I actually really like Sonic R. I love how many intersecting paths there are throughout the entire track, for pretty much every stage except Radiant Emerald. Granted, there's generally only one "ideal" path through each stage, but still, it's impressive to go through your first couple of times. Also loved the character variety, and how they worked in the existing character mechanics like flying and gliding to their respective characters - although this, too, winds up woefully imbalanced, especially once you start unlocking the secret characters who so outclass the stock characters that playing with them in single-player pits you against your fellow secret racers instead of the original set.
Will agree with the controlling like ass, though. Like, if you're treating it like a driving game, where you pretty much can only go forward, it's okay... but when you want to stop and go in reverse, meet the world's slowest turning speed!
