Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2721 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sega
• Released on: 2006-03-17
• Platform: PlayStation2
• Dimensions: 7.48" h x .79" w x 5.51" l,

Manufacturer's Description
Dr. Eggman has thrown down the gauntlet, calling out Sonic and friends to join his World Grand Prix. But, just what is the egg-shaped genius really planning? And who are the legendary riders known as the Babylon Rouges that beat Sonic to the signup? At unparalleled breakneck speeds, you'll catch the turbulence air stream of your board-bound opponents and blaze past them while busting out wild stunts and tricks. Take full advantage of your characters' talents in Speed, Power, or Flight and challenge up to three friends to find out who really is the fastest rider in the world!

Customer Reviews

Sonics not always a fun ride
It's hard to recommend Sonic Racing games. You'd think that Sonic the Hedgehog would be great for a racing game. The Sonic games have been all about speed. Therefore, Sonic should pratically own the racing genre. However, in the past, Sonic Racing games have not been on the top of many gamer's list, and unfortunately, Sonic Riders isn't going to be high on your list either. It's much better than the previous attempts at a Sonic Racing game, but plenty of small things keep it from being the overall joyful experience you'd want it to be.

First things first, the plot is just about the same as it is in every Sonic game. Sonic and pals are on a hunt for the Chaos Emeralds. This time, however, they're after the Babylon Rogues to retrieve or something like that. A racing game really shouldn't have to have a plot other than to race. Not to mention it's very identical to many other Sonic games in the series. As you begin the game and all, you'll quickly forget about the storyline. As I said, a racing game doesn't need one to be good, and in Sonic's case, it almost hurts the game.

The gameplay is when I'm absolutely left at a standstill. It's great to be able to pull of some tricks as Sonic and company. They look really cool. It's easy to get into the gameplay, but just as easily, you'll soon find yourself frustrated. You race on hoverboards. Throughout each race you've got an air meter that you can use to boost yourself. This sounds really great, and it would be if you didn't have to use it so much. And once you've used up all your air meter, your character goes at it on foot. I wouldn't have a problem with it, but perhaps they should've done the air meter to the point where it begins to gradually refill. There are pitstops, but going to them takes the fun out of the race, and ultimately slows you down. This is Sonic, I don't want to go slow. Speed is what Sonic is all about. To make up for this, however, you can ride off of another player's turbulence, which will ultimatley give you a boost. The only problem being you lose control, however in some cases it's not a problem, and it's rather helpful.

Likewise, some of the track designs are poor. Combine that with a few loose controls and there's a problem. For one, taking corners is frustrating. Especially because they come so sudden, and sometimes you might be faced with a pit right around a corner. If you're riding on someone's turbulance while you round a corner, you lose control and ultimately go off course, and then you've got to wait to be reseted. Likewise, I find myself constantly going into walls while taking a corner. Again, this slows you down considerably. I don't have this problem in most other racers, and with Sonic Riders it's much harder to learn how to take corners. There's just no perfect way to do it.

There are also a lot of objects in your way. This is to be expected of any racing game, so I won't penalize Sonic Riders here. It does take a while to get back on track upon running into these objects and it uniquely adds to the challenge. However, the game isn't that challenging, really. Most of the computer players race in a fairly predictable manner, and while you'll end up having to use your boost at the beginning, you'll get the computers pattern down quickly.

Luckily there's multiplayer in this. And multiplayer is a very satisfying experience in Sonic Riders. It's a lot more fun to race against your (most likely) unpredictable friends than it is the predictable computer. The game also gets credit for it's unlockables. More extreme gear, and some hidden characters. Some of them classic characters that Sonic fans know and love. So the unlockables are kind of cool and worthwhile.

The game also looks good. There are times of slowdown, but that's no bother (at least in this game). For the most part, it's colorful, vibrant, and detailed. While some of the courses are frustrating, they've definitely got a good look and feel to them.

So to put it simple. Sonic Riders is for the Sonic fan. If you love Sonic, chances are you'll like this game. It isn't the best racing game out there, but it is the best Sonic Racing game out there, and so hardcore fans might want to get a hold on to it. There are moments of frustration, but not so much you shouldn't by the game. If you're more serious about your racing games, then Sonic Riders probably isn't for you.

A very confusing game!
I rented (thank god!) this game to make use of my multi-tap, thinking it'd be a fun multiplayer game. How wrong was I?
Firstly, the tracks seem to have been designed by a hippy on LSD, with bright swirly colours and confusing track designs.
I warn you that you will have no idea where you are on the track, where the track is going, or whether you are going in the right direction. This makes for a very confusing and dull game - you just keep pressing forward on the analogue stick, and hopefully end up passing the finishing line. You rarely seem to even catch sight of the other players and so there's not really any competitiveness in it.
Overall I was really disappointed, and glad I hadn't wasted a load of money buying it... If you're after a fun racing game, I'd go for Crash Tag Team or Wacky Races.

sonic riders
having read the two reviews I was reluctant to buy this for my 5 and a half year old. I'm so glad I did!! My first and main comment would be stick with it! I agree at first glance the tracks,boost controls etc are tricky, but after playing for a while you can really wiz round. I cannot beat my son any more but in Tag mode together we can beat all comers! There is very little if any violence a nice change and boards can be bought/exchanged at the shop. There are many race modes to suit all, full on racing or practice laps to help get to know the tracks and the short cuts etc. The missions are fun where each track /level has to be passed and then more are added. We have completed all missions and had tremendous fun. These include boosters,grinds,air rides etcI would just say of all the games we have this is one of the best.