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

Man, you know how sometimes you just dive into a game and it feels like a guilty pleasure, kinda? That’s me with Sonic games. I had a blast, no joke, with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds at the Summer Game Fest. Kart racers — they have this thing, right? Speed, power-ups that make you wanna rage quit, and a cool vibe celebrating these classic characters. Nothing wild, but it’s comfy. Yet, there’s still more to it compared to past Sonic racing gigs.

Okay, the CrossWorld mechanic – here’s where it gets nuts. Race starts normal, then BAM, whoever’s leading gets to pick where everyone warps for the next lap. That could be an icy world or some chaotic shipwreck. Third lap? Back to the original track. Maybe it’s just a gimmick? But wow, it keeps you guessing.

You’re not just on the ground, though. Sometimes you’re flying, hovering, or heck, even surfing, depending on where you end up. Flying bits? Love ’em. Feels like they threw vertical gameplay into the mix, just to spice things up. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is like a visual explosion, maybe a bit much sometimes. I’m squinting trying to make sense of all the chaos. But who cares, spectacle over serious racing, right?

Here’s where it gets a bit nerdy – customizing karts. Body, tires, boosters – it’s all tweakable like some RPG. Throw some perks on, and boom, it actually matters. I got hit by a rocket on lap three once and still sped past because of my setup. Ain’t that something? So if you’re low-key obsessed with kart racing strategy, this game swings a bat in your direction.

I only got a taste of Grand Prix modes. It’s four races, score points, win. Easy-peasy. A rival gets all aggressive mid-series which is, I guess, a thing? More points in the last race keep it spicy too. Makes me wonder about other modes – what’s hiding beneath? Sonic Team, what else you got?

And, omg, crossover characters! Not just Sonic’s crew; we’ve got Sega legends joining the fray. Kasuga Ichiban from Yakuza? Heck yes. Joker, Persona 5’s brooding fave, and Hatsune Miku – yasss, get her into more games. It’s like Sega just opened their toy chest and went wild. Not the first time for crossovers, sure, but feels more epic now or something.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds isn’t out to change the genre, no sir. Just here to have fun, celebrate Sonic, and party with Sega’s squad. It’s out in September, on everything from PlayStation to PC. Bring it on.