User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 15 out of 143
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  1. Mar 31, 2013
    8
    Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a great evolution of the fantastic original. Adding craft which transform from cars to boats to planes was a great idea, mirroring classic karting games like Diddy Kong Racing. But just like the sterling original Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing, Transformed goes far beyond it's influences with it's blistering speed, amazing drifting mechanics andSonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a great evolution of the fantastic original. Adding craft which transform from cars to boats to planes was a great idea, mirroring classic karting games like Diddy Kong Racing. But just like the sterling original Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing, Transformed goes far beyond it's influences with it's blistering speed, amazing drifting mechanics and pinpoint perfect track design. The game also has some basic improvements over the original; the much-missed ability to play GP mode in split screen has finally been added and the themes of the tracks are much less repetitive. The only negative thing about this title is the way that you unlock extra characters. In the original you earned coins simply by playing, which you then could spend on unlocking anything you liked. That was a great addictive system. Transformed forces you to play through a world tour, which involves drifting challenges, survival races and other modes which I personally don't find particularly engaging. Not only that, but if you want to unlock all the characters, you have to play it through on multiple difficulty settings. This means that only the truly hardcore players will get the opportunity to play as the dwarf from Golden Axe. I don't appreciate that type of exclusion! That said, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is still far and away the best karting game available. Expand
  2. Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Wait a second... A game that's not Mario Kart that's actually better than Mario Kart?! How's that possible. Well it might just be. Unfortunately I can't compare this to the Mario Kart entries made in the past 5 years as I've just not had the chance to play them. You drive a car that transforms into a boat that transform into a plane it just doesn't get any better than this! A trulyWait a second... A game that's not Mario Kart that's actually better than Mario Kart?! How's that possible. Well it might just be. Unfortunately I can't compare this to the Mario Kart entries made in the past 5 years as I've just not had the chance to play them. You drive a car that transforms into a boat that transform into a plane it just doesn't get any better than this! A truly mindblowing title especially when you see the Afterburner stage. Expand
  3. Nov 18, 2012
    8
    Great kart racing game like the original. Fantastic graphics. I like how each track is very vibrant and full of color. The tracks are awesome fan service. A great game to play with friends or online.
  4. Nov 24, 2012
    9
    The first Sega Superstars racing was genuinely refreshing, because Sega's take on the kart-racing genre (shocking to think it has its own genre now!!) had enough of its own flavour to feel somewhat new. This time around Sumo and Sega have served a sequel that is different enough to the first one, whilst still proving to be massively playable. The graphics are mostly lovely (despite theThe first Sega Superstars racing was genuinely refreshing, because Sega's take on the kart-racing genre (shocking to think it has its own genre now!!) had enough of its own flavour to feel somewhat new. This time around Sumo and Sega have served a sequel that is different enough to the first one, whilst still proving to be massively playable. The graphics are mostly lovely (despite the framerate slips at times), the music and FX are awesome, but its the execution of the courses, and the themed-nature between game worlds and courses that really stuns. The courses are huge, and are akin to the freakiest rollercoasters you could ever imagine - then multiply that by ten!! Really worth it, a huge amount of fun, a fitting tribute to Sega, and suprizingly tense too. Expand
  5. Dec 5, 2012
    8
    Well, well, well it looks like the recent Sonic renaissance isn't slowing down any time soon! After the decent Sonic 4 and the true return to form that was Sonic Generations now Sega produces one of the best kart racers of this generation. Ok, so it hasn't taken Mario Karts crown but it's close enough to be in Marios slipstream!
  6. Jan 11, 2013
    10
    It's Finally comming to Pc ! Thumbs Up ! :) And thanks, Really liked the first one, love the drifting boost aspect of the game, played it on Ps3 the framerate killed it for me ! Still a great game, really looking forward to the Pc release !
  7. Nov 19, 2012
    10
    Really enjoying this -Beautiful to look at and game play that's genuinely moving the karting genre forward. Sorry Mario, I still love you but you're looking a slow and tired next Sonic Transformed.
  8. Nov 21, 2012
    1
    I have to say this is a massive disappointment. The frame-rate is terrible and split-screen is virtually pointless because of this and the sheer amount of garish visual noise being thrown at the screen. The driving mechanic is basic to say the least, the water based game-play feels like a poor mans wave race and the flying is just unbearably sluggish. If you're old enough to get nostalgicI have to say this is a massive disappointment. The frame-rate is terrible and split-screen is virtually pointless because of this and the sheer amount of garish visual noise being thrown at the screen. The driving mechanic is basic to say the least, the water based game-play feels like a poor mans wave race and the flying is just unbearably sluggish. If you're old enough to get nostalgic about the games this pillages for visual ideas, you're old enough to know that this game lacks any of the characteristics that made those old games great. Expand
  9. May 5, 2014
    6
    Free with PLUS. I have to say it looks good and handles well. The tracks and characters are interesting and the power ups albeit feeble are well thought out if not ripped from Mario Kart. The only problem like EVERY Mario Kart clone is it doesn't have the X factor that makes you come back after each race. I like it but it hasn't kept me hooked in any way.
  10. Dec 18, 2013
    6
    I won't say this is a bad game because I liked it a lot. But I noticed it's not really a cart game. Racing is more important then weapons, way more important. The game looks good and the racing feels good to, there's a real sense of speed. But the problem is that you should be able to play a kart game with friends and family. My friends and family found this game to be too difficult toI won't say this is a bad game because I liked it a lot. But I noticed it's not really a cart game. Racing is more important then weapons, way more important. The game looks good and the racing feels good to, there's a real sense of speed. But the problem is that you should be able to play a kart game with friends and family. My friends and family found this game to be too difficult to control and the changing worlds too confusing. Then never knew where to go next. So it's a nice racer, but not a good cart racer and not a good party or family friendly game. Expand
  11. Jun 21, 2013
    4
    Not nearly as fun as the last one. The vehicle transformations are stupid and don't add anything. The boat is just a car that handles worse and the plane is slow and annoying to get the hang of. Furthermore, they didn't nearly add enough new content. Only new level that was awesome was the Shinobi one which had a great song to go with it but otherwise this game was a complete waste of timeNot nearly as fun as the last one. The vehicle transformations are stupid and don't add anything. The boat is just a car that handles worse and the plane is slow and annoying to get the hang of. Furthermore, they didn't nearly add enough new content. Only new level that was awesome was the Shinobi one which had a great song to go with it but otherwise this game was a complete waste of time and I loved the last one. Expand
  12. Dec 30, 2012
    8
    Great arcade racing game. I myself am a 80's gamer, so there's a lot of nostalgia going on for me here. The game plays like a typical karting game - and anyone who's played any Mario Kart game before will be at home. The tracks are a lot of fun and there's a huge variety of racers to choose from. Many unlockables as well and a couple of surprises as well, like Vyse from Skies of Arcadia! AGreat arcade racing game. I myself am a 80's gamer, so there's a lot of nostalgia going on for me here. The game plays like a typical karting game - and anyone who's played any Mario Kart game before will be at home. The tracks are a lot of fun and there's a huge variety of racers to choose from. Many unlockables as well and a couple of surprises as well, like Vyse from Skies of Arcadia! A cool game to have at hand when some friends come to visit. Totally recommend it. Expand
  13. Mar 4, 2014
    7
    Very few kart racers over the years have been able to compete with the Mario Kart series but Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed certainly comes closer than most, thanks in large part to its fast and fluid gameplay that is easily a match for Nintendo's series. The way the circuits can change after each lap, as well as the chance to use drifts and flips to boost your speed, not to mentionVery few kart racers over the years have been able to compete with the Mario Kart series but Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed certainly comes closer than most, thanks in large part to its fast and fluid gameplay that is easily a match for Nintendo's series. The way the circuits can change after each lap, as well as the chance to use drifts and flips to boost your speed, not to mention the fact that some levels see you transform into a plane or boat only adds further depth to proceedings.

    There is a decent selection of game modes and race types to choose from, all of which can unusually be played split screen by up to four players. Even with the reduced graphical detail sometimes making it difficult to see exactly where you’re going on the odd track, playing through the career mode with others makes a welcome change from the normal competitive multiplayer associated with this genre.

    In fact the only area that lets the game down is the track design. Sega fans will be in their element playing on tracks based on a host of games from their back catalogue but very few of the circuits are all that interesting to race on and none are as memorable Mario Kart tracks such as DK Mountain (GameCube) or Sky Garden (DS), which I still know off by heart to this day.

    I’ll never match the number of hours I put in to the best in the Mario Kart series but all in all a this is great package and a genuine alternative for those that don't own a Wii or Wii U.
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  14. Nov 25, 2012
    9
    Well what can I say, but what an ace little game this is. I love the likes of Mario Kart and obviously this title is compared to that series. While Its still not as good as Mario Kart (IMO) its still a fantastic racing game. Its fun, lots of fun and that is all that matters in this type of game IMO. Crank it up to "A" class skill and its also a good challenge. Great adrenaline rush on someWell what can I say, but what an ace little game this is. I love the likes of Mario Kart and obviously this title is compared to that series. While Its still not as good as Mario Kart (IMO) its still a fantastic racing game. Its fun, lots of fun and that is all that matters in this type of game IMO. Crank it up to "A" class skill and its also a good challenge. Great adrenaline rush on some tracks. Link the above with the fact that my local supermarket was selling it for £23.50 new, its an absolute must. The best karting game in years I think and what so many other pretenders fail at, Sonic takes a podium finish. The most fun you can have with a hedgehog & monkey without angering the animal cruelty brigade. Expand
  15. Mar 12, 2013
    9
    Although this game might seem a bit "childish", it is still rather fun. The characters for the most part are very good, the track designs are very well done (Rouge's landing definitely the best race in my opinion), soundtrack for both the races and characters are good (Amy's voice annoy's the heck out of me though), the control's for land, boat and flying are all very tight, and splitAlthough this game might seem a bit "childish", it is still rather fun. The characters for the most part are very good, the track designs are very well done (Rouge's landing definitely the best race in my opinion), soundtrack for both the races and characters are good (Amy's voice annoy's the heck out of me though), the control's for land, boat and flying are all very tight, and split screen multiplayer is extremely fun. The online is alright at best, with the occasional lag. A few tiny issues i've experienced with this game are that the AI in offline mode are brutal, regardless of difficulty (which actually makes it funner.....for me), and the (small) number of glitches. One example i've experienced a few times is the vehicle failing to transform, destroying the chance to finish the race entirely. I've had NiGHTS drive through a transform gate to a flying section, only to remain as a car, fall through the ground, and get restarted in the air section, STILL AS THE CAR. It would then repeat this until I had to quit the game. Despite these tiny issues, the game is still very fun. Expand
  16. Sep 8, 2016
    9
    I'm pretty sure it's the second best kart racer after Mario Kart. The PS3 has other racers of this quality (GT6, Burnout Paradise, Need For Speed Hot Pursuit) but this game is more unpredictable in a fun way.

    The graphics hold up perfectly, it has lots of unlockables, and even without the online component (which has racing AND battle mode) there's still a lot to do. Like, a ton of
    I'm pretty sure it's the second best kart racer after Mario Kart. The PS3 has other racers of this quality (GT6, Burnout Paradise, Need For Speed Hot Pursuit) but this game is more unpredictable in a fun way.

    The graphics hold up perfectly, it has lots of unlockables, and even without the online component (which has racing AND battle mode) there's still a lot to do. Like, a ton of content, some of it absurdly difficult.
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  17. Dec 27, 2012
    8
    This game is extremely well done, all except a few things. 1. Flying on the Jet Set radio stage 2. Drifting while flying 3. Confusing twists 4. failing tricks equals slowing down.The major positives would be 1. World tour 2. No saga miles from previous game. 3. speed, you can tell, is extremely fast. Overall, 8.4/10
  18. Mar 24, 2013
    8
    Sonic and Allstars Racing Transformed!” Shouts the title menu as I experience a rather more tolerable announcing voice than the last game. It pretty much sets up the belief that, right from the start this was going to be something with very little comparison to play. There’s nothing ‘Mario Kart’ left about it, even in the sense of ‘MK7’ in which the vehicle transformations in Allstars areSonic and Allstars Racing Transformed!” Shouts the title menu as I experience a rather more tolerable announcing voice than the last game. It pretty much sets up the belief that, right from the start this was going to be something with very little comparison to play. There’s nothing ‘Mario Kart’ left about it, even in the sense of ‘MK7’ in which the vehicle transformations in Allstars are better utilized and crafted; not digging at Mario Kart since it is the older brother of kart games, but Sumo and SEGA need credit where credit is due.

    Often a cliché reviewer will point out that sonic doesn’t need a car to win the races, but as stated in the previous games manual (I admit I’m still sad enough to read character bios and manuals) Sonic made it fair on the others, and well… in this one, unless he can fly he really does need the vehicle regardless of fair play. So just to get this out early, I will not be taking easy and/ or ignorant stabs at the supposedly obvious flaws which counterproductively mean nothing at all with this particular titles fun factor.

    Okay, so the weapon system is completely different from before, The useless rainbow has been removed with a tornado attack which flips vehicle controls, and projectiles vary a lot more than just being homing and precision. A really cool move being the baseball glove, which absorb an enemy projectile and allow the receiver to send it back.

    Boosting is no longer broken, whereas in the last game I exploited the ability to level 1 boost round a track and win, the boost requires more charge time and thoughtful use, partnered with an all knew trick system that flows through certain transform stages, boost can even be “Combo’d” up for greater speed and advantages. In fact this is where it gets better than Mario Kart, as the game is much faster and tracks are much tighter, requiring a greater attention span and overall fun factor. I’m not trying to dig at Mario Kart as I stated before, but parts of it just feel clunky and slow compared to Allstars.

    Some tracks in Allstars Racing have an evolution to them in each lap, consisting of more and more changes to the layout as time goes by. The most notable to me being the stage from ‘NiGHTS’ where you enter various dream worlds each time; a close second to this being the ‘Burning Rangers’ stage where the base slowly floods more and more each round.

    There’s even two levels that some would call a “Rainbow Road Clone” in there, but to be fair, starlight carnival was a level imagined for use outside of Kart racing, and the second potential offender is more likely to be an equivalent since it was Sumo made and inspired, but I couldn’t care less what any level is similar too; if we’re having more fun on it, then we shouldn’t care less what came first, as it’s obvious that the formula is an improvement; and that’s what a review should focus on.

    So if you have one of the many consoles this game is on, buy it and enjoy it; I’ve played The Vita, 360 and PS3 versions personally, and there are barely any differences between any of them; there’s literally no loss to be made from purchasing this title, and though I’ve yet to mention the Allstar moves and online mode, I often believe the player deserves at least a few surprises round the corner. Especially if you’re looking for something other than Mario Kart; this game ticks all the boxes there.
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  19. Mar 27, 2013
    8
    I like this game. Very fun & addicting. Character selection is good n' you'll more than likely find your favorite driver. Only complaint is not switching the driving stick with the item button. (Trigger-X button)
  20. Jan 31, 2016
    8
    Not a bad racing game to compete with Mario Kart for those of us who don't own a wii u. Good looking game with some nice ideas. Seems to have a lot of charm and well thought out tracks.
  21. Jun 30, 2018
    8
    Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
    Taking Kart Racing to the land, sea, and air..
    Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed is a Kart Racer with 20 different tracks, over 20 characters to unlock from various sega properties, exclusive characters depending which system youre playing on, and even some weird ones like Danica Patrick.. This game features a career mode which is where all of
    Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
    Taking Kart Racing to the land, sea, and air..
    Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed is a Kart Racer with 20 different tracks, over 20 characters to unlock from various sega properties, exclusive characters depending which system youre playing on, and even some weird ones like Danica Patrick..
    This game features a career mode which is where all of these characters and tracks will unlock.. but there is an online option as well as your standard tournament, time attack, and single race modes…
    And youre also able to play split screen in all of these modes, including the career…
    The career mode is the star of the show.. its challenging and addicting..
    There are a variety of challenges and paths for you to go down, all earning you 1-3 stars for completing..
    There are straight up races, theres drift challenges.. ring challenges, theres a mode where youre trying to take down a tank…. Theres my favorite elimination..
    I havnt had this much fun in a kart racer in a while..
    Before each race you chose your character you think will be best for the challenge youre about to take on and you go at it…
    drifting and tracks for speed boosts, speed pads all over the place, constant offensive and defensive pick ups…
    every race is so thrilling and you actually feel like skill matters here…
    With this resurgence of arcade racers from indie teams lately.. its nice to go back and feel that balance where pickups shortcuts and timing actually matters… especially with the different stats and versions of characters… it doesn’t feel luck based that everyone is on an even playing field .. it feels like every player on the track is in their own world.. in their own race where their objective and your objective and strategy aren’t the same…
    this is really highlighted in modes like elimination where not only are you racing for 1st place, but you only have 3 lives… you have to choose if youre going to risk taking a shortcut where its easy to fly off of the track, or are you going to hang in the back to deal damage, or maintain the lead trying to dodge it with a giant target on your back..
    this was the most interesting mode to me and I wish the campaign had more of it..
    and you heard me right earlier.. every character has different versions of themselves..
    as you use a character you gain xp to level them up.. this will unlock new modded versions of them wit different stats…
    so if you don’t like the base stats of your favorite character you can grind to level them up and choose a different version of them that is more your play style..
    the difficulty you take on these challenges though actually do matter.. you cant just easy mode your way through the career mode..
    you have to go for higher stars in modes you feel more confident in so that you can unlock alternate paths with more tracks as well as unlock characters and a bonus moderation…
    this adds to the addictiveness of going back and mastering tracks or modes, increasing your star count..
    And these tracks are all fun to race through.. especially with the whople transformed thing going on..
    you don’t get to choose when to transform but as you race there will be sections where youll be plying through the air, or racing through the sea just to land back on land again.. and all 3 of these flow perfectly, none of them annoying.. I hate flying in games.. I hate controlling planes.. but it feels responsive and smooth here, you hardly notice that anything has changes…
    My favorite thing this game does that I wish it did more of is actually tranfroming the map as your race it..
    there are some really cool maps that the final lap is completely different than the first 2 as things start to fall and crumble..
    I wish the played with this idea more, making every lap in every tracks different..
    Sonic * All Stars racing again is probably the best Kart racer not on a Nintendo console and is a must play for fans of this genre
    I give Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed an 8/10
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  22. May 12, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it............................ Expand
  23. Jul 6, 2015
    9
    The game is annoying at first, the clunky controls and stuff, but when you get the hang of it becomes even more addictive, i really hope this franchise will keep going, had a lot of fun with it
  24. FQN
    Jun 21, 2019
    10
    Simplesmente o melhor Kart Racing já criado até Hoje! O jogo tem uma trilha sonora incrível, pistas com um level design estonteantes e desafiantes. Uma dificuldade insana! E o melhor de tudo é uma corrida diferente a cada volta!
  25. Nov 7, 2017
    10
    This Game simply put is amazing! It is the best kart racer ever created to date and even surpasses the great Mario Kart series. The controls are very responsive, silky smooth and the sense of speed is amazing.

    As a long time kart racer fan of series such as Mario Kart, CTR, Speed Freaks, Modnation Racers and CTR I can happily say that this game 'Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed' has
    This Game simply put is amazing! It is the best kart racer ever created to date and even surpasses the great Mario Kart series. The controls are very responsive, silky smooth and the sense of speed is amazing.

    As a long time kart racer fan of series such as Mario Kart, CTR, Speed Freaks, Modnation Racers and CTR I can happily say that this game 'Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed' has surpassed them all. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed has such good controls, great sense of speed, fair weapons and provides a very large career mode with many different events that can be played co op! yes local co op in career mode, you read that right!

    This title is accessible for people of all skill levels yet there is a large level of skill needed if you want to fully complete everything in the game 100%. The time trials are amazingly hard, we are talking dark souls level hard to get the highest medal unlocks and that to me is pure bliss. There is also good fan service here with a diverse cast. The levels in this game innovate the kart genre by being dynamic (the level layout changes between laps to keep the gameplay interesting).

    One negative is that there is sometimes a few fps drops here and there which cause the game to slow down slightly. This isn't a huge negative as it doesn't ruin the great gameplay.

    Go and buy this game now and prepare for some seriously responsive and challenging kart races.

    10/10 would buy again! We need a sequal
    Expand
  26. May 8, 2023
    8
    This game takes a unique twist to the kart racing genre. There's a lot to like here. Being the only solid contender to Mario Kart I cannot help but make some comparisons (to MK8).
    The announcer has a very arcade type voice and brings me back to 90's arcade machines.
    The track and vehicles change through the race. Lap 1 you are a car and lap 2 you could be a plane. This gives excitement
    This game takes a unique twist to the kart racing genre. There's a lot to like here. Being the only solid contender to Mario Kart I cannot help but make some comparisons (to MK8).
    The announcer has a very arcade type voice and brings me back to 90's arcade machines.
    The track and vehicles change through the race. Lap 1 you are a car and lap 2 you could be a plane. This gives excitement to the game and I haven't seen used in this way before.
    The tracks are longer then MK - about twice as long. I personally like this as you change vehicles during mid-race you can be entertained with the extended track length.
    There are less item variety. Items will appear no matter where you rank in the race. You can get bad items being at the back and good items when coming first. It is all according to change not position.
    The rubber banding is kinda mild (especially compared to MK8). So the game has more of a skill focus. If you prefer this or not, it is up to you.
    Career mode gives you a change to earn new characters to race in. The customisation is limited and not cosmetic but that never bothered me as if I want a better handling vehicle, just pick another character.
    The game is more difficult then MK for sure. I found I mostly did "B Class" to get though and I did struggle. Some courses I have to go on Easy as I had a hard time controlling the vehicles in Drift challenges.
    The options of race types is creative but the battle mode challenges are nowhere near as good as MK8. It feels very random upon winning due to being in a race track and not an arena.
    The load times are quite long and can take away from the excitement when you are waiting.
    I had fun with the game but the vehicle controls are not as tight as MK and having challenges that are higher difficulty takes the casual fun away from the game but if you want a more challenging fun kart racer, you cannot go wrong with this one.
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  27. Sep 7, 2021
    9
    Each track is beautiful, very unique where the track can change dynamically, really enjoy playing this game, the drift is very good and satisfying
  28. Mar 19, 2022
    10
    Team sonic racing should of been more like this masterpiece, just as good if not better than Mario kart
  29. Apr 16, 2023
    10
    sanic slayed to bffr i tend to get addicted for like 3 day whenever i start it up every once a year
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Jan 24, 2013
    80
    A must play for Sega stalwarts, and damn good fun to boot. Mario best watch his arse. [Feb 2013, p.76]
  2. Play UK
    Jan 23, 2013
    88
    An ace little racer. [Issue#227, p.76]
  3. PSM3 Magazine UK
    Dec 23, 2012
    90
    Skilled, stylish, well-balanced kart racing. [Jan 2013, p.101]