 This is the third racing game starring Sonic, after  _Sonic Drift (1994) (VG)_ (qv) and _Sonic Drift 2 (1995) (VG)_ (qv).  However, only this one is considered a true Sonic game; whereas kart  racers are pretty much the same no matter which franchise is being  used, Sonic R has elements you could only expect to see in a Sonic  title.