"Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Unveils Characters and Tracks for Closed Test"

Get ready for an exhilarating ride with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest kart racing game in the Sonic The Hedgehog series, brought to you by Sega and Sonic Team. This game promises to be the largest yet, with a roster that's sure to excite fans and newcomers alike. Dive in to discover the new features, mechanics, and the upcoming closed network test.

Largest Roster From The Series Ever

In an exciting reveal, Sega and Sonic Team have teamed up to bring you Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which boasts the most extensive character lineup in the series to date. According to Thalia Piedra, Associate PR Manager at Sega of America, in a PlayStation.blog post dated February 12, 2025, the game will feature "iconic characters from the Sonic and Sega universes." While the trailer focuses solely on Sonic characters, the official website promises 23 characters at launch, with more to be added post-launch.

The trailer showcases fan favorites such as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, alongside Sonic Riders' Jet, Wave, and Storm. You'll also spot Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six, Team Dark’s Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, and Dr. Eggman with his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic. The Chaotix crew, including Vector, Charmy, and Espio, make an appearance, rounding out the roster with Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big.

Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduces innovative gameplay mechanics that promise a fresh experience for both long-time fans and new players. The highlight is the use of Travel Rings, which transport racers to different worlds in real-time during races. These CrossWorlds, as described by Piedra, will "bring dramatic changes to races, transporting players from one world to a completely new location." Each CrossWorld offers a theme park-like experience, filled with surprises like large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks with stunning scenery.

The game also features dynamic tracks inspired by past titles like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. With each lap, the track will change, challenging players to adapt and conquer. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch with 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds for an ever-changing racing experience.

Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds sets a new standard for vehicle customization in the series. On February 17, 2025, the game's official Twitter (X) account shared a preview showcasing extensive options for modifying vehicles. Players can change the front and rear parts, wheels, and customize the body color, tires, cockpit, and overall glow of their vehicles.

Additionally, players can equip characters with Gadgets, tailoring them to optimize their play style with 23 different power-up items. The game introduces 45 unique original vehicles, including the return of Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders. These flying hoverboards offer a boost-based racing style, adding a thrilling twist to the gameplay.

Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka praised the game as "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date," highlighting the blend of new and returning features.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced

Closed Network Test Registration Now Open

A closed network test for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to give fans an early look at what the game has to offer. Registration opened on February 12, 2025, and will close on February 19, 2025. The playtest will run from February 21, 2025, to February 24, 2025, exclusively on the PlayStation 5.

• PST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 04:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 04:00 PM
• EST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 07:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 07:00 PM
• GMT: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 00:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 00:00 AM
• JST: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 09:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 09:00 AM

Participants who complete the post-test survey will receive an exclusive in-game sticker and title, adding extra incentive to join the test and share feedback.