Aside from the story mode, there is a challenge mode and a cup circuit mode. The challenge mode has you racing the same stages from the story mode, except you have specific objectives to complete in addition to winning the race. You have to collect a certain number of rings, hit your opponent so many times with a power-up, finish within a certain time, and more. Most of the challenges aren't difficult, and you'll complete most of them within the course of an average race. Again, the hardest part is winning the race; all the ancillary challenges are easy. The cup circuit mode is more racing on the same few levels, except instead of single races you're going for the best two out of three. Aside from that, it's just like the other two modes.
Whether you're racing in story mode, completing challenges, or racing in a cup circuit, you'll earn trading cards. Some cards don't seem to serve any purpose other than to be collected, while other cards will give you things like new outfits to wear. With 150 different cards to collect, it will take you a long time to find them all. You can also trade cards or wager cards in the multiplayer races.
The game supports up to two players via an ad hoc connection, and both players need a copy of the game. You can do head-to-head races or cup circuits. In our experience there was a bit of lag, even when sitting only a few feet away from our opponent. With a game that moves as fast as Sonic Rivals does, even the slightest amount of lag is very noticeable and problematic.
Aside from the lag in multiplayer games, Sonic Rivals runs very well and looks good. The sense of speed is great, and the large, 3D levels are full of exciting twists and turns. The graphics are all bright and charming, and they remain true to the cartoonish Sonic design throughout. The frame rate is steady, which further helps maintain the sense of speed that Sonic is known for. The game sounds good as well, with upbeat music that fits each stage. You'll also notice some familiar sound effects, like the trademark "ding" that you hear when you collect a gold ring.
Sonic Rivals is a fast and fun game, but it can also be frustrating. The trial-and-error process required to make it through a race can get very tedious. When all you want to do is run really fast, the unseen hazards that slow you down can be aggravating. But if you're willing to put up with some punishment, you'll have fun running through the long levels in the game. There aren't many of them, though, and as a result, the replay value takes a hit. Still, Sonic Rivals has enough fun moments to make it a decent game to take with you on the go.
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