We've gotten a generous helping of Sonic Rivals screenshots and not everyone is impressed with the quality of the graphics. But then again, the screens may have been taken from the game in its initial stages of development, so there might still be hope yet.

While we wait (hopefully not in vain), we can turn our focus to some very interesting bits of info about the game. First off, the storyline. SEGA has revealed that Sonic is on a mission to save Amy Rose and Miles "Tails" Prower who were mysteriously turned into cards. As any Sonic fan would suspect, Doctor Eggman may have been behind the deed, but we'll only find out when we start playing the game.

Knuckles the Echidna gets into the fray to save his precious Master Emerald, and gets involved in a race against Sonic and other competitors. Shadow, on the other hand, is drawn to the mysterious events when he received a strange transmission from Doctor Eggman. He then discovers something "very strange". He must race to Doctor Eggman to get the full truth about the discovery. Silver the Hedgehog is summoned from a strange place to find a mysterious person. He, too, must race to find Doctor Eggman in order to get clues that would lead to the person he's looking for.

The story is quite intriguing and it seems Doctor Eggman is getting even more exposure in this game. I guess with the storyline, I'd consider buying the game when it hits retail. But then, looking at the concept art of an unnamed level, I think I'm back to just being on the fence.

Sonic Rivals is slated for a November 17 release date in Europe. No word yet on the North American release, but the game is expected to hit retail in autumn of this year.