Blueberry Academy was definitely more unique but I just couldn't get into SV's gameplay loop. I don't see what is fun about exploring SV's world, especially if you aren't into completing the dex.

ZA's DLC is slightly better imo but mainly bc I prefer ZA's gameplay to SV's.

I feel somewhat the opposite.

I thought SV's DLC ranged from okay to genuinely awful. The Teal Mask is one of the worst main Pokemon content ever made imo. It doesn't help that I already disliked SV's gameplay loop. Very poorly executed open world gameplay.

I haven't played Elden Ring but Air Riders is GOATed

Either way, I think picking your stadium event is more than going with the recommended option as you suggested in your review, even if you acknowledge there is some reasoning involved. There are plenty of times where I don't think the recommended option is the best choice and have to think carefully

I think the game could do more to make other players in the mode matter more, but there is definitely decision making when it comes to picking your stadium event imo.

There are moments where I may have excellent Top Speed but Button Rush may also be a good option if I had good turning.

Worrying if someone has higher stats than me usually pushes me into those more skill-based ones anyway. Unless I have absolutely nuts stats, I usually go for those ones where having a decently fast vehicle with good handling will get the job done.

I made my own review as well after about 40hrs of playtime.

bckl.gg/p4o6

This is a good review! I think where I'd disagree though is I think the game has JUST enough depth to strike a good balance between "party game" and "strategic racer".

Some stadium events are indeed lopsided but many others do reward more skillful play (Gourmet Race, Button Rush, VS Boss, etc.).

Origami King 🔥

I think Air Ride mode looks incredible but City Trial's visuals are carried by the great animations and character models.

Imo I was mainly worried because they seem ripped straight out of a Sony game. They seem so un-Nintendo and that made me worry the final product would feel like a tonal mess.

Are you enjoying the game so far, Jake? City Trial is great but I have found myself enjoying Air Ride mode quite a bit as well.

The Switch 2 will have 50 megashits per terafarts

When we get to that scene in 3 where there's some tension between Sonic and Knuckles, I thought it was gonna go further with that, but instead the conclusion to the scene is a joke about Wade guarding the Master Emerald. Really enjoyed the movie, but that was a bit disappointing.

Ultimately these are kids movies so maybe I'm asking too much, but I wish it went a little further with Sonic as a character! I felt like he actually got more development in Sonic 2 despite that movie being a little worse.

Thought very carefully about what I wanted my first post to be, and it really couldn't be anything other than this.