10 Video Games That Are Shameless Rip-Offs

10. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing

Just because a game's a rip-off doesn't mean that it's without redeeming features, and that's exactly the case with Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, a competently-assembled racing game that is nevertheless entirely indebted to the King of the genre - at least as far as fun goes - Mario Kart. The series has evolved throughout the years, and its enduring popularity has ensured a ridiculous number of rip-offs, yet like Crash Team Racing, this one is both absolutely shameless and actually pretty good. There's something amusing and ironic that it's helmed by Mario's all-time biggest rival - even more so than Bowser - Sonic, as though he's trying to encroach on the world's most famous plumber's territory. Though it won't be stealing the racing crown away from Mario anytime soon, it's got the same winning elements; crazy maps, absurd power-ups, and a host of weird and wonderful characters, including Alex Kidd, Ryo Hazuki (Shenmue), Amigo (Samba de Amigo) and countless members of the Sonic cast. It's a game that's an easy target to pick on, but it almost pains us to say that it's actually rather enjoyable.
 
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Frequently sleep-deprived film addict and video game obsessive who spends more time than is healthy in darkened London screening rooms. Follow his twitter on @ShaunMunroFilm or e-mail him at shaneo632 [at] gmail.com.