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a disappointment & a waste of $40

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 1 / 15
Date: March 19, 2006
Author: Amazon User

At first, i was very excited about this game because i own Sonic Adventure2: Battle, which is one of the best games ever in my opinion. After i bought this game, i tried it out. Although the graphics are awesome, the storyboard, controls and level of difficulty were horrible. I could barely even beat the first level it was so hard. These are my final ratings:

1: Graphics: 1 star
2: storyboard: No stars
3: level of difficulty: no stars
4: controls: no stars
5: overall:no stars

if you have $40 to spend on video games, don't buy this one!

Sonic Riders not all hyped up as portrayed

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 2 / 8
Date: March 29, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Ok, tell me the commercial doesnt make ya want to buy this game. Tell me that the back of the box dosent look cool. Tell me that the phrase "Try to keep up!" isnt catchy. Perfect game for Sonic fans right? Wrong. This game is lame in all actuality. The controls- loose. The gameplay- horrifying. The storyboard- so lame its embarrising. I wasted $40 on this junk expecting some cool Sonic racing game as the media portrays. I tried to sell this at school and the highest offer I got was $3. Yeah. Do yourself a favor and dont buy this.

Air Surfs Up!!!!!

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 12 / 19
Date: March 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

There just seems to be little to almost no recognition for Gamecube games these days, considering Nintendo's focus on their upcoming Revolution video game system. Nevertheless, that still doesn't mean that there are some good games left over to buy. That has also been the case with Sonic The Hedgehog. Although many might've felt he has not been the shadow of himself after the move that Sega stopped making video game consoles years ago, that still doesn't mean there is the possibility of a fierce video game from the blue speed demon. That is where Sega decided to place Mr. fast into another race game. But, does it really deliver the way Sonic does?

Sonic Riders for the Nintnedo Gamecube, is a wild and fierce game that pits Sonic, Tails and company to the mysteries of the Babylon mystical gear, and how the use of the speed can really be fast and furious. The game is highlighted on over sixteen different tracks through several modes including survival mode, and story mode. There are also some new additions to the Sonic franchise that are also added as well including Jet The Hawk, Wave The Swallow and Storm too. The graphics and the courses for the game are extremely wild, but also takes some familiarity towards F-Zero GX which Sega helped Nintendo create and develop a few years ago. The music also is driven to elements of electronica and Pop as well. The control however is a different story. Although it is very easy to pick-up in the game, your air gauge constantly runs out at times, to where you have to manuver on foot instead of with your air board, which can be very frustrating at times, and can often cause you to lose the game. Not only that, but the story line is also a bit hammy, and you have to accomplish thos first through Sonic and Jet's perspective, inorder to unlock the courses.

Despite a few flaws Sonic Riders is a decent game for the Nintendo Gamecube. I like the game because it is challenging, but I just wish it just could've had a little more from the need from blue speed. I honestly suggest you rent this one first, and see if you like this for the Nintendo Gamecube vefore considering buying this speed demon.

Graphics: B+

Sound: B

Control: C+

Fun & Enjoyment: C 1/2+

Overall: C+

Sonic Riders isn't always a fun Ride

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 9
Date: March 06, 2006
Author: Amazon User

It's hard to recommend Sonic Racing games. You'd think that Sonic the Hedgehog would be great for a racing game. The Sonic games have been all about speed. Therefore, Sonic should pratically own the racing genre. However, in the past, Sonic Racing games have not been on the top of many gamer's list, and unfortunately, Sonic Riders isn't going to be high on your list either. It's much better than the previous attempts at a Sonic Racing game, but plenty of small things keep it from being the overall joyful experience you'd want it to be.

First things first, the plot is just about the same as it is in every Sonic game. Sonic and pals are on a hunt for the Chaos Emeralds. This time, however, they're after the Babylon Rogues to retrieve or something like that. A racing game really shouldn't have to have a plot other than to race. Not to mention it's very identical to many other Sonic games in the series. As you begin the game and all, you'll quickly forget about the storyline. As I said, a racing game doesn't need one to be good, and in Sonic's case, it almost hurts the game.

The gameplay is when I'm absolutely left at a standstill. It's great to be able to pull of some tricks as Sonic and company. They look really cool. It's easy to get into the gameplay, but just as easily, you'll soon find yourself frustrated. You race on hoverboards. Throughout each race you've got an air meter that you can use to boost yourself. This sounds really great, and it would be if you didn't have to use it so much. And once you've used up all your air meter, your character goes at it on foot. I wouldn't have a problem with it, but perhaps they should've done the air meter to the point where it begins to gradually refill. There are pitstops, but going to them takes the fun out of the race, and ultimately slows you down. This is Sonic, I don't want to go slow. Speed is what Sonic is all about. To make up for this, however, you can ride off of another player's turbulence, which will ultimatley give you a boost. The only problem being you lose control, however in some cases it's not a problem, and it's rather helpful.

Likewise, some of the track designs are poor. Combine that with a few loose controls and there's a problem. For one, taking corners is frustrating. Especially because they come so sudden, and sometimes you might be faced with a pit right around a corner. If you're riding on someone's turbulance while you round a corner, you lose control and ultimately go off course, and then you've got to wait to be reseted. Likewise, I find myself constantly going into walls while taking a corner. Again, this slows you down considerably. I don't have this problem in most other racers, and with Sonic Riders it's much harder to learn how to take corners. There's just no perfect way to do it.

There are also a lot of objects in your way. This is to be expected of any racing game, so I won't penalize Sonic Riders here. It does take a while to get back on track upon running into these objects and it uniquely adds to the challenge. However, the game isn't that challenging, really. Most of the computer players race in a fairly predictable manner, and while you'll end up having to use your boost at the beginning, you'll get the computers pattern down quickly.

Luckily there's multiplayer in this. And multiplayer is a very satisfying experience in Sonic Riders. It's a lot more fun to race against your (most likely) unpredictable friends than it is the predictable computer. The game also gets credit for it's unlockables. More extreme gear, and some hidden characters. Some of them classic characters that Sonic fans know and love. So the unlockables are kind of cool and worthwhile.

The game also looks good. There are times of slowdown, but that's no bother (at least in this game). For the most part, it's colorful, vibrant, and detailed. While some of the courses are frustrating, they've definitely got a good look and feel to them.

So to put it simple. Sonic Riders is for the Sonic fan. If you love Sonic, chances are you'll like this game. It isn't the best racing game out there, but it is the best Sonic Racing game out there, and so hardcore fans might want to get a hold on to it. There are moments of frustration, but not so much you shouldn't by the game. If you're more serious about your racing games, then Sonic Riders probably isn't for you.

The Good
+Good graphics
+The game is fast
+Plenty of unlockables

The Bad
-Frustrating courses
-Predictable AI
-A racing game doesn't really need a plot. Here, it doesn't hurt Sonic, but it definitely doesn't help the overall game.

Innovative Racing Game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 3 / 5
Date: March 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Since most that needs saying has probably already been said, I'll just mention a few things that struck me about this game.

Riders is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. You have to be willing to learn before you can get much of anything out of this game. Once you get the hang of the control system and get used to not having an acceleration control, things start to fall into place. The strategy is in watching your air gauge and keeping up with all of options being thrown at you. The game includes a video tutorial which helps out quite a bit when you're first getting started.

As far as the graphics are concerned, the tracks are very akin to the game F-Zero GX, which was also developed by Sega. There are a few pixelated textures in here, but for the most part everything is crisp and clear and the environments are extremely detailed. I was less impressed with the cut scenes, where the character models are decidedly exaggerated and disproportionate in appearance. Why Sonic Team insists upon this, I do not know...

In terms of sound, the music is quite different from general Sonic fare. It's fairly befitting for the environments, but I would definitely prefer to hear some rock guitar riffs by Crush 40 playing in the background. The voices are, of course, acted out by the Sonic X team of voice actors. I have to say that, while I don't mind his Sonic voice in the cartoon (I would even go so far as to say I like it), Jason Griffith just doesn't seem to be able to do Sonic justice in the games. While the voice acting has never been stellar in the first place (the fault of the directors more than the actors), Ryan Drummond and the gang are clearly more befitting voice actors.

At the very least there appears to have been some effort taken to match the dubs with the mouth movements...

Really frustrating and dissapointing I can't believe it's a Sonic Game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 6
Date: April 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

The commercial looks prety cool doesn't it? It makes the game look really fun huh? But is it fun? NO! ugh. every time I play this game I get really mad. The story mode left me sitting in a dark room, trying the same level over and over again because every time i fell of a ledge, or didn't quite make a jump or a shourtcut, I would be in last place and then lose because I didn't make it to first place in the end. Then when I finally beat that level, there would be another one that was just the same thing except with an even lamer character. The controls are really annoying, especially the air system. Almost every time when you try to do a boost or attack someone or even when you're just moving, the air guage runs out and your stuck running around on the ground looking for some ridiculous pit thing. it's almost like the computers are cheating. every time I'm about to win, somehow a computer just gets in front of me and wins! The computer already knows all the shortcuts, so every time I'm in first, they just pop out of nowhere and all of the sudden, I'm in eighth place! There's this stupid commentary in the backround where every time you don't exactly land perfectly flat, you slow down really really badly, and if it isn't already bad enough, the game says "you failed to land correctly" or it says something useless like Sonic is gaining momentum or something stupid like that! did i mention you can't even turn it off?! Sometimes you get these missions where it says Defeat So and So! but it really means finish in first place. Even if you finish in second place, and your in front of who you're supposed to beat, this screen pops up and says failed! and you have to try again. I usually enjoy Sonic games because usually Sonic Games are fun and not lame or annoying (that much) , but this game really dissapointed me. If you really like racing games, and I mean REALLY like them, then buy this game, and only buy it for that. Every thing else about the game is just lame. If you want it because it's a sonic game, don't buy it because you will be very dissapointed. The multiplayers is ok I guess, but that's about it. It's a good idea, but Sonic team can do WAY better! Try again sonic team, this game wasn't very satisfying. Oh, and when I say 3 stars, I mean barely 3, like 2.9. thank you

Overall good game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: June 10, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is an ok game I guess, but I was hoping for a bit more. I dont like the songs as much as the other games, but the awesome graphics make up for it. Anyway, this game was fun while it lasted. The characters in the hero team are Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. The babylon team is Jet, Wave, and Storm, and they're birds. In 2 player mode, you can unlock Amy, Shadow, Rouge, Eggman, Aiai(looks like the monkey from Monkey Ball), Ulala(This reporter girl), NIGHTS(I think he's from Sonic Spinball) and these 2 robot things, a red one and a green one eggman created. I would rate this overall Ok, but dissapointing (no offense, I'm a huge fan...), but I was expecting a bit more.

Absoluly Great

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 10 / 12
Date: February 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Story 6.2/10

(From the manual:)

At midnight one evening in Metal City, Sonic and friends uncovered a valuble Chaos Emerald. As they stood admiring it, a mysterious trio on floating Extreme Gear airboards appeared out of nowhere and snatched the precious gem.

As they raced away, one of the three dropped their airboard and Sonic jumped aboard to persue the thieves. But unaccustomed to riding, he lost his footing and they got away.

Later, as Sonic and friends gathered in Metal City Plaza, they were interrupted by Dr. Eggman speaking on a giant build moniter.

"I've put together a little extra something to spice things up! I call it the 'EX World Grand Prix!' a tournament to see who's the best of the best with Extreme Gear!"

Sonic groaned in disdain.

"Eggman again! Just what is he up to this time?"

At that moment, the three mysterious Chaos Emerald thieves appeared as top ranking entrants on the moniter and Sonic's attitude changed.

"The EX World Grand Prix, huh? Let's do this!"

Sonic's mind was made up. But just wheat is Eggman really planing? And who are the three mysterious characters?

-----

Pretty bland, in other words.

Graphics: 7.8/10

FMV's do not rank up to Shadow the Hedgehog, which I found sad, being as that game was made in November. However, the in-game graphics are better, giving them a better rating graphicly in Shadow the Hedgehog. The screenshots of the game, at least from what I have seen, look extremely pixely, this is not the case in game. I was playing as Cream at one time, and the detail on her head when she was skating was amazing! Clipping on this game is much better than from what I see in the past Sonic's. Also, the boxart on here is made with 3-D polygons, giving the box a very nice detailed look to it. I just thought something needed to be said about it. A little side note is, the looks of the characters when they are confused, mad, or suprissed, is enough to crack anyone up (Espicially Knuckles).

Sound: 7.5/10

I have yet to hear all the tunes, but the ones I do have, I could have easily gone without. If Sonic Rush has such great music, why can't they get any good music for a Gamecube exclusive? They Sonic Speed Riders main theme will be caught in your head, and it's not always a good thing. It's a love or hate type of song which I feel I'm in between of. As far as I have heard, none of the music sounds like Crush 40, which Sonic games are supposed to go with. I liked most of their songs and am waiting for one to show up. The voice actors... not the greatest. I like Jet and Wave's voice actors, but Storm dosen't sound like what you would expect.... Scratch that, Storm isn't anything like you would expect. As for diolauge, most of it's cheesy, which is what most would expect, being Sonic the Hedgehog. Langauge, I'm glad they've stepped down from Shadow the Hedgehog. The worst I've heard so far is Wave telling Strom he 'sucks' at racing, which I started laughing at, being that's something I would have least expected from this. All in all, decent. Note that when that person comfirmed that you could turn the announcer to Male, Female, and off altogehter, was wrong. I looked for it, and found nothing. I'm a bit skeptical about Fang being in this now.

Gameplay: 8.8/10

Yes everybody, all the fan reviews are true, this game is the best Sonic racing game period, and even out-matches Sonic Gems Collection, Shadow the Hedgehog, and perhaps, dare I say it, Sonic Adventure 2. You can Race, do Time Trials, Battle Mode, Survival Mode, Team Mode, and even a Mission Mode. I will be occupied with this for awhile. I heard from GameZone's review, that this game was not as fast as they hoped. I'm sorry, but if they made this any faster, they would have been F-Zero GX 2, Sonic Edition. I loved the speed. It was intense and had me on the edge of my... um... couch... the entire time. Mission Mode I haven't done yet, but from what I have heard, is extremely fun. The story mode could be a lot longer though. I beat the Heroes story within 3 to 4 hours of play. Even though playing as the Baylons pose more of a challenge, I would assume I'm almost done with them too. As for a Final Story, not sure. Not sure how they could fit it in at all. Going to the shop will let you buy many new types of Extreme Gear. We have 3 types. Airboards, Bikes, and, the rumors are true, skates. Skates are great. The multi-player, although not as fun as one would think, did keep me going for an hour or 2. And finally, the thing that keeps me playing, the difficulty. The difficulty is insane for a racing game, and there's no adjusting it. I spent so much time trying to beat Storm, Jet, and Amy. I was so relieved when I finished the races, only to realize I had another, harder race ahead. Overall, absolutly great.

Controls: 6.8/10

This is the part of the game that needed tuning. Turning on your board is insanly hard. Using power slide boost, you have to wait a good 2 seconds for it to work, and those two seconds can cost you the race. I somewhat disliked the fact it auto-accelerated like Kirby Air Ride. I can't tell you how many times I lost a race because I hit a wall and coulden't turn back, and when I did get back in the swing if things, I was in 8th place. It honestly could have been better.

Overall: 8.4/10

This is one of the greatest Sonic games I own, and that's saying something, being as I have most of them. It's the best racing game out of the other's I have, because it actually gives you a challenge. Sonic fans need to get this as soon as possible! This one will keep you playing for months, and when those months are over, put it away for awhile, delete the memory if you want, and start the game again, because this is a game where you need to milk as much as possible out of it, before it breaks. Sonic fan's don't pass this up. All others, at least rent it. Great game. Absolutly great.

This game is really good!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: March 02, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game is a whole lot of fun! It finaly has 4 player! ( I know, I didn't spell it right.) It is great fun but they're afew problems. One problem is that there isn't a aceleration button, so you run into walls. Also the turning is bad. And the stories are pretty short. I beat the hero one in one day! Also, WHAT ABOUT SHADOW!?!?!?!?!?

Sonic Riders buy or not to buy

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: April 13, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Here are good and bad things of the game. The good thing is they have great graphcis and its fun to play multiplayer with a couple of your friends. The bad thing is this game is fusrtarting the controls are still need to get used to. So here is my Decieason If you like racing game and Sonic games then buy this game but if not then buy other games like Mario Kart Double Dash or Mario Kart DS.

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