I may have not unlocked the final two unlockable characters as of writing this, but after doing all the GPs, getting 150 stars in career mode, and especially getting the game's credits. Can truly say I've come as much as completing it.

It is definitely one of the best racers not only made, but available to play on Computers and Steam Decks. And with CPUs that truly are a challenge. This is no pansy ass forgiving Mario Kart 7 or 8. This game folds down and crushes you til you ask for more. It is a challenge. And a worthy one too. But yes the game itself. It is a fun one for sure.

Will start by saying it beats Ultimate by a mile for really knowing what itself is. A celebration of Sega. And a fine one at that too. Must admit my only gripes really in general, is the game's roster and it's lack of more Saturn reps. Not even just "where Segata Sanshiro?", moreso why not Kyle from Panzer Dragoon (the first one), or Shou & Tillis from Burning Rangers? especially as this game already has tracks that represent the two respective games, so it's strange the characters they could've added weren't. I would be fine with just NiGHTS but it don't help she's based on the Wii version ugh. Outside of the Saturn, there's alot that rep Sega's overall line in history. Sure the Bonanza Bros were cut, but you still got Alex Kidd.

Oh and I would not trade any of the Guest Stars for more Saturn Stars period, as I think they are funny and fit. I love Wreck It Ralph and TF2, they are just such fun characters to play. You even got a Nascar Driver in there too.

I do find strange however that they added two characters from Space Channel 5, but don't even got their own stage at all, as Billy Hatcher (who has a stage) was cut for the cutting room floor in favor of the two gals.

And one more about the roster, would be the lack of another character for Samba De Amigo and Skies of Arcadia. Happy they're in, just wish the two boys got a gal with em, like that Monkey Ball guy did.

Even though I mainly rambled about the game's roster, regardless, it's such a fun game for sure. The remixes for Sonic R music and everything were all done so lovingly by the fine orchestrator Richard Jacques, who also did LBP2 alongside Sonic R. Nice. That, and the Tracks and everything is all so great. Burning Depths makes me smile everytime. Just makes me wish more for a new Burning Rangers. Or a remaster really.

But yeah. Sonic All Stars Racing Transformed. Absolutely a wild and fun game. And definitely a new favorite of mine.

Whenever Sega and Sumo Digital decide to make a true third one, I hope they not only keep the hard as nails difficulty but also finally add more Saturn reps.. Maybe Clockwork Knight could get to finally shine and tick on the track the third time around.

(P.S. After unlocking the final two unlockable characters the next day, I also learned that there's actually an option to play a private game with friends, so I take back my complaints with the online. This game is indeed a 10/10.)