Sonic Racing CrossWorlds: A Kart Racing Spectacle Celebrating Sega’s Legacy

Alright, so there I was, just chilling and playing Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds during Summer Game Fest. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to dive deep or anything, just, you know, enjoy the ride. And hey, it turns out I did just that. There’s this whole kart racing vibe: fast races, crazy powerups that, yeah, might make you a bit salty, and this cool celebration of all the Sonic characters we’ve grown up with. It’s kind of like hanging out with that wild friend who always brings the party. But this game’s got a few twists that’ll keep you guessing.

So, let’s talk about this CrossWorld thing, right? You start off on a track, and then whoever’s in the lead gets to decide where everyone goes next. One minute you’re racing under the aurora borealis, and the next, you’re dodging lasers in a volcanic area — it’s wild. Maybe you get used to it, maybe not, but it’s got this unpredictable flair that keeps things interesting.

And speaking of twists, you’re not just stuck on wheels. Sometimes you’re flying or surfing on top of being in karts. The whole flying bit is kind of fun, and the controls just feel right, like when you toss a paper plane and it somehow loops back. The game throws a lot at you visually — like, seriously, things might get hectic, and you might be like, “Wait, what just happened?” But isn’t that part of the fun? It’s like a visual rollercoaster, not just a plain race.

But hey, if you’re really into the competitive side, there’s room for that too. The kart customization lets you tweak parts — body, tires, boosters, you name it — like building a Lego set, but with speed stats. You’ve got these attachments that actually matter, like one that saved my butt in a race after getting hit with a rocket. I zoomed ahead, feeling like a hero. Competitive spirit? Check.

Oh, and the Grand Prix modes. You race in a set of four, collecting points and all. Plus, there’s this quirky rival thing where, I guess, some racer decides they’re gonna make you their archenemy. Keeps you on your toes. And the final race gives you a chance to pull a last-minute victory if you’re just behind. Curious about other modes, though. Hopefully, they’ve got some surprises tucked away.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the crossover characters. Sega’s throwing in folks like Ichiban from Yakuza. My favorite, honestly. And Joker from Persona 5. Also, vocaloid queen Hatsune Miku — just imagine her. I’m hyped, and we need more Miku in games. It’s not brand-new territory, Sega’s done this before, but it feels fresh.

So yeah, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds isn’t rewriting the book on kart racers, and that’s okay. It’s got this chill, fun vibe, almost like a reunion of old friends. I’m down for it when it drops on September 25. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or jamming on PC, it’s Sonic time, and I’m all in.