This week sees SEGA releasing Sonic and the All-Stars Transformed on various platforms, with the Wii U version due on the Wii U launch day. We got to sit and play with the Wii U version and its a lot of fun.
Sonic and the All-Stars cast line up on the starting grid once again to battle for supremacy in the ultimate race. Compete across land, water and air in incredible transforming vehicles that change from cars to boats to planes mid-race. Master your driving skills as you drift, barrel role and boost to overtake your rivals, or use your weapons tactically and unleash your All-Star move to gain the winning advantage.
It’s not just your fellow racers you need to watch out for, as the road falls away beneath you, or the river runs dry, new routes emerge and your vehicle transforms to take advantage of the terrain. Discover alternative routes and short cuts as you perfect the course in this adrenaline fueled dash to the finish line – racing will never be the same again.
This is not just racing, it’s racing transformed!
Fully Transformable Vehicles
This is no ordinary race. Each character is equipped with their own unique vehicle that can transform into a car, boat and plane to take advantage of the changing terrains. Each vehicle handles differently and players must master all three to triumph.
Choose your Racer
Over 20 legendary All-Stars are back. The starting line-up has been transformed as new iconic characters from the world of SEGA join the race. What other game sees a hedgehog battle it out against a monkey, a sky pirate and an axe wielding dwarf!
Dynamic Tracks
Take to land, sea & air as you race through 16 dynamically changing courses inspired by SEGA’s illustrious gaming history. Discover alternate routes, find new power-ups and avoid emerging hazards as you race to victory – every track feels different.
· Dragon Canyon (inspired by Panzer Dragoon)
· Dream Valley(inspired by NiGHTS)
· Temple Trouble (inspired by Super Monkey Ball)
· Adders Lair (inspired by Golden Axe)
· Graffiti City (inspired by Jet Set Radio)
· Samba Studios (inspired by Samba di Amigo)
· Ocean View (inspired by Seaside Hill level from Sonic Generations)
· Carrier Zone (inspired by Afterburner)
· Galactic Parade (inspired by Starlight Carnival level from Sonic Colours)
· Rogues Landing (inspired by Skies of Arcadia)
· Shibuya Downtown CLASSIC TRACK (only shown as part of World Tour -(inspired by Jet Set Radio Future)
· Roulette Road CLASSIC TRACK (only shown as part of World Tour – inspired by Casino Park level from Sonic Heroes)
· Arena Neon Docks (inspired by Starlight Carnival from Sonic Colours)
· Arena Creepy Courtyard (inspired by House of the Dead)
· Arena Rooftop Rumble (inspired by Jet Set Radio)
Tools of Devastation
Utilise an arsenal of devastating weapons which require skill to aim, shoot, evade and block. The All-Star Moves also return, this time the more daring and stylishly you race, the more your All-Star meter increases allowing you to unleash carnage on your opponents!
Ultimate Gaming Experience
Old rivalries can be settled and new ones created in up to 8 player online. Journey through the All-Stars’ world to take on a huge range of modes and challenges, including Grand Prix, Battle arenas and an incredible world tour.
Playing On the Wii U
The game is a lot of fun, but what makes it even more fun is playing on the Wii U. Up to five players can play – 4 on normal controllers and one lucky player using the Wii U controller. Needless to say I managed to hog the Wii U controller for my entire game play experience.
When you are playing multiplayer the Wii U controller becomes your screen and I was very impressed how well the game played on the controller.
If you are playing single player, the screen on the Wii U controller becomes a map showing your progress in the game.
There are certain things that can only be done on the Wii U controller – for example, if you give the controller a flick of the wrist then a rear view mirror appears on the controller so you can see behind you.
You can also play the game using motion controls, but that makes it a lot harder, although still a lot of fun!
The track selection is a lot of fun – my particular favourite is Carrier Zone which is based on the classic arcade game of my youth, Afterburner. You get to drive a car and fly – what more can you ask for?
I was also very pleased to see that each lap around a track was different – one lap could be water, then the next lap flying, then the final lap driving. This makes the game more interesting and a lot of fun as you are not sure what’s coming next.
The character selections are great too – there are lots of classic characters to choose from, including the recently announced Wreck It Ralph, from the movie of the same name.
During the game you can earn sticker awards which are added to your driving licence, so you can try to beat your friends and family and get the most stickers – it all adds to the competition.
This is a great game for all the family and is a lot of fun (there’s that word again), and its going to be a great Wii U launch title too!
Expect our full review soon.
So what do you think, is it a game you are going to buy?
