Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing

Looking at recent Sonic games, Unleashed, Sonic the Hedgehog, the games have been a little underwhelming. While I personally found somethings to like in Unleashed, it wasn't a good game at all. But there's something about this racing thing that Sega should really keep their eyes on.  
    

If you've played any Mario Kart game you'll know what to expect here. It's a 8 player game with power ups and fucking cute ass  visuals. I've never been too into any racing game, there's always been that moment where just throw my controller and yell "you motherfuckers GAHHH!!!" But this game is simple enough to pick up and play that it cuts out any of that frustration. And what helps it is it's crisp, super responsive controls. Sumo Digital has honed the controls that they are borderline impeccable. You'll get the occasional moment where nothing seems to work. I want to drift one way but it reads it as the other way is the main problem I've had with the controls. Other then that they've been very good. 
 

Another thing that Sumo does so well is the visual aspect of the game. This game looks damn good, I mean really good. The level design is not linear and is well thought out. The AI seems to know all the damn short cuts, I on the other hand have no clue where they are going. But that level design is what makes the game sing. I personally have not played much of Sega's old games, like Billy Hatcher but I have a great idea of what they were like. And that's pretty impressive. All the racers look great. My personal favorite is the Billy Hatcher one, something about that damn cart. Also all the the Billy Hatcher tracks are the best in the game. They all look the best and are the most fun to play. I really like Billy Hatcher now.  
 

Now let's talk online, my favorite part of the game. That last sentence was not a shot at anything else in the game, everything is great. There's 65 missions to do in the game, while they do get repetitive they stay fresh by not being the same character or track. A time trial and a cup mode, they're all done really well done but dude, the online is awesome. I've played at least 10 or more races online and they have all been INSANE. And I say that as a compliment. When you get yourself 8 players (which is the max) that aren't AI the game gets pretty crazy. Rockets flying everywhere, someone always on your tail, unless you're at the end of course. I haven't had any framerate issues or lag issues which is a plus. I've never won a race online but that doesn't really matter, cause when going with some really good players 4th seems like a victory. It seems as if I get paired with the best racers ever. There's something about being in 7th and having a war with the guy in 8th that makes the game seem that more awesome. 
 

Sumo Digital has made a utterly fantastic game here. Easily one of the best racing games I've played this year. The fan service will make any Sega fan cry tears of joy. Hell, this game makes me want to buy a Gamecube and play Billy Hatcher, (Billy's my boy). While this game appeals to the hardcore Sega fans, it will also appeal to the average joe racing fan. This game's good.