This weekend, Sega is hosting a limited-time closed network test for its new title, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, on PlayStation 5. Early feedback is starting to surface.

While details about the Nintendo Switch version are still pending, insights shared across various platforms are giving Sonic enthusiasts a glimpse of what to expect when this racing game finally debuts on the Switch. It’s important to remember that since this is a ‘closed network test,’ many aspects remain in development and subject to change.

Here’s an overview of initial reactions, starting with insights from the YouTube channel Good Vibes Gaming:

“The foundation is solid; the racing mechanics feel good, the drifting is impressive, the track layouts are engaging, and visually, it’s appealing. However, there is a significant downside with items being excessively pervasive, which disrupts the racing experience. The air tricks feel underwhelming, and it’s evident that this is a beta version. Nonetheless, there’s strong potential here for fans of Transformed; I would say approach with cautious optimism as it shows significant improvement over Team Sonic Racing.”

Fans have also shared their impressions on social media:

Ham: “First thoughts on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds: it’s chaotic. The tracks feel cramped, and items appear too frequently. It could benefit from reducing the number of item types for a better experience.”

@blueaizu.blue: “I participated in the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds beta! Not sure if I could livestream, but I wanted to share my thoughts. It’s enjoyable and holds promise, though it’s currently a bit chaotic.”

@annachicky.bsky.social: “My thoughts on the Sonic Racing CrossWorlds beta: super fun and chaotic! You can shift from 1st to 7th place in an instant. I easily spent over an hour in the garage customizing my vehicles; it’s absorbing!”

Additionally, players have provided feedback on ResetEra:

A Ream of Paper: “I just completed nearly two hours of gameplay and it was a blast! I hadn’t played other Sonic racing titles before. I placed in the top three multiple times and reached rank C-. I focused on the speed kart and plan to try different kart styles next time.”

BlueStarEXSF: “After playing for about two hours, I have some thoughts. The tracks and crossworld mechanics are standout features in my opinion. It took a while to adjust to the handling, so I ensured to equip parts with handling stats for my vehicle. Despite that, an overall enhancement of base handling for all karts would be beneficial.”

DynamicSushy: “This game makes Mario Kart feel sluggish and controlled. It’s incredibly frenetic and loud. I didn’t join Racing Transformed for the online aspect, so I’m curious about their career mode. If they’re focusing heavily on online play, I might reconsider. The races are exceedingly fast, making it difficult to enjoy the scenery. Still, it definitely reflects Sega’s style and I envision it looking fantastic in an arcade setting.”

Fans are also expressing opinions on the Sonic subreddit:

KrispyBaconator: “I’m loving it so far! It feels more akin to Mario Kart than the Sega All Stars Racing games, particularly since the cars feel lighter. However, it’s enjoyable once you get the hang of it. The item balance is quite erratic right now, almost reminiscent of Mario Kart Wii. The Monster Truck’s duration could be extended as well. The aesthetics are stunning. Switching to Unreal was a great choice!”

Burtzman: “My main concern is the overwhelming sensory experience. There are too many items in use at once, along with numerous visual effects, while also managing rings, frenzy boosts, and sound mixing. It’s hard to get a feel for the soundtrack since it’s often drowned out. Moderating some of these elements and balancing items would significantly enhance the driving experience for me.”

shrimp-parm: “The item frequency feels excessive. It seems like I’m constantly getting hit unless I’m in the front. The controls are quite good overall. If they manage to better balance the items, I believe my enjoyment would increase greatly.”

Moreover, the website Game8 has shared a review of the closed network test:

“Despite being in an early phase, there’s a lot to be excited about. The beta includes just nine characters, yet the official site hints at a launch roster of 23 racers, with more potentially joining later. With additional tracks, CrossWorlds, vehicles, and customization possibilities on the horizon, anticipation grows. The inclusion of modes like Grand Prix, Race Park, and Time Attack suggests Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds could develop into something remarkable. If it fully delivers on its promises, it might just become the ultimate kart racing experience, akin to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”

Have you had a chance to try the beta? What are your thoughts about the game based on what has been revealed so far? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!