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Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed review (2018)
PC Gamer’s 2018 review presents Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed as a strong arcade racing game whose main appeal is its tracks changing between land, water and air. It matters because the transformation mechanic gives the game more variety and technical challenge than a conventional kart racer, while drawing on Sega characters and settings.
The review highlights a substantial single-player campaign, varied events and competitive multiplayer as key strengths. It also notes that the game borrows familiar ideas from other kart racers, but argues that its inventive track design, handling and polished presentation help it stand out.
In short
- An inventive Sega-themed kart racer with transforming vehicles.
- Changing tracks add variety across land, sea and air.
- Strong campaign and multiplayer underpin the experience.
Explained simply
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is an arcade racing game developed by Sega featuring characters from across Sega's gaming franchises. Like other kart racers, it emphasises fast-paced competitive racing rather than realistic simulation. The game's key distinction is that racetracks transform during races, shifting between land-based courses, water sections and air-based segments.
This transformation mechanic gives the game more variety and technical challenge than conventional kart racers, forcing players to adapt their driving as terrain and vehicle mode change mid-race. The game draws on Sega's extensive character roster and gaming heritage, appealing to fans of the company's franchises. PC Gamer's 2018 review examined whether these features successfully differentiate the title within the competitive racing genre.
The review found that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed offers a substantial single-player campaign alongside varied competitive events and multiplayer options. Whilst the game borrows familiar mechanics from established kart racers, the review argues that its inventive track design, responsive handling and polished presentation help it stand out.