Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds? This upcoming kart racing game from Sega and Sonic Team promises an exhilarating experience with the largest roster of characters ever featured in the Sonic The Hedgehog series. Learn all about the new features, mechanics, and the exciting closed network test coming soon.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Features and Mechanics Revealed
Largest Roster From The Series Ever
Sega and the Sonic Team are bringing fans the much-anticipated kart racing game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which boasts the largest character lineup in the series' history. According to Sega of America Associate PR Manager Thalia Piedra's PlayStation.blog post on February 12, 2025, the game will feature an impressive selection of "iconic characters from the Sonic and Sega universes." Although the trailer primarily showcases characters from the Sonic franchise, the official website confirms that the game will launch with 23 characters, with more to be added later.
The trailer reveals a diverse cast including Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, as well as Sonic Riders characters Jet, Wave, and Storm. Fans will also spot Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six, Team Dark members Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, and Dr. Eggman with his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic. The Chaotix crew, including Vector, Charmy, and Espio, join the race, alongside Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big, rounding out the initial lineup.
Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduces innovative gameplay mechanics that promise a fresh and exciting experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. The standout feature is the use of Travel Rings, which transport players to different worlds, known as CrossWorlds, in real-time during races. According to Thalia Piedra, these rings will "bring dramatic changes to races, transporting players from one world to a completely new location."
Each CrossWorld offers a theme park-like experience filled with surprises, including large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks adorned with beautiful scenery. The game also features dynamic tracks inspired by Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, ensuring that each lap presents new challenges and transformations. Players will have access to 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, making every race uniquely thrilling.
Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers the most extensive vehicle customization options seen in the series to date. A preview of these features was shared on the game's official Twitter (X) account on February 17, 2025, showcasing the ability to change the front and rear parts of the vehicle, wheels, and deep color customization for the body, tires, cockpit, and overall glow.
Players can also equip their characters with Gadgets, allowing them to tailor their gameplay with 23 different power-up items. The game includes 45 unique original vehicles, with the return of Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders, enabling players to ride on flying hoverboards for a boost-based racing style. Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka emphasized that this game represents "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date."
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced
Closed Network Test Registration Now Open
Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek into Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with the upcoming closed network test. Registration opened on February 12, 2025, and will close on February 19, 2025. The playtest will run from February 21, 2025, to February 24, 2025, worldwide.
- PST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 04:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 04:00 PM
- EST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 07:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 07:00 PM
- GMT: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 00:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 00:00 AM
- JST: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 09:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 09:00 AM
The closed network test will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5. Participants who complete the post-test survey will receive an exclusive in-game sticker and title, adding even more incentive to join the test and provide valuable feedback.