Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a confident return to form for SEGA’s long-running kart series, balancing the blistering speed you’d expect from Sonic with clever systems that make every race feel fresh. It’s clear that Sonic Team learned from the genre’s best while keeping the chaotic charm that defines Sonic’s world. The result is a racer that’s equally fun for newcomers and veterans, full of personality, and constantly rewarding to play.
Gameplay
The game’s biggest hook is its CrossWorlds mechanic. Mid-race, players can warp between entirely new tracks, changing the layout and scenery on the fly. It’s a dynamic twist that keeps each Grand Prix unpredictable, forcing racers to adapt rather than memorize tracks. The final “lap gauntlet,” which stitches sections of three prior maps into one finale, is a smart design choice that rewards consistency and skill over luck. These moments highlight the game’s rhythm — chaotic, yet fair — and showcase how far the team has pushed the kart-racing formula.
Every track bursts with color and life, from nostalgic zones like Ocean View to brand-new circuits that blend multiple Sonic worlds together. Each race is fast and flashy without losing control, with responsive drifting and a great sense of momentum that keeps you locked in. The handling feels balanced across characters and vehicle types, though the boat transformations can be slightly rough compared to the otherwise smooth driving and flight segments.
Collectibles and customization add genuine depth. Red Rings are hidden across courses, encouraging exploration even mid-race, and the tickets you earn feed into a broad customization system. Tuning vehicles for acceleration, speed, or handling creates a satisfying layer of strategy. The gadget cards deepen this further, adding bonuses and tweaks that let you tailor your setup to your racing style. It’s more than cosmetic — it makes experimentation worthwhile.
The rival system gives races a personal edge. Picking between two rivals at the start of a Grand Prix gives each competition personality and tension. The in-race banter between characters feels sharp and playful — Shadow taunting Tails, Sonic joking with Knuckles — making the victories feel earned. Combined with smart AI that scales well across five difficulty levels, every race feels competitive.
Performance is solid, with only minor bugs like T-posing or momentary clipping, all easily fixable. On PlayStation 5, CrossWorlds runs at a smooth frame rate with quick load times. The soundtrack deserves special praise — an energetic mix of rock, synth, and callbacks to classic Sonic tunes. It fits the series perfectly and enhances every boost and turn.
Review
Couch co-op remains one of the best ways to play, with Race Park and its mix of game types bringing real variety. Team-based boosts, chaos-heavy item matches, and even battle modes ensure multiplayer doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Online support is stable, and the promise of crossovers — with Hatsune Miku, Joker, Ichiban, SpongeBob, and more — shows SEGA plans to keep the community active with new content and surprises.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines nearly every part of it. It’s fast, packed with content, and fun in the exact way a Sonic racer should be. The CrossWorlds system, rival interactions, and strong customization make this not just another kart game, but one that finally gives Sonic’s racing spin-offs their own distinct identity.
