Get ready, Sonic fans! Sega and the Sonic Team are revving up for the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest addition to the Sonic The Hedgehog series. This kart racing game promises to be a thrilling ride with a roster that could be the largest yet in the series. According to Thalia Piedra, Sega of America's Associate PR Manager, in a PlayStation.blog post dated February 12, 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will introduce fans to an array of iconic characters from the Sonic and Sega universes.
Largest Roster From The Series Ever
The reveal trailer and various reports suggest that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will boast an impressive lineup of 23 characters at launch, with more to be added post-release. Although the trailer focused primarily on Sonic franchise characters, the official website teases additional characters from the broader Sega universe. Confirmed characters include Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Amy, Jet, Wave, Storm, Zavok, Zazz, Shadow, Rouge, E-123 Omega, Dr. Eggman, Egg Pawn, Metal Sonic, Vector, Charmy, Espio, Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big. This diverse cast promises exciting races with a variety of play styles.
Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds
One of the standout features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the innovative use of Travel Rings. These rings allow characters to be transported to different worlds, known as CrossWorlds, in real-time during races. This mechanic, as explained by Piedra, will dramatically change the racing experience, offering players a theme park-like adventure with surprises at every turn, including large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks filled with beautiful scenery.
The game will also feature dynamic tracks inspired by past titles like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. Each lap will bring new challenges, ensuring that no two races are the same. Players can look forward to 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, providing a rich and varied racing environment.
Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will offer the most extensive vehicle customization in the series to date. On February 17, 2025, the game's official Twitter (X) account showcased various customization options, including changes to the front and rear parts of the vehicle, wheels, deep color customization for the body, tires, cockpit, and overall glow.
Players can also equip their characters with Gadgets, allowing for 23 different power-up items to tailor their racing strategy. The game will feature 45 unique original vehicles, including the return of Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders. This addition will bring a boost-based racing style, adding another layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Takashi Iizuka, Sonic's Creative Officer, praised Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds as "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date," highlighting the game's comprehensive approach to racing mechanics and features.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced
Closed Network Test Registration Now Open
Fans eager to get a first look at Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds can participate in 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, exclusively on the PlayStation 5.
Here are the playtest times across different time zones:
- 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
Participants who complete the post-test survey will receive an exclusive in-game sticker and title, adding extra incentive to join the test.
