Sonic Free Riders: Age Matters
Sonic Free Riders, a motion-controlled racing game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Xbox 360, has been a part of the Sonic franchise since 2010. However, the game’s impact on the franchise’s gaming history is significant, particularly in terms of its contribution to the development of kinetic racing games. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how old Sonic Free Riders is and what makes it worth playing.
When Was Sonic Free Riders Released?
Sonic Free Riders was released in November 2010, and it was one of the launch titles for the Microsoft Kinect peripheral. This platform allowed players to use bodily movements to control the on-screen characters, a innovation that was unique for that time.
Why was Sonic Free Riders Significant in the Sonic Franchise’s History?
Sonic Free Riders marked a crucial shift in the Sonic franchise’s gaming direction. Up until then, Sonic games were primarily 2D platformers, with brief forays into 3D. With Sonic Free Riders, Sonic Team was experimenting with new ways of playing Sonic games, effectively opening up the possibilities of what a Sonic game could be. The use of motion controls, specifically via the Kinect, introduced an innovative way of controlling on-screen characters, paving the way for future kinetic Sonic games.
Gameplay and Features
Sonic Free Riders is an exclusive Kinect game, and gameplay is centered around the console’s motion-sensing abilities. Players control Sonic (and other playable characters, including Tails, Eggman, and E-10000R) in a series of races against rival characters, utilizing quick reflexes and accurate steering to navigate through winding circuits, jumping chutes, and speed boosts.
The game features a range of innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to jump while racing, and to dodge obstacles by moving your upper body. These controls offered a fresh, more kinetic way of playing Sonic, allowing players to become closely engaged with the on-screen action.
Unlockables and Characters
As mentioned earlier, the game can be unlocked after 50 hours of gameplay. A variety of characters can also be unlocked, including Super Sonic, who is able to perform additional stunts and tricks while in playable mode.
Trivia about Sonic Free Riders
- Kinect Peripherals: The game does not require a specific attachment, but rather relies solely on the Xbox 360’s built-in Kinect module.
- Criticisms: Critics argue that the game is oversimplified, and lacks multiplayer features.
- Gameplay: Sonic’s movements are slightly awkward during certain stunts and shortcuts, which may result in some frustration for players unfamiliar with the Kinect’s requirements.
Table of Consoles and Platforms
Here are a table list some famous console and platforms used and released in 2010:
| Console | Type | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | Home console | Nov 22, 2005 |
| Wii MotionPlus | Add-on device | May 25, 2009 |
| Play TV (US version of A.K.A.’i.d.e.a.Box) | Digital media player | January 2010 |
- What Can the Kinect Do?
According to the article "5 Amazing Things the Kinect Can Do" on TechSavvy:
"The Microsoft Kinect is capable of [detecting]:
- Arm and hand movements
- Facial expressions
- Toe movements
- Core motion
- Even detecting 20 joints and body structures!"
Conclusion
To summarize, Sonic Free Riders, released in November 2010, marked an important milestone in the development of kinetic racing games using the Xbox 360 Kinect. With innovative gameplay, unlockables, and multiple playable characters, Sonic Free Riders is an excellent gaming addition in Sonic fans bookmarks