Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is sweet validation for Nintendo Switch 2 avoiders

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A couple of weeks ago, TopMob Gaming attended a fancy preview event for Sonic Racing Crosswords.

To my delight, I found myself in the heart of the top-secret McLaren Technology Centre, a place brimming with Formula One’s closely guarded speed secrets. Undeniably, it lives up to its motto: “Go Fast.

During the times when we weren’t exploring the McLaren facility or mastering wheel changes on Formula 1 cars, we had ample opportunities to engage extensively with the game before its scheduled debut at Gamescom.

For those who haven’t purchased a Nintendo Switch 2, Sonic Racing Crossworlds serves as a compelling reason to do so. This implies that the game provides excellent justification for people considering buying the latest version of the console.

Indeed! If the prospect of a fresh Mario Kart release didn’t seem sufficient for purchasing a new console right away, I’ve got an alternative suggestion for you. A brand-new kart racing game, hailing from Sega, that introduces some delightful curveballs to what we usually anticipate in the genre.

As a dedicated gamer, I must say one feature that truly stands out for me is the Rival System. It’s like having an unspoken conversation with the game when I’m playing a kart race, where I might find myself thinking, “Boy, Yoshi sure is giving me a run for my money today!” This system really adds an extra layer of competition to the gameplay experience.

To begin, a random character will be chosen as your opponent in every racing event. You’ll engage in some competitive banter with this character. Throughout each race, you’ll pay close attention to their position.

It’s convenient since you won’t need to imagine your own backstory for rivalries. Instead, the game provides these details officially.

Sega introduced an innovative twist to the starting line where a small circle appears on the screen, requiring players to time their acceleration just right for optimal speed.

In simpler terms, there’s a narrow time frame, right after the lights have finished their countdown, that you need to act on. It can be quite challenging to accomplish this, but the sense of achievement once successful is truly rewarding.

Although it’s not a flawless kart racing game, I have to admit that the controls felt somewhat challenging for me. Despite the thrill of the races and the cool gadgets, I often found myself crashing head-on into walls when turning corners.

Some characters excel in maneuverability, while others are more robust, but I found the turning performance less impressive. I prefer vehicles that don’t require drifting constantly when cornering, and sometimes it seemed impossible to navigate curves without resorting to drifting.

I have some reservations about the concept of the game, which centers around portal-like passages reminiscent of Sonic, connecting different dimensions.

As a thrill-seeker, I can’t help but get excited about this! You’ll find yourself racing around one track, only to be surprised by a portal that transports you to another one. If you’re lucky enough to be leading the pack, you’ll have the unique opportunity to choose between two portals, effectively guiding everyone else through this exciting adventure. It’s like being a pioneer in a whole new world!

However, I discovered that transitioning from a course you’re enjoying to another might feel bothersome. Regardless of whether the new course features a large dinosaur, it often feels more like a peripheral activity than an essential part of the overall experience.

Despite everything, the game remains quite enjoyable. It features an array of entertaining characters such as Hatsune Miku, SpongeBob, and those from Sonic. Even Pac-Man is joining the mix!

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share that, unlike the traditional approach of “Sega plays where Nintendo doesn’t,” Sega is making this game accessible across all platforms. No secret hideouts or exclusive zones for a select few; everyone can join in the fun!

Emphasized repeatedly during the event was the fact that it would be available across all platforms, with a slide displaying an apology to Nintendo for this reason.

Absolutely! If you haven’t got the Switch 2 yet and are looking for a fun kart racing game, there’s a fresh option for you to enjoy.

The game ‘Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ is set to release on September 25th for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. If you’re excited to get a copy, pre-orders are now available!

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2025-08-26 19:04