Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Gamescom Hands-On Preview

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Although the release of Mario Kart World, the first proper new entry in the series in over 8 years, already made 2025 a great year for fans of kart racers, those seeking a more traditional approach have Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to look forward to. While this seems straightforward at first glance, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers much more than just a traditional experience. It combines spectacle with tight, balanced mechanics that make the game enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

During Gamescom 2025 last week, I spent about 30 minutes playing Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and found it insufficient to truly understand the depth of its offerings. The game features a vast character roster including characters from various franchises such as Minecraft, SpongeBob, Pac-Man, Persona 5, and Like a Dragon. There’s also an extensive selection and customization options for vehicles, ranging from cosmetic to performance enhancements. Additionally, there’s a perks system that adds further depth.

Despite the limited time, I chose Sonic and a balanced vehicle with basic perks, including the ability to store an additional item during races. The cup consisted of four tracks, each offering unique challenges.

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October 8, 2025

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds initially appeared traditional but quickly revealed its uniqueness. After completing the first lap on the colorful track, players in first place get to choose between two other tracks, adding unpredictability and excitement. Each track included in the cup provided thrilling experiences, with the final lap returning to the original track for a satisfying conclusion.

The game is designed to be accessible while offering depth. The tight racing mechanics feel great even without focusing on drifting, combined with a diverse item selection and customizable perks systems. With only one cup played through, my experience was brief but enough to make me eager to explore more at higher difficulties and in online play.

Thankfully, an open beta is scheduled for August 29, ahead of the game’s release on September 25 across PC, PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. A Switch version will follow later in the year. Sonic Team has succeeded in creating a great kart racer with a solid balance between accessibility and depth, sure to please all types of players.