Now is the time to strap yourself tightly into a chair, preparing for adrenaline pumping action as we take on a wonderful new experience - recognising how this racing sequel has indeed... TRANSFORMED!

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a title that has evolved considerably from its pretty impressive beginnings. The original game managed to bring many of the SEGA characters, levels and music selections to an eager nostalgic audience, while also pleasing newcomers with its fun filled racing. The 'Transformed' element highlights perfectly the new nature of the beast that has been released onto the willing public and I am happy to report that for the most part, they have transformed a very good title into one which excels.

Where originally you were confined to vehicles that remained constantly on a road-like surface, this sequel offers another two variants that add greatly to the thrill of the race. Expect new sections that include traveling over wonderfully unpredictable water (or even lava), as well as flying through the air - providing vast possibilities and a whole new perspective. This alone has added immense variety and scope and will no doubt captivate racing fanatics.

As the race progresses, you will pass through certain gates that automatically transforms your vehicle into one that can take advantage of the upcoming environment. Each character has its own vehicle model and set of animations, some more wackier and humorous than others. All handle differently enough to encourage you to choose favourites, however by remaining loyal to individual characters you can raise their experience level. This unlocks additional ‘mods’, which is in fact a redistribution of vehicle traits be it acceleration, speed, handling and so on. With the Xbox 360 version, you can also race as your avatar.

The conditions be it on a road, water or in the air dramatically change the driving style of the vehicle. On the road, you can easily drift around corners and feel more of a connection to the surface. On water, your craft becomes extremely sensitive to any waves and steering becomes much slower and therefore much harder to direct your craft. In the air, you are required to exploit not just left and right, but also up and down motions, enjoying a slightly faster momentum with smoother fluid movements.

Each of these three environments feel great, even if they are challenging in different ways. It adds a whole new kind of versatility that is just a pleasure to experience and thus no race feels identical. It may result in quite a harsh learning curve for some as they experiment with three very unique styles of racing, but the rewards are certainly worth it for those willing to take on the challenge.

With a strong line-up of courses to take part in, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed encourages your nostalgic sentiment without losing any satisfaction in the ride. For example, a Golden Axe inspired course takes elements of the character selection screen, which includes the skeleton with outstretched arms centre stage within a course. It is just dazzling to see and newcomers will appreciate the artistic details regardless of the fact they may have never seen the titles to which they allude to. Others include references to other SEGA classics including Sonic the Hedgehog, Skies of Arcadia, Jet Set Radio, Samba de Amigo, Nights into Dreams, Shinobi and more.

A few of the more popular courses from the first game remain with a few graphical tweaks along the way and all of the courses can be played mirrored, or to say left becomes right and vice-versa - for a little extra twist.

Although the course is repeated during a race, each lap can change dramatically as the race unfolds. Roads can suddenly collapse or redirect you, forcing a path that requires a different kind of vehicle transformation. Areas where you may have driven along before, now become the view below as you now soar high above. It’s simply an amazing feeling and extends the...