With the much-anticipated sequel Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed set to drop in just a few days’ time, players everywhere will definitely want to take part in the competitive boating, driving and flying action that it’ll bring. But with that, the real question is – who should you start with?
The game has no shortage of Sega superstars from games of yesteryear and today, from the magical ninja Joe Musashi to the inclusion of two rival reporters from Space Channel 5. Here now is an overview of the driver list, along with a brief idea of what they bring to the high-powered sequel…
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic, a staple of pretty much every mascot-related Sega game since his popularity in the Genesis days, can obviously take the wheel with utmost authority, while at the same time bringing a super-powered burst of speed when his special is used. Fans will no doubt enjoy getting behind the wheel with him.
Tails (Miles Prower)
Sonic’s long-time go-to fox in various platforming games, Tails has a way of making his own path around the race track in his juiced-up biplane. He can use power ups like a pro and his own sense of unstoppable speed when his special is activated with just the right pick-up.
Amy Rose
A long-time chaser of Sonic (it must be love, right?), Amy Rose finally gets a chance to prove her worth on the racing front in a dazzling ride. She too has plenty of speed behind her smile, and can easily lap the boys to take the first place victory.
Knuckles the Echidna
Sonic’s long-time archenemy, who first started butting heads with him back in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, has gotten a little more friendly over the years, but on the race track, he’s trouble. Pick him and you’re in for some fine drifting and power-up usage, along with plenty of high speed shenanigans.
Doctor Eggman
Who says it’s not good to be the bad guy? In the original Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, Eggman proved more than noteworthy, using his gadgets and power-ups to gain the lead. He continues to be so in the sequel, though we’re not quite sure how unlimited he could be if he ever got those Chaos Emeralds. Yikes.
Shadow the Hedgehog
Another nemesis of Sonic the Hedgehog, the gun-toting Shadow the Hedgehog keeps his weapon holstered on the race track, but still proves to be a dangerous adversary. Get behind the wheel with him and you’ll have acceleration on your side, as well as plenty of power-ups.
AiAi
The Super Monkey Ball stars manages to hop out of his rolly sphere long enough to really take charge on the road, whether you’re cruising through Sonic’s world or the memorable Panzer Dragoon canyon. He’ll roll right over the competition once he’s super-charged.
MeeMee
Not to be outdone by her male counterpart from Super Monkey Ball, MeeMee is an equal amount of trouble on the track. She’s just as strong as AiAi, and can definitely hang on the road with the best of ’em.
Amigo
The dancing monkey from the Samba de Amigo series may not have his traditional maracas, but he’s a danger on the track regardless. He can use drifting abilities and speed boosts like a pro, and look funky while he does it.
Beat
As he did in the original Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing game, Beat can definitely hold his own on the track, without any cops in pursuit (for a change). Jet Set Radio’s main man is quite good with power boosts and utilizing front and rear attacks.
Gum
If you prefer the sexier side of the Jet Set Radio crew, Gum is your go-to girl. Though she doesn’t do any sort of skating in this game, she’s definitely fun when it comes to cruising through traffic and dominating the lead.
B.D. Joe
Though Joe doesn’t drive nearly as destructively as he did in Crazy Taxi, he’s a force to be reckoned with if you choose him as your driver. His antics are wild enough that he’ll gain the lead in no time flat.
Gilius Thunderhead
Whoever said that axe-carrying dwarves can’t handle a stick shift apparently haven’t seen Gilius Thunderhead’s license. The Golden Axe superstar makes his debut in the series, and manages to hold his own when it comes to keeping the pace and using weapons.
Vyse
Originally making his debut years ago in the Dreamcast role-playing game Skies of Arcadia, Vyse is definitely a very capable driver, despite the lack of a flying pirate ship. Once he gets hold of missiles or mines, you know you’re in trouble.
Joe Musashi
The Shinobi ninja may not be lobbing ninja stars at everyone, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do some damage on the road. Picking him gives you the ability to win with a fresh, zippy ride, while using power-ups that really suit him well. Still, we miss the Shinobi magic powers…
Ulala (and Pudding)
“Spaaaaaace Channel 5!” The out-of-this world reporter (and her rival) manages to put down her mike long enough to let her driving skills do the talking, as she dominates each race with her sleek handling techniques and sassiness.
Nights (and Reala)
Whether you choose the ultimate dream warrior or his dark counterpart, Nights (or Reala) can be just your thing if you’re looking for a winner in the circuit. His car handles like a dream (I made a funny!) and the handling of his car is right where it needs to be. Try them both out!
Danica Patrick
The only real person that’s been put into the game, Danica actually brings a good deal of her NASCAR racing spitfire All Stars Racing Transformed. With a packed stock car and plenty of speed, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Wreck-It Ralph
“I’m gonna wreck it!” Fresh from a ride you’d probably find around Sugar Rush, the box office star of the latest Disney flick makes quite an impact on the All Stars roster. Pick him if you’re looking for a strong, yet suitable, champion.
Metal Sonic (exclusive to the Bonus Edition)
If you buy the special Bonus Edition of the game (which is still available for pre-order), you’ll unlock this dark side of Sonic, complete with his own sleek ride and dangerous sense of speed. He’s definitely an evil one.
Custom Mii/Avatar characters
Finally, if you’re getting the Wii U/Wii or Xbox 360 versions of the game, you’ll have the option to implement yourself into the racing shenanigans. Though you’re stuck with a generic cart, your skills will be up to speed – literally – which will help you get the win over Sega’s other superstars.
Look for Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed on store shelves now!
Published: Nov 30, 2012 06:15 pm