Sonic Racing CrossWorlds kicks off: demo, modes, and everything we know

After a long break on the track, The blue hedgehog is back on track with a project that aims high.. Sonic Team's proposal with Sonic Racing CrossWorlds opts for a more immersive approach pure arcade, accessible and with a lot of sparkle, seeking to make room for both veterans and those who are getting into karts for the first time.

Just a few days before its release, there is already enough material to get a clear idea: Free single-player demo, rich content, and cross-platform support. There is also room for customization and collaborations, although with a payment roadmap which raises debate among those who prefer everything to come standard.

What Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers

Far from the three-driver teams of previous installments, this is where you have to race on your own: Each race is a free-for-all, with vehicle classes that define style (Speed, Power, Acceleration, Turbo and Handling) and easy-to-understand handling.

The starting squad adds 23 characters from the saga and other SEGA/Atlus brands, with names like Sonic, Tails, Shadow or Eggman, and new faces like Sage. Guests include Joker (Persona 5), ​​Hatsune Miku or Kasuga Ichiban, and more is anticipated through events and additional content.

On the track, drifting rules: maintaining it charges a meter and Unleash up to three levels of turbo. There are also stunts to gain momentum, management of rings that raise the top speed and a collection of classic objects and “super objects” that change the course in a flash.

The other big sign is mobility: transformable vehicles when passing through water or taking flight, and the “Travel Rings”, portals that They jump to another world in the middle of the raceBetween new settings and nods to the saga, the 24 main circuits offer alternative routes and unexpected twists.

Game modes and rivalry system

The core is the Grand Prix, with seven cups and an extra touch of spice: in each championship a rival to compete with, tougher than the rest and with pre- and post-test dialogues that add flavor to the competition.

El Competition Park It brings together six variants with specific rules: teams of three (as a tribute), races with super objects, trials to collect rings, and more. Here they are unlocked vehicles and rewards by beating AI templates, and can also be play locally split screen and online with up to 12 people.

To close the circle, they are Friendly Match (configurable for 12 users) and Time trial, useful for polishing lines and unlocking musical themes. The absence of a story mode It is noticeable, but the system of rivals and the dynamism of the circuits maintain the pace well.

The multiplayer more than delivers: quick games, controlled chaos and laughter When objects rain down or a portal sends the group sprinting to another dimension. In family or friend sessions, the game automatically takes over.

Technique, sound and performance

The leap to Unreal Engine 5 It suits the whole: the cars look more detailed, the effects are better and, above all, the circuits overflow with creativity with very different settings and constant visual events.

The world changes are resolved with short transitions, less spectacular than in other titles, but the result is convincing thanks to striking moments already an artistic direction that dares with everything: casinos, jungles with dinosaurs, steampunk cities or ghost ships.

There are options Resolution or Performance in the current generation, with PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions well-resolved for their hardware; and support for Use a racing controller on Nintendo SwitchBeing an intergenerational project imposes compromises, but the experience remains stable.

In terms of sound, the bar is high: catchy, festive-style songs and a top-notch Spanish dubbing, featuring the official voice of Sonic in Spain. It's a game that's enjoyable at a generous volume.

Difficulty, progress and content

The control is direct (accelerate, skid, objects and brake) and the difficulty offers four levels: Normal, High, Sonic, and Super Sonic Speed. The game does not punish excessively and adapts with suggestions if a duel gets stuck.

To prolong life, winning cups grants Power Gems that open challenges against Super Runners, and there are challenges in the race that give rewards. The internal economy revolves around the Dodon Pa Banknotes, with which parts and stickers are purchased.

Personalization is one of its strengths: bodies, vinyls, colors and custom hornIn practice, the gadget plate allows you to equip passive enhancements and special effects; with over 70 gadgets, it's best to plan for each track or style.

In numbers, we are talking about 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, 23 characters (with future additions), 45 vehicles, those more than 70 gadgets and 23 different objects. Although statistics exist, the decisive factor remains expertise to drift, manage rings and choose shortcuts well.

Demo: date, content and saving

SEGA has released a free single-player demo September 17. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Nintendo Switch; It does not come to PS4, Xbox One or Switch 2.

The approximate schedules are: 21:00 PM PT on 09/16, midnight on 09/17 at the East Coast (ET), about the 06:00 CEST in Spain and around the 13:00 JST in Japan. The download remains active to test the game before release.

The test includes 4 characters, 3 main circuits and 5 CrossWorlds, plus 12 vehicles and 20 gadgets to fine-tune your style. You can play Grand Prix, Time Trial and tinkering in the garage with customization.

Progress carries over to the final version, with exceptions: Time Trial records and some user settings They don't play the full game. There's no online or split-screen in this demo.

Platforms, price and editions

The title is released on September 25 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The version of Switch 2 It is planned to release later (digital in winter and physical format in early 2026).

The standard edition costs €69,99 on most platforms and €59,99 on Nintendo Switch. The Digital Deluxe Edition amounts to €89,99 and includes the season pass (six packs with drivers, vehicles and tracks) and the Sonic Prime character pack, in addition to access 72 hours prior to the game.

The content model is mixed: there will be free periodic updates and festivals with rewards, along with season pass extras. There will be no shortage of voices asking for more free materials, but SEGA is committed to sustaining the game over time with events and collaborations.

Guests, DLC and leaks

In addition to the classic faces, the lineup will be filled with collaborations. Participations from SEGA franchises and third parties have been cited, with characters and thematic clues included in packs.

Between what is confirmed and what is hinted at appear SpongeBob, Pac-Man and Minecraft. In the chapter on leaks, promotional materials and advance physical copies They are targeting Mega Man as a guest in the final stretch of the season pass and NiGHTS as a free addition..

The set seeks balance between nostalgic winks and novelties, keeping the roster open with staggered additions. As always in these cases, it's important to separate what's official from what's still awaiting confirmation.

With direct control, a remarkable tactical layer and circuits that change on the fly, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds It comes with enough arguments to hook all types of players. The demo allows you to get a feel for it, the multiplayer promises very lively matches, and if its calendar of events and collaborations pans out, It has gasoline for many seasons.

Related article:

'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' opens its open test with cross-play before its September 25 launch.

Alberto Navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

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