Sega’s long-awaited Team Sonic Racing hits the Switch (as well as other formats) next week, and you may have noticed that reviews have appeared online today thanks to the embargo ending. However, we don’t have a review going live because, at the time of writing, we don’t have Team Sonic Racing. It’s kind of hard to have one without the other.
In fact, we’ve been told by Sega that we won’t have the Switch version of the game until launch day – which puts us in the same boat as you guys. Taking that into account, our review of the game is naturally going to go live post-launch, which is something we don’t like doing, but – as you can appreciate – is out of our hands in this particular instance.
For what it’s worth, the game seems to be getting fairly positive reviews on other formats. Our friends over at Eurogamer gave it a ‘Recommended’ award, saying it’s “a smart spin on the character kart formula”.
Our sister site Push Square gave it 7/10, adding that “it might be lacking the wow factor SEGA's other IPs brought to Sumo's other racers, and it's a shame performance is a little rocky, but this is a good option for PS4 players who want some arcadey thrills“.
IGN gave it a 8.5 score, stating that “Team Sonic Racing adds a creative twist on the arcade racer with its exciting team-based mechanics that put strategy and precision at the forefront alongside blistering speeds across mesmerizing tracks“.
GamesRadar+ was less kind, awarding the game 2.5 stars out of 5 and lamenting the fact that it “doesn't stand up to other kart racers today”. Ouch! To be fair, that’s the harshest review so far, and something of a lone voice.
Naturally, those reviews aren’t based on the Switch version of the game, which we’ll be getting our hands on once it’s available in stores. Just like you!
Comments 88
I'm guessing they haven't provided NL with a review copy because it's already a mediocre game and it wasn't ported well to Switch. They're hoping to avoid having people cancel Switch pre-orders.
As a reviewer, I know that sometimes it's best to wait to review the game post-launch. Mostly to better experience the online functionality when there's more people to play against.
It’ll be interesting to see how this one fares on the Switch. PS4 doesn’t have many kart racers, until Crash ofc. Switch has more competition with Mario Kart 8 and I assume a 9th instalment will be following at some point.
Something tells me the Switch version needs to be avoided judging by how Sega didn’t give one of the biggest Nintendo sites a review code.
@Racthet916 Nope, if that was the case then they would have pulled a Sonic Boom and refuse to hand out review codes at all. Sega has been sending review codes to other gaming sites Early, so it's all about the pecking order. Nintendo Life just didn't make the cut for early review codes.
Well it's looks like i'll be waiting for Crash Bandicoot Team Racing.
That’s because it’s going to suck. The $40 price tag already means they don’t have confidence in the game.
I hope it doesn’t, I’d like to have a new Sonic racing game that’s good. But with Sega you gotta assume the worst until proven otherwise.
@FragRed Sega has been giving ton of other gaming sites review codes though. Chances are Segas PR Team had a limited amount of codes to give out, and chose the top priority sites for the early reviews.
Just because Nintendo Life didn't receive an early review code, that doesn't mean it's automatically a bad game. Especially when Sega has been sending review codes to other gaming news sites. Chances are Segas PR team only had a limited number of review codes to send, and they chose the top priority sites for early reviews. Before you go judging this game, go check out the early reviews.
This worries me As the are reported frame rate issues on ps4.... this holding of release copies surely means it’s WWE 2k18 all over again. An oinking pig mess of a port!
@patbacknitro18 No site has reviewed the Switch version yet.
Sounds like the Switch version's gonna be a disaster. I'm really hoping it's not.
It might not be a bad game @patbacknitro18 but i don't expect it to perform better on Switch.
@patbacknitro18 Yes other sites are reviewing the game, but none have the Switch version yet. Usually when companies do this it's because it doesn't run well, but I guess we will find out next week.
NL didn't get a code cause only PS4 review codes was sent out.
Its likely $40 cause of the very long delay.
Switch is likely gonna be at 30fps so the 'performance drops' likely won't happen as the framerate didn't hit or go below 30 on ps4.
I would assume that Nintendolife would be on the top of the pecking order. As i think it has the best format on the web. I find other Nintendo websites like Nintendoeverything & Nintenoenthusiast to be poorly laid out and kinda ugly.(IMO)
@patbacknitro18 Do you realize that Sonic Boom was a Wii U exclusive? The reviews, as noted on the article, are for different versions of the game, not the Switch version. If they didn't handed a single code for the Switch version to any reviewer, then they are indeed pulling a Sonic Boom.
That doesn't sound good, especially considering Sega's background with this kind of moves.
The Switch version has footage up already. It's not bad. I think the game kinda sucks tho with courses that are too wide - and rather odd handling. The cars feel light when drifting and turning feels horrible without it.
Pretty sure the same thing happened with another Sonic game for a Nintendo system in recent time. Sonic Boom maybe? It's a shocking practice to be honest. Obviously the Switch version is lacking in some way and Sega don't want to Switch scores to have a negative impact on sales and dilute other scores already out there.
@nessisonett I doubt it, they've never put more than one on a system. The next game in the series will be the mobile one.
@patbacknitro18 You're right, other review outlets have gotten codes early, but point me to review outlets that have gotten Switch specific codes for review. Spoiler alert... there are none. Plenty of reviews to be had for every other platform, but none on the Switch specifically. NL is one of the biggest Nintendo review sites around, there's no way they just happened to not make the cut, they've kept review copies out of all Nintendo specific outfits. That doesn't sit well with me, shouldn't for you either.
Wow the OTT reaction by people in here is ridiculous. Pretty sure everybody only got PS4 review codes. Digital foundry for example already did a PS4 and PS4 pro performance video as SEGA never supplied switch or Xbox codes. But Let's all go crazy and start saying switch and Xbox versions are terrible ports!
Calm down people.
@Racthet916 remind me which sites got specific Xbox review codes.
And that's all the proof your need that the Switch version is a mess.
If Sega was confident the game was good they’d be in a hurry to get these review copies out. Good reviews are a massive game seller.
@Paddle1 They've also never done a port before, to be fair. Who knows, 8 Deluxe is still selling so maybe they'll do one later in the Switch's lifetime.
@kobashi100 I think you're missing the point, they only sent out review codes for PS4 because it's the best example of the game. Xbone will be on par, but with slightly lower resolution (vanilla PS4 vs. vanilla Xbone) so one one cares really. Not sending out ANY Switch codes is clear indication that they didn't want the review averages to slump based on poor reviews that point to poor performance. This isn't rocket science, think about it.
"doesn't stand up to other kart racers today" if anything, it looks better than most kart racers today imo
@Racthet916 we already know the switch version is 30fps. That's nothing new.
No review copies. If that's not a red flag I don't know what is.
Just wondering how you know the games' handling is bad and feels light/horrible @memoryman3 ? You mean It looks like the games handling would be bad and feel light correct? Just wondering because some people are saying they have the Switch version in hand and have played it.
@FTPinkRabbit Insert Dragon Ball reference here
@kobashi100 I'm not advocating that it's probably a bad port with poor performance because of the frame-rate cap, there's far more to performance than target FPS. I couldn't care less if it's capped at 30 as long as it's a stable 30 and it doesn't look like a washed out mess due to super low resolution. I'm guessing it has frame-pacing issues, low resolution, blurry textures, missing effects, long loading times, etc... those are reasons to consider it a poor port, not the target FPS. Again, this obviously just me guessing, but this isn't exactly the first time we've seen this play out.
I don’t wanna say it, but I smell a REAL stinker coming our way. Switch only owners, you might want to save your loot on this one. Can’t wait for the reviews. Hope I’m proven wrong.
How did you get it 4 days early @DockEllisD ? Did you preorder it and someone released it to you early?
Switch version will likely sucks just like Redout. That game looks like diarrhea in portable mode and still runs at 30fps or lower which is even worst. I'll probably stick with Crash Team Racing instead.
I really want CTR to be up to the snuff of, say, MK8DX. Good thing about comments on reviews on this site — I'll be able to read those in conjunction with gameplay vids and get a good feel for whether to bite on it or not.
The switch version leaked a couple days ago. If all of you people are REALLY that high strung about it, theres already alot of switch gameplay on youtube cause of the leak mess.
Cool @DockEllisD sound like you got lucky as my Amazon preorders also usually show up a day or two after launch. And it sounds like Nintendolife should of got their review copy from Amazon.
Thats a shame what do i buy in may now than. Was hoping review scores would be better, yes they are saying its a good game but i wanted slightly higher scores guess i be giving it a miss.
Honestly more interested in a RedOut review. I've been check in every few hours over the last few days. I'm confident that Sonic will land a 7, 8 or 9 from NL, but RedOut could be far lower . . .
This is inexcusable and seems, to me, like a fairly blatant attempt to con a few Switch owners. A gracious article - a little too kind perhaps. Though I think the article tells us what we need to know.
@retro_player_22 considering the base Xbox one version of redout was 30fps I am amazed that anyone thought the switch version would hit 60fps.
Well it is at 73 right now for PS4.
This was never going to be some gaming epic. But looks fun for what it is. Also new at discounted $40, hopefully enough to make is successful for SEGA.
@Damo I think it’s cool you told us TBH, as this info may make a few hold off a day or two. I’ve preordered and have faith it won’t be the worst switch game I own. It’s a low bar to have but it’s a question I ask myself. We this be the worst switch game I own. If answer is no - I’ll buy. It’s a system that doesn’t work!
@Jack_Goetz Sonic Mania didn't get reviews on Switch until post-launch either.
@Racthet916 you might be right.
My local store is selling the PS version is £29.99 and the Switch version is £34.99 with a £5 discount on pre-orders.
It will cost me £5 to cancel the pre-order and purchase it after the Switch reviews are out, if its any good. I've not been impressed with the tracks shown so far.
I'm encouraged that there is this co-op mechanic at the core. It gives the game a reason to exist other than how it looked previously: Another kart racer.
Maybe the game will get performance updates over time and felt the pressure to release before crash kart? I don't know, but it certainly doesn't bode well for the Switch version. But, hey, there is a Switch physical version of this brand new biggish third-party game.
I do love the two Sega All Stars Racing games.
After seeing people like Caddicarus have a go at it, I feel confident that its not a perfect game, of course, but a fun and different type of kart racer than the usual. Im even aware that Famitsu gave it 8/8/9/9, so the game can hold on its own.
did you even play Transformed's 3DS port? wouldn't surprise me if TSR's Switch port is utter rubbish too.
remember when Forces' demo came out and Sonictubers thought NL "want[ed] Sonic to fail" (despite them giving Mania an extremely positive review) then the game came out and they all silently took it back, while also trying not to address it with words?
@Noid I really do suggest you go on YouTube and enter team sonic racing switch. Just take a look please.
There is a day 1 patch for switch and Xbox versions. That's why review sites only got the PS4 code.
Game looks great.
Loved Transformed on Wii U (and Vita, for that matter). This one looks like it may surpass it.
@Noid
Switch version gameplay is already out. It looks and runs amazing
Switch Version Gameplay
https://youtu.be/NoFfWsTS9CU
@JaxonH and this is why I was telling people to stop panicking!
The doom and gloom so OTT
it wasn't going to be that good on switch anyways. the game is capped at 30fps and looking at leaked gameplay, splitscreen is like 20-25fps so if you want to play with family or friends you're better off buying this elsewhere.
@kobashi100
Par for the course when it comes to members on this site.
@LOZ_Master95 sega all stars transformed couldn't even hit a locked 30fps on solo play and that was great fun or we now saying it was unplayable?
As long as TSR hits locked 30fps solo and online I will be more then happy.
@Racthet916 Videos of it running on Switch appeared to be good actually - but comments that indicate it’s running a little rocky on PS4 doesn’t give me high hopes for the Switch.
It’s kind of hard to have one without the other.
"Hold my beer." -Filip Miucin
"Doesn't stand up to other Kart racers.."
Like... Who exactly? Other than Mario Kart, who legit can hold any real candle to that fame? Hello Kitty Kart Kruisers? Coffin Dodgers? Beach Buggy Racing?
... All-Star Fruit Racing?
@Paraka Yeah i was wondering the same, it's not like there is any other good alternatives.
For other platforms is even worse since they don't have Mario Kart, they only have this one and Crash to look forward.
@Tokiwa - Even with that in mind, Sony only has LBP Kart, and they shut that spinoff down.
Literally Crash is the only good alternative for the other platforms. The next good one would be Diddy Kong Racing, but that just doubles down on Nintendo alone.
@Racthet916 This has me concerned, but to be fair we have no idea how the Switch version performs. The Wii version of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and the Wii U version Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed performed quite well on their respective hardware. People thought the Switch version of Mortal Kombat 11 was going to be crap since they hid it in the shadows until launch day, but that of course ended up not being the case. We'll know soon either way..
Not only is there no Switch reviews at current time, but it’s discounted $8 at Amazon. Yeah, this isn’t looking good...
UPDATE: it’s discounted on all systems at Amazon
@jswhitfield8 How is not a priority to have your game advertised and sell well on the currently trending game system?
Another classic example of a company releasing a subpar Nintendo version of a game and then spitting on the face of the gamers who like Nintendo.
If they aren't willing to share a review copy of the game, the only reason I will believe is because they know it is bad. And if they released review copies for the game on other platforms, then we know they, once again, put the Nintendo release as secondary importance.
When the game comes out and is revealed to be mediocre on Switch, they will probably blame the Switch, when it is nothing but their own ineptitude.
But the Switch has outsold PS4 in Japan, and has something like 34-36 million units sold worldwide and constantly growing. They are shooting themselves in the foot.
@jswhitfield8 No way. I don't buy that for a second. Yes PS4 is the most numerous platform, but there are around 34-36 million Switches sold to date. That's a major market and it makes no sense not to release a few review copies for the Switch version. The only reason I will believe is that they are hiding something and something nasty enough to be worth hiding.
From what I understand they only sent PS4 codes. Digital Foundary only had the comparison for base PS4 and PS4 pro to analyse
The only review copies they sent out was for PS4 reason being because they wanted all aspects of the game to be covered including online. If they had everyone reviewing the same console version the larger the player base and supposedly the more enjoyable it would be. So suck it up NL...the Nintendo world doesn’t revolve around this one site with apparently huge egos...
@DockEllisD Does it run at 60 fps? Beach Buggy Racing has so far beaten every other racing game on Switch by running at 60 fps even in 4 player split screen. That should be the standard performance for games coming after it. I'd love for Nintendo to either release Mario Kart 9 with 60 fps 4 player split screen, or patch it into MK 8.
@Heavyarms55 are they hiding something Nasty from the Xbox one version also then?
Is the Xbox one version bad also according to you?
Oh and you do realise the switch version of Sonic mania had review codes sent out last also right.
How did that turn out?
You are making a bunch of claims with no evidence to back it up
Stop with this conspiracy BS
@DockEllisD Oh, okay, got it.
@60frames-please I am sure if TSR looked as weak visually as beach buggy racing then 60fps would be a doddle.
I have read some PS reviews and they are mixed. None have really commented on the 21 tracks other than the three or four used in the reviews and they seemed rather basic. Varied track designs are what a Kart racing is all about.
I think I will give this one a miss, for now anyway.
One thing that puzzles me is why NL have not been given a reason from Sega for not been allowed to review the game before release, I'm even more puzzled why NL have not asked Sega what's going on.
If there’s no ‘blue shell’ mechanic, then I’ll check this out
The game is running at 30 fps, it's not in the same league as MK8. Funny that Redout was released in the same week, it too was 30 fps, can't matched Fast RMX's 60 fps.
Old games are better.
We already know it's going to be a poor man's version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. So there's honestly no need to expect too much about of this game.
@SwitchVogel LOL
Sonic was never good
Strange. I got my copy yesterday.
PR is a strategy, give a "friendly" reviewer early access and they give you a "friendly" review
@nintendolie It would be nice if developers all worked together. I wish MK 8, Beach Buggy Racing, and Fast RMX set the baseline from which developers improved the graphics of games. This backsliding to choppy frame rates and worse graphics 2 years later sucks!
I've read that Crash Team Racing will be 30 fps. This is garbage. The main thing that would make Crash better to play would be an increase in frame rate. That goes for Spyro, the platformer Crash game trilogy, etc. I'd much rather play Crash Bandicoot at 60 fps with minimal increases in polygon counts and texture map size, than at 30 fps with input delay and detailed textures with high polygon counts. CTR would be thrilling at 60 fps. It will suck at 30 fps.
Gamexplain have the switch version.
https://youtu.be/qmfC53C1oiw
So what exactly are sega hiding people? Let's see how many come out and say they got it wrong.
If anything Sumo Digital could have possibly scaled back the graphics to hit 60fps.
Visually the switch version is mighty impressive.
@jswhitfield8 I mean, I have no reason to call you a liar, but that still seems like an absurd system and I find it hard to believe they wouldn't send out review copies for each system.
Will wait for the review! I already have Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, so I'm looking forward for this one!
I have a feeling the Switch version is just very bad.
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