Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will feature several characters from the Sonic franchise and Sega Universe. Read to learn more about the new features and mechanics of the game and its upcoming closed network test.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Features and Mechanics Revealed
Largest Roster From The Series Ever
Sega and Sonic Team will team up for the upcoming kart racing game in the Sonic The Hedgehog series, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and it could have its largest roster based on the reveal trailer and reports from several outlets. In a PlayStation.blog post on February 12, 2025, Sega of America Associate PR Manager Thalia Piedra shared the new mechanics and features that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will have.
According to Piedra, the game will feature "iconic characters from the Sonic and Sega universes," but the trailer has not revealed any character outside the Sonic franchise. The official website stated that the game will have 23 characters at launch, with more coming after, although there haven’t been any official announcements regarding the complete character roster.
Based on the trailer, characters included in the game are the main characters Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, and characters from Sonic Riders Jet, Wave, and Storm. Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six are also spotted in the trailer. Team Dark’s Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega are seen, with Dr. Eggman alongside his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic. The Chaotix also appeared with Vector, Charmy, and Espio, while Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big completed the bunch.
Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds
The trailer and PlayStation.blog post revealed new unique gameplay mechanics that will create a brand new experience for fans of the series, and introduce to new players the vast and wonderful world of Sonic. The main gameplay features characters being transported to different worlds in real-time while racing through the use of Travel Rings, which will bring players to new sceneries and environments called CrossWorlds.
According to Piedra, these will "bring dramatic changes to races, transporting players from one world to a completely new location." Additionally, each CrossWorld will offer a theme park-like experience that has surprises at every turn, which include "large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks filled with beautiful scenery."
The game will also introduce fans to dynamic tracks, giving each playthrough a new transformative experience, inspired by past titles from the series such as Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. As each lap goes, the track will undergo changes that players need to adapt to conquer the race. There will be 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds that players can transport in and out of.
Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will bring the most extensive vehicle customization so far as mentioned in the blog. The game’s official account posted on Twitter (X) on February 17, 2025 a preview of its vehicle customization, which showcased several options such as changing the front and rear parts of the vehicle, wheels, deep color customization of the body, tire, cockpit, and its overall glow, and more.
Furthermore, players can also equip their characters with Gadgets that they can edit to optimize their play style, with 23 different power-up items. There will be 45 unique original vehicles, including the return of Extreme Gear which was first introduced in Sonic Riders, where players can ride on flying hoverboards that will give players a boost-based racing style in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
With all the new and returning mechanics and features for the game, Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka pointed out that this is "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
A closed network test will be held for the game which will give fans a sneak peek on what the game will offer. Registration started on February 12, 2025 and will last until February 19, 2025.
The playtest will go live on February 21, 2025 worldwide until February 24, 2025.
● 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 held exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Participants who will join and will accomplish the post-test survey will receive an exclusive in-game sticker and title.
Content Available During Playtest
A lot of content will be available during the playtest, as it will aim to "give players the chance to experience online play with World Matches so that we can improve online multiplayer functionality and identify any problems."
There will be 6 playable tracks which include:
● E Stadium
● Rainbow Garden
● Water Palace
● Metal Harbor
● Ocean View
● Wonder Museum
There will also be 5 CrossWorlds players can jump into:
● Roulette Road
● Dinosaur Jungle
● Kraken Bay
● Lava Cave
● Sky Road
Players can choose from 9 playable characters:
● Sonic
● Tails
● Amy
● Knuckles
● Shadow
● Eggman
● Omega
● Zazz
● Cream
Additionally, the closed network test will also feature 16 vehicles, some customization, and modes such as World Matches, Machine Customization, and Gadget Customization.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to release this 2025 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. There are no official announcements regarding a specific release date.
To stay up to date with the latest information on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, check out our article below!
Source:
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds PlayStation.blog
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Customization
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test
