Sonic didn't flinch. He drifted hard around a 90-degree bend, sparks flying from his tires. He grabbed an item box—a triple boost. With a flick of the wrist, he engaged the first charge. The world turned into a blue smear.

The screen went black. Then, the engine roar. Not a real engine—a SEGA engine, all synthesized bass and arcade swagger. The logo slammed into view: Blue skies, checkerboard curves, and the unmistakable chime of rings being collected.