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licoricewarp) wrote2013-03-13 12:40 am
licoricewarp) wrote2013-03-13 12:40 am
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"Sugar Rush: Just Desserts" Info
Sugar Rush: Just Desserts is the 2003 sequel to the 1997 arcade hit Sugar Rush Speedway, developed by Sugar Cube Studios and published by Tobikomi.
It is a kart-racing game set on the island of Sugar Rush, a magical kingdom made entirely of candy and sweets. Up to two players an race against one another on a single game cabinet. There are 20 total playable characters, with a randomly selected roster of 9 racers each day. Each racer has their own individual stats and special racing power-up, which they have a chance of receiving when they hit a sugar cube.
Just Desserts, while technically a sequel, is very much a "new and improved" version of the original Sugar Rush. Features include 9 new characters along with the original 11, several new tracks in addition to all the original tracks, and an all-new Challenge Mode along with the classic Championship Mode.
THE ISLAND
THE STORY
Once upon a time, the isle of Sugar Rush was ruled benevolently by racing champions King Candelius and Queen Nestletia Von Schweetz. One day, the chancellor Lord Bleakroot, a powerful black licorice wizard, betrayed the royal family and tried to place a curse on King Candelius, so he could take the Queen for himself. Queen Nestletia defended her husband and took the curse instead, and thus became infected with a deadly virus created by the wizard known as Liqnoir. However, the Queen was also pregnant, so if the King did not find a way to break the curse, he would lose both his wife and his child.
The King searched the island until he finally found the cure for Liqnoir, but unfortunately, it could only be used once. Since the virus would be passed onto her baby, the Queen insisted it be used on the child so that they may live, although this meant sacrificing herself. The King woefully honored his wife's final wish, and the cure was used on their newborn baby girl, Vanellope. Queen Nestletia passed away with her husband and infant daughter by her side. The kingdom mourned the loss of their Queen, but celebrated the birth of their Princess.
When the curse was lifted from Princess Vanellope, she was also given a very special gift. Not only was she cured of the Liqnoir virus, but the magical remedy blessed her, granting the Princess the ultimate racing power-up: the "Licorice Warp"!
The console version of the game also reveals more about how the island of Sugar Rush was founded through King Candy's story mode. Years ago, a woman named Hershelia Von Schweetz discovered the island, finding it to be inhabited by candy monsters. She used the island's natural resources and magic to create the candy go-kart, making her fast enough to capture the monsters with the weapons (power-ups) to destroy them. Hershelia became the first Queen of this new land she named Sugar Rush, and established kart racing as its claim to fame as others now came to inhabit it. Having invented the sport, Queen Hershelia was Sugar Rush's greatest racer, and was undefeated.
However, a commoner by the name of Nitrolas Pepperswirl was determined to be the best racer in the land, but he could not defeat the Queen. They raced often, but she always defeated him, leaving him second best. Queen Hershelia and Nitrolas developed a friendly rivalry, eventually coming to care for one another more than either of them would admit.
One day, Nitrolas asked the Queen if they could have one final race to see who was really the greatest, and the winner could ask something very important of the loser. Knowing she would win as she always did, Queen Hershelia accepted.
The Queen lost the race.
And so the winner asked his very important question to her:
"Will you marry me?"
At last realizing how deeply they loved one another, Queen Hershelia accepted and she and Nitrolas were married. Having ascended from commoner status to royal, Nitrolas took the Queen's name, becoming King Nitrolas Von Schweetz, the first King of Sugar Rush. Some time later their son Candelius was born, who would eventually succeed them to the throne after marrying his childhood friend Nestletia.
THE GAMEPLAY
After inserting credits, players choose a mode, their racer, and a track. If a player wins 1st place, they get a free race on the same mode. If a player gets 1st place three times in a row, they are taken to the Bonus Stage. The best times for each track are recorded like high scores.
There are two modes of gameplay in Just Desserts:
Championship Mode - The "classic" racing mode. Get power-ups by hitting sugar cubes and go for the gold!
Challenge Mode - A new addition to Just Desserts. In Challenge Mode, the object isn't to cross the finish line first, but to eliminate all the other racers using racing power-ups before they can eliminate you! The winner is the last one standing!
Racing Power-Ups (Both Modes):
Sticky Slick - Leaves a slick of sticky syrup that when driven over causes an opponent to slow down for a short period of time.
Syrup Puddle - Similar to the Sticky Slick, except when the sticky puddle of syrup is driven over, it causes an opponent to become stuck in place for a short period of time.
Cherry Bomb - Throws a lit cherry-shaped bomb onto the road, the stem being the fuse. When it explodes, it knocks out all nearby opponents.
Sugar Rush - Grants a temporary speed boost. Comes in either 1 or 3 uses.
Sugar Diamond - Temporary invincibility while covered in rainbow-colored kompeito-shaped barrier.
Sour Cube - Places a fake sugar cube on the track which knocks out an opponent when hit.
Whipped Cream - Covers an opponent's screen in whipped cream, obscuring their view temporarily.
Sweet Seekers - Comes in two varieties; Green Gumballs that roll down the track, or flaming Red Hots that home in on opponents. They may be obtained either 1 or 3 at a time. (Basically, they're the Green and Red Shells from Mario Kart)
Special Power-Up - Unique to each character!
THE CHARACTERS
All 11 racers from the original Sugar Rush return, plus 8 all-new characters and 1 secret character. The original racers are slightly older in Just Desserts, though they look essentially the same. With the exception of King Candy, the age range of the racers is 10-14.
The Racers:
Returning:
Princess Vanellope Von Schweetz
(Vanellope's kart in Just Desserts is shaped like this, but has the same colors/detailing as King Candy's kart/her original kart.)
Age: 10
Kart Name: The Lickity Split
Special Power-Up: Licorice Warp - Vanellope warps herself ahead in what resembles a flash of electric blue lightning.
Princess Vanellope is an energetic young girl, lively and full of spunk. Curious and fun-loving, she's adventurous, enthusiastic and determined. Although she can be sassy, feisty and teasing, she has a sweet, pure heart and is friendly, kind and forgiving. She is innocent but optimistic, and always tries to see the good in people.
While Vanellope doesn't particularly mind being Princess, she sees herself as a better racer than a ruler. As a natural tomboy, she prefers being casual as opposed to formal, proper and ladylike, and often attempts to avoid having to do "boring royal stuff." She doesn't see herself above anyone else just because she's royalty, but is still caring and helpful to everyone in the kingdom whether or not she's wearing a crown. Vanellope, like her father, loves racing and is very passionate about it. Even though they may sometimes disagree, she loves her dad and looks up to him more than anyone else.
Taffyta Muttonfudge
Age: 12
Kart Name: Pink Lightning
Special Power-Up: Sprinkle Spikes - Leaves sharp pointed pink sprinkles on the track, which if driven over causes severe wheel damage.
Taffyta is a top-notch racer, a fierce competitor who keeps her eyes on the prize and she isn't afraid to derail anyone who gets in her way. While often teasing to her rivals, she encourages others to race their best, after all, it's no fun winning if you're not giving her a run for the quarters! She's a bit of a hard candy, but even though she's tough on the track she'll always be there to take the initiative and stand up for her fellow racers when she has to.
Rancis Fluggerbutter
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Kit Kart
Special Power-Up: Fluggerbutter Oil - Leaves a slippery oil slick on the track that when driven over causes opponents to lose control and spin out.
Rancis is a fashionable lad who loves looking in the mirror almost as much as he does racing. Though concerned for looking his best, he's always determined to race as smoothly as his hair is combed. He's a bright, dedicated boy who win or lose, never fails to cross the finish line with style.
Jubileena Bing-Bing
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Cherriot
Special Power-Up: Bing-Bing Boom! - Covers the track in a large number of Cherry Bombs.
Jubileena is as sweet as a cherry pie, and her cheerful smile and enthusiasm are highly contagious. Winning is nice, but victory isn't always on her mind. In the end, the thing that matters most of all is love!
Crumbelina DiCaramello
Age: 13
Kart Name: The Tira-Missile
Special Power-Up: Caramel Luxe - Leaves a giant slick of caramel that if driven over will cause opponents to become stuck in it.
Crumbelina has the exterior of a polished peppermint and is among the poshest racers around. But when it comes to racing, extravagance and wealth doesn't distract her; she considers herself as a down-and-dirty racer.
Adorabeezle Winterpop
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Ice Rocket
Special Power-Up: A La Mode - Adorabeezle fires a giant scoop of ice cream from a waffle cone cannon.
Adorabeezle is the prettiest, happiest, most amiable ice champion there is. She's a racing and skiing fanatic who loves exploring and enjoying the ice cream covered mountain slopes.
Candlehead
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Ice Screamer
Special Power-Up: Happy Birthday! - Candlehead boosts ahead as the candles on her kart flame up to give her an extra burst of speed.
Candlehead is a riot who's able to laugh at herself, even when she's the butt of the joke. Hypnotized by the flame atop her own head, she gets lost in a haze of birthday parties. The races wouldn't be complete without Candlehead, but she's a few scoops short of a sundae.
Gloyd Orangeboar
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Kernal
Special Power-Up: Trick Or Treat - Covers the track in a large number of Sour Cubes.
Gloyd is an energetic prankster who's just as many tricks as he is treats. Every day is Halloween for this fun-loving mischief-maker.
Swizzle "The Swizz" Malarkey
Age: 13
Kart Name: The Tongue Twister
Special Power-Up: Swizz Swirl - A rainbow swirl lollipop shield protects Swizzle for an extended time and bounces any attack right back to its user.
Swizzle is a lover of adrenaline who thinks that life must be lived to the last breath. There is nothing he can't defy, no stunt he can’t perform or individual he can't beat. His racing is fast and elegant, just like his philosophy of life.
Snowanna Rainbeau
Age: 12
Kart Name: Fro Cone
Special Power-Up: Groovy Get-Down - Summons a disco ball with colorful lights that causes all racers to get out of their karts and start dancing uncontrollably. (It's basically The Groovitron from Ratchet & Clank)
Snowanna is a vivacious young spirit with a personality as loud and colorful as her hairdo. With a boogie beat in her soul, she's as cool as ice! Watch out racers, she’ll lay down a funky track with her chilling charm and you'll never see it coming!
Minty Zaki / Minty Sakura
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Veloci-Wrapper
Special Power-Up (Zaki): Minty Fresh - Doubles Minty's stats, giving her greatly improved speed and handling.
Special Power-Up (Sakura): Sakura Bomb - Covers all opponents screens in cherry blossoms, obscuring their vision for an extended time.
Minty Zaki/Sakura always has an ace up her tasty sleeve, especially when it comes to racing. Refreshing and full of resources, she is a defender of good causes, but maybe not always for the right reasons.
Minty Sakura is Minty Zaki's counterpart from the Japanese version of Just Desserts, with a different appearance and special power-up, and is the game's "secret character." If both pedals are pushed when Minty Zaki is highlighted on the racer select screen, she will become Minty Sakura.
New Challengers:
King Candelius "Candy" Von Schweetz
(King Candy's kart is Vanellope's original kart.)
Age: Early 50s
Kart Name: The Throne
Special Power-Up: Angel Seeker - King Candy fires a flying slice of angel cake (it has wings and a halo), which homes in an opponent and explodes when it hits them. (Think the Spiky Blue Shell of Death from Mario Kart)
King Candy is Sugar Rush's cheerful and bouncy ruler. He is a kind, generous, joyful and friendly man who adores and cares deeply for his subjects. While he is competitive and loves to win, he is an honorable racing veteran who believes racing, above all else, should be fun for everyone.
More than racing and anything else in the world, he loves his daughter Vanellope. She means the world to him, and there's nothing in his life he cherishes more than her. As a result he can be somewhat overprotective of her, but he would do absolutely anything to keep her safe. He is completely terrified of anything bad happening to her, but like any loving father, he only wants her to be happy, and is incredibly proud of her.
The reason for King Candy's inclusion in Just Desserts is something of a curiosity. When the original Sugar Rush was being developed, it was initially planned as a console game and was to include many more levels, modes, characters, and a larger story. However, the last minute decision to bring the game to arcades instead caused several of these elements to be left out. King Candelius "Candy" Von Schweetz, father of Princess Vanellope, was one of these things that never truly made it into the final product, although his unfinished and unused files and code remained in the game. In the late '90s, King Candy became a popular urban legend in the gaming world, rumored to be somehow unlockable due to unconfirmed reports of his playability. Sugar Cube, the game's developers, released several statements saying that while King Candy was originally intended to be a playable character in the game, his incomplete status makes playing him impossible. They assumed the rumor to be a hoax started by someone who possibly discovered the unfinished files in the game's database, or perhaps a fan had modded the game to include him. However, when it came time to develop the sequel to their blockbuster racing game, they couldn't deny the popularity of the urban legend or the character. King Candy's completion and inclusion in Just Desserts as an undeniably playable racer was touted as one of the game's major selling points.
Junkie Tonic
(KART DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 13
Kart Name: Captain Cappers
Special Power-Up: Wild Cherry Bomb - Junkie places a giant Cherry Bomb on the track that explodes with much greater range and higher damage.
Junkie is reckless and rebellious thrill-seeker who loves stirring up a little anarchy. This destructive soda jerk goes looking for trouble with her sharp tongue, but on the racetrack she never jokes around!
Lolliluna Crescentrot
Age: 13
Kart Name: Temptation Eclipse
Special Power-Up: Indulgence Rocket - Lolliluna fires a large and powerful whipped cream can homing missile at her opponent.
Lolliluna is an upper-crust damsel with wicked racing skills as elegant as lace. This bittersweet aristocrat is more than determined to achieve the perfection and will take down anyone standing in her way!
Bonbon Truffletail III
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Truffle Trolly
Special Power-Up: Egg-Cellent! - Bonbon gets up on a giant chocolate egg which he rolls down the track crushing anyone in his way. (It's pretty much a chocolate egg version of Billy Hatcher's All-Star Move from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing)
Bonbon may be a rookie on the track, but he's as energetic as a chocolate rabbit. With his up-and-coming skill in speed, he's eager to prove himself the best racer he can be!
Merlot Plumtucker
Age: 14
Kart Name: Ultraviolet Jolt
Special Power-Up: Mystic Gem Pop - Summons a violet lightning bolt which strikes all opponents and stuns them. (Think the Shrink Lightning from Mario Kart, without the shrinking)
Merlot is a cool, violet beauty and eldest of the young racers. With shocking skills and sharp tactics, she effortlessly defeats her opponents in the most stylish way possible!
Sunniberri Chocoshine
(DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 10
Kart Name: The Ichi-Go
Special Power-Up: Meijikal Lolli-Club - Sunniberri's club magically grows to gigantic size, and she smashes down all opponents in her path.
Sunniberri is a hyperactive maid who seems to be all full of sugar and and sweetness. But when she's on the racetrack she unleashes the spice, and isn't afraid to say "Sayonara" to rival karts!
Razzle Pucks
(DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Malic Monster
Special Power-Up: Wacky Warhead - Razzle locks onto an opponent and shoots an exploding sour candy. The explosion causes them to spin out and a sugar cloud briefly obscures their view.
Razzle is a humble, but very gifted mechanic who has constructed some of the best vehicles in the kingdom, including his own sturdy mini-tank. Opponents will need all the fire power they can get their hands on to beat this mechanical mastermind!
Noah T. Backwash
(DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 13
Kart Name: The S.S. Guylian
Special Power-Up: Salty Cannonball - Noah fires a salt water taffy cannonball that significantly slows down whoever it hits.
Noah supposedly sailed to Sugar Rush from a faraway island, looking to conquer the land. The young seafaring captain may not be ready to take over the kingdom just yet, but he'll be dipped if he won't turn the racetrack into a battlefield!
The NPCs (Non-Player Characters):
The Candy Citizens - The many types of candy people who inhabit the kingdom and are huge race fans! They love watching the races, filling the grandstands and rooting for their favorite racer.
Sour Bill - The candy citizen who serves the Royal Von Schweetz Family and is King Candy's best and closest friend. While they may call him Sour Bill for a reason, his loyalty to the royal family is absolutely infallible.
Beard Papa - Mascot of the Japanese bakery chain Beard Papa's, his cameo appearance in Just Desserts, much like in the original Sugar Rush, has him in charge of and running the Bake-A-Kart Factory.
Lord Liqmund Bleakroot - Just Desserts' "bad guy", Lord Bleakroot is the boss of the bonus level Black Licorice Tower and the final boss of the console version. An evil sorcerer banished from the kingdom proper, he enjoys solitude and keeps to himself. Much like certain other villains, being a "bad guy" doesn't make him a bad guy. Though that doesn't mean he's nice, either. He's mostly a pompous jerk who can't stand children and prefers being left alone.
Queen Nestletia Von Schweetz - King Candy's wife and Vanellope's mother, now deceased. She appears only in flashback through the game's intro cutscene.
King Nitrolas and Queen Hershelia Von Schweetz - King Candy's parents and Vanellope's grandparents, the first King and Queen of Sugar Rush, now deceased. Their history is only revealed to the player in the console version through King Candy's story mode, however, in the arcade version a portrait of them is located in the Royal Castle.
THE STAGES
Royal Raceway - Race around the castle and the nearby town with Gaudi-inspired architecture in this signature track of the Sugar Rush franchise.
Cake Canyon - This track has you racing through canyons made of cake and down and up steep gorges.
Gumdrop Valley - Navigate through a valley where enormous colorful gumdrops grow out from the ground.
Peppermint Forest - This track runs through the forest of candy-cane trees. Be careful of double-stripe branch paths, which break after a few seconds when driven on, and avoid driving into the Taffy Swamp or falling into NesQuik Sand!
Soft Serve Summit - Race down and around the chilly Ice Cream Mountains and through their misty caves.
Diet Cola Mountain - An unfinished level in the original, the stage is now fully completed and playable in Just Desserts. Race along the track inside the mountain and watch out for the explosive splash when the Mentos on the stalactites fall into the Diet Cola Hot Springs.
The Maize Maze - This candy corn maze track is tricky to navigate, but has lots of shortcuts to be discovered. Watch out for the Black Licorice Crows that drop exploding caramelized popcorn! (Inspired by a storyboard from an early version of Wreck-It Ralph, included on the Blu-Ray/DVD special features)
Candy Hollow - Race along the mine kart tracks inside the Rock Candy Mines of the great Mt. Fudgesuvius. (Inspired by a storyboard from an early version of Wreck-It Ralph included on the Blu-Ray/DVD special features, and named after the original name for Sugar Rush also from the early versions of the film)
Fizzy City - This sweet piece of metropolis holds its races at night, where the neon shine given off by the tall soda bottle and can buildings and crisp sparkling fountains make it one spectacular sight. Skill and reflexes quick as caffeine are needed to navigate the track's many sharp turns and alternate paths. (Inspired by tracks such as Mushroom City from Mario Kart Double Dash and Moonview Highway from Mario Kart Wii)
Salty Lake - Race along the docks around this nautical-themed, salt water taffy lake. Watch out for Swedish Fish swimming upstream and the dreaded Gummi Kracken!
The Milky Way - This out-of-this-world track has you racing around Sugar Rush's moon and among the stars, on a road made of chocolate, caramel and nouget. (Think of this stage as the Sugar Rush equivalent to Mario Kart's Rainbow Road)
Black Licorice Tower - This Bonus Stage can only be reached if the player wins 1st place three times in a row. It is Lord Bleakroot's hideout, and here you face only him as a boss battle race.
THE MUSIC
In the original Sugar Rush, the theme song was left in Japanese for the English release. In the English release of Just Desserts, the theme song is translated and performed in English.
(Note that while the above video is an acoustic version, the English theme song in Just Desserts is a full band version)
Lyrics:
Every road that leads you
Every single turn that you can make
May not always be perfect
Winds you up, spins you out
You can't catch a break
And maybe sometimes
Life's not what you wanted and
The track is rough
And the road goes on for miles ahead
When your thoughts turn sour
Make them sweet instead
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
Everybody has a bad day
Every racer has a day when they lose the race
Close your eyes, it's getting better
Don't let go of your dream of winning first place
And maybe sometimes
Our engine stalls a little while
It won't stop you from crossing the line up ahead
When your thoughts go sour
Make them sweet instead
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
Come down the highway
Drift around the corner
On an open road
Keep it forward
Petal to to the metal
Oh Oh Oh
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
(Repeat x 2)
CREDITS
Sugar Rush: Just Desserts is the deliciously combined ideas and efforts of![[tumblr.com profile]](https://www.tumblr.com/favicon.ico)
adorablyrotten, bonegirlii, and genalovestoons. Story by adorablyrotten and bonegirlii. Just Desserts!King Candy based on a concept by genalovestoons. Lolliluna Crescentrot created by adorablyrotten. All other new racers and Lord Bleakroot created by bonegirlii. Artwork of King Candy by genalovestoons. Artwork of all new racers by bonegirlii. The Sugar Rush Theme Song translated and performed in English by rockleetist.
It is a kart-racing game set on the island of Sugar Rush, a magical kingdom made entirely of candy and sweets. Up to two players an race against one another on a single game cabinet. There are 20 total playable characters, with a randomly selected roster of 9 racers each day. Each racer has their own individual stats and special racing power-up, which they have a chance of receiving when they hit a sugar cube.
Just Desserts, while technically a sequel, is very much a "new and improved" version of the original Sugar Rush. Features include 9 new characters along with the original 11, several new tracks in addition to all the original tracks, and an all-new Challenge Mode along with the classic Championship Mode.
THE ISLAND
THE STORY
Once upon a time, the isle of Sugar Rush was ruled benevolently by racing champions King Candelius and Queen Nestletia Von Schweetz. One day, the chancellor Lord Bleakroot, a powerful black licorice wizard, betrayed the royal family and tried to place a curse on King Candelius, so he could take the Queen for himself. Queen Nestletia defended her husband and took the curse instead, and thus became infected with a deadly virus created by the wizard known as Liqnoir. However, the Queen was also pregnant, so if the King did not find a way to break the curse, he would lose both his wife and his child.
The King searched the island until he finally found the cure for Liqnoir, but unfortunately, it could only be used once. Since the virus would be passed onto her baby, the Queen insisted it be used on the child so that they may live, although this meant sacrificing herself. The King woefully honored his wife's final wish, and the cure was used on their newborn baby girl, Vanellope. Queen Nestletia passed away with her husband and infant daughter by her side. The kingdom mourned the loss of their Queen, but celebrated the birth of their Princess.
When the curse was lifted from Princess Vanellope, she was also given a very special gift. Not only was she cured of the Liqnoir virus, but the magical remedy blessed her, granting the Princess the ultimate racing power-up: the "Licorice Warp"!
The console version of the game also reveals more about how the island of Sugar Rush was founded through King Candy's story mode. Years ago, a woman named Hershelia Von Schweetz discovered the island, finding it to be inhabited by candy monsters. She used the island's natural resources and magic to create the candy go-kart, making her fast enough to capture the monsters with the weapons (power-ups) to destroy them. Hershelia became the first Queen of this new land she named Sugar Rush, and established kart racing as its claim to fame as others now came to inhabit it. Having invented the sport, Queen Hershelia was Sugar Rush's greatest racer, and was undefeated.
However, a commoner by the name of Nitrolas Pepperswirl was determined to be the best racer in the land, but he could not defeat the Queen. They raced often, but she always defeated him, leaving him second best. Queen Hershelia and Nitrolas developed a friendly rivalry, eventually coming to care for one another more than either of them would admit.
One day, Nitrolas asked the Queen if they could have one final race to see who was really the greatest, and the winner could ask something very important of the loser. Knowing she would win as she always did, Queen Hershelia accepted.
The Queen lost the race.
And so the winner asked his very important question to her:
"Will you marry me?"
At last realizing how deeply they loved one another, Queen Hershelia accepted and she and Nitrolas were married. Having ascended from commoner status to royal, Nitrolas took the Queen's name, becoming King Nitrolas Von Schweetz, the first King of Sugar Rush. Some time later their son Candelius was born, who would eventually succeed them to the throne after marrying his childhood friend Nestletia.
THE GAMEPLAY
After inserting credits, players choose a mode, their racer, and a track. If a player wins 1st place, they get a free race on the same mode. If a player gets 1st place three times in a row, they are taken to the Bonus Stage. The best times for each track are recorded like high scores.
There are two modes of gameplay in Just Desserts:
Championship Mode - The "classic" racing mode. Get power-ups by hitting sugar cubes and go for the gold!
Challenge Mode - A new addition to Just Desserts. In Challenge Mode, the object isn't to cross the finish line first, but to eliminate all the other racers using racing power-ups before they can eliminate you! The winner is the last one standing!
Racing Power-Ups (Both Modes):
Sticky Slick - Leaves a slick of sticky syrup that when driven over causes an opponent to slow down for a short period of time.
Syrup Puddle - Similar to the Sticky Slick, except when the sticky puddle of syrup is driven over, it causes an opponent to become stuck in place for a short period of time.
Cherry Bomb - Throws a lit cherry-shaped bomb onto the road, the stem being the fuse. When it explodes, it knocks out all nearby opponents.
Sugar Rush - Grants a temporary speed boost. Comes in either 1 or 3 uses.
Sugar Diamond - Temporary invincibility while covered in rainbow-colored kompeito-shaped barrier.
Sour Cube - Places a fake sugar cube on the track which knocks out an opponent when hit.
Whipped Cream - Covers an opponent's screen in whipped cream, obscuring their view temporarily.
Sweet Seekers - Comes in two varieties; Green Gumballs that roll down the track, or flaming Red Hots that home in on opponents. They may be obtained either 1 or 3 at a time. (Basically, they're the Green and Red Shells from Mario Kart)
Special Power-Up - Unique to each character!
THE CHARACTERS
All 11 racers from the original Sugar Rush return, plus 8 all-new characters and 1 secret character. The original racers are slightly older in Just Desserts, though they look essentially the same. With the exception of King Candy, the age range of the racers is 10-14.
The Racers:
Returning:
Princess Vanellope Von Schweetz
(Vanellope's kart in Just Desserts is shaped like this, but has the same colors/detailing as King Candy's kart/her original kart.)
Age: 10
Kart Name: The Lickity Split
Special Power-Up: Licorice Warp - Vanellope warps herself ahead in what resembles a flash of electric blue lightning.
Princess Vanellope is an energetic young girl, lively and full of spunk. Curious and fun-loving, she's adventurous, enthusiastic and determined. Although she can be sassy, feisty and teasing, she has a sweet, pure heart and is friendly, kind and forgiving. She is innocent but optimistic, and always tries to see the good in people.
While Vanellope doesn't particularly mind being Princess, she sees herself as a better racer than a ruler. As a natural tomboy, she prefers being casual as opposed to formal, proper and ladylike, and often attempts to avoid having to do "boring royal stuff." She doesn't see herself above anyone else just because she's royalty, but is still caring and helpful to everyone in the kingdom whether or not she's wearing a crown. Vanellope, like her father, loves racing and is very passionate about it. Even though they may sometimes disagree, she loves her dad and looks up to him more than anyone else.
Taffyta Muttonfudge
Age: 12
Kart Name: Pink Lightning
Special Power-Up: Sprinkle Spikes - Leaves sharp pointed pink sprinkles on the track, which if driven over causes severe wheel damage.
Taffyta is a top-notch racer, a fierce competitor who keeps her eyes on the prize and she isn't afraid to derail anyone who gets in her way. While often teasing to her rivals, she encourages others to race their best, after all, it's no fun winning if you're not giving her a run for the quarters! She's a bit of a hard candy, but even though she's tough on the track she'll always be there to take the initiative and stand up for her fellow racers when she has to.
Rancis Fluggerbutter
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Kit Kart
Special Power-Up: Fluggerbutter Oil - Leaves a slippery oil slick on the track that when driven over causes opponents to lose control and spin out.
Rancis is a fashionable lad who loves looking in the mirror almost as much as he does racing. Though concerned for looking his best, he's always determined to race as smoothly as his hair is combed. He's a bright, dedicated boy who win or lose, never fails to cross the finish line with style.
Jubileena Bing-Bing
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Cherriot
Special Power-Up: Bing-Bing Boom! - Covers the track in a large number of Cherry Bombs.
Jubileena is as sweet as a cherry pie, and her cheerful smile and enthusiasm are highly contagious. Winning is nice, but victory isn't always on her mind. In the end, the thing that matters most of all is love!
Crumbelina DiCaramello
Age: 13
Kart Name: The Tira-Missile
Special Power-Up: Caramel Luxe - Leaves a giant slick of caramel that if driven over will cause opponents to become stuck in it.
Crumbelina has the exterior of a polished peppermint and is among the poshest racers around. But when it comes to racing, extravagance and wealth doesn't distract her; she considers herself as a down-and-dirty racer.
Adorabeezle Winterpop
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Ice Rocket
Special Power-Up: A La Mode - Adorabeezle fires a giant scoop of ice cream from a waffle cone cannon.
Adorabeezle is the prettiest, happiest, most amiable ice champion there is. She's a racing and skiing fanatic who loves exploring and enjoying the ice cream covered mountain slopes.
Candlehead
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Ice Screamer
Special Power-Up: Happy Birthday! - Candlehead boosts ahead as the candles on her kart flame up to give her an extra burst of speed.
Candlehead is a riot who's able to laugh at herself, even when she's the butt of the joke. Hypnotized by the flame atop her own head, she gets lost in a haze of birthday parties. The races wouldn't be complete without Candlehead, but she's a few scoops short of a sundae.
Gloyd Orangeboar
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Kernal
Special Power-Up: Trick Or Treat - Covers the track in a large number of Sour Cubes.
Gloyd is an energetic prankster who's just as many tricks as he is treats. Every day is Halloween for this fun-loving mischief-maker.
Swizzle "The Swizz" Malarkey
Age: 13
Kart Name: The Tongue Twister
Special Power-Up: Swizz Swirl - A rainbow swirl lollipop shield protects Swizzle for an extended time and bounces any attack right back to its user.
Swizzle is a lover of adrenaline who thinks that life must be lived to the last breath. There is nothing he can't defy, no stunt he can’t perform or individual he can't beat. His racing is fast and elegant, just like his philosophy of life.
Snowanna Rainbeau
Age: 12
Kart Name: Fro Cone
Special Power-Up: Groovy Get-Down - Summons a disco ball with colorful lights that causes all racers to get out of their karts and start dancing uncontrollably. (It's basically The Groovitron from Ratchet & Clank)
Snowanna is a vivacious young spirit with a personality as loud and colorful as her hairdo. With a boogie beat in her soul, she's as cool as ice! Watch out racers, she’ll lay down a funky track with her chilling charm and you'll never see it coming!
Minty Zaki / Minty Sakura
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Veloci-Wrapper
Special Power-Up (Zaki): Minty Fresh - Doubles Minty's stats, giving her greatly improved speed and handling.
Special Power-Up (Sakura): Sakura Bomb - Covers all opponents screens in cherry blossoms, obscuring their vision for an extended time.
Minty Zaki/Sakura always has an ace up her tasty sleeve, especially when it comes to racing. Refreshing and full of resources, she is a defender of good causes, but maybe not always for the right reasons.
Minty Sakura is Minty Zaki's counterpart from the Japanese version of Just Desserts, with a different appearance and special power-up, and is the game's "secret character." If both pedals are pushed when Minty Zaki is highlighted on the racer select screen, she will become Minty Sakura.
New Challengers:
King Candelius "Candy" Von Schweetz
(King Candy's kart is Vanellope's original kart.)
Age: Early 50s
Kart Name: The Throne
Special Power-Up: Angel Seeker - King Candy fires a flying slice of angel cake (it has wings and a halo), which homes in an opponent and explodes when it hits them. (Think the Spiky Blue Shell of Death from Mario Kart)
King Candy is Sugar Rush's cheerful and bouncy ruler. He is a kind, generous, joyful and friendly man who adores and cares deeply for his subjects. While he is competitive and loves to win, he is an honorable racing veteran who believes racing, above all else, should be fun for everyone.
More than racing and anything else in the world, he loves his daughter Vanellope. She means the world to him, and there's nothing in his life he cherishes more than her. As a result he can be somewhat overprotective of her, but he would do absolutely anything to keep her safe. He is completely terrified of anything bad happening to her, but like any loving father, he only wants her to be happy, and is incredibly proud of her.
The reason for King Candy's inclusion in Just Desserts is something of a curiosity. When the original Sugar Rush was being developed, it was initially planned as a console game and was to include many more levels, modes, characters, and a larger story. However, the last minute decision to bring the game to arcades instead caused several of these elements to be left out. King Candelius "Candy" Von Schweetz, father of Princess Vanellope, was one of these things that never truly made it into the final product, although his unfinished and unused files and code remained in the game. In the late '90s, King Candy became a popular urban legend in the gaming world, rumored to be somehow unlockable due to unconfirmed reports of his playability. Sugar Cube, the game's developers, released several statements saying that while King Candy was originally intended to be a playable character in the game, his incomplete status makes playing him impossible. They assumed the rumor to be a hoax started by someone who possibly discovered the unfinished files in the game's database, or perhaps a fan had modded the game to include him. However, when it came time to develop the sequel to their blockbuster racing game, they couldn't deny the popularity of the urban legend or the character. King Candy's completion and inclusion in Just Desserts as an undeniably playable racer was touted as one of the game's major selling points.
Junkie Tonic
(KART DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 13
Kart Name: Captain Cappers
Special Power-Up: Wild Cherry Bomb - Junkie places a giant Cherry Bomb on the track that explodes with much greater range and higher damage.
Junkie is reckless and rebellious thrill-seeker who loves stirring up a little anarchy. This destructive soda jerk goes looking for trouble with her sharp tongue, but on the racetrack she never jokes around!
Lolliluna Crescentrot
Age: 13
Kart Name: Temptation Eclipse
Special Power-Up: Indulgence Rocket - Lolliluna fires a large and powerful whipped cream can homing missile at her opponent.
Lolliluna is an upper-crust damsel with wicked racing skills as elegant as lace. This bittersweet aristocrat is more than determined to achieve the perfection and will take down anyone standing in her way!
Bonbon Truffletail III
Age: 11
Kart Name: The Truffle Trolly
Special Power-Up: Egg-Cellent! - Bonbon gets up on a giant chocolate egg which he rolls down the track crushing anyone in his way. (It's pretty much a chocolate egg version of Billy Hatcher's All-Star Move from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing)
Bonbon may be a rookie on the track, but he's as energetic as a chocolate rabbit. With his up-and-coming skill in speed, he's eager to prove himself the best racer he can be!
Merlot Plumtucker
Age: 14
Kart Name: Ultraviolet Jolt
Special Power-Up: Mystic Gem Pop - Summons a violet lightning bolt which strikes all opponents and stuns them. (Think the Shrink Lightning from Mario Kart, without the shrinking)
Merlot is a cool, violet beauty and eldest of the young racers. With shocking skills and sharp tactics, she effortlessly defeats her opponents in the most stylish way possible!
Sunniberri Chocoshine
(DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 10
Kart Name: The Ichi-Go
Special Power-Up: Meijikal Lolli-Club - Sunniberri's club magically grows to gigantic size, and she smashes down all opponents in her path.
Sunniberri is a hyperactive maid who seems to be all full of sugar and and sweetness. But when she's on the racetrack she unleashes the spice, and isn't afraid to say "Sayonara" to rival karts!
Razzle Pucks
(DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 12
Kart Name: The Malic Monster
Special Power-Up: Wacky Warhead - Razzle locks onto an opponent and shoots an exploding sour candy. The explosion causes them to spin out and a sugar cloud briefly obscures their view.
Razzle is a humble, but very gifted mechanic who has constructed some of the best vehicles in the kingdom, including his own sturdy mini-tank. Opponents will need all the fire power they can get their hands on to beat this mechanical mastermind!
Noah T. Backwash
(DESIGN NOT FINAL)
Age: 13
Kart Name: The S.S. Guylian
Special Power-Up: Salty Cannonball - Noah fires a salt water taffy cannonball that significantly slows down whoever it hits.
Noah supposedly sailed to Sugar Rush from a faraway island, looking to conquer the land. The young seafaring captain may not be ready to take over the kingdom just yet, but he'll be dipped if he won't turn the racetrack into a battlefield!
The NPCs (Non-Player Characters):
The Candy Citizens - The many types of candy people who inhabit the kingdom and are huge race fans! They love watching the races, filling the grandstands and rooting for their favorite racer.
Sour Bill - The candy citizen who serves the Royal Von Schweetz Family and is King Candy's best and closest friend. While they may call him Sour Bill for a reason, his loyalty to the royal family is absolutely infallible.
Beard Papa - Mascot of the Japanese bakery chain Beard Papa's, his cameo appearance in Just Desserts, much like in the original Sugar Rush, has him in charge of and running the Bake-A-Kart Factory.
Lord Liqmund Bleakroot - Just Desserts' "bad guy", Lord Bleakroot is the boss of the bonus level Black Licorice Tower and the final boss of the console version. An evil sorcerer banished from the kingdom proper, he enjoys solitude and keeps to himself. Much like certain other villains, being a "bad guy" doesn't make him a bad guy. Though that doesn't mean he's nice, either. He's mostly a pompous jerk who can't stand children and prefers being left alone.
Queen Nestletia Von Schweetz - King Candy's wife and Vanellope's mother, now deceased. She appears only in flashback through the game's intro cutscene.
King Nitrolas and Queen Hershelia Von Schweetz - King Candy's parents and Vanellope's grandparents, the first King and Queen of Sugar Rush, now deceased. Their history is only revealed to the player in the console version through King Candy's story mode, however, in the arcade version a portrait of them is located in the Royal Castle.
THE STAGES
Royal Raceway - Race around the castle and the nearby town with Gaudi-inspired architecture in this signature track of the Sugar Rush franchise.
Cake Canyon - This track has you racing through canyons made of cake and down and up steep gorges.
Gumdrop Valley - Navigate through a valley where enormous colorful gumdrops grow out from the ground.
Peppermint Forest - This track runs through the forest of candy-cane trees. Be careful of double-stripe branch paths, which break after a few seconds when driven on, and avoid driving into the Taffy Swamp or falling into NesQuik Sand!
Soft Serve Summit - Race down and around the chilly Ice Cream Mountains and through their misty caves.
Diet Cola Mountain - An unfinished level in the original, the stage is now fully completed and playable in Just Desserts. Race along the track inside the mountain and watch out for the explosive splash when the Mentos on the stalactites fall into the Diet Cola Hot Springs.
The Maize Maze - This candy corn maze track is tricky to navigate, but has lots of shortcuts to be discovered. Watch out for the Black Licorice Crows that drop exploding caramelized popcorn! (Inspired by a storyboard from an early version of Wreck-It Ralph, included on the Blu-Ray/DVD special features)
Candy Hollow - Race along the mine kart tracks inside the Rock Candy Mines of the great Mt. Fudgesuvius. (Inspired by a storyboard from an early version of Wreck-It Ralph included on the Blu-Ray/DVD special features, and named after the original name for Sugar Rush also from the early versions of the film)
Fizzy City - This sweet piece of metropolis holds its races at night, where the neon shine given off by the tall soda bottle and can buildings and crisp sparkling fountains make it one spectacular sight. Skill and reflexes quick as caffeine are needed to navigate the track's many sharp turns and alternate paths. (Inspired by tracks such as Mushroom City from Mario Kart Double Dash and Moonview Highway from Mario Kart Wii)
Salty Lake - Race along the docks around this nautical-themed, salt water taffy lake. Watch out for Swedish Fish swimming upstream and the dreaded Gummi Kracken!
The Milky Way - This out-of-this-world track has you racing around Sugar Rush's moon and among the stars, on a road made of chocolate, caramel and nouget. (Think of this stage as the Sugar Rush equivalent to Mario Kart's Rainbow Road)
Black Licorice Tower - This Bonus Stage can only be reached if the player wins 1st place three times in a row. It is Lord Bleakroot's hideout, and here you face only him as a boss battle race.
THE MUSIC
In the original Sugar Rush, the theme song was left in Japanese for the English release. In the English release of Just Desserts, the theme song is translated and performed in English.
(Note that while the above video is an acoustic version, the English theme song in Just Desserts is a full band version)
Lyrics:
Every road that leads you
Every single turn that you can make
May not always be perfect
Winds you up, spins you out
You can't catch a break
And maybe sometimes
Life's not what you wanted and
The track is rough
And the road goes on for miles ahead
When your thoughts turn sour
Make them sweet instead
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
Everybody has a bad day
Every racer has a day when they lose the race
Close your eyes, it's getting better
Don't let go of your dream of winning first place
And maybe sometimes
Our engine stalls a little while
It won't stop you from crossing the line up ahead
When your thoughts go sour
Make them sweet instead
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
Come down the highway
Drift around the corner
On an open road
Keep it forward
Petal to to the metal
Oh Oh Oh
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
S-U-G-A-R
Jump into your racing car
Say Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
(Repeat x 2)
CREDITS
Sugar Rush: Just Desserts is the deliciously combined ideas and efforts of