Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is setting the stage for an exciting entry into the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, boasting a roster of 23 distinctive characters, along with 24 diverse main tracks and an impressive lineup of 45 unique vehicles. Recent leaks have confirmed fan-favorites like Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, with hints of potential future additions from other popular Sega franchises through DLC.
Excitement is building as players eagerly anticipate the chance to engage in network testing, set to commence on February 21, prior to the game’s full release later this year. Announced at The Game Awards 2024, this new Sonic kart racer is already capturing attention. A trailer showcased Shadow speeding through a portal, a key gameplay feature for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, drawing clear parallels to beloved titles like Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing and Team Sonic Racing.
During a recent PlayStation State of Play livestream, fans received a deeper look into what Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has in store. This extended trailer unveiled a lineup of returning characters eager to race, along with an exciting variety of vehicle types—ranging from cars and jets to hoverboards reminiscent of the Sonic Riders series. Players will speed through creatively designed tracks inspired by iconic Sonic locations, such as Sonic and the Secret Rings’ Dinosaur Jungle and Sonic Adventure 2’s Prison Island.
While the current character roster is undoubtedly thrilling, a recent leak provided a glimpse of what might lie ahead. According to Insider Gaming, the initial roster will include 23 characters, from core icons like Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles to newer faces like Sage from Sonic Frontiers. An interesting detail, shared by Twitter user Sonic Paradise, has since been removed from the official Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds site, suggesting an array of character additions in upcoming DLC from across the Sega universe.
The game’s main tracks tally up to 24, with 15 ‘CrossWorlds’ accessible via Travel Rings, as highlighted in the latest trailer. Players can choose from an arsenal of 45 unique vehicles and employ 23 different power-ups in the race for victory.
The spotlight is on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds as it gears up for its 2025 launch, with plenty of characters still unannounced. Sega might pull more surprises, tapping into characters and settings from the IDW Sonic comics or even the live-action Sonic films. Eager gamers can experience the racing frenzy ahead of its official release through a network test kicking off on February 21. It’s an exciting time to be a Sonic fan!