Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has been praised for its ambitious crossover content and vast playable roster, but its DLC lineup has now drawn strong criticism from fans — this time over the lack of voice acting.
The latest controversy erupted following confirmation that Werehog Sonic, a fan-favorite alternate form from Sonic Unleashed, will be completely voiceless in the game. Despite being the pre-order bonus for CrossWorlds, Werehog Sonic features no new dialogue or growls. Instead, he uses a recycled jump sound from Unleashed, much like how SpongeBob and Patrick were limited to bubble sound effects in earlier previews.
What’s more, Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Hatsune Miku, (EDIT: It has since been confirmed that Hatsune Miku will have voice lines, however as of the time of this edit, Miku is still the only DLC character to have voice lines) also confirmed DLC racers, will not have any voice lines either. While some players expected third-party characters to receive limited audio treatment, many are questioning why even first-party Sega characters like the Werehog were left silent — especially when Roger Craig Smith himself confirmed that he was willing to record lines, but “wasn’t even asked.”
The reaction from the Sonic community has been swift and vocal. Across social media platforms, fans are calling the decision “comically cheap,” with one viral post bluntly stating, “This is just unacceptable for a $70 game.”
Many players had hoped the game’s extensive customization and massive roster would be complemented by the kind of personality and banter that have become hallmarks of modern Sonic titles. Instead, the lack of vocal interaction for high-profile additions has become a sticking point in an otherwise high-octane experience.
While the base roster features hundreds of fully voiced character interactions and rival lines, the inconsistency with DLC content is raising concerns as the game pushes further into cross-media territory. Whether this is a result of time constraints, licensing issues, or a design decision remains unclear.
With Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continuing to roll out seasonal updates and crossover content, fans are hoping that SEGA reconsiders future DLC standards — or at the very least, gives the Werehog the vocal treatment he deserves.
Stay tuned to Sonic City for all the latest on CrossWorlds Updates, DLC News, and community reactions.
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Yeah i think this is something they should of mentioned in the bio of the digital deluxe edition they should of already knew people would wonder who would voice the wherehog and if he will even have a voice
Hatsune miku only costs like $400 that should be nothing to an AAA game company. They might even be able to get it for free or discounted, since they are OFFICIALLY PARTNERING with Vocaloid.