Sonic has never been one to stay in one place, and his racing spin‑offs have reflected that restless energy. From Sonic Drift on Game Gear to All‑Stars Racing Transformed and Team Sonic Racing, the hedgehog has tried almost every flavour of arcade racing. At the Tokyo Game Show 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduced its newest idea: the ability to leap between entirely different tracks mid‑race through giant golden rings.
The demo began on a Green Hill‑inspired course, complete with loop‑de‑loops and checkerboard cliffs. On the second lap, a shimmering portal appeared, and the race shifted into Chemical Plant, filled with neon pipes and pools of purple sludge. Later laps transported the racers again, this time into a desert canyon. The transitions were seamless, and the sudden changes of scenery kept the pace unpredictable. It is a clever mechanic that makes every Grand Prix feel like a highlight reel of Sonic history. Moment to moment, the racing feels instantly familiar. There are cups of themed tracks, character and vehicle selection screens, drift boosts, mid‑air tricks, and item pick‑ups. Comparisons to the Switch 2’s premiere release of Mario Kart World are inevitable, although Sonic Team has added its own flourishes. Gadget Plates allow players to equip perks before a race, such as extra acceleration, stronger defence, or unique boosts. A rival system also spices things up, assigning a specific opponent to beat in each race for bonus rewards.
Vehicle customisation is another highlight. Beyond cosmetic tweaks, players can swap out parts to adjust stats like speed, handling, and acceleration. It adds a layer of tinkering that encourages experimentation and feels more substantial than the light customisation seen in earlier Sonic racers. The presentation is bright and confident. Characters are expressive, the tracks are packed with detail, and the music remixes classic Sonic themes with high‑energy beats. The demo ran smoothly, and the transitions between worlds were as much a spectacle as the racing itself.
The core loop still feels close to Mario Kart. The gadgets and rival system help to distinguish it, but the sense of familiarity is strong. The world‑hopping mechanic, however, is a genuine differentiator, and it gives the game a personality that could grow into something special if the full release leans into it.
Watch out for Cubed3’s full review of the retail release in the near future!
