GDC 2011: Hands on with Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing for iPhone

As good as it is to see a quality game like Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing come to iPhone and iPod touch, it's more a reminder of how SEGA has captured the imagination in years past.

Packed with characters from the publisher's most notable series, this hodge-podge kart racer is a trip down memory lane. It's a welcome port of a solid Nintendo DS racing game tailored to Apple devices.

Support for Bluetooth multiplayer, expanded control options, and an increase in visual quality to utilize iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touchs set it apart from the average re-release.

Driver's ed

Of course, the most exciting thing about Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is the fact that not features are being stripped in the move to iPhone and iPod touch. Everything from the earlier handheld version remains intact: involved single player Grand Prix mode, Time Trials and one-off Single Races, objective-based Missions, and multiplayer.

While it's a underwhelming to see SEGA neglect the opportunity to incorporate Game Center for online multiplayer, the game does offer up to four players via local wi-fi and two when using Bluetooth. Having taken the Bluetooth mode for a spin, it works nicely, even if it would be nicer with more players.

Colourful cast

As a single player racing game, though, Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing promises a ton of value and a surprising amount of depth. Along with providing the aforementioned slate of modes, depth comes in the form of cash winnings that can be used to unlock new racers, venues, and earn new licenses (i.e. your driving rank). It's a great way of keeping you invested in the game, even if the characters and setting are reason enough.

Sonic, Tails, Dr. Eggman, AiAi, Billy Hatcher, Amigo, and several other notable SEGA stars comprise the cast of ten characters. It's a varied bunch, each with their own special kart and differential handling. The tracks are equally as varied with levels built around Jet Set Radio Future, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Billy Hatcher games.

Hands on the wheel

When it comes to control, the game holds up well with two available options: accelerometer or analogue stick. Both work decently, although the former as the default is best. There's a button for drifting through turns, another for braking, and a contextual button for items that appears in the lower-left corner.

A quick tap is enough to launch combat rockets, trigger a speed boost, or prime a defensive bubble. They're not the most unique power-ups, but then again I'd rather see a well-done kart racer than SEGA attempt to twist conventional mechanics and the game underwhelm. To be certain. there isn't anything fresh, but at the same time, it looks to be among the top kart racers on iPhone and iPod touch.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing isn't a surprise in the sense that it was well-received on Nintendo DS. Nevertheless, it's good to see SEGA handling this iPhone and iPod touch port with care. No price has yet been announced, but the game is expected to be released this spring.