Sonic Riders

 GameCube
Sonic Riders Image
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Sonic series takes to the track in the combat racing game, Sonic Riders. Dr. Eggman has challenged Sonic and friends to race in his World Grand Prix, and you can enter the event and try to unravel his mysterious plot. The races happen on floating boards and include tricks, fighting, andThe Sonic series takes to the track in the combat racing game, Sonic Riders. Dr. Eggman has challenged Sonic and friends to race in his World Grand Prix, and you can enter the event and try to unravel his mysterious plot. The races happen on floating boards and include tricks, fighting, and racing. You can customize your character with upgraded equipment as you race down 13 different tracks through a handful of game modes. You can also challenge three of your friends to multiplayer races.… Expand
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Sonic Riders Gameplay Movie 2

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. AceGamez
    80
    Sonic Riders doesn't boast too many tracks, nor does it have an online mode, which is a shame, but a bit of unique futuristic racing with familiar faces is what I'm after these days, and Sonic Riders delivers on that front hands down.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Cheat Code Central
    76
    It's certainly not perfect, but it is definitely playable and enjoyable. Again, my biggest complaint is the pits...pitstop that is. At any rate it's a far site better than the recently released Shadow the Hedgehog game.
  3. N-Europe
    70
    Endure the few inevitable instances of frustration and your left with a solid sonic spin-off.
  4. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    Sonic Riders tries to do something new with racing but in the end doesn't deliver a polished package.
  5. Games Radar
    50
    Sonic fans may fill their need for speed here, but everyone else, please walk on.
  6. GamerFeed
    50
    Sonic Riders tries to put some zesty racing action on the line here, but suffers due to inadequate gameplay and the kind of AI that makes you want to bash your controller into pieces with a hammer.
  7. Computer Games Magazine
    20
    But this isn't so much a racing game as a slapdash splash of smeared color that never quite captures the feeling of hurtling down a track. [Jun 2006, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. MrVince
    Feb 19, 2020
    10
    I first played this game on the ps2 when I was a child. Back then I found the game a bit difficult but I still had a blast playing it. I don'tI first played this game on the ps2 when I was a child. Back then I found the game a bit difficult but I still had a blast playing it. I don't remember completing the whole game as a child, but I replayed the game not long ago and even in 2020 this game is amazing. Mechanics are a bit weird but once you get used to it, it's so satisfying to hit those tight drifts and huge tricks combos on the jumps… Expand
  2. TheRealSyko
    Jun 2, 2008
    10
    I am well aware that Sega's flagship franchise has been ailing of late, suffering from Video Game Leukaemia: turning out droves of I am well aware that Sega's flagship franchise has been ailing of late, suffering from Video Game Leukaemia: turning out droves of unfinished titles. This is one of the few exceptions. The concept of the game is refreshing, the gameplay is addictive, yet difficult enough to keep the length reasonable (unlike its sequel). One thing it lacked was substantial cutscenes, probably for the better: all the less of Jason Griffith's sneering Sonic voice and hoarse Jet voice to hear. Shadow (fangirl idol #1) is entirely absent from the story, and inserting Jet to supplant him, even if for one game, was probably not a good PR move. HOWEVER: All things considered, the graphics are well rendered for PS2 (just don't mention GT4 and FF12), the gameplay is insanely addictive when you get into it, and the unlocks tempt you to keep going back for more. WELL worth it. I borrowed it from a friend and was impressed enough to buy it.… Expand
  4. FrankG.
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    On the outside this may seem to be just another way to squeeze money out of Sonic's name, but once you play the game you may find, as I On the outside this may seem to be just another way to squeeze money out of Sonic's name, but once you play the game you may find, as I did, that this is one of the most refreshingly fun racers in a long time. This game is in a league of its own with its racing style that combines the best of surfing, biking, skating, and many other extreme sports.… Expand
  5. Liz
    Jun 5, 2006
    8
    Well, I thought it was fun, even after beating it three times over. The graphics were nice, and the CG videos were amazing, but I saw flaws Well, I thought it was fun, even after beating it three times over. The graphics were nice, and the CG videos were amazing, but I saw flaws there. For one, the mouths didn't move accordingly, but that can be overlooked. There are very few levels, but there are two worth your time to unlock, and they are very fun, with shortcuts and other things hidden everywhere. The other levels are fun too, however few, and give you a feeling of actually being in Sonic's universe, not in some random city. Basic controls, but they fit the bill nicly. The frusterating races come all too often though, and is the real reason why this is only worth a rent. Sonic Fans: Buy. Racing Fans: Rent. Hate both? Avoid.… Expand
  6. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    8
    10/10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  7. JPK
    Jun 9, 2019
    8
    It’s Speedy Fun
    It’s no Mario Kart, But Sonic Riders tells a decent story with some hilarious new characters.
  8. BrianA.
    Apr 3, 2006
    0
    it is an embaresment to all sonic lovers everywhere.

See all 33 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best GameCube Game of 2006
2
#2 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2006