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Dive into the high-speed world of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest kart racing adventure from the Sonic The Hedgehog series, brought to you by Sega and Sonic Team. This game is set to feature the largest roster in the series yet, and we're here to give you all the juicy details on its new features, mechanics, and the upcoming closed network test.
Largest Roster From The Series Ever
In an exciting PlayStation.blog post dated February 12, 2025, Thalia Piedra, Associate PR Manager at Sega of America, shared insights into what fans can expect from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. The game promises to bring together "iconic characters from the Sonic and Sega universes," although the reveal trailer focused solely on characters from the Sonic franchise.
At launch, players will have access to 23 characters, with more set to join the roster later on. The trailer showcased familiar faces such as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, alongside characters from Sonic Riders like Jet, Wave, and Storm. Fans also spotted Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six, Team Dark members Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, and the ever-present antagonist Dr. Eggman with his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic. The Chaotix team, including Vector, Charmy, and Espio, made an appearance as well, rounded out by Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big.
Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds
One of the most innovative features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the introduction of Travel Rings, which will transport players to different environments, dubbed CrossWorlds, in real-time during races. This mechanic, as detailed by Piedra, aims to "bring dramatic changes to races, transporting players from one world to a completely new location."
Each CrossWorld promises a theme park-like experience, complete with surprises such as large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks filled with stunning scenery. The game will also feature dynamic tracks, a nod to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, where the track evolves with each lap, offering a fresh challenge every time. With 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, players are in for a thrilling ride.
Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!
Vehicle customization in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to be the most extensive yet. A Twitter (X) post from the game's official account on February 17, 2025, showcased a variety of options, from changing the front and rear parts of the vehicle, wheels, to deep color customization of the body, tires, cockpit, and overall glow.
Players will also have the ability to equip their characters with Gadgets, allowing for tailored play styles with 23 different power-up items. The game introduces 45 unique original vehicles, including the much-loved Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders, offering a boost-based racing style.
Takashi Iizuka, Sonic's Creative Officer, praised the game as "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date," highlighting the blend of new and returning mechanics.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced
Get ready for a sneak peek at Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with 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 PlayStation 5.
- 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, making this a must-join event for Sonic fans eager to experience the next big thing in kart racing.
