Recently we had the opportunity to try with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on the PlayStation 5 in a recent hands-on session. We got to experience Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and we’re here to give you a preview of what happens when arcade style racing meets the chaotic world of kart racing. 

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds brings together an impressive development team that includes members who previously worked on the renowned Initial D arcade games. Their experience in creating engaging multiplayer racing experiences shows in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ attention to technical racing mechanics and competitive balance.

Over approximately an hour of gameplay spanning 5-6 races, we discovered a comprehensive customization system that brings something new to the genre. Each lap of each race can become especially chaotic, delivering the intense moments kart racing fans have come to expect.

Racing Mechanics and Gameplay

Unlike traditional kart racers, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduces several unique mechanics. Ring collection serves as an element that directly affects your maximum speed potential, making it essential for victory when combined with item powers. 

The travel ring voting system, which allows warping to another world, brings diversity to each race. Before the start, players vote to decide the course they will play in the first lap. For the second lap, the player in first place chooses one of the two cross-world options that appear on the course, and the race continues in the selected cross-world.

This means maintaining the lead isn’t just about staying ahead, but also about securing the power to select a track variation that best suits your vehicle build and racing style. This dynamic track selection system means that even familiar courses can play out differently depending on both the pre-race vote and who is leading the race. 

The system creates an additional layer of strategy where players must weigh the importance of securing first place before the second lap against other considerations.

Customization

Vehicle customization forms the heart of the experience. In the CNT, there were four types available to play: Speed focuses on achieving higher top speeds, Acceleration excels in quick speed buildup, Power provides enhanced durability for both offensive and defensive collisions, and Control offers superior handling and cornering ability. 

Speed

• Main characteristic: Higher maximum speed capability

Acceleration

• Main characteristic: Fast speed buildup/Quick acceleration

Power

• Main characteristic: Better durability for collisions (both when ramming or being rammed)

Control 

• Main characteristic: Better overall control of the vehicle (improved left and right handling)

The gadget system introduces a unique strategic element to the racing experience. Unlike vehicle parts, gadgets unlock naturally through gameplay progression rather than through the ticket system.  Players have access to six equipment slots that can be unlocked through natural gameplay progression – completing races and achieving specific milestones. 

These slots can be filled with various passive abilities, with each gadget requiring between one to three slots to equip. Players can mix and match gadgets based on their slot requirements – for example, equipping six single-slot gadgets, two three-slot gadgets, three two-slot gadgets or any combination in between.

Notable gadgets we go to try out during the session include abilities that grant drift gauge during collisions or allow players to steal rings from other racers during collisions. One particularly powerful gadget even increases the maximum ring capacity from 100 to 200. 

Players can collect up to 100 rings by default, with each ring contributing to their maximum speed. Players can lose rings through collisions or falling off tracks which creates opportunities for other racers to collect them, adding an extra layer to the racing experience by having players be mindful of the amount of rings they have currently.

The slot requirement for gadgets isn’t necessarily an indicator of power level, but rather represents different strategic options that players can align with their preferred racing style. An aggressive racer might focus on gadgets that reward collisions and ring stealing, while a more technical player might prefer gadgets that enhance drifting and cornering capabilities.

The game features a rank system that starts players at F rank and advances through to A rank, followed by Legend ranks 1 through 9. The vehicle customization system is equally detailed, offering three customizable parts for each kart type: front, rear, and tires. Players unlock new parts through tickets earned from race completions. 

Each part influences the kart’s performance parameters such as speed and acceleration. It’s worth noting that parts are specific to each kart category – parts unlocked for Power-type karts can only be used with Power-type vehicles. The visual customization allows players to modify colors, tints, and add stickers, providing extensive opportunities for personal expression.

Initial Thoughts

After our hands-on session, it’s clear that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is aiming to carve its own niche in the kart racing genre. The combination of deep customization options, strategic gadget loadouts, and dynamic cross-world racing creates an engaging experience that rewards both skill and strategy. 

The ability to examine other players’ vehicle builds before races adds a social element that could foster a community interested in making different strategies for the game. 

While the chaos that is usual in kart racers is present, especially during final laps, the game’s focus on build optimization and strategic customization suggests a deeper competitive experience than many of its peers. 

With its comprehensive progression system and emphasis on personalized playstyles, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds shows promise in delivering a fresh take on the genre that could keep players engaged for the long haul or possibly break friendships due to how competitive it could get.

Players interested in trying out Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds during the Closed Network Test can sign up through here.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Publisher: Sega

Developer: SEGA

Release Date TBC

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Race across land, sea, air, space, and time in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Warp through Travel Rings into new dimensions where something new awaits around every twist and turn.