Introducing Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Its Exciting Crossovers
During a recent appearance on IGN Live, Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, unveiled new gameplay features and shared insights into the highly anticipated Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Fans are eager to learn why this game is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious crossover kart racers to date.
Big Names and Surprising Guest Characters
Just a day after the game’s reveal at Summer Game Fest, Iizuka discussed the process behind selecting guest characters. The roster includes popular figures like Hatsune Miku, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, Joker from Persona 5, and Minecraft icons Steve, Alex, and Creeper. Iizuka reflected on how exciting it was to bring these diverse characters into the Sonic universe and the creative decisions involved.
Expanding the Crossover Universe
“We wanted to make sure the second lap was filled with surprises, taking players to worlds they never expected,” Iizuka explained. “While exploring Sega IP worlds was a natural choice, we also aimed to surprise players by venturing into other popular IPs, like Minecraft. It’s about creating a fun and unpredictable experience as you progress through different worlds.”
Innovative Racing Mechanics: The Three-Lap Formula and Travel Rings
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds features a unique three-lap race format. The race begins with a standard first lap, but the real excitement starts with the second lap, where the leader gets to choose a new world for everyone to race through using Travel Rings.
“The three-lap system is intuitive and accessible,” Iizuka noted. “We wanted to keep the gameplay fresh by avoiding repetitive circuits. The Travel Ring mechanic allows players to be transported to new, unknown worlds, making each race unpredictable and engaging. We also added surprises for the final lap to keep things exciting.”
Favorite Items and Gameplay Enhancements
Talking about power-ups, Iizuka expressed his enthusiasm for the homage to previous Sonic Racing titles. The game features the Rocket Punch item and Wisp-based items inspired by Team Sonic Racing. However, his personal favorite is the Monster Truck power-up, which transforms your vehicle into a giant truck capable of crushing opponents in front of you.
What to Expect When the Game Launches
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to launch on September 25, 2025. The game promises a host of exciting features, including the return of hoverboards from Sonic Riders, the ability for any character to ride in any vehicle, and online multiplayer for up to 12 players. Cross-play support ensures that players across different platforms can race together seamlessly.
Platforms and Future Releases
The game will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Even more exciting, Switch 2 users will soon be able to join the racing frenzy with over 23 characters, ensuring the game remains fresh and accessible across all devices.
Stay Updated
For more in-depth details and gameplay previews, check out our coverage of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Stay tuned for updates as the release date approaches!
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. Follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
Emma Blake
Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.
