Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be a strong alternative to Mario Kart World, offering a high-speed kart racing experience with innovative gameplay mechanics and extensive customization options.
Why it matters: CrossWorlds stands out by incorporating sea and air racing, introducing strategic Travel Rings, and providing robust car customization, allowing players to tailor their racing style and experience.
The details:
- Travel Rings offer players the chance to choose between two routes for the second lap, adding variety and strategic depth to each race.
- The game features impressive car customization options, blending cosmetic touches with stat and playstyle-altering systems.
- Players can equip up to six gadgets on their ‘gadget plate’ loadout, significantly enhancing various aspects of their cars’ performance.
- Cosmetic customization is equally robust, with fully customizable car colors and the ability to mix and match different parts.
The game’s time trials are a straightforward three-lap test of speed, requiring strategic use of boosts and shortcuts to achieve top times.
Hands-on experience:
- During a preview session at McLaren Racing’s HQ, the author participated in a time trial challenge on the game’s opening circuit, E Stadium.
- The author placed a respectable fourth in the pre-launch time trial challenge, showcasing the game’s competitive nature.
- The depth of customization and strategy in CrossWorlds is impressive, although some gadget loadouts may become necessary to achieve the highest ranks in time trials.
Overall, the author’s time with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has been enjoyable, with the game packed with characters, tracks, cars, gadgets, and various modes.
The charm: The banter between characters, generated by the rivals system, is often hilarious, adding to the game’s charm.
What’s next: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to launch in about a month, competing with the best in the kart racing genre.