Why Sonic R Needs to Be on GOG and Why It’s the Most Underrated Sonic Game Ever
Sonic R is one of the most misunderstood yet charming gems in the Sonic franchise, and it deserves a second chance on GOG where it can shine with modern compatibility and DRM-free preservation. Released in 1997 for the Sega Saturn and later on PC, Sonic R took a bold step by putting Sonic and his friends into a 3D racing environment—something daring and different at the time.
What makes Sonic R special is its unique approach to racing. It wasn’t just about speed; it was about exploration, shortcuts, platforming, and mastery. The courses were designed like Sonic levels—layered with secrets, alternative paths, and character-specific advantages. In many ways, it felt like a true Sonic experience, just in racing form. Unlike traditional racers, Sonic R emphasized learning each track inside and out, rewarding creativity and curiosity.
Its soundtrack, composed by Richard Jacques and sung by TJ Davis, is iconic. The upbeat and unapologetically catchy vocal tracks like “Can You Feel the Sunshine?” and “Living in the City” have become cult classics—often remembered more fondly today than at launch.
Yes, the controls were floaty. Yes, it was quirky. But Sonic R was ahead of its time in combining platforming with racing. On GOG, it could reach a new audience, free from outdated tech limitations, and be reappreciated as the experimental, colorful, and unique Sonic spin-off that it truly is.
It’s not just nostalgia—it’s time for redemption.