SEGA is currently conducting a limited-time closed network test for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on the PlayStation 5, and the first impressions are starting to roll in. This test provides valuable insights into what fans can expect when the game eventually hits the Nintendo Switch. It’s important to note that this is a preliminary test, so nothing is finalized yet.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has been generating a lot of buzz, especially among fans of the Sonic franchise. The game promises to bring a fresh take on kart racing, blending the high-speed action of traditional racing games with the whimsical charm of the Sonic universe. The closed network test is a crucial step in refining the game’s mechanics and gathering feedback from a select group of players.

One of the most talked-about aspects of the game is its racing mechanics. The YouTube channel Good Vibes Gaming praised the game’s solid base, noting that the racing feels good and the drifting is excellent. The track designs are also receiving high marks for their creativity and visual appeal. However, there are concerns about the overuse of items, which can interfere with the racing experience.

“There’s a solid base here, the racing feels good, the drifting is great, the track designs are great, it looks great, it sounds great, but then there is that major drawback element of the items being way too much and interfering with the racing, so much throughout every race…the air trick is a bit disappointing, and of course the fact you can definitely tell it’s a beta… There’s a solid base here and if you’re a fan of Transformed…I think you should be excited, cautiously optimistic… it’s definitely already a farsight better than Team Sonic Racing”

Good Vibes Gaming

Social media platforms have also been abuzz with fan impressions. Users on social media have expressed a mix of excitement and concern. Some players found the game to be chaotic and overwhelming, with too many items and narrow courses. Others, however, enjoyed the frenetic pace and the customization options.

Ham: “first impressions of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds: Way too chaotic. Courses feel too narrow, and items are too common. I feel like they could remove half the item sets and it would feel better.”

@blueaizu.blue: “I played the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds beta! I wasn’t sure if I’m allowed to actually livestream it, but the terms didn’t say I couldn’t share my impressions. It’s fun and definitely has potential, but it’s a bit too chaotic in its current state.”

@annachicky.bsky.social: “thoughts on the Sonic Racing Crossworlds beta: super fun and chaotic! there’s no telling who’ll win, you go from 1st place to 7th in mere seconds. I easily spend an hour in the garage customizing my cars, it’s easy to get lost in there”

Discussions on gaming forums like Reset have also provided valuable insights. Players have praised the game’s tracks and crossworld mechanics but have noted issues with handling and the overall pace of the races.

A Ream of Paper: “Just finished up an almost 2 hour session and I had a blast (I haven’t played any of the other Sonic racing games fwiw). Finished in the top 3 a few times and made it to rank C-. I exclusively used the speed kart and I think I’ll try the other kart types tomorrow.”

BlueStarEXSF: “I’ve played a good 2 hours now. Some random thoughts…The tracks and the crossworld mechanic are the highlight imo…The handling took a while to get used to. Honestly, I had to make sure to get parts with handling stats for my car. Despite that, I would still improve base handling for every car across the board.”

DynamicSushy: “This game makes Mario Kart seem like a slow methodical racer. So chaotic and noisy. I didn’t play Racing Transformed for the online play anyway though, so I am looking forward to whatever career mode equivalent they have planned. If the plan is to go all in on the online though, I may not get this. Races seem way too quick, cross world lap is too quick so it’s hard to appreciate the eye candy. This is pure Sega though and I imagine it looking beautiful on an arcade cabinet.”

The Sonic subreddit has also seen a flurry of activity, with fans sharing their experiences and opinions. Some players have praised the game’s visuals and handling but have expressed concerns about the item balance and sensory overload.

KrispyBaconator: “I’m having an absolute blast so far. I will say I feel like it hews a lot closer to Mario Kart than the Sega All Stars Racing games, especially with the cars here feeling a bit less weighty, but it still feels great once you get used to it. Item Balance is suuuuuper wacky at the moment, to the point that I’d compare it to Mario Kart Wii. I feel like the Monster Truck should last longer. Also, the game looks absolutely GORGEOUS. Switching to Unreal was the right call imo.”

Burtzman: “My biggest complaint is there’s a bit of sensory overload. Too many items in play at once with fancy effects, having to worry about ring management, the frenzy boosts, and the weird sound mixing. I was trying to form an opinion on the soundtrack, but you can’t hear it half the time. A lot of these need to be toned down, and in the case of items, balanced better. Making the items and rings more sparse to better focus on just driving would greatly improve the experience for me.”

shrimp-parm: “Too many items. It feels like I’m getting hit the entire race unless I’m front running. The controls feel pretty good honestly. I think if they can balance items better it would heighten my enjoyment of the game.”

The website Game8 has also published a review of the closed network test, highlighting the game’s potential and areas for improvement.

“The game may still be in its early stages, but there’s already a lot to be excited about. The beta currently offers just nine characters, but the official website teases that we’ll have 23 racers at launch, with many more potentially joining the roster…With more tracks, CrossWorlds, vehicles, and customization options on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to. Add in modes like Grand Prix, Race Park, and Time Attack, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has the makings of something truly special. If it can deliver on all of its promises, it might just become the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate of kart racing.”

Game8

As the closed network test continues, fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting the final product. The game’s potential is undeniable, but it will need to address the concerns raised by early testers to truly shine. With its unique blend of high-speed racing and the iconic Sonic universe, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has the potential to be a standout title in the kart racing genre.

Have you tried out this beta? How are you feeling about this game based on what’s been showcased so far? Let us know in the comments.