic series and the tracks all contain shortcuts
There are plenty of callbacks to the Sonic series and the tracks all contain shortcuts

to find as well as different route options to take which alternately feature boost pads,
to find as well as different route options to take which alternately feature boost pads,

rings, or items, making it more of a choice of what you need at the time.
rings, or items, making it more of a choice of what you need at the time.

Not only that, but the tracks aren’t afraid to get wacky with their designs as some have
Not only that, but the tracks aren’t afraid to get wacky with their designs as some have

the racers go upside-down or along the side of a wall.
the racers go upside-down or along the side of a wall.

It’s never made as big of a deal as in Mario Kart 8, but I appreciated how each track felt
It’s never made as big of a deal as in Mario Kart 8, but I appreciated how each track felt

unique.
unique.

Despite this polish, there were times where graphical glitches would occur, most notably
Despite this polish, there were times where graphical glitches would occur, most notably

during the car customization.
during the car customization.

It’s nothing terrible, more of a distraction than anything else, and the races were always
It’s nothing terrible, more of a distraction than anything else, and the races were always

smooth.
smooth.

But then there’s the music.
But then there’s the music.

My god, it is absolutely brilliant.
My god, it is absolutely brilliant.

Every single track pops and is filled with that fun Sonic vibe.
Every single track pops and is filled with that fun Sonic vibe.

The remixes are all near perfect with some that shouldn’t work, but absolutely do.
The remixes are all near perfect with some that shouldn’t work, but absolutely do.

Sonic games are almost always praised for their soundtracks and this might be one of
Sonic games are almost always praised for their soundtracks and this might be one of

the best in the entire series.
the best in the entire series.

Team Sonic Racing is a surprise of a game for me.
Team Sonic Racing is a surprise of a game for me.

I didn’t expect much of it, yet the systems at play all work well.
I didn’t expect much of it, yet the systems at play all work well.

It never excited me to the same degree as All-Star Racing Transformed, but the team
It never excited me to the same degree as All-Star Racing Transformed, but the team

dynamic keeps it unique, especially when directly compared with Mario Kart 8.
dynamic keeps it unique, especially when directly compared with Mario Kart 8.

I don’t think it surpasses that game either although there’s more single player content
I don’t think it surpasses that game either although there’s more single player content

to enjoy.
to enjoy.

Meanwhile, the multiplayer is different enough to check it out, but the multiple mode don’t
Meanwhile, the multiplayer is different enough to check it out, but the multiple mode don’t

really change the races in a truly significant way.
really change the races in a truly significant way.

It’s not something as different as a battle mode for example.
It’s not something as different as a battle mode for example.

Still, I liked it a lot and feel that those looking for a solid Sonic racer will find
Still, I liked it a lot and feel that those looking for a solid Sonic racer will find

plenty to enjoy in the game.
plenty to enjoy in the game.

Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe to GameXplain for more on Sonic and other
Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe to GameXplain for more on Sonic and other

things gaming.
things gaming.