Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Review – A Fresh, Frantic Karting Experience

Kart racing games have long captivated players by combining accessible controls with thrilling competitive gameplay. With the recent success of Mario Kart World, expectations are high for new entries in this iconic genre. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega, steps up to the challenge. Offering a mix of frantic racing and unique character dynamics, it aims to carve out its own niche among kart racing titles.

Introduction: Sonic Racing vs. Mario Kart

When a major franchise like Mario showcases its karting prowess, competitors face a steep hill to climb. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds initially feels slower and somewhat confusing, requiring players to invest a couple of hours before the gameplay truly clicks.

Unlike typical kart racers such as Mario Kart World or Mario Kart 8, which immediately reward players with intuitive mechanics and universal character rosters, Sonic Racing focuses heavily on the Sonic universe with subtle nods to other Sega properties.

Game Features and Content

• Character Selection: Featuring Sonic and a roster primarily from his recent games, including niche characters like bosses from Sonic Lost World, the selection is eclectic but somewhat limited at launch.
• Track Design: Tracks are mostly modern Sonic-themed, lacking classic favorites such as Green Hill Zone or Chemical Plant, which may disappoint long-time fans.
• Rivalry System: A key feature where players face off against chosen rivals, adding emotional depth and competitive tension to each race.
• Gadget Perks: Players can customize abilities like drift boost levels and attack power-up rates, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.
• Multiplayer Modes: Supports online multiplayer with ranking tiers and local split-screen play for up to four players.
• CrossWorlds Mechanic: Tracks feature mid-race transitions to different worlds, providing fresh challenges and dynamic race environments.

Diversity and Expansion Potential

The “CrossWorlds” concept stands out by transporting players mid-race to alternate tracks. Although the online servers launched late in the review process, initial online matches are smooth with lag-free races and near-instant item box respawns, similar to Mario Kart World’s fast-paced chaos.

Sega plans to enhance content over time by introducing monthly updates with characters and tracks from other popular franchises such as Minecraft and SpongeBob Squarepants. This strategy not only broadens appeal but also sustains player engagement long-term.

Gameplay Mechanics and Performance

Drivers will find Sonic Racing’s controls straightforward yet nuanced. The game features a charged drift boost system with three levels, though the inability to take certain corners flat out initially frustrates players as karts slow down or hit guardrails, dropping valuable rings.

Rings collected serve a dual purpose: increasing top speed and acting as currency, though they don’t contribute directly to rewards. Instead, “Donpa tickets” earned by meeting various objectives govern progression, which has the unintended effect of making single-player grind-heavy.

Race sections involving boats and flying vehicles add entertaining variety, though boat handling can feel cumbersome in tight corners. The game delivers stunning visual displays in levels like the dinosaur-filled jungle, showcasing impressive water effects and dynamic race environments.

Single-Player Experience and Longevity

Completing the main content involves beating 23 rivals and mastering all tracks, amounting to approximately 17 hours of gameplay. This grind encourages players to perfect racing lines, drift techniques, and gadget management.

While the initial speed tiers feel slow, unlocking the “Super Sonic Speed” tier dramatically elevates the pacing and excitement, offering a welcome adrenaline rush.

However, some players may find the extensive repetition of races circuitous, with diminishing rewards after major milestones are achieved.

Visuals and Technical Performance

Technically, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds performs exceptionally well, running smoothly on hardware such as the base PlayStation 5 without slowdown. Despite this, the game’s art direction lacks some polish compared to Mario Kart World and classic Sonic entries like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

The absence of iconic track environments and mixed visual quality might temper enthusiasm for players prioritizing aesthetics.

Conclusion: A Strong Racer with Room to Grow

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers a competent and engaging kart racing experience packed with interesting features like the CrossWorlds mid-race track transitions and an immersive rivalry system. The game strikes a balance between approachable mechanics and strategic depth through its gadget perks and progression system.

While it doesn’t yet surpass genre leaders like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Disney Speedstorm, the game’s foundations are solid. The promise of future content expansions and crossovers adds reason to stay optimistic about its evolution.

Overall, this racer is a compelling addition to the kart racing universe—fast, fun, and just a bit rough around the edges, making it a recommended experience for Sonic fans and genre enthusiasts alike.

Key Highlights:

• Engaging rivalry mechanics that add depth to the racing experience
• Innovative CrossWorlds track transitions offer dynamic race environments
• Customizable gadget perks that influence gameplay strategy
• Robust online multiplayer with skill-based ranking and local split-screen support
• Visual appeal with impressive effects but mixed artistic consistency

Insights on Kart Racing Popularity

Kart racing continues to captivate gamers due to its accessible yet competitive design. Industry data from Newzoo highlights that racing games consistently rank among the top played genres globally, driving an estimated $4.5 billion in revenue in 2024 (Newzoo, 2024 Report). Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds taps into this market by innovating on established mechanics while honoring the Sonic brand’s legacy.

Comparative Analysis with Leading Titles

Comparisons with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reveal that while Sonic Racing pioneers fresh mechanics, Mario Kart maintains an edge in refined controls and iconic track design, reflected in the franchise’s tens of millions of copies sold worldwide (Nintendo, 2023). Sonic Racing’s focus on mid-race track switching introduces a unique layer of unpredictability, distinguishing it within the genre.

Summary

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a promising kart racing game that blends traditional elements with innovative features. Although it starts slow and presents a somewhat niche roster of characters, the robust gameplay, dynamic track experiences, and future content plans position it as a solid contender in the kart racing genre.

As the game matures with ongoing updates and community engagement, it is poised to become a well-loved favorite for kart racing enthusiasts.