Sonic and racing go hand in hand, but Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds feels like SEGA’s boldest attempt yet to give the franchise its own karting identity. Released on PlayStation 5 and developed by Sonic Team, the game pushes the series into a more experimental direction with its CrossWorlds mechanic, letting players warp mid-race into alternate dimensions that change the flow of each track. It’s a concept that gives the races a chaotic and unpredictable edge, setting it apart from the more established but safer offerings from rivals like Mario Kart.
The core structure is familiar: a generous roster of Sonic and SEGA icons, 24 imaginative tracks, and a pile of items to level the playing field. Where CrossWorlds shakes things up is in the sheer variety of what’s on offer. Warping through Travel Rings can turn a standard stretch of track into a sudden ocean dive or an aerial sprint, keeping even veteran players on their toes. This unpredictability works well in party settings, but can frustrate players looking for pure skill-based racing since a lucky warp can completely swing a race.
Handling feels snappy and distinct across the game’s 45 vehicles, especially when paired with gadgets that let you tune each kart to your playstyle. The system is deep enough to reward tinkering but never overwhelms, striking a balance between accessibility and customization. That said, not all gadgets feel equally useful, and some items – like the new Monster Truck – lean more toward chaotic spectacle than competitive balance. Controls are otherwise responsive, though online races occasionally suffered from lag that undermined the precision needed for tight cornering.
Visually, the game is a real treat. Each track bursts with color and detail, whether you’re soaring above futuristic skylines or careening through reimagined SEGA worlds. The transitions between dimensions are particularly striking, with smooth effects that make the warp mechanic feel like a spectacle in itself. The soundtrack delivers the kind of high-energy beats fans expect, mixing remixes of Sonic classics with new tracks that match the frantic pace of the races. It’s only a shame that some audio cues, especially item effects, can get lost in the chaos of multiplayer races.
Modes are plentiful, from standard Grand Prix and Time Trials to Race Park, a looser party mode designed for couch multiplayer. Online races support up to twelve players and generally work well when the servers are stable, though matchmaking can take a while outside peak hours. The inclusion of a robust customization system and multiple progression paths gives players reasons to return, though the campaign structure feels light compared to some rivals. It’s very much a game designed with community and multiplayer play in mind, and that’s where it shines most.
In the end, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a vibrant, chaotic, and frequently fun racer that manages to carve out its own identity without completely abandoning the genre’s conventions. It doesn’t dethrone the leaders of the kart racing world, but its mix of bold ideas and fan-service charm puts its right up there with the best of them, especially for players who value unpredictability and spectacle over precision. It may not be the most refined entry in the genre, but it’s certainly one of the most entertaining ones Sonic Team has produced in years.
Score: 8.4/10
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