Introduction
Sega’s latest kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, arrives as a major entry in the genre, blending the signature speed of Sonic the Hedgehog with deep vehicle customization and an ambitious “cross-world” track mechanic. Reviews are generally favourable: it holds a Metacritic score of around 82 for critics.
Here’s my breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your time.
What Works: The Highlights ✅
- Fast-paced, arcade-style racing
The moment-to-moment action is satisfying. Tracks feel lively, with plenty of visual flair and strong speed once you’re into the swing of things. Reviewers praise the “addicting chaos” and the sense of speed and momentum. - Robust customisation & gadget systems
One of the stronger differentiators is the depth in vehicle parts, gadgets and tuning. According to TechRadar: “Racing and drifting are sublime … gadgets add so much depth and player expression.” - Lots of tracks, creative themes & the “cross-world” twist
The game features a large roster of tracks, many themed around Sonic history, and introduces mid-race transitions between map segments (“CrossWorlds” mechanic) which help keep things fresh. - Good value for fans of kart racers
If you’re already into the genre, and especially into Sonic’s world, this game delivers a polished package. The vast majority of early players on Steam rated it “Overwhelmingly Positive”.
What Doesn’t Work: The Weaknesses ⚠️
- Sluggish start, steep learning curve
The game doesn’t immediately feel intuitive: many critics mention that starting off feels “slow and confusing.” Once you get used to it, things pick up, but the early experience could be off-putting. - Item/gadget balance and chaotic races
The high level of on-screen effects and item usage can result in chaotic races where skill is sometimes overshadowed. One review notes “the item system … at its best injects a wild unpredictability … but the balance isn’t always consistent.” - Progression and grind concerns
Unlocking new vehicles, parts and cosmetic items can feel slow, and some players have raised concerns about the DLC model and perceived pay-walls. - Not quite the genre-defining apex
While strong, the game doesn’t entirely unseat the best kart racers; some critics call it “not S-tier” despite being very good.
My Verdict
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is very good — among the better kart racers in recent years — but it isn’t flawless.
If I were to summarise:
- For whom: If you’re a fan of Sonic, enjoy kart-racers, love customisation, and relish chaotic, colourful multiplayer — this game should be a win for you.
- Be aware: If you prefer a more measured experience (less chaos, tighter item balance, more polish in progression) or are comparing against genre-greats like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this might fall just short of perfection.
- Final rating: 8 / 10 — Strong recommendation, with caveats.
Final Thoughts
In many ways, CrossWorlds realises what many Sonic fans have wanted: a kart racer that plays to the strengths of the Sonic universe — speed, style, crossover appeal — while delivering modern features (customisation, gadgets, large roster). That said, the polish and balance could still benefit from refinement. If you’re willing to accept a bit of chaos and grind in exchange for a fun, stylish racer, you’ll likely have a great time.
If you like, I can pull up detailed breakdowns of each major mode (Grand Prix, Multiplayer, Customisation) and how they compare to other games in the genre. Would you like that?
🆚 Direct Comparison & Which to Choose
| Feature | Mario Kart World | Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds |
|---|---|---|
| Core racing feel & polish | Very high, flagship-level for the franchise. | Strong, but some feel less refined than MKW. |
| Innovation / new mechanics | Big leap (open world, wall rides, 24 racers) but uneven in spots. | Creative twists (cross-world mechanic, multiple vehicle classes, guest characters) that feel fresh. |
| Content at launch | Lots of pedigree, but some feel content outside of tracks is thin. | Fun tracks/roster, but perhaps less breadth at launch vs expectation. |
| Multiplayer / fun factor | High fun factor: familiar, but some feel item/chaos balance leans too much luck. | Also high fun factor, perhaps more “arcade” feel, but some control/physics differences might turn off precision racers. |
| Best for whom? | Someone who wants the “ultimate” Mario Kart experience, familiar franchise with high polish and new features. | Someone who’s into the Sonic universe (and guest crossovers), wants something a little different and is okay with maybe slightly less refinement. |