This year is proving to be a big one for kart-racing fans. Following this week’s Mario Kart World launch, kart racing games are at the front of many folks’ minds. Though Mario Kart will likely always be the tentpole franchise for the genre (and rightfully so), the Sonic series has also been able to put an excellent product on the track on multiple occasions; look no further than 2012’s Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, which some consider one of the greatest kart racers ever. The upcoming Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds feels like a throwback to much of what made games like Transformed and Sonic Riders so beloved, while remaining modern and innovative within the genre.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds gathers a massive roster of characters, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. However, every racer can be sorted into one of five categories, based on that character’s defining attribute: Handling, Acceleration, Power, Speed, and Boost. The difference between the racers is noticeable. Knuckles’ Power classification rings true, as I effortlessly bullied other racers around on the track. Meanwhile, Amy’s Handling categorization was perfect, allowing me to tightly drift around any corner more easily than I could with, say, Tails and his Acceleration style. And do I really have to spell out what category Sonic falls into?
I spent my first several races playing as Jet, the hawk from Sonic Riders. Jet’s primary vehicle is the Extreme Gear, the hoverboards used in the Riders series. I spent most of my time in Grand Prix mode, racing through different courses like the winding Colorful Mall or the scenic Mystic Jungle. Much like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, players can also take to the skies or ride along the waves thanks to optional and mandatory sequences where racer vehicles change form.
After the first lap, the player in the lead can choose a CrossWorld that racers will be transported to for the second lap. The ability to load a secondary track is impressive, particularly since levels like Dinosaur Jungle and Kraken Bay are incredibly chaotic and fleshed out; these are not small or barebones stages. I appreciate how each race has the potential to be different thanks to these CrossWorlds teleportations, though if you want a straight race through the same track, Sega confirmed to me that there are custom rules races where you can disable them from popping up mid-race.
Occasionally, the CrossWorlds travel rings will feature a golden emblem, indicating it’s a Frenzy variant of that stage. If the leader chooses that gate, the CrossWorld course will have one of several modifiers active. The one I experienced had Dash Gates everywhere, resulting in a mad, frantic sprint through the lap. Other Frenzy CrossWorlds include unlimited boost and unlimited green rockets. I’m most excited to see what other creative variants Sonic Team has come up with for these special event CrossWorlds.
When I wasn’t racing, I was tinkering with the robust customization options. As you play, you earn Donpa Tickets, which can be traded for customization elements. In addition to improving character attributes to make them handle to your liking, you can also dive deep into modifying the myriad vehicles in each character’s garage. From applying cosmetic improvements like fully customizable paint jobs, decal placements, auras, and horns to altering vehicular stats through changing out individual body parts, you can really make your machine your own.
Before each race, I can choose a Gadget Plate, which you can customize through the main menu with various buffs to your character. Each customizable module takes up different amounts of space based on its effectiveness. Available customizations in this build included making the green rocket bigger, starting each race with two boost items, and my personal favorite, the ability to hold three items instead of two. I was pleasantly surprised by how in the weeds you can get when making your character and their vehicle play how you want.
Though it’ll be difficult to overthrow Mario Kart as the king of karting at any point in the near future, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds makes a strong case for second place. Through tight controls, inventive courses, and outstanding customization, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds looks poised to further bolster an already strong kart-racing year.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be released later this year for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
