Announced discreetly at last December’s Game Awards, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds utilized February 12’s State of Play event to reveal more concrete details about itself. Beyond its visually appealing design, SEGA’s Mario Kart-like game will feature a new mechanic central to the gameplay: the ability to change worlds through portals known as Transfer Rings. Essentially, during races, players will encounter familiar floating rings that each contain an image and offer transportation to entirely different universes. This could lead to sudden transitions like being transported back to the age of dinosaurs or onto a carrier plane for a sequence reminiscent of Top Gun Maverick. However, there’s an added twist: the player in the lead can choose the CrossWorld that all players will be sent to during the second lap, ensuring varied experiences throughout each race.
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds does not neglect its heritage and it will certainly be possible to adapt your vehicle according to the surfaces, whether they are terrestrial, marine, or aerial. In terms of items and gadgets, SEGA promises elements inspired by RPGs, as before each race begins, you can select and combine these gadgets for use during the race. However, remember that powerful gadgets require more gadget slots, thereby limiting your choices. As you progress through the game, you can expand the size of your inventory and unlock additional gadget slots. Additionally, you will be able to customize your vehicle and adjust parameters such as speed, acceleration, and maneuverability, while also considering cosmetic modifications.
No official release date has been announced, but Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is expected to be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. SEGA has already scheduled a closed network test for PS5 players.