Made by Sumo Digital, the developer of Outrun 2 for the OG Xbox. It’s no wonder this Xbox 360 game is so good. They know how to knock an arcade racer out of the park!
I genuinely think this is the best Kart racer ever made.
The game
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed for the Xbox 360 - backwards compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
What’s so special about it?
Variety, race types, transforming vehicles and tracks - the length and engagement of each… and those powerslides.
Huge variety for a kart racer
Each character’s vehicle is different, and not just aesthetically, each handles and performs uniquely in-game. Then throw in to the mix they transform during the race.
Playing as each character also earns XP that unlocks mods to further customise their setup before each event; Acceleration, Handling, Balanced, Boost and Speed.
Refreshing races and tracks
The race types cover standard kart racing, time trials, drifting challenges, battle races and even boss battles (of sorts). Oh, and don’t forget the “Ring Race” which is essentially a good version of Superman 64.Some of the tracks are long, but given each lap can change dramatically with the track changing and your vehicle transforming between a kart, boat and jet plane, they never outstay their welcome.
The first time I got to the Golden Axe stage was the moment I released just how good this game was going to be; the length of each race, the visuals, the transformations of both the vehicles and the track itself was extremely engaging.
Dynamic and nostalgic themed racing
The After Burner stage feels like a separate game in itself, especially as a Ring Race, spending much of the time in jet plane form, and once mastered, squeezing the power slide trigger to bank on arching corners is incredibly satisfying. There is still a 'track' to follow, you’d be hard pressed to feel confined to it, or even see it on this stage. It feels incredibly open, yet you are led round it intuitively. Throw in to the mix the Top Gun-like antics going on around you whilst the Afterburner theme song blares out, it’s not hard to get drawn in!
The Burning Rangers stage is another highlight as it proceeds to flood each lap. This evolution of the race track presents alternative and at times, forced new routes, which I adore. Only the Xbox 360 racer Split/Second comes to mind as being similar on that front.
After failing to make the podium multiple times on a later stage I eventually dropped the difficulty down to easy. Moments later I was confused, then delighted. On the second and third lap I was racing a completley different segment of the track. Where I had previously been power-boating across waves and dodging force fields minutes before, I was now piloting a Jet, vertically descending though a tunnel with slowly rotating obstacles in a completely different phase of the race! Whether this stage randomises this or it was the difficulty change I have no idea, but it made me very happy.
The joy of powersliding
Whilst on the subject of my happiness, much like Outrun 2, the power sliding is a joy. Quickly releasing the trigger and reapplying pressure whilst changing direction to transfer momentum from one slide to another whilst shifting the karts track position allows a skilled racer to snake around the trickest segments of a track. Holding through longer corners, throwing your kart around shorter tight turns and blasting out the other side with a well earnt boost as you hurtle towards the next series of turns. Chaining all these moves together in some zen-like flow as if conducting an orchestra, which feels awesome when you pull it off.
Speaking of Outrun, there was a single DLC pack with the iconic Outrun track and Metal Sonic character, although not essential, I can recommend these additions to the base game.
What about Mario Kart?
I love the Mario Kart series, and after sinking a ton of hours into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch these past few years I can now see the new features that I enjoy in Mario Kart 8 are heavily inspired by this game. That’s no bad thing, the power slide boost and the anti gravity in Mario Kart is a lot of fun, but the actual vehicles transforming and as such the control style and dynamic of the race completely changing is slightly better in my book. Throw the ability to perform multiple stunts, flips and tricks in to the mix (with the risk/reward payoff of a further boost) and this is hands down the perfect kart racer.
There are power ups and pickups during the races, but I’m pleased to say there is no blue shell equivalent in sight. I’ve no problem with the weapons in Mario Kart, but here the offensive and defensive weapons do what they are meant to. You actually feel great when you nail the mostly manual aimed hits, but don’t rob you of a fair race or take away from the driving as much. Many of these weapons/power-ups allow you to spend them either as multiple individual shots/ boosts, or a single combined, more powerful version.
Plasmids verdict
I only discovered Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed 8 years after its orignal release, but it not only holds up strong today, I genuinely think this is the best Kart racer ever made.
I've reached this verdict purely from solo play as it was one of my lockdown gems. I have been thoroughly challenged and enjoyed unlocking extra tracks and characters throughout. I can tell this will be a fantastic party game for future game nights. Mario Kart will be lucky to get a look in.
Then again, I was a Sega kid.