Sonic R

About Sonic R

Sonic R is a 1997 racing game developed by Traveller's Tales and Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Sega Saturn. It is the third racing game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and the first to feature 3D computer graphics. The player races one of ten Sonic characters in various Sonic-themed race tracks as they attempt to stop Doctor Robotnik from stealing the Chaos Emeralds and enslaving the world. Sonic R features single-player and multiplayer game modes, and while similar to kart racing games such as Mario Kart, it places an emphasis on jumping and exploration. By collecting items and completing objectives, players can unlock secret characters.

Sonic R was the only original Sonic game released for the Saturn; Sonic 3D Blast is a port of the Mega Drive game, and Sonic Jam is a compilation of the first four mainline Sonic games. Initial reviews for the game were mixed, with retrospective reception being more negative. It was praised for its visuals and level design, but criticised for its poor controls, high difficulty, and short length. Meanwhile, Jacques's soundtrack polarized audiences, who either found it catchy and well-produced or out of place in a racing game. Fan interest in Sonic R inspired Sega to revisit the racing genre with games such as Sonic Riders (2006).

Sonic R features ten playable racers, each with unique attributes and abilities falling in line with their usual abilities. Sonic the Hedgehog is the fastest and can "double jump" (being able to perform a second jump in mid-air). Tails is able to fly through the air for a short time, and Knuckles the Echidna can glide through the air upon jumping. Amy Rose, the last initially available character, drives a car, allowing her to hover over bodies of water. Secret characters include Sonic's archenemy Dr. Robotnik, who flies in his Eggmobile hovercraft and resists differences in terrain; robotic clones of Sonic (Metal Sonic), Tails (Tails Doll), and Knuckles (Metal Knuckles); Robotnik's robotic assistant Eggrobo; and Super Sonic, a faster version of Sonic powered by the Chaos Emeralds.

Amy's car, Dr. Robotnik's Eggmobile, and Eggrobo are the only characters that cannot jump unless they hit a spring pointing up. Instead of the jumping ability, Amy's car is equipped with a turbo that reloads after a certain amount of time, and both the Eggmobile and Eggrobo can fire homing missiles capable of stunning opponents.