The demo for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is here, allowing players to give the new kart racer a try before the full experience lands in just a few days on September 25.
Intrigued to see what Sonic Team has been cooking up, I decided to jump in on PS5 and give it a whirl. Here are my initial thoughts and impressions...
Mario Kart, Is That You?
Heading into the demo of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Mario Kart World was the last kart racer I had played, and in a way, it was like I'd returned to play it once more. I know that might seem like a lazy and easy comparison to make, but the similarities here are too obvious to ignore.
For instance, there's a Grand Prix mode with several courses organized into cups, the classic character and vehicle selection screens, mid-air tricks, obtainable items during races, and drift-activated speed boosts.
You can even switch up different parts of your vehicle to adjust stats for speed, acceleration, handling, and so on, which is something else we've previously seen in Mario Kart. It also has its own "Rocket Start" mechanic, enabling players to gain a powerful burst of speed at the beginning of each race.
Because its features and gameplay loop both carry a strong resemblance to Mario Kart, there were occasions when I was so locked in that it genuinely didn't feel like I was playing a different game. I suppose you can look at that from a positive and negative perspective, where on one hand, being similar to Mario Kart isn't necessarily a bad thing, but on the flip side, it also feels like a game I've already experienced many times before.
Oh, Perhaps Not...
To be fair to Sonic Team, there are some nice, unique options in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds that can separate it from Mario Kart to an extent. For example, gadget plates allowed me to pick specific boosts and perks that I could use throughout races, which I quite liked. They give each player, AI or human, individual abilities that provide much-needed variety to every race.
In those frequent moments when it didn't feel like I was playing anything other than Mario Kart, the use of gadgets did offer a very brief escape from that, and showcased how Sonic Team is looking to mix things up. Another unique aspect that added variation was going up against a randomly selected rival who acts as a target to beat in each grand prix race, earning you rewards if successful. It isn't anything groundbreaking, but again, it adds something a bit different and provides that competitive edge.
Where Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds really excels over Mario Kart is its vehicle customization. A wide selection of decal options, such as stickers and paint color, as well as designs for the wheels, front, and back of the cars, provides players with numerous ways to stand out from the crowd.
Final Thoughts
Although this has read like a mixed bag so far, let me be clear. Overall, I had a good time during my demo playthrough of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. It was fun. The tracks were decent, and gameplay felt very smooth and responsive for a demo version, which is a promising sign ahead of full launch.
The wide array of colors looks great, and they do a solid job of bursting out on screen. I personally thought the graphics were a bit underwhelming on PS5, though. They aren't awful by any means, but they lack quality and detail in certain areas. Again, perhaps this is a reflection of it being a demo, and the fully released version will look much better.
Additionally, there's so much happening throughout every race that it almost became too overwhelming at times. It was often a visual and audio overload, with lots of sound effects and voice-overs accompanied by loud music from the get-go. My brain felt fried when I crossed the finish line. That said, if you enjoy fast-paced mayhem, then Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is definitely for you!
Is it different compared to Mario Kart? It is, but I wouldn't say it's night and day. In all honesty, it probably doesn't need to be. Sure, it's different in its own right, but it still delivers that classic kart racer experience filled with fun, chaotic moments that will provide hours of entertainment. It has a lot of potential, and I can see it being a hit for Sonic Team.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming coverage.