Sonic R/Characters

Sonic the hedgehog
the first starting character. Sonic is the fastest character and has a double jump ability, but his handling is poor.

Tails/Miles
the second starting character. Tails can fly for a short time, this makes shortcuts easier.

Knuckles
the third starting character. Knuckles can glide and has the best handling out of the 4 starters.

Amy Rose
the fourth starting character. Like Dr. Robotnik/Eggman she rides in a vehicle and cannot jump. Amy makes up for a jump by having a boost feature in her car. The boost only lasts for a few seconds, and it will come back after a few seconds, so you will not be without a boost for long. Amy is very slow, but has excellent handling, while boosting she gets speed, but loses handling.

Unlockable Characters
Most unlockable characters are earned by collecting every coin on a course and then beating it. Dr. Robotnik/Dr. Eggman and Super Sonic are the exceptions.

Dr. Robotnik/Dr. Eggman
Beat the Radiant Emerald course to unlock this character.

Metal Sonic
Collect all the coins on the Resort Island course.

Tails Doll
Collect all the coins on the Radical City course.

Metal Knuckles
Collect all the coins on the Reactive Factory course.

Egg Robo
Collect all the coins on the Regal Ruins course.

Super Sonic
Collect all 7 Emeralds in the game to unlock this character.

Super Sonic has the best stats among the other characters in the game, he has the best speed, best acceleration, and best handling in the game. If you race as him, most likely you will win. If you are racing against him, prepare for a challenge. Like Sonic, Super Sonic can also double jump, to help him win. Super Sonic can also jump on water, and stand on water for a few seconds, as he slowly sinks into the deep.