Sonic Drift OST Review

Summary

Ah, the first Sonic-racing game. While future racing games would gain some attention for their speedy tracks, this one is not remembered for much. There is a "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" mix for the invincibility (technically it's a mix of Green Hills from 8-bit Sonic 2). The result music also sounds the same as the stage clear for most 8-bit Sonic games.   

Even though many of the locations are from Sonic 1, the music is new. 

 

Best Song: Spring Yard

Runner-Up (s): Credits

This has got the right spirit. The tempo is just right for a racing game, though there is not much to it.

Worst Song: Marble

Runner Up (s): Labyrinth

Resembling a phone gone bananas, this would sound a lot better on a toy piano.

Final Ranking: E

Annoying, this probably would have been better as an 8-bit version of Sonic 1's music instead. 

Sonic Drift 2 OST Review

Summary

I've heard Sonic Drift 2 is an improvement over Sonic Drift. I have not played this one, but it's music is surprisingly quite nice. 

Best Song: Emerald Ocean

Runner-Up (s): Milky Way, Desert Road, Mystic Cave, Dark Valley, Options

This is a happy, upbeat creation with small bits that give it a tropical vibe. A peaceful drive.   

Worst Song: Balloon Panic

Runner Up (s): Title, GP Clear

It's supposed to be circus-like I guess, but it's just kind of annoying. 

Final Ranking: D

I was quite impressed with these happy, fun little pieces. I considered giving it a C, but because of the quality, Sonic Drift 2 is just naturally set a bit behind.  

Sonic Drift Review

Summary

I like the art for this game so much better than I like the game. 

Gameplay

It plays similar to Sega racing games/other racing games of the time, with the addition of some Sonic elements like the item box (TV) and the spring. 

As with those other games, the main goal is less of trying to get in front and more of trying to stay on the road, as the grass and rows of obstacles will cause a drastic slow-down.

Apparently hitting another car will also cause a slow down. These combined with the AI...and there's not really a good way to win. 

There are different circuits, but they are the same locations. 

 

Levels and Characters

The levels are straight out of Sonic 1, but have different music. Not as good quality, not as likable. Though invincibility is yet another "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" remix. I recognize the visual similarities in the background, but the road and the area itself are very crude. 

I do like the expressions of the characters when they win/lose. Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Eggman are all playable. I like Sonic's flashy red car--it might match his personality better than his later blue one. Amy's car is creepy because apparently it's alive. Tails is kinda' retro--setting a trend? Eggman just rides his mobile.

As I mentioned I like the art, but even though each character has an advantage/weakness, it does not seem to make a difference who is used...none seem that helpful. 

 

Final Thoughts

I got access to this through the Mega Collection. In the 90s it was only in Japan, though Sonic Drift 2 would make to the US.

For a long time I thought the episode "The Mobuis 5000" of AoStH was made to kind of loosely tie-in to this before realizing that this came out in 1994 and Drift 2 in 95, so that's actually not possible (AoStH aired in 1993). AoStH did it first!

For being previously Japan-exclusive there's plenty of English.

I really prefer the riders series and the idea of "extreme gear." Hover boards, skates, bikes, yachts...less cliche and way cooler than any version of Mario Kart. 

Seeing this, it's hard to understand why anyone would complain about Team Sonic Racing. Say what you will about the modern era, it would be hard not to improve over this. 

Final Ranking: E

It's not exactly unplayable. You can try and play it...but why? 

I love the art and while I don't...hate the game, it would probably be in my top ten worst.