During the PlayStation State of Play this week, Sega announced the next entry in the Sonic Racing series. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is more than just a title, it's a reference to the all-new gameplay mechanic that'll transport characters to new dimensions inspired by Sonic and Sega universes.
Although many of the game's details are being kept under wraps, the trailer did highlight the game's new mechanic: Travel Rings, a pathway to a completely new location. The lead racer will choose the CrossWorld that all players will be transported to at the start of the second lap.
"Each CrossWorld offers a theme park-like experience with surprises around every turn, including large monsters, engaging obstacles, and tracks filled with beautiful scenery," Sega teased on the PlayStation Blog.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds feels like an amalgamation of previous Sonic Racing titles. The vehicle transformation mechanic from Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed returns as the dynamic tracks undergo dynamic changes, shifting between land, sea, and air terrains with each lap.
There's a new RPG-like Gadget feature that gives players more control over their preferred racing style. Prior to each race, you'll be able to equip and combine gadgets that provide different perks, creating a more personalized and unique racing experience. As explained by SEGA:
Powerful Gadgets require more Gadget slots, so make sure you’re optimizing your collection and increasing your inventory as you play through the game. As you progress, the more slots, and even stronger Gadgets you’ll unlock to make the game that much more exciting. Selecting the perfect combination of Gadgets for your gameplay style just might be the edge you need to come out in first place every time.
Vehicle customization is more in-depth than ever before thanks to one very big change; characters are not tied to specific vehicles. Characters and vehicles have different racing parameters such as speed, acceleration, and handling so mixing and matching can create a combination that best suits your race style.
It's not just about racing performance though. Parts from different vehicles can also be mixed and matched to create your very own custom vehicle. Interior and exterior cosmetics such as colors, decals, and textures can also be customized.
And finally, Sega confirmed that Extreme Gear returns from Sonic Riders. These flying hoverboards offer a boost-based style of racing.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. No release date was announced, but it is said to be coming soon. In the meantime, Sega will host a Closed Network Test which players can sign up for right now.