Review: Sonic Racing Crossworlds is the definitive Sonic racing game

Speeding deep into the fun, Sonic Racing Crossworlds delivers many qualities that fans expected and gives a breath of hope to future games of the genre with the blue mascot of SEGA. Bringing good racing mechanics, high vehicle customization and many extra elements that enhance the package, the newest Sonic racing game exceeds expectations and can already be considered one of the best games of the year. Check out everything we thought in this Sonic Racing Crossworlds review.

Game Modes

One of the highlights of Sonic Racing Crossworlds is, of course, its variety of options. In addition to the Grand Prix, which features traditional three-track cup races with five difficulty levels (Normal, High, Sonic, Super Sonic, and Mirror), the game also offers other modes.

Among them is the Running Park, which offers a mix of options for team competitions with various objectives, ranging from who can collect the most rings to using the most items, among others. It's worth noting that this area of ​​the game also allows for match customization, allowing the host of the "party" to decide all the rules, items, and clues. 

Even with the added possibilities of the Racing Park, it's worth noting that, in all of them, the game remains focused on racing, with extra bonuses for the top finishers. This makes this game entirely focused on speed tests and battles for first place, making it a highly racing-focused title.

Another present mode is the Time Trial (the famous Time Trial) where the player enters specific tracks to break records and win medals for the best timed lap, both against the system's times and against players from all over the world and on all platforms, since this game is cross-platform, a good idea from SEGA to compete with Mario Kart World and make your game even more accessible to multiple players.

As for online disputes, the game shines by offering generous options, such as World Match or Match with Friends, as well as the Festival, which, from time to time, changes bringing thematic news about other characters/franchises (Hatsune Miku, Minecraft, Pac-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar, and even Astroboy) with their own objectives and rewards. A real treat for those who want to explore the game to its fullest. In all of them, the player earns points that increase their ranking among other players.

And, as we couldn't forget, the game also offers multiplayer matches in local mode with split screen for up to four players and, for owners of Switch, on a local network using up to eight connected consoles. A considerable bonus for enjoying both parties and events with friends. Online mode offers connectivity for up to 12 players across all consoles.

Performance

As it is a racing game that focuses heavily on speed, Sonic Racing Crossworlds He delivers a lot in terms of racing, in fact, and this can already be considered a victory, given his masterful performance. To consistently finish ahead of his rival—a characteristic the game establishes as its foundation for victory and which always guarantees good placements (as well as good dialogue and entertaining clashes)—the guarantee of success depends solely on winning, leaving aside the question of second- and third-place podium finishes.

In addition to the items and the modality very similar to the games of series Mario Kart (which the game drinks from the source without making a secret), here, the skid (drift) is constant and provides speed boosts in up to three levels. Air maneuvers, which can be performed by moving the directional buttons while jumping, also provide an extra boost. There's also the option to take off after the third start signal, depending on your acceleration on the tachometer (engine RPM). In the same race, the player will have control over land, sea, and sky, making everything even more dynamic.

In terms of making mistakes in the race, things are more serious here than already mentioned. Mario Kart, with minor collisions (with opponents or the track) or even passing outside the main area, leaving you many positions behind. Additionally, items and the frenzy state (a mechanic the game implements as a bonus moment for everyone) grant extra powers that can put you back in first place.

The main feature of Sonic Racing Crossworlds is its world mechanic, in which the game adds, always on the second lap, a selection for the player to embark on a lap through one of the extra special scenarios.

Crossworlds bring dynamism and a sense of freshness to the game, which always seems to be quite lively. The first-place finisher, after the first lap, is responsible for deciding between a pre-selected track or a random selection. The third lap usually adds new elements to the track, such as new paths and different passages, sometimes bringing all the games' signature look. Sonic. 

Among the tracks available in the game, there are 24 traditional ones and 15 special ones, the Crossworlds, with many of them referring to the titles in the franchise Sonic. Fans will recognize (and mourn) many locations from games like Sonic Adventure 2 until the most recent sonic frontiers e Sonic X Shadow Generations.

With all this arrangement of elements, it is not strange to feel like you are playing a game from the franchise at the same time. Sonic. Also, given the possibility of using items (up to two at a time), collecting rings and controlling vehicles at extreme speeds, the comparison with games like Mario Kart e F-Zero is immediate. 

Graphics and Sound

In graphic aspects, Sonic Racing Crossworlds presents beautiful, diverse, and colorful visuals, living up to its brand, even if some on-screen elements are sacrificed for speed. There are clearly 2D audiences, as well as layouts with simpler polygons, and this cannot be ignored. However, considering the game's primary goal of delivering high speed, these graphical aspects may have been sacrificed, especially in the 3D version. Nintendo Switch, to ensure that performance is maintained at all times. 

Another detail that may cause some discomfort for the most demanding players is the game's main soundtrack, which, when selecting menus, is always present and can become tiresome due to its repetitive melody. Some turbo sounds also seemed strange and could be better condensed, as they are constant throughout the game. Otherwise, the title features a good selection of music, including a Jukebox so that the player can listen to them whenever he wants.

Fun and replay

Sonic Racing Crossworlds is an extremely creative and fun game, combining many elements that have worked in racing games of the Sonic, with a special focus on the race itself. The game features an incredible amount of collectibles, such as the five red rings that must be collected on every track, as well as Donpa tickets, which serve as in-game currency and allow players to purchase parts to upgrade their vehicle. 

It's a lot of fun to navigate the tracks, find shortcuts, and explore all the possibilities the game offers to the fullest. Plus, the inclusion of characters from various games in the universe Sonic (23 main characters) and other famous characters—each with distinct attributes—add even more vibrancy and freshness to the game, as do the missions that can be completed and the customization of vehicles and gadgets (a card that allows you to fit upgrades to improve your matches). Future DLCs promise even more additions, which will keep players engaged for quite some time.

Price and availability

Released on September 25th of this year, with tests previously released and a demo mode available for players to test the game before purchasing it, Sonic Racing Crossworlds is costing R$299,90, in the digital version for Nintendo Switch, and R$ 399,90 on other platforms — namely: PC (Steam / Epic Games), PS4/PS5 e Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S. An update to the Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release soon. The game is fully localized into Brazilian Portuguese, but only with subtitles in our language.

There is also a version entitled Digital Deluxe Edition (R$ 399,90 on Switch and R$ 507,50 on other platforms), which contains additional content packs and offers new characters, items and tracks, as well as the ability to redeem additional content released later after launch for free. 

Conclusion

Betting high since its announcement and bringing many positive points in its final version, Sonic Racing Crossworlds delivers on its promise, bringing racing fans and the Sonic universe a truly magnificent game, full of surprises, collectibles, and plenty of speed to keep players engaged for hours on end, striving for the best position, whether against the car or with friends. It's by far the best Sonic racing game in years!

So, are you ready for the next round? Don't forget to comment on what you liked most about this review and, if you've already played the game, Sonic Racing Crossworlds, the points that people are enjoying the most in the game.

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reviewed by Victor Pacheco in 09 / 10 / 2025.

*Game kindly provided by Sega for review in the Nintendo Switch version.