Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds review — Rolling around at the Speed of Sound
Summary
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast, chaotic kart-racer that blends iconic Sonic level design with distinctive mechanics like the CrossWorlds teleporting courses, collectible Red Rings, and a robust customization system. The Grand Prix structure features branching courses and a skills-focused final race, while Race Park offers team-based modes and chaotic variants. Rivals add personality and stakes to races, gadget cards extend custom builds, and the soundtrack delivers classic, high-energy Sonic jams. Performance on PlayStation 5 is smooth with minor, fixable glitches. DLC line-ups (Hatsune Miku, Joker, Ichiban Kasuga, Minecraft, SpongeBob) promise continued post-launch support.
Key Points
- CrossWorlds mechanic: mid-race course choices teleport players to new locations, then return them to the original map for the final lap.
- Grand Prix structure: three branching tracks plus a final race combining laps from prior maps — the final race rewards pure driving skill.
- Collectibles: five Red Rings per race (on laps one and three) grant tickets used for in-game purchases or race retries.
- Rivals system: pick a rival at the start of a Grand Prix for currency bonuses and taunting voice lines that ramp up race drama.
- Controls & vehicles: fast feel, drifting is essential; vehicle types include speed, acceleration, handling, boost, and power; some vehicle transitions (boat/plane) change manoeuvrability.
- Difficulty: AI scales quickly — beginners should start on the easiest setting; mid-level difficulties become challenging early on.
- Race Park modes: team-focused challenges (Triple Team Tap Boosts, Extreme Match, Double Team Shoot-Out) with smooth couch co-op performance.
- Customization & gadget cards: deep visual and performance customisation with upgradable gadget cards that alter playstyle and give bonuses.
- Soundtrack: high-energy, varied tracks that capture classic Sonic rock/fast-paced vibes.
- DLC roadmap: multiple crossover characters and themed packs already announced, ensuring expanded roster and continued engagement.
- Technical: minor bugs noted (e.g., occasional T-pose, brief clipping), but generally stable with short load times on PS5.
Content Summary
The review praises CrossWorlds for delivering exhilarating, fast-paced kart-racing rooted in Sonic’s aesthetic. The CrossWorlds teleport mechanic keeps races unpredictable and varied, while the final Grand Prix race strips away collectibles to emphasise driving skill. Red Rings act as collectible objectives that add risk/reward moments at speed. Rivals introduce characterful banter and small progression markers tied to defeating them. Vehicles transform between kart, boat and plane states, offering varied handling; drift and quick reactions are essential. Race Park offers cooperative and competitive team modes with distinct rule variants. Customisation is extensive — players can craft carts to suit characters and playstyles and upgrade gadget cards. The soundtrack stands out as a highlight. Minor glitches were observed but are expected to be patched. The review concludes CrossWorlds is a standout kart racer for Sonic fans with a promising DLC roadmap and strong replay value.
Context and Relevance
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds arrives into a crowded kart-racing space but differentiates itself with speed-focused design, character rivalries, deep customisation and live-service style DLC plans. For players tracking multiplayer longevity, crossovers and monetisation, this title signals Sega’s intent to keep the franchise active post-launch. It also fits industry trends where strong audio identity, continuous content drops and social/team modes drive engagement.
Why should I read this?
If you like noisy, fast kart games and hate boring races, this one’s for you. It’s packed with Sonic callbacks, loot to chase, and enough customisation to keep you fiddling with builds instead of quitting. Short version: if you enjoy chaotic multiplayer, quirky DLC crossovers and a banging soundtrack, read on — this review tells you whether CrossWorlds actually pulls it off.
Author’s take
Punchy verdict: Sonic Team exceeded expectations — CrossWorlds is addictive, loud and full of personality. The review makes a strong case that this isn’t a mere licensed cash-in but a proper kart racer with depth. If you care about the details (difficulty curve, customisation, DLC plan), this review is worth your time — the game’s quality and roadmap make it a likely long-term player in the genre.