At the February 2025 State of Play event,Sonic Racing: CrossWorldsmade an appearance as the nextSonic the Hedgehoggame, though that’s not all it is.Sonic Racing: CrossWorldsis part of theSonic Racingseries, and it’s also a follow-up to both theSonic & Sega All-StarsandSonic Riderslines, both of which have been inactive for a while.CrossWorldsis bringing together the “Transform” mechanics of the former and the Extreme Gear hoverboards of the latter for the first time, and that’s just scratching the surface.
The “CrossWorlds” inSonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ title refers not only to the alternate racetracks that pop up mid-race, but also the fusion of multipleSonic Racing“worlds” in one game.Jet the Hawk returns fromSonic Riders, and his fellow Babylon Rogues are visible in background elements in the reveal trailer. However, a PlayStation Blog post aboutCrossWorldsmentions that the game uses “iconic characters from theSonicand Sega universes,” implying that theSega All-Starsare also back after their absence inTeam Sonic Racing. Even though the revealed roster looksSonic-dominated, plenty of other franchises have racers to supply this celebration of Sega history.
Joe Musashi — Shinobi
Sega is currently undertaking a multi-game effort to make new games for its acclaimed older IPs, with new titles forJet Set Radio,Crazy Taxi,Golden Axe, and morein production. One of the earliest fruits of this effort will beShinobi: Art of Vengeance, which is being developed by theStreets of Rage 4developer, Lizardcube. Even though series protagonist Joe Musashi has already appeared inSonic & All-Stars Racing Transformedalongside leads from most of the rebooted Sega IPs, launching in the same year makes now the perfect time forSonic Racing: CrossWorldsto bring him back.
Blaze Fielding — Streets of Rage
On the topic ofStreets of Rage, Sega’s classic beat-‘em-up franchise actually doesn’t have a representative in theSega All-Starsseries yet. Poster boy Axel Stone is the obvious choice, but the series’ leading lady, Blaze Fielding, is the only otherplayable character to be in everyStreets of Rageso far, and would be an interesting alternative. Blaze could show up in a stylized fusion of her oldest and newest designs, with any missing elements appearing on her default kart. In the same vein asShinobi,Streets of Rage 4led the charge for Sega’s retro revivals, and it could use more recognition for that.
Ichiban Kasuga — Like a Dragon
Comparatively, theLike a Dragonseries is in no danger of obscurity, but only reached that status globally after the lastSega All-Starsracer came out.Sonic Racing: CrossWorldscan fix that, but who gets to represent the series isn’t so cut and dry.As the seniorLaDprotagonist, Kazuma Kiryudeserves to race alongside Sega’s biggest stars, but his association with taxis might interfere with potentialCrazy Taxirepresentatives. Ichiban Kasuga would not only be at home inSonic’s colorful art style, he could bring some Hawaiian-themed cosmetics like a surfboard Extreme Gear into play. Both heroes would be preferable, but Kasuga is the wiser pick for the base roster.
Jack Frost — Shin Megami Tensei
The first thought that comes to mind when adding an Atlus representative toSonic Racing: CrossWorldsisPersona 5’s Joker in a Morgana-themed kart. It’s reasonable, but Joker has already had his time to shine as the firstSuper Smash Bros. UltimateFighters Pass character. Atlus certainly deserves a place in Sonic’s latest race, but the company’s library of RPGs is best represented by the company’s mascot, Jack Frost. Hailing fromPersona’s parent seriesShin Megami Tensei, Frost was proven to be a timeless Atlus signature afterappearing in its recentMetaphor: ReFantazio, and wouldn’t look out of place besideSonic’s cast.
Honey — Fighting Vipers
Another good Sega crossover rep already fits into theSonicuniverse, but this could be her chance to finally show off her true form. Honey is a prominent fighter from Sega’s oldFighting Vipersseries that was secretly added toSonic the Fightersas Honey the Cat. This old piece ofSonictrivia could finally be paid off if human Honey appears inSonic Racing: CrossWorldsdriving a kart with her cat self’s face on the front. It’s wishful thinking that her return would be that brazen, but Sage’s vehicle is based onSonic Frontiers’ Titans, so never say never.
Vyse, Aika, and Fina — Skies of Arcadia
Plenty of classic Sega franchises likeRistar,Super Monkey Ball, andSpace Channel 5are all vying for places inSonic Racing: CrossWorlds, but the best thing a crossover can do is make fans happy, andSkies of Arcadiafansare dying to see the Blue Rogues again. Vyse was inAll-Stars Racing Transformed, but this time around he could take over the same game’s “Team Fortress” racer gimmick by swapping to Aika or Fina for specific kart transformations.Skies of Arcadiahas a sky pirate aesthetic that’s practically begging to be converted into kart form anyway, andSonic Racing: CrossWorldsshould be happy to oblige.
