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MONSTER

Team Sonic Racing

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Team Sonic Racing
Item: Team Sonic Racing
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresThird Person Perspective, Sports, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing

AvailableMay 21, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSumo Digital

Overview

Team Sonic Racing combines the best elements of arcade and fast-paced competitive style racing as you face-off with friends in intense multiplayer racing.

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

While Team Sonic Racing offers a few commendable elements like a structured Team Adventure mode and a solid solo play experience, critics overwhelmingly find the story lacking depth and engagement. Described as minimal and uninspired, the narrative is often seen as a mere backdrop that detracts from the gameplay rather than enhances it. Most reviewers agree that the story is forgettable, with static images and dull dialogue making it feel more like a tutorial than a compelling feature. Overall, the execution falls flat, leading to a disappointing perception of the game's narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

In reviewing the opinions of various critics regarding the story of Team Sonic Racing, a few positive aspects emerge. Some reviewers, such as Nintendo Life and Press Start Australia, appreciate the structure of the Team Adventure mode, likening it to a Sonic comic book that ties into the racing experience. Critics like Cheat Code Central highlight the narrative layer added by the character Dodon Pa, who invites Sonic and his friends to compete in a Grand Prix, suggesting that this element adds a bit of intrigue to the racing format. Additionally, IGN Japan notes that the game offers a substantial solo play experience, which is a positive aspect when compared to other kart racing games. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is one of disappointment regarding the story's execution. Many reviewers, including Digital Chumps, Twinfinite, and TrueGaming, describe the narrative as minimal and lacking depth, often serving merely as a backdrop for the racing gameplay. The dialogue is frequently criticized for being uninspired and skippable, with Metro GameCentral even mentioning that they blanked out during the cutscenes, indicating a lack of engagement. Critics like ZTDG and Gamer.no emphasize that the story feels unnecessary and poorly presented, with static images and basic dialogues that fail to captivate players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Team Sonic Racing attempts to incorporate a story mode, it ultimately falls short of delivering an engaging narrative experience. The story is often described as throwaway or basic, with many reviewers feeling it detracts from the overall gameplay experience rather than enhancing it. Critics such as VGC and GameSpot express that the narrative is forgettable and serves primarily as a tutorial rather than a core component of the game. Consequently, while some elements are appreciated, the majority of reviews point to a lack of depth and engagement, leading to a generally negative perception of the story in Team Sonic Racing.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing impresses with its teamwork-focused gameplay and fast-paced mechanics, earning praise for cooperative strategies and diverse tracks. However, criticism arises over stiff driving controls and inconsistent AI, hindering solo play. While it shines in multiplayer, it falls short of originality compared to rivals like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. A solid foundation exists, but execution needs improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Team Sonic Racing has garnered a variety of positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding its emphasis on teamwork and cooperative mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and VGC, commend the game for its innovative team dynamics, allowing players to share items and utilize strategies like slipstreaming to enhance their racing experience. Critics like GameSpot and TheSixthAxis highlight the fast-paced and fluid gameplay, praising the tight controls and the enjoyable nature of the racing mechanics. The game’s diverse track selection and character classes also receive appreciation, with BaziCenter noting the engaging aspects of the character upgrades and customization options that contribute to a richer racing experience. However, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. GamesRadar+ and InsideGamer.nl criticize the driving mechanics as feeling stiff and unresponsive, which can lead to a lack of engagement, especially in solo racing scenarios. The AI performance has been a recurring issue, with multiple reviewers, including App Trigger and New Game Network, noting that AI teammates can be inconsistent and unhelpful, negatively impacting the cooperative gameplay experience. Additionally, some critics, like Games.cz and Multiplayer.it, argue that the game lacks originality compared to competitors like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with many similarities in tracks and power-ups, leading to a sense of repetitiveness. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Team Sonic Racing offers a unique team-based racing experience that encourages cooperation and strategy, it is marred by issues related to driving mechanics and AI performance. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer Italy and Game Rant, suggest that the game shines more in multiplayer settings, where teamwork can be fully realized, but struggles in single-player modes due to the lack of depth and engagement. Despite the fun and engaging aspects highlighted by critics like IGN and PlayStation Universe, the gameplay's shortcomings in responsiveness and AI reliability leave a mixed impression, indicating that while the foundation is solid, there is room for improvement in execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing boasts vibrant visuals and nostalgic track designs that critics generally praise, but suffers from notable graphical issues like aliasing and frame drops. While customization options enhance the experience, many reviewers find the level design repetitive and lacking creativity, leading to a divided opinion on its overall presentation. It’s visually engaging but doesn't quite reach the polish expected in the kart racing genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Team Sonic Racing have garnered a mix of appreciation and criticism from various reviewers. Many critics, such as IGN and New Game Network, praised the game for its vibrant and colorful aesthetics, highlighting the detailed character models and the homage paid to previous Sonic titles through the track designs. Critics from Nintendo Insider and Screen Rant noted the visually stunning and memorable tracks that borrow imagery from classic Sonic games, which adds to the overall appeal. The customization options for vehicles, as mentioned by MondoXbox, also contribute positively to the visual experience, allowing players to tailor their karts to their preferences. However, the game is not without its shortcomings. Multiple reviewers, including GameCrate and Gamersky, pointed out significant graphical flaws, such as aliasing, frame drops, and poor performance during local multiplayer sessions. Critics like Metro GameCentral and GamesRadar+ criticized the level design as generic and repetitive, lacking the distinctiveness that fans expect from a Sonic racing title. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as PlayStation LifeStyle and GameOver.gr, expressed that the overall presentation feels low-budget, which detracts from the immersive experience that the colorful graphics could otherwise provide. The overall consensus among critics indicates a divided opinion on the graphics and visual design of Team Sonic Racing. While many praised the vibrant colors and appealing character designs, a significant number of reviewers highlighted various technical issues and a lack of creativity in track design. Critics like Destructoid and Digital Chumps acknowledged that while some tracks are visually attractive, they often suffer from environmental ambiguity and a lack of distinctiveness. Ultimately, the game presents a visually engaging experience that resonates with fans of the franchise, yet it falls short of delivering the polished and innovative graphics that could elevate it to a higher standard in the kart racing genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing’s sound design and music receive mixed reviews: praised for nostalgic tracks and contributions from artists like Jun Senoue, but criticized for repetitive music, poor sound effects, and irritating voice acting. Critics agree the audio elements hinder the overall racing experience, leaving fans wanting more refinement compared to past Sonic titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Team Sonic Racing have elicited a range of opinions from critics, with many praising the nostalgic elements and energetic compositions. Notably, several reviewers, such as PlayStation Country and Nintendo Insider, highlighted the soundtrack's quality, featuring remixes and original tracks that evoke fond memories of the Sonic franchise. Critics like TrueGaming and NintendoWorldReport emphasized the engaging nature of the music, particularly noting contributions from renowned artists like Jun Senoue and Crush 40, which enhance the racing experience. The incorporation of character-specific voice exchanges and the overall sound design were also appreciated by some, as seen in reviews from Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo, who noted that the audio elements add personality to the gameplay. However, despite these positive aspects, many critics pointed out significant flaws in the sound design and music. Common criticisms include repetitive music tracks and poorly executed sound effects, with BaziCenter and Digital Chumps specifically mentioning issues like delayed sound effects that detract from immersion. The voice acting received mixed reviews, with critics such as Jeuxvideo.com and Xbox Achievements describing it as annoying or irritating, particularly during races where character dialogue can become overwhelming. Additionally, some reviewers, like PC Games and GameOver.gr, found the music unremarkable and lacking the memorable quality that competitors offer, indicating a disconnect between the audio elements and the racing experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception for the sound design and music in Team Sonic Racing. While there are commendable elements, particularly in the nostalgic soundtrack and some engaging voice work, the game suffers from significant audio issues that hinder the overall experience. Critics like Push Square and VGC noted that while the music can be enjoyable, the repetitive nature of the sound design and the quality of voice acting can detract from the racing excitement. Ultimately, while the game has its highlights, many reviewers agree that it falls short of the high standards set by previous Sonic titles, leaving fans with a sense of longing for a more cohesive and polished audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing's voice acting evokes nostalgia and charm, winning praise for familiar characters, especially in the Italian version. However, it faces backlash for poor execution, disjointed performances, and repetitive dialogue that can irritate players. Critics are split: while some enjoy the nostalgic vibes, many find the quality disappointing, suggesting it falls short of franchise expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Team Sonic Racing has received some positive remarks from various critics, particularly regarding its nostalgic appeal and character familiarity. Critics like MondoXbox highlight that the voice acting maintains the classic voices of Sonic and his friends, which enhances the nostalgic feel of the game. Additionally, Hobby Consolas notes that the performances are fitting and add charm to the characters, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. Some reviewers, such as Everyeye.it and The Games Machine, praised the Italian version for featuring notable actors, which adds a level of quality to character portrayals, particularly for iconic characters like Sonic and Knuckles. Furthermore, Shacknews acknowledges that the fully voice-acted conversations add life to the story, even if the cutscene animations are lacking. However, the voice acting has also faced considerable criticism, with many reviewers pointing out issues related to quality and execution. BaziCenter describes the voice acting as poorly executed and amateurish, which negatively impacts immersion. Critics like Destructoid and IGN express concerns about the disjointed nature of the performances, with characters sounding as if they recorded their lines separately. Additionally, several reviewers, including GameSpot and Xbox Addict, mention that the voice acting can be annoying or irritating, detracting from the overall experience. The repetitive nature of the dialogue during races has also been a common complaint, with VGC and PC Games noting that it can become grating over time. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While some appreciate the nostalgic and charming aspects of the voice acting, a significant number of reviewers find fault with its quality and execution. Critics like GameCritics and Game Over Online point out that the voice acting does not significantly enhance the gameplay experience, and many feel that the repetitive and sometimes annoying dialogue detracts from the enjoyment of the game. Thus, while there are elements that resonate well with fans, the overall sentiment leans toward disappointment in the voice acting's execution, suggesting that it may not meet the expectations set by previous titles in the franchise.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing delivers solid performance across platforms, with the Nintendo Switch maintaining 30fps and the Xbox One reaching 60fps. However, the PlayStation 4 version struggles with frame rate drops and bugs, particularly in split-screen and online modes. While critics commend the game’s technical aspects, significant issues—like matchmaking woes on the Switch and lag on Xbox—lead to a mixed reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Team Sonic Racing across various platforms, there are some positive observations to note. On the Nintendo Switch, several critics, including NintendoWorldReport and Gaming Age, highlighted that the game runs consistently at 30 frames per second, providing a stable experience even during split-screen multiplayer, which was praised by Vooks for maintaining performance despite hardware limitations. The Xbox One version, as noted by XboxAddict and LevelUp, generally runs smoothly at 1080p and 60fps, with some critics stating that the gameplay is stable and enjoyable in single-player modes. On the PlayStation 4, while there are some mixed reviews, critics like CGMagazine and TrueGaming noted that the game can run at a smooth 60 FPS with minimal hiccups, indicating solid technical performance in many instances. However, the negative aspects of the game's technical performance are also significant, particularly on the PlayStation 4. Multiple critics, including Metro GameCentral and Cheat Code Central, reported issues such as noticeable frame rate drops, especially in split-screen mode, and various bugs that detract from the overall experience. Critics like InsideGamer.nl and New Game Network pointed out stability issues, including audio desync and controller rumble problems, which further complicate gameplay. For the Nintendo Switch, Games.cz and Screen Rant mentioned issues with online matchmaking and a cluttered screen that could overwhelm players, while the Xbox One version faced challenges with online play, as noted by TrueAchievements and Xbox Tavern, where intrusive messages and lag affected the multiplayer experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Team Sonic Racing has commendable technical performance on all platforms, it is marred by various issues that impact gameplay. The PlayStation 4 version appears to have the most reported problems, particularly in split-screen and online modes, as indicated by multiple reviewers. The Nintendo Switch, while stable, suffers from lower frame rates compared to its competitors, and the Xbox One version, although performing well in single-player, faces challenges in online multiplayer. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and GameSpot have pointed out that these technical issues can detract from the enjoyment of the game, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing shines with fun multiplayer and team mechanics that boost replay value, but many critics warn it falls flat due to a lack of engaging content and a tedious progression system. While modes and customization offer some appeal, concerns over limited characters and a frustrating upgrade system leave long-term interest in question. Overall, it’s a mixed bag: enjoyable initially, but not enough to keep players coming back.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Team Sonic Racing reveal a mix of positive sentiments, particularly around its multiplayer and team-based mechanics. Critics such as GamePro Germany and GameSpace highlight the enjoyable multiplayer modes, emphasizing the game's capacity for cooperative play, which enhances replayability. Additionally, several reviewers, including IGN Japan and Hardcore Gamer, commend the variety of modes and customization options available, suggesting that these features can keep players engaged over time. The Team Adventure mode is also noted for its ability to encourage players to return, as mentioned by Nintendo Enthusiast, who points out the motivation to earn in-game currency for vehicle customization. Conversely, many critics express concerns about the game's long-term appeal, primarily due to a perceived lack of engaging content. GamesRadar+ and Digital Chumps both note that the absence of meaningful content after completing the story mode significantly diminishes replay value. Furthermore, several reviewers, including GamingTrend and Attack of the Fanboy, point out issues with the progression system and the limited character roster, which may deter players from returning. The gacha mechanic for upgrades is also criticized by ZTGD and New Game Network, as it is seen as tedious and unfulfilling, ultimately affecting the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Team Sonic Racing offers enjoyable multiplayer experiences and some engaging modes, its replay value is hampered by a lack of substantial content and a tedious progression system. Reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it suggest that the limited character roster and uninteresting currency system contribute to a diminished desire to revisit the game after initial playthroughs. Despite some positive remarks regarding its team mechanics and multiplayer options, many critics agree that the game may not sustain long-term interest, leaving it with a mixed reception regarding its replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Team Sonic Racing reveals a mixed reception among critics, with several positive aspects highlighted. Many reviewers, such as GameSpot and IGN, noted the game's enjoyable gameplay and vibrant visuals, emphasizing its fun and engaging team mechanics that set it apart from traditional kart racers. Critics like Game Rant and Everyeye.it appreciated the cooperative elements and the game's appeal to younger audiences, suggesting it offers a colorful and entertaining experience, especially for fans of the Sonic franchise. Additionally, Xbox Tavern and MondoXbox pointed out that the game represents Sumo Digital's best effort in the kart racing genre, combining nostalgic elements with engaging gameplay, making it a solid choice for fans. However, the criticisms of Team Sonic Racing are significant and widespread. Many reviewers, including GamesRadar+ and Metro GameCentral, described the game as a disappointing follow-up to its predecessors, citing a lack of diversity and excitement that is often expected in kart racing games. Critics like Digital Chumps and TrueGaming echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the game feels rushed and lacks the depth and variety present in competitors like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Furthermore, the limited character roster and some technical issues were noted by several critics, including PlayStation LifeStyle and Hobby Consolas, which contributed to the overall perception that the game does not fully realize its potential. In summary, while Team Sonic Racing has been recognized for its engaging gameplay and innovative team mechanics, the consensus among critics suggests that it ultimately falls short of expectations. The game is often described as a fun experience, particularly for Sonic fans, yet many reviewers, such as Gamer.no and GamingTrend, agree that it lacks the depth and excitement of previous titles and competitors. The mixed reviews indicate that while there are enjoyable elements, the game's shortcomings in variety, polish, and overall execution prevent it from being a standout title in the kart racing genre.

TL;DR

Team Sonic Racing garners mixed reviews: praised for fun gameplay and team mechanics, especially appealing to Sonic fans, but criticized for lacking depth and variety compared to competitors like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Many feel it’s a disappointing follow-up with a limited character roster and technical issues, ultimately falling short of its potential despite its vibrant visuals and cooperative elements.

MONSTER

Reviews

168 reviews found

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

May 18, 2019