The Kart Race mode is unlocked when the player completes either Route 101 or Route 280 in the Story Mode. When selected, the player can choose from one of the game's six playable characters, each with their own stats.[1] When a player completes all of a character's missions, they will unlock a special kart for that character, which can be selected by pushing up on the Control/Analog Stick.[2]
During gameplay, the player is tasked with completing 3 laps before the others. To control their kart, the player must press the Jump button to accelerate, and can brake using the Action button, and use the Switch Action Window button to perform a boost after collecting twenty Rings. Additional boosts cannot be obtained until the player uses the one they currently have. The player will receive an Emblem upon winning the race.
Kart Race is also available in the 2P Play mode, which is unlocked after completing Route 101 or Route 280 after one of the two stages has been completed. In this one, the player who has the better ranking wins, regardless of whether they finish in first or not.
Courses
Character
Description
Image
Beginner
A relatively simple course with few hills and bumps.
The hedgehog is a fast driver. His speed is only matched by Shadow, his acceleration is good, and his grip is fine. His braking is low. Sonic is also able to get a kart with a larger, fanned-out back from the official VMU download called High-Speed Trial Kart Racing. This downloadable content has been available in the game's North American website. It also includes the race track "High-Speed Trial" that contain curves, Dash Panels, and an instrumental version of "Live and Learn" as background music. In Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, this exclusive kart is available after completing all of his missions, but without the "High-Speed Trial" race track.
In Dreamcast release, EggRobo plays exactly like Sonic, and is only available from the official VMU download called Eggrobo Kart Racing in the game's North American website. It also comes with its own E-shaped racetrack with "E.G.G.M.A.N." playing as the background music. In Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, EggRobo can be chosen after completing all of Rouge's missions and being selected under Rouge's model, but without the E-shaped race track.
In Dreamcast release, Omochao plays exactly like Sonic and is only available from official VMU download called Opa-Opa Kart Racing in the game's North American website. He is driving a kart shaped like Opa-Opa from the Fantasy Zone games and plays an instrumental version of "Live and Learn" as background music.
Trivia
The models used for the karts and their riders in the Dreamcast version of Sonic Adventure 2 have strange light reflection effects, making some of the models look miscolored, like Eggman whose glasses are white. In later ports, this effect was removed.
