Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – A Thrilling Kart Racing Experience
“Live and Learn” isn’t just a standout track in Sonic’s legacy; it embodies SEGA’s ethos in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Having invested over 35 hours racing through an impressive array of tracks that celebrate Sonic’s 34-year journey, I found my time melting away as I honed my drifting skills, customized vehicles, explored optimal racing strategies in time trials, and battled friends for the Grand Prix crown. CrossWorlds transcends the typical kart racer experience, gripping my attention right from the start.
Over the years, I’ve played numerous kart racers featuring characters like Sonic, Mario, Crash, among others. While many are enjoyable, only a select few become party game legends. With 39 tracks, 24 characters, diverse multiplayer modes, countless challenges, and a plethora of unlockable cosmetics, CrossWorlds doesn’t just aim to be another option; it’s designed to secure the top spot in my gaming roster.
The racing mechanics are intuitive, revolving around four primary actions: accelerate, drift, brake, and item use. The feel of the vehicles is smooth, allowing players to seamlessly transition between drifting, jumping, and boosting, creating a thrilling racing experience that’s both straightforward and exhilarating. Getting hit by items or making a mistake might slow you down, but boost panels and item capsules are generously placed, often allowing for quick recoveries.
One of the standout features is the unique CrossWorlds mechanic, which keeps each race exciting by introducing variety and depth. In Grand Prix mode, the second lap transports racers to an entirely different course seamlessly, reminiscent of the dimension hopping in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Racing on diverse tracks like the naval vistas of Metal Harbor and the lush Dinosaur Jungle added a fresh layer to each competition, revealing its brilliance as I immersed myself further into the game.
The adaptability between vehicle types is essential, as different tracks benefit from distinct vehicle stats. The random nature of the second lap compels players to choose vehicles that can perform across various terrains, whether they prioritize speed, acceleration, or handling. The game offers transformations between flight and water forms, adding an engaging dynamic to the racing experience, allowing players to strategize based on the environment they encounter.
Online play also enhances the gaming experience, functioning seamlessly during pre-launch tests, with CPU racers filling gaps in player lobbies. Although limited to one player per console, crossplay is a significant feature. The in-game currency, Donpa tickets, can be earned in races, allowing players to unlock customization options and retry races without starting over from scratch. The inclusion of a friendship system rewards interaction with characters but can feel grindy due to the ticket costs associated with unlocking items.
With new characters and content on the horizon, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds holds significant potential. Besides the usual racing modes, the Race Park offers custom matches for local or online play with modified rule sets, enabling creative gameplay experiences. Although customizing Gadget Panels can appear overwhelming for newcomers, the game successfully provides ample options to tailor the racing experience. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds promises an engaging, diverse, and evolving racing adventure for fans and newcomers alike.
