For the first time since Sonic R, Sonic Team is brewing up yet again another Sonic-themed racing game for all next-generation consoles with the upcoming release of Sonic Riders. Available for all major consoles including the PS2, Xbox, and GCN, all three identical versions will feature the likes of familiar Sonic-franchise characters including the spiky-haired hedgehog himself, Tales, Knuckles, Jet, Storm, Webb, and even Eggman (Dr. Robotnik).

The limited demo that AMN played on the TGS show floor contained two courses, one targeting beginners and one for more advanced players. After selecting your character, the game gives you the option to choose a board to ride on, differing in strengths and weaknesses by several rated categories in: dash, power, curve and limit. Two boards were available in this TGS build, while a myriad of other boards were blacked out. We’re assuming that these will have to be unlocked during the course of the game.

Similar to Kirby Air Ride for the GameCube, the title does not contain an acceleration button. Instead, the analog stick is used to move your characters’ boards in any direction you wish, while the L and R triggers are used for Air Sliding across tight turns. The game’s air boost can be activated instantly, but takes away from your air-gauge level (a la F-Zero). The meter can be refilled by collecting numerous golden rings throughout the track, or stopping at pit-stops near the finish line. There’s another button to power up (via holding the button) a jump for tricks off ramps and high-level platforms, which can earn you letter-grades and extra bonuses at the end of the course. However, if you’re not careful, your character will easily fall into the abyss of the level, causing a major delay in your time and lost transportation.

The level designs were vibrant and colorful, filled with numerous launch pads, and zip boosting pads in several areas. There are numerous shortcuts, sometimes in places not even able to be seen by the naked eye. This means that each rider might have to break through a wall to reveal a shortcut. One of the demo levels included a large dragon that transported players in a far-away third-person view towards the next continuation of the track. The sense of speed can be impressive, especially zipping through large vines and small railways. Also included are power-ups to help the sense of speed and obviously derail your opponent riders.

Although we were only able to try the GameCube and PS2 versions of the game, gamers can expect identical features and options with the Xbox version looking the best, with GameCube and PS2 following closely behind.

Sonic Riders is slated for release in 2006 for all major consoles, plenty of time for SEGA to tweak and add numerous features in this speed-infested game from Sonic Team.