Sega's new Sonic-based racer for the current-gen consoles os getting close to release. Really close. So in order to better server you the reader, GameSpy recently got the chance to chat with producer Takashi Yuda about the ins and outs of Sonic Riders. This is part one of the two part interview, so come back again soon for the concluding scoop.

GameSpy: The last Sonic racing title was Sonic R for Saturn. What made you want to revisit this genre?
Takashi Yuda: The main reason for revisiting the racing genre for Sonic is because fans have been asking for it. Secondly we felt we're able to combine all of the action elements Sonic and his friends are known for and racing together to create a truly innovative racing game that Sonic fans are sure to enjoy. To us, Sonic Riders is not a remake of Sonic R, rather its own entity entirely.
GameSpy: What made you want to do a racing game instead of a new platformer?
Takashi Yuda: We know that many Sonic fans are still enjoying all the past Sonic adventures on the current platforms so we wanted to give them something fresh and new to enjoy on the current gen machines. Riders will also appeal to extreme sports minded gamers to try something that Sonic is part of.
GameSpy: Despite the fact that Sonic R was developed by Traveller's Tales, is Sonic Riders at all related to that game, either through storyline or some other connection?
Takashi Yuda: As I stated above, this title has nothing to do with Sonic R. Other than that the genre is the same, racing, there is no relationship between them.

GameSpy: One of the more memorable aspects of Sonic R was the soundtrack. Can we expect any similar music (complete with lyrics) in Riders?
Takashi Yuda: The music in Riders will be fast paced and give you that heart pounding feeling you should have during a high-speed race; we guarantee the music will be loved by all.