We had another opportunity to experience Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds at gamescom 2025 and this session offered another look at what the game has to offer. Beyond our previous coverage, we were able to explore additional maps, test out a new game mode, and get hands-on time with the collaboration characters Ichiban Kasuga and Hatsune Miku. Here’s what stood out during our extended preview.

The maps available in this build showed considerable promise, featuring strong variety and the high-quality visuals expected from a Sonic title. The CrossWorlds mechanic, which allows players to shift between different “Worlds” mid-race, proves to be both engaging and effective at keeping races unpredictable. Sonic fans will be happy to see that several classic maps from older Sonic games have been turned into kart tracks, which adds a nice nostalgic feeling alongside all the new stuff.

We didn’t get to test too many customization options yet, but from what we saw, you’ll be able to create a kart that looks and performs exactly how you want it. Players will have access to a wide range of parts that unlock through progression, and the sheer number of components suggests extensive possibilities for both visual personalization and performance tuning. The variety of available parts points toward substantial customization depth.

Beyond the standard Grand Prix format, we tested Race Park mode, which pits players against Team Sonic across six distinct race variations. Our session included Triple Team Ring Grab, a 4v4v4 format where teams compete to collect rings and fill bonus gauges that provide team-wide speed boosts. This mode variety should contribute significantly to the game’s longevity, particularly in online multiplayer where different formats can cater to various play preferences.

Ichiban Kasuga and Miku Steals the Show

Ichiban Kasuga was definitely the most interesting character in this demo. As one of the human characters among the largely anthropomorphic cast, he brings a distinct presence that feels natural rather than forced. His Like a Dragon/Yakuza franchise background translates well, with personality elements that come through clearly in his animations and reactions.

Every time Ichiban passes someone, grabs an item, gets a perfect start, or does an air trick, he shows off with flashy and fun poses. His character design suggests someone who would genuinely enjoy being part of Sonic’s world, creating an authentic crossover feeling.

Hatsune Miku brings equally strong character work to the experience. Her idol persona translates into upbeat, energetic animations that maintain positive energy throughout races. Her movements often conclude with performance-style poses that feel consistent with her musical background, making her inclusion feel purposeful rather than superficial.

Our Thoughts So Far

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds appears to be developing its own distinct identity within the kart racing genre rather than simply offering an alternative to existing options. The map variety combined with the World-switching mechanic maintains engagement across multiple races, while additional modes like Race Park provide content depth that should extend the game’s appeal over time.

The collaboration characters demonstrate thoughtful implementation that goes beyond simple cameo appearances. Both Ichiban Kasuga and Hatsune Miku bring authentic personality elements that enhance the racing experience, which creates anticipation for seeing how other announced characters like Joker from Persona 5, Steve and Alex from Minecraft, SpongeBob and Patrick, and Pac-Man will be integrated.

Overall, we’re feeling very positive about what we’ve seen. CrossWorlds has a solid base, lots of content, and most importantly, it focuses on being fun above everything else. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launches September 25, 2025 on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version coming later.

Players won’t have to wait until launch to experience Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds firsthand. An Open Network Test is scheduled to run from August 29 to September 2, 2025, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and Epic Games. The test will feature a larger playable roster and more courses than the previous Closed Network Test, along with crossplay support across all platforms.

The test includes a special Joker Festival event running from August 31 to September 1, where players can race as Joker from Persona 5 and drive his signature Arsène Wing vehicle. This limited-time event allows players to join one of three teams competing for points through unique challenges, including ring collection bonuses.