In the ever-evolving landscape of kart racing games, a new contender has emerged, challenging the long-standing titans of the genre. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest installment in SEGA’s beloved Sonic Racing franchise, has not only met but, for many, exceeded expectations, carving out a unique niche with its innovative mechanics and vibrant presentation. Revealed in December 2024 and launched on September 25, 2025, this title promised to be a ‘Sonic game, driving game, and action game all-in-one,’ and it largely delivers on that ambitious vision. Available across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version slated for a later release, CrossWorlds aims for broad accessibility while pushing the boundaries of what a kart racer can be.
At its core, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds embraces the fast-paced, chaotic fun synonymous with the genre, yet it introduces layers of depth that distinguish it from its peers. The intuitive controls—accelerate, drift, brake, and item usage—make it easy for newcomers to jump in, but mastering the game requires a nuanced understanding of its mechanics. The fluidity of movement, allowing players to chain drifts into jumps, tricks, and boosts, creates a continuous flow of high-speed action. While collisions and item hits can momentarily disrupt this rhythm, the generous placement of boost panels and item capsules ensures that recovery is swift, keeping the races intensely competitive and engaging from start to finish.
The Dynamic Heart: CrossWorlds and Vehicle Transformations
The true innovation and defining feature of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds lies in its titular ‘CrossWorlds’ mechanic. This system injects an unparalleled level of unpredictability and excitement into every race. During Grand Prix mode, after the first lap, the leading racer triggers a ‘Travel Ring,’ which transports all competitors into a completely different dimension—a ‘CrossWorld’—for the second lap. This seamless transition can plunge players from a serene beachside track into a neon-lit casino, a prehistoric jungle, or even a pirate ship under siege. These 15 distinct CrossWorlds, spread across 24 main courses, ensure that no two races ever feel quite the same, effectively expanding the perceived track list and offering immense replayability [1].
This dynamic track alteration forces players to constantly adapt their strategies. A vehicle optimized for speed on straightaways might struggle in a CrossWorld filled with tight turns, highlighting the importance of balanced customization. Furthermore, the game marks the triumphant return of vehicle transformations, a feature sorely missed since Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. At various points in a race, karts can morph into planes for aerial segments or boats for aquatic passages. Each form comes with its own unique handling characteristics, demanding quick adjustments from players. The most thrilling moments often occur when all three forms—land, sea, and air—are utilized within a single race, creating a truly multi-dimensional racing experience [2].
Unprecedented Customization and Strategic Depth
Beyond the dynamic tracks and transforming vehicles, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers an impressive array of customization options that significantly deepen its strategic gameplay. Players can choose from a roster of 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest in any Sonic racing game to date, and mix and match them with 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets [3]. This level of personalization goes far beyond mere aesthetics; different vehicle types and gadget setups can dramatically influence performance, allowing players to fine-tune their ride to suit their playstyle or the demands of a particular course. The ability to customize decals in any shape, size, or color further enhances the personal touch, making each vehicle truly unique [4].
The strategic depth extends to the item system as well. While the game features 24 types of items, including powerful ones like the Drill Wisp (Bullet Bill equivalent) and King Boom Boo (Blue Shell equivalent), their frequency feels more balanced compared to earlier tests. The game rewards consistent driving and track mastery, as first-place racers can still acquire useful defensive items like a metal shield, a departure from the often punishing item distribution in other kart racers. This nuanced approach to items, combined with the dynamic CrossWorlds and extensive customization, ensures that skill and strategy play a significant role in determining race outcomes, rather than pure luck.
A Bold Comparison: Outpacing the Competition?
Perhaps the most audacious claim surrounding Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is its direct comparison to, and in some aspects, perceived superiority over, the reigning champion of kart racers: Mario Kart World. While Mario Kart World is celebrated for its expansive open-world design, wide tracks, and chaotic 24-player races, CrossWorlds opts for a tighter, more focused experience. Its narrower tracks, often barely wide enough for two racers, cap the player count at 12, fostering a constant, shoulder-to-shoulder battle for position. This design choice minimizes the effectiveness of
strategies like ‘bagging’ (purposely falling behind to stack powerful items), making races feel more skill-based and less reliant on item luck [5].
The game’s audio design also stands out, with a robust soundtrack featuring around 100 tracks from across Sonic’s history. The seamless transition of music mid-race, blending themes as laps change, significantly enhances the immersive experience. This attention to detail in both visual and auditory elements contributes to a polished feel, even if the game occasionally experiences minor frame dips during asset loading—issues that rarely impact actual gameplay [6].
Beyond the Finish Line: Value and Longevity
While the $70 price tag aligns with current-generation game releases, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers substantial value. The base game provides a wealth of content, including diverse tracks, engaging modes, and extensive customization options. The Grand Prix mode, in particular, offers a compelling experience, eschewing a traditional story for a rival system where CPU opponents engage in pre- and post-race banter, adding a layer of personality and gratification to victories. However, the decision to lock some of the most exciting characters and additional tracks behind a $20 season pass has drawn criticism, making the overall package feel somewhat incomplete despite the strong core offering [7].
Multiplayer options further extend the game’s longevity. While the Race Park mode, with its team-based challenges focused on points, is ideally suited for playing with friends, the Grand Prix remains the heart of the single-player experience. The game’s progression system, however, can be grind-heavy, particularly concerning Donpa Tickets, which are essential for unlocking certain customizations and content. Despite these minor drawbacks, the foundational gameplay is robust enough that the enjoyment largely outweighs any flaws, making it a highly replayable title for kart racing enthusiasts and Sonic fans alike.
Conclusion
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds represents a significant leap forward for the Sonic Racing franchise. It successfully blends the series’ signature speed with innovative mechanics like the CrossWorlds and vehicle transformations, offering a fresh and dynamic racing experience. The deep customization options, strategic item usage, and engaging rival system contribute to a game that is both accessible and rewarding for dedicated players. While it may not possess the same level of polish as some of its competitors, its unique approach to track design and emphasis on skill over pure chaos make it a formidable contender in the kart racing genre. For those seeking a high-octane, unpredictable, and deeply customizable racing adventure, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers a thrilling ride that truly earns its place among the genre’s best.