@Gagaman hehe, I like the comic! Transbot also has the power to stand completely still, a true show of strength!
Also, yeah, I know Kori and others are really pushing for Sakura, but I am 100% with SEGA and Sumo's decision to not include her. She just is not a popular character nor an active franchise in English speaking countries. I do think, though, that she could make for a great addition if the Japanese version adds characters. And in turn, everybody else gets her as DLC.
@Aki I partially agree with you, though I'm not going to judge the modern era hidden characters until we know exactly how SEGA is looking to include them. Could be that they are PC exclusives, which would make total sense, or it could simply be Sumo Digital paying tribute to two other UK based SEGA developers. Another possibility is that SEGA simply wanted to create a stronger connection to the SEGA brand by including the franchises as racers. Over at Sonic Stadium, most forum members didn't even know those two franchises were owned by SEGA.
I agree, though, that I would have liked to see other current gen franchises represented first. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Cain from Binary Domain should have been in the game. Great new character, very unique design, funny personality. Imagine Cain on an Amada vehicle, yelling out compliments to other racers. His All-Star move could be using his USB device to hack into other racers vehicles. Also, Kazuma. Cain and Kazuma would have been very awesome additions.
My hope is that the Japanese release of the game at least has ONE new character added to appeal to Japanese gamers, and why not pick a character that also has an english fanbase? Kazuma, Sakura, Hatsume Miku... Maybe even add some new license stickers for stuff like Border Break.