Sonic Team Stays Focused Amidst Fierce Competition
As the highly anticipated release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds approaches on September 25, the game is set to face a formidable opponent: Mario Kart World, which launched alongside the new Switch 2 console. Despite this direct competition, Takashi Iizuka, producer for the Sonic series and head of Sonic Team, has stated that his team is not altering their strategy based on Nintendo's kart racer.
"Of course, we don't know the roadmap for the Mario Kart series. So, when the game was announced, the development team was surprised," Iizuka commented. "However, typically, when Nintendo releases new hardware, they simultaneously introduce a new karting game. So, in a way, the team expected Mario Kart to be released soon. But regardless of whether Mario Kart comes out or not, our goal has always been to create the best Sonic racing game. This has not changed — Mario Kart World will not influence [Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds]."
What Makes CrossWorlds Stand Out?
One of the core distinguishing features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be its unique "Travel Rings." These dynamic portals transport racers to entirely new locations directly during a race. Iizuka explained that this concept emerged early in development and was designed as an exclusive mechanic that competitors would be unlikely to replicate, ensuring Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds stands out in the genre.
While Mario Kart World introduces elements of free exploration for the first time in its series, CrossWorlds focuses on these interactive portals. After the first lap, the leading racer can even choose the next destination for the entire race. Iizuka noted that the inspiration for this mechanic came from the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, where rings were used for inter-world travel, though the idea’s roots also trace back to classic Sonic games.
Furthermore, SEGA has expanded the roster of playable characters beyond just the Sonic universe, incorporating figures from other franchises. Pac-Man has been confirmed, alongside media guests like SpongeBob. New heroes, vehicles, and tracks are slated to arrive as post-launch DLC.
Multiplatform Strategy and Deep Customization
Unlike Mario Kart World, which is exclusive to Switch 2, CrossWorlds will launch on all current platforms and feature cross-play. This means players across PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2) will be able to compete against each other, a significant advantage over its Big N rival.
Another key innovation is the gadget system. Players can modify their vehicles by swapping parts and adding defensive or offensive devices. This level of customization aims to add strategic depth to races and further differentiate the game from others in the genre. SEGA is confident that these design choices will help CrossWorlds carve out its niche in the market and offer fans a fresh and exciting racing experience with Sonic and his friends.
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