For decades, the kart racing genre has been a kingdom ruled by a single, mustachioed monarch. While many have tried, few have come close to dethroning Nintendo's Mario Kart series, leaving players on other platforms with a distinct lack of high-quality, mascot-driven racing. SEGA, a long-time rival in this space, is revving its engines once again with a new challenger: Sonic Racing Crossworlds. We recently had the chance to get behind the wheel for a first look, and what we played was more than just another kart racer; it's a bold, ambitious love letter to the entire SEGA universe that might just have the speed to compete.
A Genre in Need of a Hero
Let's be honest: outside of a Nintendo console, the options for polished kart racers are slim. The genre is littered with forgettable clones and licensed cash-ins that fail to capture the simple, addictive magic that makes the formula so compelling. Fans fondly remember titles like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, a game that proved SEGA could deliver a genuinely excellent alternative. It's been a long wait since then, but Sonic Racing Crossworlds feels like a direct evolution of that legacy, aiming not just to be a great Sonic racer, but a definitive SEGA racing experience.
Welcome to the Crossworlds
The "Crossworlds" in the title is the game's entire premise. This isn't just Sonic and friends; it's a massive crossover event pulling from the deepest corners of SEGA's iconic history. Our hands-on demo featured a roster that went far beyond the usual Green Hill Zone crew. We saw characters and tracks inspired by landmark franchises, including:
- Jet Set Radio: Grinding rails and boosting through a cel-shaded, graffiti-covered Shibuya-inspired track as Beat.
- Yakuza: Weaving through the neon-lit streets of a Kamurocho-themed circuit, dodging traffic cones and collecting ramen-themed power-ups.
- Persona 5: A stylish, acid-jazz-fueled race through a Palace, with the Phantom Thieves joining the roster.
- Super Monkey Ball: A chaotic, winding track suspended in the sky, requiring precise handling to avoid rolling off the edge.
This commitment to celebrating SEGA's diverse portfolio is the game's biggest strength. Each world feels distinct, not just in its visual design but in its track mechanics. The Jet Set Radio level, for instance, incorporates trick-based boosting systems, while the Super Monkey Ball track is a pure test of driving precision. It’s an approach that promises immense variety and a constant stream of delightful fan service.
Behind the Wheel: How It Plays
A great theme is nothing without solid mechanics, and thankfully, Crossworlds delivers. The core driving feels tight and responsive, with a drift-boosting system that is easy to learn but has a high skill ceiling, reminiscent of the best in the genre. It successfully balances accessibility with depth. Where it truly innovates is with its "Cross-Skill" system. Each racer has a unique ultimate ability that can turn the tide of a race, but also a passive team-based skill. For example, having Sonic on your team might grant a slight top-speed boost to everyone, while having a character from the Yakuza series might increase the power of melee-style items. This encourages strategic team composition in multiplayer modes, adding a layer of meta-gameplay that feels fresh and exciting.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears
Visually, Sonic Racing Crossworlds is a vibrant explosion of color and style. The game masterfully blends the distinct art directions of its various franchises into a cohesive whole. Seeing the gritty realism of Kamurocho rendered with the bright, cartoonish flair of a kart racer is a sight to behold. The soundtrack is poised to be an all-timer, featuring brand-new remixes of classic tracks from every featured series. Speeding through a Persona-themed track while a Crush 40 rock remix of "Last Surprise" blasts through the speakers was a highlight of our demo.
The Road Ahead
Our time with Sonic Racing Crossworlds was brief, but it left a powerful impression. This isn't just another attempt to chase Mario Kart's shadow. It's a confident, well-designed, and lovingly crafted celebration of SEGA's entire history. By leveraging its incredible roster of worlds and characters and backing it up with solid, innovative racing mechanics, SEGA has built a foundation for something truly special. While it remains to be seen if the final package can maintain this level of quality across all its content, Sonic Racing Crossworlds has sped its way to the top of our most anticipated list. The king of kart racers may finally have a true challenger to the throne.