Sonic Racing: New Characters and Tracks Unveiled for Closed Test

Dive into the thrilling world of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest kart racing game in the iconic Sonic The Hedgehog series, where Sega and Sonic Team are bringing together the largest roster yet. The excitement builds as we gear up for the upcoming closed network test. Let's explore the new features and mechanics that promise to redefine your racing experience.

Largest Roster From The Series Ever

In an exciting reveal on the PlayStation.blog on February 12, 2025, Sega of America Associate PR Manager Thalia Piedra unveiled the dynamic world of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. The game boasts an impressive lineup of 23 characters at launch, with more to be added post-release. While the official roster remains under wraps, the trailer showcases beloved characters from the Sonic universe, including Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, alongside fan favorites from Sonic Riders like Jet, Wave, and Storm. The Deadly Six's Zavok and Zazz, Team Dark members Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, and Dr. Eggman with his creations Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic also make an appearance. The Chaotix team, featuring Vector, Charmy, and Espio, joins the fray, rounded out by Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big.

Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds

The heart of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds lies in its innovative gameplay mechanics. The introduction of Travel Rings allows racers to be transported to different worlds in real-time, creating a thrilling and unpredictable race experience. According to Piedra, these CrossWorlds will not only change the scenery but also introduce a theme park-like atmosphere filled with surprises like large monsters, engaging obstacles, and stunning tracks.

The game also features dynamic tracks inspired by past titles such as Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, ensuring that each lap presents a new challenge. With 24 main tracks and 15 unique CrossWorlds, players are in for a transformative racing adventure.

Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!

Vehicle customization reaches new heights in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. A sneak peek shared on Twitter (X) on February 17, 2025, showcased extensive options for customizing the front and rear parts of vehicles, wheels, and deep color customization of the body, tires, cockpit, and overall glow.

Players can further tailor their racing experience with 23 different Gadgets, allowing for personalized power-up strategies. The game introduces 45 unique original vehicles, including the return of Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders, offering a boost-based racing style on flying hoverboards.

Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka proudly stated that this game represents "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date," promising a comprehensive and exhilarating racing experience.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced

Get ready for a sneak peek of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with its upcoming closed network test. Registration opened on February 12, 2025, and will close on February 19, 2025. The playtest will run from February 21, 2025, to February 24, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.

• PST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 04:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 04:00 PM
• EST: 02/21/2025 (Fri) 07:00 PM - 02/23/2025 (Sun) 07:00 PM
• GMT: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 00:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 00:00 AM
• JST: 02/22/2025 (Sat) 09:00 AM - 02/24/2025 (Mon) 09:00 AM

Participants who complete the post-test survey will be rewarded with an exclusive in-game sticker and title, adding to the excitement of this much-anticipated test.