Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 82
  2. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. Oct 3, 2025
    95
    Nudging into pole position for this generation of the kart racing genre, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is all gas, great gimmicks and most importantly, great fun.
  2. Sep 18, 2025
    95
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds sets itself apart from other cart racers with its speed of gameplay, amount of customization, brilliant soundtrack, and great cast of characters that will expand more and more with DLC. With many different game-types, carts, and items to collect, there will be something for any Sonic the Hedgehog fan. With the announcement of Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5, and Ichiban Kasuga from Like A Dragon all coming in the next months, followed by a Minecraft and Spongebob DLC, we’ll have plenty to look forward to, plus some unannounced DLC as well! Sonic Team blew my expectations for the full game out of this “Cross”World.
  3. Sep 18, 2025
    95
    Overflowing with charisma, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is the racing game the blue blur always deserved—a true tribute with that unmistakable arcade vibe that honors his legacy in gaming. With gameplay as smooth and satisfying as driving in real life, and a wealth of content built to entertain for generations, the game reignites the friendly rivalry between SEGA and Nintendo. This time, though, the race is neck and neck.
  4. Sep 18, 2025
    95
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the best kart racing game you'll play in 2025, with tons of fresh ideas and more content than you could shake a Chao at.
  5. Sep 30, 2025
    92
    I’m pretty franchise agnostic with karting… I’m not fussed about who the characters are as long as it’s fun and I can certainly say that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a lot of fun… even when I wasn’t winning I was still enjoying the experience. The moments you pick up a power that can either help you take out the opponent in front or possibly blast past everyone ahead of you really add a lot of fun to the game. The ability to adjust many of the different aspects of the game (including the racing speed) means you can adapt it to the sort of mood you are in, or the skill level you want. The only drawback I would say is the price which does seem a bit steep… but there is a lot of fun to be had here either in solo play or in multiplayer and who doesn’t like a bit of split screen racing. Either grab a copy now and get racing or wait for a sale and then grab a copy… but if you like karting games… this is pretty close to a must have!
  6. Oct 13, 2025
    90
    The fastest hedgehog in the world gets even faster behind the wheel, and now he finally has a racing game worthy of his reputation. CrossWorlds introduces a few innovations, but more importantly, it marks a true leap in quality for the Sonic Racing series – and the first entry with a real chance to rival the competition.
  7. Oct 9, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing Crossworlds is everything a kart racer should be. It has plenty of unique tracks, with the Transformation Rings adding another layer of chaotic fun on top of tight controls and map design. There’s so much to customize and engage with, keeping players locked in as they build their own karts and raise friendship with characters. While the lack of DLC voice-overs is disappointing, the rest of the package is stellar. It’s the best kart racer this year; each race is a white-knuckled sprint across worlds.
  8. Oct 6, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is an excellent kart racer from start to finish. It's not just good for a Sonic game but arguably the best kart racer this year, and that's saying something in a year that gave us a new Mario Kart. It's easy to pick up, fun to play, packed with details for fans of the characters, and it remains accessible to newcomers. It's unbelievably fun to blitz around a corner, pop a boost, and rocket through a portal into a land of dinosaurs. If you're looking for a good racer, then Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is everything you could want.
  9. Oct 1, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds does what any arcade racer should and provides the player with an absurd sense of speed. Pushing players to constantly maintain ludicrious velocity on a number of exciting, smartly designed courses will fuel countless hours of competitive adrenaline-fueled play. While the lack of single-player modes and an exciting roster may deter some, tight controls and a fun world-shifting mechanic are enough to make this a heavy-hitter in the genre.
  10. Sep 25, 2025
    90
    Still, the fact remains, I’ve never had this much fun with a kart racer not named Mario Kart; Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is finally a high-quality alternative to the series that understands how to make going fast fun in a variety of ways. I like Mario Kart World a lot, but it has its fair share of detractors, and those people will be thrilled with what CrossWorlds has to offer.
  11. Sep 22, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds may not have the polish of Mario Kart World, but it’s a Sonic racer that finally earns a spot in the conversation with the genre’s best. The mix of vehicle types and gadget setups alone give the gameplay a layer of depth that most games in the genre don’t really aim for. It has its grindy moments, specifically with Donpa Tickets, but the foundation here is strong enough that the fun outweighs all the flaws. For fans of kart racers or Sonic in general, this is easily one of the series’ brightest surprises in years.
  12. 90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds far exceeded the expectations I had for it. After feeling like Team Sonic Racing was taking Sonic racing games in the wrong direction, CrossWorlds is a confident showcase of what makes these games so appealing to begin with.
  13. Sep 21, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing CrossWorlds isn’t just another entry in the franchise, it’s a full-on evolution of the karting formula that finally outshines Mario Kart World. Faster, more demanding, and packed with depth thanks to its gadget system, CrossWorlds mechanic, and unprecedented vehicle and character customization, SEGA has delivered a game that rewards skill, strategy, and risk-taking. Yes, hoverboards feel awkward and the UI could use some love, but on the track, the action is relentless, the races unpredictable, and the fun absolutely infectious. There’s no contest : Mario Kart World has finally met its master, and it’s called Sonic Racing CrossWorlds.
  14. Sep 19, 2025
    90
    Even though the ticket hunt can become a bit repetitive, it doesn't overshadow the brilliance of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. The hedgehog's entire universe was cleverly utilized in abundance across the tracks, cars, and soundtrack in a creative and well-crafted way. This is exactly what the blue blur's fans wanted and deserved. Sonic is back in the race, and to win.
  15. 90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is your quintessential kart racing game with great content and a unique and interesting gimmick in the form of the CrossWorlds. What appears to be a very simple kart racing game has far more depth and difficulty than meets the eye, with a plethora of modes, tracks, racers and upgrades. Granted, there are some minor gripes with the tracks sometimes feeling overwhelming, and some punishingly unfair moments. Still, if you are looking for a classic kart racing game with fun mechanics and great online and local co-op gameplay, then this is for you! Sonic is back and with a bang!
  16. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    CrossWorlds is a thrilling, chaotic, and endlessly replayable racer that finally gives Sonic a karting identity of his own.
  17. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    A fantastic racing game. It's tough to say if it's better or worse than Mario Kart World because both games offer completely different experiences, and will appeal to different types of players. If you're looking for a competitive racer that'll keep you engaged, and possibly enrage, this is it.
  18. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds isn’t just the best racing game of the year; it brings a confidence and energy that the genre has rarely seen over the past decade and a half. Especially as arcade-like experiences have largely given way to more straight-faced sim racing affairs. CrossWorlds offers a metric ton of things to do, with loads of tracks, characters, vehicles, and unlockables. The racing itself is also plenty addicting, thrilling, and - most importantly - blazingly fast. Some side modes feel a little underbaked, but this is an incredibly strong package where you absolutely get what you pay for.
  19. 90
    Despite my initial trepidation, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds defies the odds and managed to hook me. Strong fundamental gameplay is paired with genuinely cool customisation options and fantastic track design to make for a compelling and addicting racer that I’ve had to tear myself away from to even write this review. We’ll see how online balance plays out in a realistic sample size, but so far, I’m massively impressed.
  20. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    While I may have been left a little wanting when it comes to what CrossWorlds doesn’t do, everything itdoesdo is tweaked to perfection. This latest generation proves that the Blue Blur is back in the big leagues, finally giving him the fantastic racing game he’s always deserved. With Sonic’s resurgence going strong, CrossWorlds is a well-earned victory lap.
  21. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds fires on all cylinders with a fantastic roster of 24 of my favorite hedgehogs, foxes, echidnas, and more. The lineup of 24 main tracks and 15 Crossworld tracks is the best designed selection we've ever gotten in any Sonic racing game, and there is a generationally great soundtrack to accompany them. The racing itself feels fast, fantastic, and intuitive, with lots of options to tweak your stats to your preferred playstyle. There are plenty of modes that entertained my friends and me for hours, and CrossWorlds will probably be a regular staple of hangouts as more courses and characters are added over the coming months – though I do wish it had the option for splitscreen when playing online. The titular Crossworld mechanic is an awesome idea that keeps each race fresh, and a great way to potentially turn the tables on opponents thanks to a lengthy list of customization options. While I'm still speeding my way to complete all the challenges, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one that I know I'll enjoy playing plenty more of in the months to come, crossing the finish line as my new favorite kart racing game of all time.
  22. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing Crossworlds is a fast, stylish kart racer that shines with addictive drift mechanics, a flexible build system, and portal segments that remix tracks mid-lap to keep races unpredictable. Clean visuals, energetic remixes from across Sonic’s history, crossplay, and stable 60 fps support a fun Grand Prix loop with a clear rival-driven goal. Item boxes are too sparse, collisions lack impact, the rival can feel overly aggressive, and online still needs ranked playlists, but the core handling and customization make this an easy recommendation for kart fans.
  23. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is Sega’s most ambitious bet in the genre, delivering fun and unpredictable chaos that directly rivals the best games in the category, even with some bugs and slightly sluggish progression.
  24. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a return to form for the Sonic kart-racing series, while adding exciting mechanics like portals that shift your race mid-race. The tracks are creative and colorful, the visuals shine. On the downside, handling can feel loose in tighter turns, rubber-banding and item chaos sometimes detract from competitive racing. Still, if you're looking for a fun, fast-paced kart racing, then Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers.
  25. Sep 18, 2025
    90
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers a highly entertaining kart racing experience that meets expectations for the genre, while providing significant variety through its track-switching system and extensive customization options, which encourage repeated play sessions.
  26. Sep 18, 2025
    89
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds features some of the best track variety in the genre as well as a visceral driving experience that has you seamlessly take to the skies, water, and road. If you love kart racers, it's an absolute must-play.
  27. 88
    Chaotic, crazy, rich, explosive. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is the best kart game outside the Nintendo universe and, in some ways, it is even more compelling than Mario Kart World. The only thing missing is that final spark that would allow it to definitively emerge from the shadow of its rival.
  28. Sep 18, 2025
    86
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is SEGA’s ambitious new entry in the kart-racing genre, combining familiar mechanics with deep vehicle customization and a wide variety of race modes. While drifting requires more skill than in competitors and gadget management has some limitations, the game impresses with its content, creativity, and fast-paced action. Overall, it stands as a strong contender for the genre’s top spot, offering both fun and challenge for racing fans.
  29. Oct 8, 2025
    85
    While Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds might not dethrone Mario’s racing adventures, it’s a solid racing title in its own right thanks to great handling and an overwhelming amount of options. I would have liked to see a little more supporting the package as a whole, but what’s here must surely rank among the finest arcade-style racers from the last few years. For those who absolutely gotta go fast, this one is an easy recommendation.
  30. Oct 6, 2025
    85
    Aside from some limitations in its progression system, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is a highly enjoyable kart racer that can look Mario Kart straight in the eyes.
  31. Sep 30, 2025
    85
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a great little game. As well as availing itself of as many genre features as it could carry, it’s quite possibly the smoothest kart racer I’ve played and certainly one of the nicest to handle. With a cute set of gimmicks and solid customization options, its biggest problem is lacking enough modes and maps to quite cover a significant unlock grind.
  32. Sep 28, 2025
    85
    I’ve been waiting for a game like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. As the true successor to Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed, it brings back everything we loved about the fast-paced, chaotic kart racer: epic tracks that get more challenging from lap to lap, satisfying air tricks that reward you with boosts, all whilst adding more of that patented Sonic charm. With a long road of content ahead, it looks like the game will be a good bang for its buck; I just wish it didn’t include Nickelodeon.
  33. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Confirmation that the series still has a lot to offer in the arcade racing genre. They have managed to enhance everything that characterized the hedgehog racing series, and they have done so with the expertise of a studio specializing in arcade racing. It may not dethrone Super Mario, but Sonic behind the wheel again is pure arcade fun and works perfectly. Sonic and his friends are back racing at full speed, and this time they're doing it in what is possibly their best car yet.
  34. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Crossworlds has a really unique concept, combined with an arcade style, great dynamics, and solid gameplay, making it a strong competitor to Nintendo's Mario Kart.
  35. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' strenghts are in its distinctly arcade feel and sense of speed, it's an incredibly fun kart game with a strong personality that clearly sets it apart from the competition. If you're looking for a kart game and don't own a Nintendo console, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the answer, but it's also a solid alternative for everyone else, with cross-play undoubtedly adding value to the package, along with the extensive post-launch support already announced.
  36. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds offers some exciting twists on the tried-and-true kart-racing formula, making for a streamlined experience that wastes no time getting you into the action. Though there’s substantially less content and replayability than its primary contemporary, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is concise and effective in its mission, offering the most well-rounded kart racer of the year.
  37. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a pure kart racer that feels like a return to form for the series and a fun racing experience regardless of your affinity with the blue hedgehog.
  38. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast, stylish return to form for Sega’s kart-racing efforts, blending tight controls with deep customization and a surprisingly generous amount of content. While the core gameplay shines and rival interactions add flair, the overuse of its Travel Rings gimmick and a cautious character roster hold it back from true greatness. It’s a solid, replayable racer that’s fun solo or with friends, just don’t expect it to fully reinvent the wheel.
  39. Sep 18, 2025
    85
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds features fun, challenging gameplay, a diverse number of characters and tracks. There are also plenty of customization options. Multiplayer is the game's strong point, with a variety of modes both online and offline. However, the single-player content leaves something to be desired, becoming monotonous after a few hours. Furthermore, the Donpa Tickets grind is unnecessarily excessive.
  40. Sep 18, 2025
    81
    Sonic Crossworlds strikes a fine balance between fun and challenge, allowing each player to adjust the level of competitiveness according to their style, whether it’s racing casually or fighting for every corner in pursuit of victory. While it could offer more impactful rewards and a greater variety of car customization options, the game stands out as a vibrant kart arcade with colorful visuals, an engaging soundtrack, and races full of excitement.
  41. Oct 15, 2025
    80
    Kart games are about having fun, be it exploding your friends with itens, or nailing incredible drifts. At the end of the day, the few bumps in CrossWorlds are negligible. When I think about the game, I always remember the amazing tracks, the characters, a pulsating soundtrack — and, of course, the absolute speed.
  42. Oct 6, 2025
    80
    With some of its features “coming soon” the future of the game remains unknown, but in the here and now this is an uneven but nevertheless breathless racing game that wins you over eventually.
  43. Oct 2, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a game that is perfect for loyal Sonic fans first and foremost, as it will touch their emotions with the tracks, music, and characters. They will get a good-quality game that is rich with customization options as well, with some innovative ideas that we hope to see make a comeback in the future.
  44. Sep 29, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is perhaps the biggest surprise of the year for us. Not because it's good, because it's genuinely great. Full of life, vibrancy, joy and celebrating the long history of the blue blur, this is a kart racer that's heavy value for its asking price. Unlike others.
  45. Sep 28, 2025
    80
    SEGA manages to differentiate its arcade racing game from Mario Kart World in several ways, achieving a super fun experience with its own mechanics, which only suffers from a lack of content and constant drops in resolution.
  46. Sep 25, 2025
    80
    It’s not entirely revolutionary, but with a sleekness in its racing, and plenty of ways to shake up the status quo, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds arrives as a bright, creative new kart racing game, with plenty of charm to make an impact.
  47. Sep 24, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing Crossworld brings back everything its predecessor was missing and delivers a packed, solid racer.
  48. Sep 24, 2025
    80
    Thanks to its abundance of playable characters, large selection of vehicles and neat Gadget Plate system, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one of the best kart racing games currently available.
  49. Sep 24, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fantastic and beautiful kart racer that any fan of the Sonic franchise will enjoy. The fast-paced gameplay has a tight learning curve, but with practice both children and adults can find plenty to enjoy. If you're feeling an itch for a good racing game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is your best option this year.
  50. Sep 19, 2025
    80
    In Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, there is no open world, nor does it seek to reinvent what we have been playing for years; instead, it transforms each race into a battlefield, where the most important thing is to never hit the brakes. On the other hand, the lack of content is noticeable: although there are enough tracks and the crossworlds add variety, repeating the same circuits over and over again can become tedious. Hopefully, over time, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will grow with new content and make the most of the licenses it has on its side.
  51. Sep 19, 2025
    80
    If you're tired of Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is nothing less than the best possible alternative you can currently buy... Overall, CrossWorlds is truly on par with a strong package here, positioning itself as a serious competitor that doesn't just copy Nintendo.
  52. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    It’s lots of fun, particularly with pals by your side, and offers plenty of tracks and modes to keep gamers coming back for more.
  53. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    A dense and rich return to the franchise that only the most daring will be able to master.
  54. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sega has skillfully orchestrated the blue hedgehog's return to the racetrack. Rather than taking the risk of a complete overhaul, the teams have instead revisited a formula that already worked very well, modernizing it by drawing inspiration from what they had previously created. Smooth, fast-paced, and wildly addictive, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds has something to delight fans of the genre on all platforms. The only drawbacks are a rather meager launch roster, a limited number of Grand Prix tracks, and the Competition Area, which won't appeal to everyone. But with its promise of regular content updates over the long term, it has everything it takes to become a new staple in the racing game landscape.
  55. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    With fun cross-dimensional tracks, extensive customization, and strong online play with crossplay, this chaotic and spectacular kart racer shines, though its overreliance on powerful items and occasional visual clutter make it feel unbalanced at times.
  56. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing CrossWorlds takes the series a significant step forward from the last installment, offering layered and fun gameplay, complemented by a portal system that adds freshness to every race. While it shines on the gameplay front, however, SEGA's offering stumbles with its lackluster extra modes and a technical package that isn't always up to current standards.
  57. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds stands out as an excellent arcade racing title, arguably the finest in Sega’s mascot-driven series. Boasting a wealth of content, it delivers engaging experiences in both single-player and multiplayer modes, supported by a truly impressive track design.
  58. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Despite certain issues with the progression and presentation of its proposal, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is the best racing game featuring the hedgehog that Sega has ever made, as well as a new benchmark for the genre.
  59. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a pretty fun game, but there are some details to consider, as it's not as party-oriented as the Mario Kart franchise. It's not just about choosing a character and going racing, but also choosing your appropriate car setup and perks that provide a level of support, but not to the point of being broken.
  60. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    It’s not quite the same calibre as Mario Kart World, but those disappointed by Nintendo’s racer will find Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds an ideal alternative, thanks to its heart-pumping action and unique ideas that make it more than just a carbon copy.
  61. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    In a space where Mario Kart has been the only kart racer worth talking about for what feels like eons, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds stands tall as a worthy competitor. Beyond the flashy dimension-hopping, the gameplay doesn't reinvent the wheel, but offers enough quentessentially Sonic-style fanfare to appeal to veteran fans, while offering accessible, chaotic racing that will appeal to casual fans looking for a cross-console alternative. The rather uninspired multiplayer modes, the lack of satisfying unlockables, and the focus on a steady stream of paid content make me doubtful that this game can achieve long-term success. But, as far as kart racers go, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is right up there with the best.
  62. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Given some of the recent marketing and with the way release windows worked out, CrossWorlds is inevitably going to draw comparisons to Mario Kart World. After spending time with both games, it feels like an apples and oranges (or F1 and NASCAR, if you prefer) comparison. CrossWorlds is good enough to stand on its own and even above previous Sonic racing games. Just put the car in gear and enjoy the ride.
  63. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Some small gripes aside, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a rock solid kart racer that carves its own path. The dimension-hopping races are fun, varied, and fast, and the robust customisation allows players to really tinker with how the game feels. With energetic action, a good range of race types, and plenty of post-launch content on the way, this is an entertaining entry for casual players and hardcore Sonic fans alike.
  64. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast-paced, energetic racer that captures the speed and spirit of the Blue Blur. Each course delivers unexpected twists thanks to the impressive CrossWorld mechanic, which lets you speed through iconic areas from the franchise’s history. The tight and responsive controls with the Gadget system make each race a thrill as you always know that there’s a chance to reach the podium. While a few more modes would have better catered to solo players, the game makes up for it with a wealth of multiplayer options. And with the mustachioed rival locked to the Switch, this stands as the best kart racer available on other consoles.
  65. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds doesn’t reinvent the wheel for the genre, but it puts its own spin on things with dimension-hopping tracks and deep customization for both vehicles and abilities. There’s plenty of content to enjoy, especially with friends, and the charming cast pulls from both Sonic and other Sega franchises. It sticks to what works, but it does so well enough to make it highly recommended.
  66. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a slick, ambitious racer with loads of tracks, primed and ready for future, licensed crossovers. At first too slow and then suddenly extremely fast, the racing lacks finesse, but it gets better as you play. A strong offering that's compulsively playable, but a bit grindy in single-player and not quite S-tier on the track.
  67. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    With Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Sonic Team delivers its most dazzling entry yet — a game that puts fun first for players of all ages, whether casual fans or seasoned racers. A bit more content could have elevated it further, but it still manages to be highly enjoyable both solo and with friends.
  68. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fantastic kart game that doesn't feel like a half-baked carbon copy. It has many different modes that stand on their own, as well as the portal system that changes up each track and keeps you on your toes. It has a low entry point but a high ceiling, which makes it ideal for anyone to pick up and enjoy.
  69. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    CrossWorlds is a brilliant karting game with satisfying handling, a fun portal mechanic and useful customisation options. Its weapons aren't as punchy as we'd like and it's unclear how it's going to keep players' attention long-term but it's a genuine, more traditional alternative to Mario Kart now that Nintendo's pointed its series in new direction.
  70. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a solid alternative to other games in the mascot-racer space, offering speedy, stripped-down action, a few clever twists, and perhaps most importantly for some folks, courses that feel more like those in Mario Kart 8 than the less universally-beloved Mario Kart World. A general lack of content and originality keeps CrossWorlds from fully breaking away from the pack, but it’s at least in striking distance of the winner’s circle.
  71. Sep 28, 2025
    77
    Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is overflowing with everything. The entire trunk is crammed with so many ideas, options, neon, chaos, and mayhem that the quantity comes at the expense of quality. To a certain extent, that's exactly what you want from a kart racer/party game, and the game is a surefire hit for anyone looking for something to fill up nights with friends. Step one accomplished, in that respect. But the classics of the genre, the true greats, also possess a precision that will have you spending hours shaving off hundredths of a second on your favorite track, even solo. It's a level Crossworlds unfortunately never reaches.
  72. Edge Magazine
    Oct 30, 2025
    70
    In remaining more traditional, it fails to provide the kind of innovation that might have made it essential - something that, invariably, Nintendoes. [Issue#417, p.110]
  73. Oct 6, 2025
    70
    Sonic Racing CrossWorlds offers plenty of arcade fun, especially in multiplayer. If you have friends over and are looking for a great racing game, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Equally, if you enjoy online play, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds will scratch an itch. However, due to shallow progression systems, players may find themselves lacking the incentive to play more alone. That said, fans of the Sonic franchise will eat well here, since CrossWorlds’ soundtrack, as well as its literal tracks, are brimming with adoration for the blue hedgehog and his storied history.
  74. Sep 24, 2025
    70
    Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is more spectacular than effective. It does what's enough to make it better than many others in the racing genre.
  75. Sep 23, 2025
    70
    Between the acceleration, drifts, maneuvers, and turbos, Sonic Racing: CrossWorld skids through stages that, despite being fun, lack creativity, fall short in terms of variety of modes, and come at a very steep price for the content delivered.
  76. Sep 18, 2025
    70
    Sonic Racing Crossworlds is a game of extremes, initially causing frustration with its chaotic races, sensory overload, and often unfair item system. However, players who push through the steep learning curve will be rewarded with an uncompromisingly fast and rewarding racer that brilliantly captures the feel of classic 3D Sonic turbo stages. Despite the flawed item balancing, its fantastic track design, motivating tuning options, and the dynamic Crossworlds mechanic make it a challenging and ultimately satisfying experience for dedicated Sonic fans who value pure, unfiltered speed above all else.
  77. Sep 18, 2025
    70
    Altogether, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a solid package. The single-player modes, meta-goals like collecting gear and vehicle parts, and wealth of customization options to experiment with different play styles, make it easy to recommend for players who like their kart racing with a little more mechanical complexity. Even with slightly underwhelming online offerings, it's easy to see how Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has plenty of road ahead of it.
  78. Sep 18, 2025
    70
    No Nintendo Switch 2 available? No problem! Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast, fun, and content-rich kart racer that more than holds its own. It’s a bit chaotic and the visible roadmap teases what you can’t access yet, but the core game absolutely delivers the speed.
  79. Sep 18, 2025
    70
    Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is a good game that has something for everyone. But it also has its obvious problems that will be difficult for the developers to correct in retrospect.
  80. Sep 25, 2025
    60
    A fun arcade karting experience is often too chaotic for its own good, but a tight handling model with a high skill ceiling offers surprising depth.
  81. Sep 18, 2025
    60
    While it gets plenty of the fundamentals of right, the dimension hopping, character roster and some of the extra modes don't quite stick the landing. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds isn’t the best karting game out there, and thirteen years on from Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, it’s not even the best karting game with a blue hedgehog in it.
  82. Jan 5, 2026
    59
    Ultimately, the lack of single-player content, such as the boss fights and time challenges found in Transformed, leaves the experience feeling hollow. I don't know what critics are thinking calling this superior to Mario Kart World. At this stage, even Kirby Air Raiders is a better time than this middling pile of mediocrity.
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  1. Sep 18, 2025
    Sonic Team has found in CrossWorlds a fun and dynamic formula that refreshes a classic and well-known gameplay style. It makes every race exciting, as the tracks are constantly changing. [Recommended]
  2. Sep 18, 2025
    One of Sonic’s best spin-offs in recent memory. The game is best when it’s focusing on being an extremely fun Sonic racer, rather than a billboard for other games and TV shows.
  3. Sep 25, 2025
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a bright, digital spectacle, an intoxicating rush of pure, uncut video gaming. Mario Kart World is a toy-like pocket universe you feel you can reach into the screen and touch. They are the very essence of Sega and Nintendo. Which you prefer will be down to taste, or perhaps to deeply embedded, partisan loyalty. But they’re both a joy.