Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed: Bonus Edition
Common Sense says
- Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox 360
- $39.99 (Wii U, PS3, X360), $29.99 (PS Vita, 3DS)
- 2012
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed: Bonus Edition is a racing game in which players can choose to race as one of several characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise. There is a story mode in which players race through all of the courses to prove their mettle as a star racer, but the main mode in the game is just freestyle racing. The game is best when played with friends. There are some cartoon-themed items that allow players to "attack" one another during races, but this is presented in a very whimsical fashion. There is also one level in which spider creatures emit green fluids when hit; and the word "damn" appears in the dialogue.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Gimmicky racer is ok, but more jarring and not as kid friendly as it's predecessor.
Sort of a Mario Kart Knockoff, but a Good One
Sonic's enhanced version of Mario Kart
What's it about?
SONIC & ALL-STARS RACING TRANSFORMED: BONUS EDITION is a racing game featuring iconic video game mascot Sonic the Hedgehog and several of his friends -- and enemies. Players race through a series of long, winding race tracks filled with twists and turns. In the Wii U version, they can keep track of where they are on the course by looking at the map on the GamePad. There is also a multiplayer mode where one player uses the GamePad and everyone else uses regular controllers. Players can choose to participate in freestyle races, or work their way through a story mode in which they compete to win races against computer-controlled opponents on every one of the race tracks.
Is it any good?
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed: Bonus Edition is a fun extension to the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Anyone familiar with the series will notice that the race tracks are all very representative of typical "Sonic" environments, paying homage to various games throughout the franchise's history. The tracks are all very well designed, with some that are essentially basic loops while others have challenging series of twists and turns. The use of the GamePad controller on the Wii U is also well executed, giving players the change to have two different perspectives on the race, and also allowing up to five players in multiplayer mode (four players on a split-screen TV and one player on the GamePad). The single-player experience is somewhat lacking, but those who enjoy playing video games with friends will no doubt have a great time with this game, Sonic fan or not.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the cartoon weapons in this game. Do you think this is violent or just part of the competition?
If you could be the best in the world at something, what would it be and why?
Have you had difficulty winning any of the races? What did you do to improve?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox 360
- Subjects: Science: momentum, motion, physics
- Skills: Self-Direction: achieving goals, effort, motivation
- Price: $39.99 (Wii U, PS3, X360), $29.99 (PS Vita, 3DS)
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Sega of America
- Release date: November 18, 2012
- Genre: Racing
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Language
- Last updated: June 20, 2019
For kids who love racing and playing on the Wii U
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.