That all seems rather straightforward, but once you get to later levels in the Story Mode (can be as early as the fourth stage) the computer will start to whup you, unless you begin mastering the advanced techniques. You can still survive, but you most definitely will not complete the entire Story mode unless you’ve practiced performing tricks. Tricks in themselves are simple to execute and, depending on how many you do in a jump, can get you air back and a speed boost. There are forward and back flips to master though, that will get you to massive shortcuts in each stage, and it can be quite a frustrating experience as you try to get the hang of these moves. It can be just as annoying to turn corners – just like Mario Kart you can slam the triggers to drift around sharp U-Bends, but because hoverboards generally have crappy traction, you’re going to muff up big time if you don’t take the corners wide.
To add depth to the racing, there are a few more factors involved. Whenever a character manages to break a certain speed, they leave a ‘turbulence’ trail – essentially a half-pipe of air that can carry any other character. If you’re lagging behind you can hop onto these and zoom along without using any precious air fuel, or you can trick off of them at designated points and gain air and speed. Other players can use your turbulence too to get ahead, making for some equal play. You can also level up your character during a race; depending on how many rings you collect, which get you more air and a stronger attack.
The game is very unforgiving in this respect though, adding to the difficult nature of Sonic Riders – fall down a pit or even get attacked yourself, and your rings (and level count) reduce to nothing. When opponents get too far ahead it can also be farcical to try and catch up to them, annoying when some modes require you to get 1st position to unlock features. Again it all boils down to skill and practice – if you’re able to use the shortcuts effectively and control your player properly, these factors become less of an issue.
In fact, once the little light bulb goes ‘ding’ above your head and you manage to grasp the little tricks and techniques involved, Sonic Riders becomes a lot more engaging all of a sudden. There are many characters to choose from ranging from familiar characters to robots, and a whole heap of different vehicles that can improve your skills during a race. Hoverboards to Shadow’s airshoes to even motorbikes, you name it. Stages that once proved frustrating become fun challenges to race along, and everything quickly falls into place.
Sonic Riders’ forte comes with its extensive modes. Although there are entertaining 1 Player missions to chug through, it’s the multiplayer that ultimately shines. Even if you suck at the game, you can get up to three other mates to suck with you (easy, now), with hilarious consequences. A tag mode, battle stages and multiple race options make this the first Sonic the Hedgehog game where you actually want to play the multiplayer mode. The features here are not as addictive as Mario Kart, perhaps, but it holds your attention for a fair while, and provides a good laugh as it lasts.
SPOnG Score: B
“Sonic Riders puts Sonic at the pinnacle of coolness once again”
Sonic Riders needs your time and respect for you to gain from it. Its controls are solid, but the problem will lie in players inputting commands as if this was a Mario Kart game, which will unlikely succeed. Indeed, it’s more like Kirby’s Air Ride on acid. It’s an enjoyable racer, and even more entertaining with friends. A recommended, if initially frustrating, alternative to Mario Kart.
