Team Sonic Racing Review Nintendo Switch

Team Sonic Racing for the Nintendo Switch offers a solid and unique kart racing experience centered on team-based mechanics, according to multiple reviews. While it features vibrant graphics, great music, and satisfying gameplay, it ultimately falls short when compared to its predecessor, 

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, and the Switch’s top racer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 

Gameplay and mechanics

• Team racing: The core mechanic of the game is its unique team-based racing, where three-person teams compete for a collective win. Players must work together by drafting behind teammates for speed boosts, passing items to those who need them most, and using a team-wide “ultimate” ability. This cooperative focus adds a fun strategic element, especially in local multiplayer.
• Speed and finesse: The game emphasizes skillful driving, with well-crafted tracks that include tight turns, loops, and shortcuts. Reviewers found the controls to be tight and responsive, making for an enjoyable, fast-paced arcade feel.
• Performance: One of the biggest drawbacks for the Switch version is the frame rate. It runs at 30 frames per second (fps) on the Switch, while other consoles run at a smoother 60fps. Some reviewers stated that while this is a downgrade, it isn’t always noticeable, but others found the Switch version felt “clunky,” especially when docked. 

Multiplayer

• Local multiplayer: The game offers flexible local multiplayer options for up to four players in split-screen mode. The team-based gameplay truly shines when playing with friends.
• Online multiplayer: Online multiplayer was a significant disappointment for many reviewers around the time of the game’s release. Many experienced unstable connections, slow loading times, and trouble finding fully populated lobbies. The online servers were described as feeling “dead on arrival” just weeks after launch. 

Content and presentation

• Characters and customization: The game features 15 playable characters from the Sonic universe. There are customization options for vehicle parts, paint, and decals, which can be unlocked by spending in-game currency earned from races.
• Tracks: The 21 expertly crafted tracks are praised for their creativity, visual flair, and use of familiar Sonic themes and locations.
• Soundtrack: The music received high marks, with a high-energy soundtrack composed by veterans of the Sonic series.
• Story mode: The “Team Adventure” story mode was found to be fairly basic, with a predictable plot and simple cutscenes. Reviewers note that the Switch version has a confusing button prompt that can cause players to accidentally skip the cutscenes. 

Comparison to other games

• A step back from its predecessor: Team Sonic Racing is frequently compared to its acclaimed predecessor, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, and is generally seen as a downgrade in terms of content and scope. Transformed featured a wider roster of characters from across SEGA franchises and more dynamic track transformations.
• Not a Mario Kart killer: While a solid contender, most reviewers agree that Team Sonic Racing doesn’t surpass the overall polish, content, or performance of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 

Verdict

Team Sonic Racing is a fun and competent kart racer, especially for younger fans of the Sonic franchise or those who enjoy cooperative play. The unique team-based mechanics add a fresh layer of strategy to the formula. However, the lower frame rate on the Switch and lacklustre online functionality hold it back from being a truly top-tier racer, particularly when compared to other games on the platform. 

For players who are primarily interested in local multiplayer and a fun single-player experience, the game is a worthwhile purchase. However, those looking for a competitive online experience or who are used to the higher graphical fidelity of other versions might be better off sticking with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.