Sonic R: A Retro Racing Game with a Cult Following
Sonic R is a racing game that was released in 1997 for the Sega Saturn and later ported to PC, GameCube, and PlayStation 2. It is the third racing game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and the first to feature 3D computer graphics. The game features 10 playable characters from the Sonic universe, who race on foot on various Sonic-themed tracks. The game also has a hidden story mode, where the player has to stop Dr. Robotnik from stealing the Chaos Emeralds and enslaving the world.
In this article, we will explore the history, gameplay, reception, and legacy of Sonic R. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this unique and controversial game.
sonic r
Table of Contents
History
Development
Sonic R was developed by Traveller's Tales and Sonic Team, and published by Sega. It was the second collaboration between the two studios, after Sonic 3D Blast (1996). The game was designed to take advantage of the Sega Saturn's hardware capabilities, especially its 3D graphics engine. Sonic Team designed the race tracks, while Traveller's Tales handled the implementation and programming using a custom game engine. The game's soundtrack was composed by Richard Jacques, who created catchy pop songs with vocals by T.J. Davis.
The game's development began after the completion of Sonic 3D Blast in 1996 and took nine months. The game was originally intended to be a Formula 1 racing game, but Sega asked Traveller's Tales to make a Sonic racing game instead, after the cancellation of Sonic X-treme (1997). The game was rushed to be released in time for Christmas 1997.
Release
Sonic R was released for the Sega Saturn in November 1997 in North America and Europe, and in December 1997 in Japan. It was one of the last games released for the Saturn before Sega discontinued it in favor of the Dreamcast. The game sold poorly compared to other Sonic games, due to the Saturn's low market share and the mixed reviews from critics.
The game was later ported to Windows PC in 1998, with improved graphics and sound quality. The PC version also added an online multiplayer mode via LAN or Internet connection. The PC version was re-released several times as part of various Sonic compilations.
In 2005, Sonic R was re-released for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 as part of Sonic Gems Collection, a compilation of rare Sonic games. This version was based on the PC version, but with some minor changes and fixes. The GameCube version also supported progressive scan mode and widescreen display.
How to unlock Super Sonic in Sonic R
Sonic R soundtrack download
Sonic R review for Sega Saturn
Sonic R cheats and codes for PC
Sonic R online multiplayer mode
Sonic R vs Mario Kart comparison
Sonic R remake or remaster
Sonic R modding community and tools
Sonic R history and development
Sonic R best characters and courses
How to play Sonic R on emulator
Sonic R speedrun tips and tricks
Sonic R easter eggs and secrets
Sonic R fan art and cosplay
Sonic R trivia and fun facts
How to fix Sonic R graphics and sound issues
Sonic R merchandise and collectibles
Sonic R fan games and projects
Sonic R sequel or spin-off ideas
Sonic R reception and legacy
How to get all Chaos Emeralds in Sonic R
Sonic R OST remixes and covers
Sonic R walkthrough and guide
Sonic R system requirements and compatibility
Sonic R achievements and trophies
How to improve Sonic R controls and gameplay
Sonic R ROM hacks and patches
Sonic R voice actors and composers
Sonic R memes and jokes
Sonic R vs other Sonic racing games
How to install Sonic R on Windows 10
Sonic R hidden characters and unlockables
Sonic R original vs port differences
Sonic R behind the scenes and interviews
Sonic R ranking and tier list
How to stream or record Sonic R gameplay
Sonic R alternatives and recommendations
Sonic R demo and trial version
Sonic R manual and instruction booklet
Sonic R box art and cover design
Gameplay
Game Modes
Sonic R has two main game modes: Grand Prix and Time Attack. In Grand Prix mode, the player can choose one of four initially available characters (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Amy) and race against seven other opponents on one of five tracks. The player can collect rings to unlock shortcuts and power-ups on the tracks. The player can also collect Chaos Emeralds and Sonic Tokens to unlock secret characters and modes.
In Time Attack mode, the player can race on any track with any character they have unlocked, and try to beat their own or other players' best times. The player can also race against a ghost of their previous run.
The game also has a two-player split-screen mode, where two players can race against each other or against computer-controlled opponents on any track.
Characters
S Sonic R features 10 playable characters, each with their own abilities and stats. The characters are divided into four categories: Speed, Flight, Power, and Special. The Speed characters are fast and agile, but have low traction and acceleration. The Flight characters can fly for a short time, but have low speed and handling. The Power characters have high traction and acceleration, but low speed and turning. The Special characters have unique abilities that vary depending on the character.
The game has four initially available characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. Sonic is a Speed character who can perform a double jump. Tails is a Flight character who can fly by pressing the jump button repeatedly. Knuckles is a Power character who can glide by holding the jump button after jumping. Amy is a Special character who drives a car that can boost by pressing the action button.
The game also has six secret characters that can be unlocked by collecting Chaos Emeralds and Sonic Tokens in Grand Prix mode. The secret characters are: Dr. Robotnik, Metal Sonic, Tails Doll, Metal Knuckles, Eggrobo, and Super Sonic. Dr. Robotnik is a Special character who flies a hovercraft that can fire missiles by pressing the action button. Metal Sonic is a Speed character who can dash by pressing the action button. Tails Doll is a Special character who can hover over water by holding the jump button after jumping. Metal Knuckles is a Power character who can punch by pressing the action button. Eggrobo is a Flight character who can fly by pressing the jump button repeatedly. Super Sonic is a Special character who can run at super speed by collecting 50 rings and pressing the action button.
Tracks
Sonic R has five race tracks, each based on a different theme and location from the Sonic series. The tracks are: Resort Island, Radical City, Regal Ruin, Reactive Factory, and Radiant Emerald. Each track has multiple paths, shortcuts, obstacles, power-ups, rings, Chaos Emeralds, and Sonic Tokens to collect.
Resort Island is a tropical island with palm trees, waterfalls, beaches, and bridges. It is based on Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991). Radical City is a neon-lit city with casinos, highways, tunnels, and loops. It is based on Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992). Regal Ruin is an ancient ruin with pyramids, statues, pillars, and sand. It is based on Sandopolis Zone from Sonic & Knuckles (1994). Reactive Factory is an industrial factory with pipes, conveyor belts, fans, and toxic waste. It is based on Chemical Plant Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992). Radiant Emerald is a futuristic space station with rainbow-colored roads, stars, planets, and asteroids. It is based on Death Egg Zone from Sonic & Knuckles (1994).
Secrets
Sonic R has many secrets and hidden features that add to its replay value and challenge. Some of the secrets are:
Collecting all seven Chaos Emeralds in Grand Prix mode unlocks Super Sonic as a playable character.
Collecting five Sonic Tokens in each track in Grand Prix mode unlocks a special race against one of the secret characters (Dr. Robotnik in Resort Island, Metal Sonic in Radical City, Tails Doll in Regal Ruin, Metal Knuckles in Reactive Factory, and Eggrobo in Radiant Emerald). Beating them unlocks them as playable characters.
Collecting 50 rings in any track in Grand Prix mode allows Super Sonic to transform into his super form by pressing the action button.
Collecting 100 rings in any track in Grand Prix mode grants an extra life.
Pressing down on the D-pad while racing makes the character look behind them.
Pressing up on the D-pad while racing makes the character taunt their opponents.
Pressing left or right on the D-pad while racing makes the character do a spin move that can knock down other racers.
Pressing down on the D-pad while jumping makes the character do a ground pound that can stun other racers.
Pressing up on the D-pad while jumping makes the character do a flip that can avoid obstacles.
Pressing left or right on the D-pad while jumping makes the character do a barrel roll that can dodge missiles.
Reception
Critical Response
Sonic R received mixed reviews from critics when it was released. Some praised its graphics, music, and originality, while others criticized its controls, gameplay mechanics, and lack of content. The game has an average score of 60% on GameRankings and 63% on Metacritic for the Sega Saturn version, and 69% on GameRankings and 70% on Metacritic for the PC version.
Some of the positive reviews came from GamePro, who gave the game a 4.5 out of 5 and called it "a fast, fun, and furious racing game that's sure to please Sonic fans"; IGN, who gave the game a 7.5 out of 10 and said it was "a great game for those who love Sonic and racing"; and Computer and Video Games, who gave the game a 4 out of 5 and praised its graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Some of the negative reviews came from Electronic Gaming Monthly, who gave the game a 5.25 out of 10 and criticized its controls, camera angles, and short length; GameSpot, who gave the game a 5.2 out of 10 and said it was "a mediocre racing game that doesn't come close to measuring up to the Sonic name"; and Next Generation, who gave the game a 2 out of 5 and called it "a disappointment on every level".
Player Response
Sonic R also received mixed reactions from players when it was released. Some enjoyed its colorful graphics, catchy music, and unique gameplay, while others disliked its slippery controls, repetitive tracks, and lack of depth. The game has a user score of 6.8 out of 10 on Metacritic and 7.1 out of 10 on GameFAQs for the Sega Saturn version, and a user score of 7.2 out of 10 on Metacritic and 7.3 out of 10 on GameFAQs for the PC version.
The game also developed a cult following among some fans, who appreciated its quirky charm, hidden secrets, and nostalgic value. The game has spawned many memes, fan art, fan fiction, fan games, remixes, and parodies over the years. Some of the most popular examples are:
The Tails Doll Curse: A urban legend that claims that playing as Tails Doll in Sonic R can cause paranormal phenomena or even death.
Can You Feel the Sunshine?: A song from the game's soundtrack that has become an internet meme due to its upbeat lyrics and catchy tune.
Sonic R: The Movie: A fan-made movie that reimagines Sonic R as a live-action horror film starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik.
Sonic Robo Blast 2: A fan-made game that uses the Doom engine to create a 3D platformer inspired by Sonic R and other classic Sonic games.
Sonic R Remastered: A fan-made project that aims to remake Sonic R with improved graphics, physics, gameplay, and features.
Legacy
Sonic R is considered by many to be one of the most unique and controversial games in the Sonic series. It is often regarded as either a guilty pleasure or a guilty pain by fans and critics alike. It is also seen as one of the last games that showcased the Sega Saturn's potential before its demise.
The game has influenced several other Sonic games in terms of gameplay, characters, music, and aesthetics. Some examples are:
Sonic Adventure (1998): The first 3D platformer in the Sonic series that featured multiple playable characters with different abilities and stories.
Sonic Riders (2006): A racing game in the Sonic series that featured hoverboards instead of cars or feet.
Sonic Rivals (2006): A racing game in the Sonic series that featured side-scrolling platforming instead of 3D graphics.
Sonic Generations (2011): A celebration of the Sonic series' 20th anniversary that featured classic and modern versions of Sonic racing through various stages from past games.
Sonic Forces (2017): A platformer in the Sonic series that featured custom characters created by players using various accessories and abilities.
FAQ
What is Sonic R?
Sonic R is a racing game that was released in 199 Sonic R is a racing game that was released in 1997 for the Sega Saturn and later ported to PC, GameCube, and PlayStation 2. It is the third racing game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and the first to feature 3D computer graphics. The game features 10 playable characters from the Sonic universe, who race on foot on various Sonic-themed tracks. The game also has a hidden story mode, where the player has to stop Dr. Robotnik from stealing the Chaos Emeralds and enslaving the world.
How do I play Sonic R?
To play Sonic R, you need a compatible console or PC and a copy of the game. You can use a controller or a keyboard to control your character. The basic controls are:
Left and right: Steer your character.
Up and down: Look behind or taunt.
A button: Jump or fly.
B button: Action or dash.
C button: Spin or punch.
Start button: Pause or resume.
You can also use different combinations of buttons to perform special moves, such as double jumps, glides, ground pounds, flips, barrel rolls, and transformations.
What are the objectives of Sonic R?
The main objective of Sonic R is to win races by reaching the finish line before your opponents. You can also collect rings, power-ups, Chaos Emeralds, and Sonic Tokens to unlock shortcuts, abilities, characters, and modes. You can also try to beat your own or other players' best times in Time Attack mode. You can also play the hidden story mode by collecting all seven Chaos Emeralds and defeating Dr. Robotnik in Radiant Emerald.
What are the benefits of playing Sonic R?
Sonic R is a fun and challenging game that can improve your reflexes, coordination, and spatial awareness. It can also stimulate your creativity and imagination by letting you explore different paths and scenarios. It can also provide you with entertainment and nostalgia by featuring your favorite Sonic characters and music. It can also help you learn more about the Sonic series and its history.
Where can I buy or download Sonic R?
You can buy or download Sonic R from various sources depending on your platform of choice. Some of the options are:
For Sega Saturn: You can buy a physical copy of the game from online retailers or second-hand shops. You can also use an emulator to play the game on your PC or other devices.
For PC: You can buy a physical copy of the game from online retailers or second-hand shops. You can also download a digital copy of the game from Steam or other platforms.
For GameCube: You can buy a physical copy of the game as part of Sonic Gems Collection from online retailers or second-hand shops. You can also use an emulator to play the game on your PC or other devices.
For PlayStation 2: You can buy a physical copy of the game as part of Sonic Gems Collection from online retailers or second-hand shops. You can also use an emulator to play the game on your PC or other devices.
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