I got Sonic R on Gems collection according to a Nintendo Power Magazine from 2005. I begged and pleaded my dad to get it for me when I was 10. I was a good boy so I got it and I wasn't disappointed. I loved these weird obscure Sonic games. But Sonic R was one of the best ones out of them. Sorry Sonic CD and Game Gear Collection.
But it was never that great and here's why. Well first of all to run the game on PC you have to have a old ass computer from 1998 or XP and not a modern computer. A 2004 edition won't be good and we'll get into that. I downloaded a patch that gave my computer AIDS days later. I blame it on that or KissAnime.com
Sadly the Sega Saturn has NO real 3D platformers or any good 3D games for that matter since it's a 2D focused Japanese relic that time forgot.
GAMEPLAY
Sonic R is a racing game where you take control of Sonic, friends and faux. You race around the track on foot and collect rings and get first place. Unlike other racing games this has the benefit of 3D platforming which is awkward and pretty fun.
The awkward part is the controls. Prepare to have you ding dang thumb slide off the analog stick because that's what it's gonna ding dong do. You will suffer with this every 2 minutes you are on the track. It can get frustrating especially in areas near water. Also the controls are tank like so AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
But I digress I had fun with it. I collected coins and had frustrating gaining all the gems which the game claims I caught 0 of several time.
You have 4 main racers
Sonic- Spin dashing is weak and futile
Tails- He can fly
Knuckles- Glide
Amy- Drive a pathetic car. Amy is the worst character except in Heroes.
Eggman Robotnik - Ew
You can unlock 3 more racers like Tails Doll and Metal Sonic which is scary and souless.
You have 4 tracks but that's ok. I can deal with 4 +1 tracks. Less is more after all!
GRAPHICS
Holy Toledo , this was a Sega Saturn game? You could have fooled me! Sonic R has the best graphics on the Saturn considering that most 3D Saturn games are like sand paper on the eyeballs.
All the tracks have high polygon counts, beautiful lighting, bright colors, clean detailed textures, and transparencies. There are tons of weather effects
SOUND
I love this game's music. If you hate "Can you feel the sunshine" or "Living in the City" you have crippling depression.
OVERALL
Sonic R is pretty fun besides it's flaws. Buy it or emulate it if you can. It's easy and family friendly. Enjoy if you have a patch.