Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Unveils Characters and Tracks for Closed Test

Get ready to hit the tracks with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest thrilling installment in the Sonic The Hedgehog series! Developed by Sega and Sonic Team, this kart racing game promises an exhilarating experience with its largest ever roster of characters from the Sonic and Sega universes. Dive in to discover all the new features and mechanics, as well as details on the upcoming closed network test.

Largest Roster From The Series Ever

According to Thalia Piedra, Associate PR Manager at Sega of America, in a PlayStation.blog post dated February 12, 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will launch with 23 characters, with more to be added post-launch. While the trailer showcased only characters from the Sonic franchise, fans can expect iconic faces like Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, alongside other favorites such as Jet, Wave, and Storm from Sonic Riders, and Zavok and Zazz from the Deadly Six. Team Dark members Shadow, Rouge, and E-123 Omega, as well as Dr. Eggman with Egg Pawn and Metal Sonic, add to the diverse lineup. The Chaotix trio of Vector, Charmy, and Espio, along with Blaze, Silver, Cream, and Big, round out the impressive roster.

Travel Rings Will Transport Characters To Different CrossWorlds

One of the most exciting new features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the introduction of Travel Rings, which will transport players to various CrossWorlds in real-time during races. This innovative mechanic, as explained by Piedra, will dramatically change races by moving players from one world to another, offering a theme park-like experience filled with large monsters, engaging obstacles, and breathtaking scenery. The game will feature 24 main tracks and 15 CrossWorlds, ensuring a dynamic and transformative racing experience inspired by previous titles like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

Customization, Extreme Gear, Gadgets, and More!

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds promises the most extensive vehicle customization to date. A Twitter (X) post from the game's official account on February 17, 2025, showcased options for modifying the front and rear parts of vehicles, wheels, and deep color customization for the body, tires, cockpit, and overall glow. Additionally, players can equip their characters with 23 different Gadgets to tailor their racing style. The game will also feature 45 unique original vehicles, including the return of Extreme Gear from Sonic Riders, offering a boost-based racing experience. Sonic Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka praised the game as "a great culmination of all the Sonic Racing series games to date."

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Closed Network Test Announced

Closed Network Test Registration Now Open

Fans eager to get a sneak peek of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds can register for the closed network test, which began on February 12, 2025, and will close on February 19, 2025. The test will run from February 21, 2025, to February 24, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. Here are the test times in various time zones:

• 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 receive an exclusive in-game sticker and title as a token of appreciation.