Ah the nostalgia... Sonic R and Sonic 3D Blast were among my first Sonic games, though they weren't what got me into the series. I still like Sonic R though, its a nice distraction if you're really bored. The level design, while not great, is still effective as far as racers go and definitely a step...

Nicely Done! I was a bit skeptical at first, but your theory is extremely well reasoned, I just wish I could read Japanese so I could confirm your research. One thing, I doubt that Central city is on Westside island, I just dont see the capital of such a large and important nation being on an island...