Posting a separate topic for it because it really is more of a SEGA Crossover game then a Sonic game. Nearly 20 of the characters aren't even Sonic characters. So I'm going to treat it like any other crossover game and give it it's own topic, since it really shouldn't just be considered a Sonic game.

Especially if you know and grew up with the various SEGA characters featured in it.

Besides, you wouldn't treat Super Smash Bros as a Mario game or Playstation All-Stars as a god of War game just because those characters are featured in it, would you?

Anyways, here's the blog post from SEGA announcing it's release:

Monday Apr 30, 2012
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Changes the Rules of Racing


Today, we are announcing Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, a thrilling new racing experience featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and a fantastic cast of SEGA All-Stars competing across land, air and water in vehicles that fully transform from cars, to planes to boats. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will speed on to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and PC Digital Download late in 2012.



Following on from the huge success of Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, the characters now have their own unique transforming vehicles designed to take advantage of the varying terrain. The line up on the Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed grid sees SEGA favorites – including Sonic the Hedgehog, Dr Eggman and AiAi – return to battle against newcomers that include Gilius Thunderhead of Golden Axe and Vyse of Skies of Arcadia. The brand new dynamic environments and tracks in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed are once again inspired by SEGA’s illustrious gaming history. When the road falls away beneath you on Super Monkey Ball’s Temple Trouble track your car transforms into a boat and speeds down the rivers and rapids, whilst the Panzer Dragoon inspired track, Dragon Canyon, takes you into the sky in complete control of your plane, barrel rolling to out-maneuvre rivals and obstacles before transforming back into a car and racing to the finish line.


“Given the fantastic feedback we received from critics and consumers alike for the first game, we really wanted to push the boundaries on our follow up game, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed” commented David Corless, Global Sonic Brand Director. “The transforming vehicles allow us to do this – as well as drifting your car around the corners of a track, you get to fly your plane and pilot your boat against others all within one race. Add to this a grid full of star characters, retro IP, fun, fast race modes and cool tracks and racing fans of all ages are sure to love this one!”


Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed also sees the popular All-Star moves return with a brand new mechanic allowing your All-Star bar to power up faster if you race daringly and stylishly. An all new fair weapon system ensures that weapons fired at your vehicle can either be blocked or evaded once you have gained the skills to do so, making each race a unique and exhilarating experience whether it’s on water, in the air or on land. Old rivalries can be settled and new track records set in the enhanced online multiplayer mode, whilst the Grand Prix mode and competitive Battle Arenas will prove that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is certainly set to change the rules of the race.

For more screenshots, see our Flickr set.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will speed on to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and PC Digital Download late in 2012.

Here's the two videos that have been released so far:
Trailer 1:

Trailer 2:

Misc.


The Character Roster so far:


Stages:




I'll update this post whenever more characters, stages, and other important things are announced.

all my want for this year until i see something else

Looks pretty sweet. I didn't like the physics in the first game though so hopefully they've improved on that.

Yeah, same. This is my most anticipated game by far this year. Beat's looking pretty awesome already, and happy to see Vyse in there. Apparently Gilius rides a stone car on land, rides an Eagle while in the air, and rides a turtle in the water. It was a fan-favorite among those who played the early showing of the game.


Newcomers I want to see:
NiGHTS (NiGHTS Into Dreams / SEGA Saturn)
Ristar (Ristar / SEGA Genesis)
Phantom R/Raphael (Rhythm Thief / 3DS)
Amitie (Puyo Pop Fever / DS and GC)
Cream (Sonic)
Gum (Jet Set Radio / SEGA Dreamcast)
Max or Bowie (Shining Force / SEGA Genesis)


New physics AND graphics engine. The updated engine also allows for more dynamic tracks. For example, there could be a race around a volcano-like stage. On the second lap, lava could erupt, and racers would have to use their water vehicles to get across it. That way, tracks could play different each lap you race.

If they add SF characters, then I'm sold.

I enjoyed the hell out of the 1st one, and now I'm excited for the sequel for sure.

EDIT: I just hope they pick a better Announcer this time.

so many people wanted nights in but instead she only got flag girl

ristar would be great, phantom R for the win, the puyo mobile, cream would drive a chao car, gum would be great

i would love to see at least 1 more billy hatcher character

You trippin'? That announcer was great. He was so wacky.

Rolly would make for a fun addition. She's the only other Billy Hatcher rep I could really see though.

BTW, the rumor has it that 27 characters will be appearing. While this is just a rumor, a dev at Sumo Digital has said that some characters from the first game may have been cut, so even if there are 27 characters in this, it doesn't mean that there will only be 7 newcomers. I expect Opa-Opa (As much as I love him, he doesn't really work with the whole transformation thing), and Big (PLEASE KEEP HIM HE IS AMAZING) to be cut. I'm sure 95% of the roster will stay though, so no worries.

I heard a PC version was in the making, if thats so, then I will be very psyched for it.

Yup! It will come to PC Digital Download (A.K.A. Steam), most likely on the same date as the console releases!

This game already looks sexier than the first one.

I know right? The graphics look fantastic and the scenery is absolutely sublime.
Brings me to tears a bit.

Hope to see bayonetta and her awesome motorcycle

The first one was the closest thing I got to Mario Kart Wii on my 360... now I can have Mario Kart 7 on it too.

But all "ITZ A RIPOFF!11" jokes aside, I'm pretty happy that this game is happening. I just hope they maybe do a better job with DLC this time around.

no stuff that should have been in the game being DLC