Summary
Sega surprised a lot ofSonic the Hedgehogfans at The Game Awards 2024, with a brand-new racing title confirmed to be released in 2025. TheSonic the Hedgehogfranchise has been on fire for the last couple of years, between the success of the live-action movies by Paramount and a string of successful releases likeSonic FrontiersandSonic X Shadow Generations. 2024, in particular, has been an incredible year for Shadow the Hedgehog, as he gets to be the star ofSonic the Hedgehog 3, as well as his own story campaign inShadow Generations.
Sega has even dubbed 2024 as “the year of Shadow,” due to the increased focus the character received in the aforementioned products.DLC based on theSonic 3moviewas recently added toSonic X Shadow Generations, complete with a new model and Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Shadow from the film. While the Game Awards 2024 didn’t feature much of theSonicfranchise, it did get a small showing in the form of a new trailer for a new game,Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which features the iconic anti-hero hedgehog himself as well.
In this briefSonic Racing: CrossWorldscinematic teaser trailer, Shadow can be seen opening a garage, followed by him starting up a black and red car. Getting behind the wheel, he then takes off burning rubber, entering a rainbow-colored portal that has been opened by a ring. A release date for thisSonicracing spin-offhasn’t been revealed other than the vague window of “Coming Soon,” but it will be released on all current gaming platforms, including PC, Switch, and both generations of PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Per Geoff Keighley at The Game Awards, the game will be released sometime in 2025.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Cinematic Teaser Trailer
Considering its focus on speed, theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise is no stranger to racing games. The most recent home console racing spin-off in the series would be 2019’sTeam Sonic Racing, a more traditional kart racer in the vein ofMario Kartwith an emphasis on teamwork. While it’s a unique kart racer, it is a highly contentious entry in the franchise, andSonic Racing: CrossWorldsseems to be another return to the kart racing formula, following in the footsteps of its mobile cousin. While not much has been revealed in this cinematic teaser trailer, as it features no gameplay, it appears that the focus will be on visiting multiple worlds through these rings.
While Shadow’s Dark Reaper car is put in sharp focus in this trailer, some eagle-eyed fans spotted the shape of a board being hung up in the background, similar to the Extreme Gear fromtheSonic Riderssubseries. As such, some fans are theorizing that this game will feature a hybrid ofSonic RacingandSonic Riders' gameplay styles, being given the chance to ride a car or hoverboard during a race. Fans will need to wait until Sega provides more information aboutSonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Team Sonic Racing
WHERE TO PLAY
Team Sonic Racing combines the best elements of electrifying arcade and fast-paced competitive style racing. Face-off with friends in intense multiplayer racing, race together across brilliant worlds and work together as a team by sharing power-ups and speed boosts. Take control of your racing style - Choose from 3 distinct character types and unlock game changing vehicle customization options to suit your racing style. Gear Up. Speed Up. – Team Racing at Sonic Speed!
