IGN’s Jada Griffin had the chance to experience an exclusive hands-on preview of the upcoming Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the latest entry in the Sonic racing franchise that blends nostalgia with fresh innovations. According to Griffin, the game feels closer in spirit to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed while retaining some refinements from Team Sonic Racing. Gone is the team-based mechanic, replaced with a more individual-focused approach similar to Mario Kart. However, the game’s unique features set it apart from the competition.
The marquee mechanic of CrossWorlds revolves around Travel Rings, which warp racers to entirely new dimensions during the second lap. The leader gets to choose the route, but randomized options keep the experience unpredictable. Griffin highlights how this mechanic keeps the game fresh, with races featuring stages like dinosaur jungles, pirate-themed zones, and lava-filled landscapes. These transitions are seamless and introduce modifiers called “Frenzy” such as moving boost gates and instant drift boosts. Returning to the original course for the final lap comes with noticeable changes inspired by iconic Sonic moments, such as Metal Harbor’s evolving rocket launch sequence from Sonic Adventure 2.
The inclusion of vehicles beyond cars, such as planes and boats, adds variety to the gameplay. These transformations introduce unique mechanics, such as water-jumping tricks for boats or alternate plane routes with hidden boost gates.
Griffin also praised the roster, which includes Sonic staples like Tails and Knuckles, alongside lesser-seen characters like Cream, Omega, and… Zazz—yes, we know… Each character has unique stats that affect vehicle handling, speed, and power, with vehicles falling into five classes. Customization is another key highlight, allowing players to mix and match parts, modify stats, and personalize their rides with colors and decals. This freedom extends to gadgets, which act as power-ups to tweak gameplay strategies. Griffin experimented with abilities like ring-collection boosts and collision-based speed enhancements, adding depth to the competitive experience.
The gameplay felt responsive, and the new CrossWorlds mechanic added a layer of unpredictability to every race. Griffin noted that the blend of nostalgia and innovation kept the experience engaging, while vehicle customization and gadgets offered players a chance to experiment with their preferred playstyle. Despite the lack of an Adventure Mode in the preview build, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds looks poised to build on its predecessors while offering a fresh twist to the Sonic racing formula.
With so much yet to be revealed, excitement surrounding CrossWorlds only continues to grow! You can check out the full preview from Jada Griffin, which comes accompanied by new gameplay footage, below:
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