Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Gotta Go Fast, But Not Too Fast

A kart racing adventure where speed meets strategy and a bit of chaos

Launch Day Larry

In the world of kart racing, “Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” is like that one friend who shows up to a party with a deck of cards and a bottle of hot sauce—it’s fast, unpredictable, and leaves you wondering what just happened. This game takes the classic Sonic speed and injects it into a kart racing format, offering a thrilling ride with a few bumps along the way.

Gameplay: Speed, Strategy, and a Sprinkle of Chaos

“Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” delivers a high-octane experience that will have you gripping your controller like it’s the last chili dog on Earth. The game boasts an impressive roster of 23 characters and 24 tracks, each designed to keep your adrenaline pumping. The “CrossWorld” feature is a standout, adding a twist to the second lap of races that keeps you on your toes and ensures no two races are the same.

Customization is where the game truly shines. The gadget selection system allows players to tailor their playstyle, whether you prefer the raw power of a speed demon or the nimble handling of a kart that turns on a dime. This depth in customization not only enhances replayability but also lets you express your inner kart artist. However, the game’s reliance on items can be a double-edged sword. Some items feel like they were designed by a mad scientist with a penchant for chaos, leading to moments where strategy takes a backseat to sheer luck.

While the controls are tight and responsive, the sensitivity might initially feel like trying to tame a wild hedgehog. But once you get the hang of it, the game rewards you with a smooth and exhilarating experience. The limited game modes, however, might leave you wanting more variety, as the Grand Prix and Time Trial modes can only entertain for so long.

Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes, But Not Without Its Flaws

Visually, “Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” is a treat. The use of Unreal Engine 5 and DirectX 12 brings the vibrant and colorful environments to life, making each race feel like a journey through a candy-coated wonderland. The character models and level designs are polished to a shine, drawing inspiration from previous Sonic games to create a unique and engaging aesthetic.

Performance-wise, the game runs like a dream on high-end hardware, maintaining a solid 60 FPS even at 4K resolution. However, the lack of higher frame rate options might leave some players feeling like they’re stuck in the slow lane. The limited aspect ratio support is another area where the game could improve, as ultrawide enthusiasts might find themselves feeling a bit boxed in.

Despite these minor hiccups, the graphics are a major selling point, contributing significantly to the game’s fun factor and replayability. Addressing these issues in future updates could elevate the visual experience even further.

Story: A Cast of Characters Without a Plot

If you’re looking for a deep narrative experience, “Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” might leave you feeling like you’ve taken a wrong turn at Green Hill Zone. The game lacks a traditional story mode, focusing instead on character interactions and gameplay mechanics. While the diverse cast of characters, including fan favorites like Sonic and Shadow, adds to the game’s charm, the absence of a cohesive narrative is a missed opportunity.

The lack of voice acting for DLC characters is another sore point, as it diminishes the personality and engagement of these additions. Players have expressed a desire for more depth in character interactions, including the ability to create custom characters and the inclusion of characters from the comics or TV shows.

Despite these shortcomings, the game’s focus on gameplay mechanics and the potential for interesting DLC characters provide engaging experiences that somewhat compensate for the lack of a structured story.

Final Verdict

“Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” is a fresh and exciting entry in the kart racing genre, offering high-speed gameplay, vibrant environments, and extensive customization options. While it has its share of technical and design limitations, the game’s innovative features and engaging mechanics make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. With future updates, it has the potential to become a must-have title for kart racing enthusiasts.

Score: 8/10