I first reviewed Dr. Robotnik's Ring Racers the day after its initial launch. My opinion was that this game is fun but deeply flawed. Since the game's launch, however, it has gone through several updates, and I have spent a fair amount of time with the game. Therefore, I feel it is only fair to re-review Ring Racers, as both the game itself and my opinions of it have changed.

Ring Racers is a very complex game, especially by the standards of the genre. However, I do not feel it is quite as inaccessible as it seems at first: The core mechanics and controls can be succinctly explained to a new player in my experience, and a manual is available on the game's download page. The physics are very loose and slippery compared to other kart racers, which does take time to get used to. However, these physics lend themselves to an experience where the chaotic fun of kart racers is cranked up to 11.

Where most people's criticisms, if not outright dismissal, of Ring Racers at launch was the onboarding process. I still agree this is a pain point, and probably the game's biggest objective flaw at this time. In particular, my criticism on the tutorial still rings true: it is needlessly long, puts too much emphasis on niche options and scenarios while ignoring omnipresent mechanics, and makes Ring Racers seem more daunting than it truly is. Thankfully, the devs have offered a way to cut the tutorial short by winning a race, as well as bundling passwords to bypass this tutorial entirely into the download.

Another point of contention at launch was the unlock system. The bulk of Ring Racers's content is gated behind achievements, presented in a manner similar to Super Smash Bros.'s unlockable galleries. While I do still feel that some of the gated content (namely online play and mod loading) is questionable, the devs have explained their logic on the download site, and I feel they make valid points. Besides, the inclusion of the aforementioned passwords allow bypassing certain parts of the process (if not the entire process), rending this issue moot for those who choose this option. For people who enjoy mastering the game and searching every nook and cranny, though, this adds to the fun, and there is PLENTY to find.

Ring Racers is presented in a charming low-poly style which brings to mind SEGA's titles from the latter half of the 90s. The characters, pulled from Sonic's long-running history as well as representatives from other SEGA franchises, are translated perfectly into either 2D sprites or 3D models, depending on your preferred option. The roster is wonderfully picked, including iconic classics, modern favorites, and even deep cuts for the most hardcore of SEGA fans. The tracks are simply beautiful visually, and generally are a treat to play on, though there are both diamonds and duds in the mix.

To conclude, although Ring Racers was rough at launch, the devs have worked hard to improve on it without sacrificing the game's one-of-a-kind identity. I still don't think it's a game for everyone, and frankly, it's better for that. It is a deeply compelling game: I wouldn't have kept playing it ever since Day 1, let alone have written two reviews on it, if it wasn't. Mario Kart is a massive franchise with countless imitators, but there will only ever be one Dr. Robotnik's Ring Racers.