Sonic Racing CrossWorlds: A Kart Racing Extravaganza Honoring Sega’s Legacy

Oh boy, where do I even start with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds? Okay, so let me just say, there’s something about Sonic games that makes me, I dunno, let my guard down a bit. Maybe it’s the blue blur himself or the whole vibe. Who knows? I got to play it for an hour during Summer Game Fest, and honestly, it was kind of a blast. It’s like this crazy kart racer that gets all the basics right. Think fast races, those powerups that mess with your head and your race position, and that whole vibe celebrating Sonic and his pals. I mean, what else do you really need? But wait, there’s a twist – way more going on under the hood than we usually see in a Sonic racer.

So, here’s the deal with the CrossWorld mechanic. First lap, it’s the track you’ve picked. Then, BAM, whoever’s in the lead picks where you warp to for lap two. Could be an icy land with aurora skies or a stormy wreck with ships everywhere – or you know, some fiery lava pit with lasers. Why? No idea, but it’s chaotic fun. Keeps you on your toes, right? And for the third lap, back to normal. At first it’s like, “Huh?” but then, “Oh, okay, I get it.” Kind of keeps you guessing, feels fresh every time.

Oh, and those alternate worlds? You’re not just karting around. You’re flying, hovering, even surfing! Yeah, no kidding. The flying bit, I liked. Gives the whole thing a vertical spin, weirdly, for a kart racer. And don’t get me started on the visuals. It’s like a fireworks show on your screen. Maybe too much? Who can say? Sometimes it’s just a blur of colors and shapes. Is that a good thing? Maybe? Mostly for the spectacle, though, not exactly for hardcore competition.

Here comes the competitive edge, though. You can kit out your kart like a pro. Customize the body, tires, boosters – it’s like tuning a car, kinda, but more fun. Add perks, like a loadout. I tricked mine out with some acceleration booster thing and a perk for recovery time. Worked like a charm when a stray rocket hit me in lap three. Somehow, I pulled ahead. Felt kinda cool, to be honest. You can get really into it if kart racing’s your thing. Let your inner “sicko” out, if you catch my drift.

In the Grand Prix mode, it’s the typical four-race deal. Points for placement, and it wraps up by crowning a winner. Simple enough, yeah? But there’s a twist! Mid-race, a rival shows up all aggressive, just to keep you on edge. Final race gets you extra points for first place, so you’re never really out till the end. Keeps things interesting, you know? I wonder how other modes might shake things up, since variety’s the name of the game if they want this to last.

Oh, and then there’s the whole crossover character thing. It’s like Sega decided to throw a party. You’ve got Ichiban from Yakuza, that Persona 5 guy — Joker, right? — and the virtual idol queen herself, Hatsune Miku. Seeing Ichiban back in that kart vibe? Perfect. Miku racing? Yes, please. Sega’s pulling from more recent stuff now, so it feels like the lineup really pops.

Look, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds isn’t gonna flip the kart racing scene upside down, and it doesn’t have to. It’s just a fun, laid-back ride that celebrates Sonic and Sega. That’s the vibe, and I’m all in for drifting around when it drops on September 25. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or PC, it’s just good old-fashioned fun.