Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack

Genre: Compilation / Platformer / Kart Racing

Players: 1-2 Co-Op (Local), 2 Competitive (Local Splitscreen), 2-4 Team Competitive (Local Split-Screen, Local Wireless) 2-16 Team Competitive (Online), Online Leaderboards, DLC: 3-4 Competitive (Local Splitscreen)

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Review:

(Note: The contents of this bundle are also included in The Ultimate Sonic Bundle, which also includes Sonic Forces. Also, Team Sonic Racing is included in the Team Sonic Racing + Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD Bundle along with Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz HD)

Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack is a physical-only Compilation of the two named family-friendly titles, the former a 2D Platformer released on Nintendo Switch in 2017, and the latter a Kart Racer released on Nintendo Switch in 2019, with this bundle releasing on the Nintendo Switch in 2020.

I have previously reviewed both of the games in this package. Here is what I had to say:

Game	Genre	# of Players	Grade
Sonic Mania	Platformer	1-2 Co-Op (Local), 2 Competitive (Local Splitscreen), Online Leaderboards, DLC: 3-4 Competitive (Local Splitscreen)	A-
tl;dr Sonic Mania is a Platformer that mixes classic throwback levels with newer, remixed stage design to create something unique and refreshing that stands as the best the series has ever been. It may not top Mario in my book, but it’s a must-have game regardless.
Team Sonic Racing	Kart Racer	1-4 Team Competitive (Local Split-Screen, Local Wireless) 2-16 Team Competitive (Online)	B-
tl;dr Team Sonic Racing is a Kart Racer with a focus on its team dynamics, and it’s a solid entry in the genre. However, it’s not without its flaws, and it is largely overshadowed by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is simply an all-around better game. If you want a second kart racer though, Team Sonic Racing is a good choice.

In short, these are both two solid games in their respective genres, even if I would argue that in both cases, Sonic doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Mario. Sonic Mania is particularly noteworthy, and is arguably the best 2D Sonic game ever made. Team Sonic Racing is no slouch either, but that game is let down somewhat by the limitations of the Nintendo Switch hardware, resulting in performance that isn’t on par with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or even versions of the game on other platforms.

At $40, this package saves $10 off the cost of buying both of these games separately, which is a pretty decent deal. It should be noted that this bundle does not include the Encore DLC for Sonic Mania (also called Sonic Mania+), although players wanting to get that content can simply buy the DLC separately for $5 extra. However, on the bright side, those looking to get this bundle specifically because it is a physical release will be pleased to hear that both games are included on the cartridge, no additional download required.

If you missed out on both of these games previously and are looking for a good pair of family-friendly games to add to your Nintendo Switch collection, Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack is an excellent choice. While neither game is the outright best in its genre, they’re both still superb games, and this package overall represents a good value. And if you’re a Sonic fan who just got a Nintendo Switch, consider this bundle a no-brainer.

tl;dr – Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack is a solid pair of the two named family-friendly titles, an excellent Platformer and a solid Kart Racing game. Both games are on the cartridge, though it bears mention that Sonic Mania does not include the Encore DLC (AKA Sonic Mania+). Still, for what you’re getting, this bundle is an excellent value.

Grade: B+

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