Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a kart racing game that blends high-speed competition with dimension-hopping mechanics on PS5. Players select from a large roster of Sonic series characters and compete across tracks that shift unexpectedly through Travel Rings, transporting racers into entirely new environments mid-race. The core loop centers on drifting, boosting, and using items while adapting to these sudden changes in terrain and layout.
Gameplay
The racing system emphasizes speed and adaptability. Vehicles handle with responsive drifting and boosting that rewards precise timing on turns and straights. Travel Rings activate after the first lap in many events, sending the entire field through a portal chosen by the leader. This sends everyone to one of 15 CrossWorlds, altering the track layout for the remaining laps and introducing new obstacles or shortcuts.
Customization forms a major part of progression. There are 45 vehicles to choose from, each with distinct stats that can be further modified. Players equip combinations from 70 gadgets to alter performance in areas such as acceleration, handling, or item effectiveness. These setups carry over into races and allow different playstyles to emerge based on vehicle and gadget choices. Power-up items number 23 in total, ranging from classic Sonic series favorites to new additions like the Monster Truck that can disrupt opponents in specific ways.
Game Modes
Grand Prix serves as the main single-player and local experience. It consists of multiple cups, each featuring three standard races followed by a finale that remixes elements from the prior tracks. Time Trials let players chase personal bests on individual courses without opponents.
Race Park provides a dedicated space for local split-screen play with friends, including party-style variations that add objectives beyond pure racing. Online options include World Match for ranked competition against global players and Friend Match for private lobbies supporting up to 12 participants with adjustable rules. These modes support both solo runs and team-based events.
Tracks and Roster
The game launches with 24 main tracks drawn from Sonic history and newer entries, paired with the 15 CrossWorlds that appear via the portal system. This combination creates repeated variety even on familiar courses because the second half of a race can unfold in a completely different setting.
The character roster stands at 23 playable options at launch, the largest in any Sonic racing title. Iconic figures from the series fill the grid, with one additional unlockable character available after completing specific challenges. Post-launch updates have expanded the lineup with further additions from Sonic properties and other Sega franchises.
Is It Worth Playing?
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers strong arcade kart racing with meaningful depth in its customization systems and the CrossWorlds mechanic that keeps races unpredictable. Reviews highlight the responsive handling, track design, and volume of content as strengths, while noting that online features receive less emphasis than the single-player and local options. The game continues to receive patches and new character packs well into its second year, maintaining an active roster of events and additions.
It suits players who enjoy arcade-style racers with mechanical complexity through gadgets and vehicle tuning, as well as those seeking local multiplayer variety. Fans of the Sonic series will find familiar characters and locations presented in fresh ways, while the portal system adds a layer that distinguishes it from standard kart racers. The PS5 version supports both digital PS4 and PS5 editions through a single purchase where applicable.
