[TGS24] Sonic Rumble Hands-On: High-Speed Multiplayer Mayhem

We recently had the opportunity to try out Sonic Rumble at Tokyo Game Show 2024, and the experience was a whirlwind of colorful chaos that lives up to the Sonic franchise’s reputation for speed and excitement. Sonic Rumble, the latest multiplayer offering from SEGA, drops players into a vibrant toy world crafted by the notorious Dr. Eggman.

During our hands-on session, we found that the controls were surprisingly straightforward, making the game accessible to newcomers and seasoned Sonic fans alike.

The gameplay loop is engaging and fast-paced. Players navigate through perilous obstacle courses and arenas, collecting rings along the way. If you fall into a pit on certain maps, you’ll lose some rings but have the chance to resurrect, keeping the action flowing. One of the most striking features is the equalizing factor in character speed – all characters run at the same pace, creating a level playing field for competitors.

Each stage concludes with a selection process where the top half of players advance to the next round, inheriting their collected rings. The third and final game crowns the player with the highest ring count as the victor.

Sonic Rumble introduces an interesting mix of game modes. Some maps challenge players to survive relentless attacks from boss characters, with the last player standing declared the winner. In addition, other stages feature power-ups with limited uses, ranging from shields to dash attacks, adding an element of strategy to the frenzied gameplay.

Our overall impression of Sonic Rumble is positive. The game shines brightest when played with friends in close proximity, where the chaotic nature of the 16-player matches can lead to moments of hilarity and excitement.

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