Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

A lot of thought has clearly gone into the tracks —after all, they are the most important part of a racing game. A casino, a ghost ship, or a valley full of dinosaurs, they make an impression. There are quite a few paths that you only discover after a few games. Sometimes there is so much going on that it is difficult to stay focused on driving. Apart from the classic coins, you can also search for five red coins. These small additions keep you playing longer. Designing your cars and ‘unlocking’ all the soundtracks will keep you entertained for hours.

The new installment of the world’s fastest hedgehog feels light, satisfying, and—above all—fun and family-friendly. With very little to criticize, the game not only checks all the boxes of the genre but surpasses them through its variety of characters and customization options. The music, the races, and the overall atmosphere perfectly capture Sega’s golden 90s era.

While there’s fun to be had with the game’s many modes, characters, and customizations, any suggestion that this would compete well with Mario Kart in any way feels exaggerated…

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is a genuinely excellent game, but the Switch version is just 'alright'. The dynamic track designs, high replayability, and thrilling visuals all combine to make for a game that — judged purely on that content — stands as a strong competitor to the dominant Mario Kart series. But the poor visual quality and resolution present in the Switch version drag down the overall experience and make it feel like a much more mediocre experience. I'd still give this port a light recommendation; it’s a fair choice if Switch is the only platform available to you, and ultimately justifies the price of admission. Otherwise, I’d suggest waiting to see how the upcoming Switch 2 version pans out, or picking it up now on another platform.