Dive into the exhilarating world of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest kart racing game from the Sonic The Hedgehog series, brought to you by Sega and Sonic Team. Get ready to explore new features, mechanics, and a sneak peek of what's in store during the upcoming closed network test.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Features and Mechanics Revealed
Largest Roster From The Series Ever
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds promises the most extensive character lineup yet in the Sonic racing series. In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated February 12, 2025, Thalia Piedra, Associate PR Manager at Sega of America, unveiled the game's new mechanics and features. While the trailer showcased characters solely from the Sonic franchise, the official website hints at a launch roster of 23 characters, with more to be added post-release.
The trailer spotlighted fan-favorite characters such as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, alongside Sonic Riders' Jet, Wave, and Storm. Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six, Team Dark members Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, and the notorious Dr. Eggman with his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic were also featured. The Chaotix team, including Vector, Charmy, and Espio, along with Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big, round out the impressive cast.
Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds
The game introduces innovative gameplay mechanics designed to enhance the racing experience. One standout feature is the use of Travel Rings, which transport racers to different worlds, known as CrossWorlds, in real-time during races. Thalia Piedra described these CrossWorlds as offering "dramatic changes to races, transporting players from one world to a completely new location." These new environments are filled with "large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks filled with beautiful scenery," creating a theme park-like atmosphere.
Dynamic tracks inspired by previous titles like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will also feature, ensuring that each lap presents a fresh challenge. The game will boast 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, adding depth and variety to the racing experience.
Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers unparalleled vehicle customization, as highlighted in a recent Twitter (X) post from the game's official account on February 17, 2025. Players can extensively modify their vehicles, altering front and rear parts, wheels, and even the color and glow of the body, tires, and cockpit.
Additionally, players can equip their characters with Gadgets, choosing from 23 different power-up items to tailor their racing style. The game will feature 45 unique original vehicles, including the iconic Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders, allowing players to race on flying hoverboards for a boost-based racing experience.
Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka emphasized that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds represents "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date," blending new and returning mechanics into a comprehensive racing package.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced
Closed Network Test Registration Now Open
Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with its upcoming closed network test. Registration opened on February 12, 2025, and will close on February 19, 2025. The playtest is scheduled to 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 exclusively available on PlayStation 5. Participants who complete the post-test survey will be rewarded with an exclusive in-game sticker and title.
