Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Closed Beta) Thoughts…

(Learn more about the latest entry in the upcoming Sonic Racing franchise!)

Another Sonic racer is about to hit consoles and PC later this year with the highly anticipated latest entry in the beloved Sonic Racing franchise! Titled Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, this vibrant game offers a unique mix of exhilarating racing experiences as players zoom into different dimensions, adding a thrilling twist to the competition against their opponents. At this moment, the game is only available as a special invite for players who signed up for the closed beta (such as myself). I’ll be sharing my insights and experiences from the closed beta to get everyone excited about this innovative game, and believe me, it’s truly worth the anticipation!

Let’s take a look:

(Amy waving from the online main hub in Sonic Racers: CrossWorlds)

Even though this is a closed beta with limited resources and features implemented prior to the release of the final product, this game still manages to offer the right amount of engaging gameplay that allows players to become acquainted with its online aspect as they race against other opponents who are all vying for the top spot. During my first time diving into the beta, I found myself entering a vibrant main hub, as pictured above, where I had the exciting opportunity to choose my character and customize the vehicle that I would be racing in. The hub itself looks fantastic for a closed beta, but I have a strong feeling that the main game, once fully completed, will provide different breathtaking backgrounds to select from. Additionally, there’s a possibility that players might even be able to personalize their main hub according to their individual preferences (but don’t quote me on that just yet). Everything is still too early in development to make any definitive claims.

(The vehicle customization screen)

This is gonna be the nit and grit of the game’s core experience so far. Customization is truly what drives the fun and excitement, allowing players to decorate their vehicles and strategically place decals to create a unique and personal look that other players will see when they race against you online. So far, the game promises to offer even more robust tools to customize your ride when the full game is finally released once again. With all these features, the anticipation is building, and it’ll definitely be worth the wait!

From my experience delving into what the beta had to offer, I encountered a diverse array of controls that significantly influence handling, power, and various other factors designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of playstyles, ultimately enabling players to find a comfortable approach when racing. This unique feature will be the primary element that sets CrossWorlds apart from other racing games currently available on the market, as it appears that players can categorize their chosen vehicles according to these distinct attributes. Whether the vehicle is a powerhouse brimming with strength or a speedster designed for rapid movement, the thoughtful placement of vehicles in these categories is sure to make this game an incredibly enjoyable and exhilarating experience. Moreover, the variety of vehicle "Types" available for players to unlock as they continue to rank up adds an exciting layer of depth, inviting players to experiment and enhance their racing experience further.

(Playing as Sonic, racing to get First Place)

The goal is refreshingly simple: race your way to that coveted first place position, but don’t be fooled—achieving this victory is far from easy. Just like every other kart racer in the genre, there are power-ups scattered throughout the tracks to utilize strategically against your opponents, allowing you to hinder their progress, slow them down, and ultimately surpass them to take the lead in the thrilling race. Collecting more rings as you speed through the vibrant tracks will enhance your vehicle's capabilities, making it faster and more agile, so you can catch up or leave your adversaries eating your dust when you unleash that exhilarating boost.

As you can see, I'm currently playing as Sonic, showcasing his acrobatic skills by executing tricks in mid-air. Pulling off these stylish tricks not only rewards you with additional rings but also offers a speedy boost to help you maintain your advantage over the competition. The game interface conveniently displays your current speed, the total number of rings you possess, and on the left-hand side, you'll find your slot gauge, which I’ll delve into further below. It’s crucial to exercise caution when deciding to attack your opponents; creating a plethora of enemies, particularly in online play, can quickly shift your position, sending you tumbling from first place down to a potentially frustrating 4th to 7th place.

Another exciting feature worth noting, as mentioned earlier, is the dynamic nature of the racing environment—it can twist, turn, and even change dimensions! You might find yourself soaring through the sky, gliding over water with your vehicle transformed into a boat, or even soaring through the air once again. Just make sure to collect enough rings to activate your boosts and utilize the weapons at your disposal to fend off any incoming projectiles that may threaten your journey to victory.

(Slot power-ups available for customization)

The main slot customization hub provides players with a dynamic space to expertly customize their power-ups, allowing for both style and detail as they compete against their opponents. Featuring three distinct power-ups and an increased number of rings when equipped, this hub truly showcases the impressive evolution of the series. As you participate in more races, your chances improve significantly to snag an incredible perk for your slots, ultimately boosting your chances to clinch victory in each race! The diverse array of power-ups and extensive customization tools greatly enhances the gameplay experience on consoles. While the current version may seem limited in offerings, rest assured that the full game will unveil all of these exciting features when it officially launches later this year!