5 Surprising Non-Sonic Characters We Want in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds!

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Summary

  • Sonic Racing CrossWorlds offers a diverse character roster, including Sega characters outside the Sonic series.
  • The game is set to feature customizable vehicles and DLC characters, expanding on its predecessors.
  • Familiar Sega characters like NiGHTS, Kazuma Kiryu, AiAi, Joker, and Ulala may make appearances in the game.

The upcoming game, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, revolves around characters hailing from the popular Sonic franchise and centers on kart racing. It incorporates aspects from multiple Sonic racing titles, including the hoverboards from the Sonic Riders series (consisting of three games) and the shape-shifting vehicles seen in Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed. A notable element from past Sonic racing spinoffs that should make a comeback is the inclusion of Sega characters not directly linked to the Sonic series.

In the latest “Team Sonic Racing”, certain characters were missing due to the game only featuring 15 playable characters. Sega stated they wanted to devote their full attention to the “Sonic” series for that release. However, the upcoming game “CrossWorlds” is anticipated to be expansive, offering a multitude of customizable vehicles and a more extensive roster of playable characters than any previous “Sonic” racing game. Following its release, additional characters from other Sega titles will be made available as downloadable content, joining Sonic and his companions on the racetrack.

5. NiGHTS

NiGHTS Into Dreams

  • From a series developed by Sonic Team
  • Frequently crosses over with Sonic

In the gaming world, NiGHTS is a defiant Nightmaren, born from the malevolent sorcerer Wizeman. This creature was designed to collect an energy source in dreams called “ideya.” However, instead of gathering regular ideya, NiGHTS chose to collect the rare red ideya of courage, planning to use it against Wizeman and his minions. Following the success of the game “NiGHTS Into Dreams“, this character has made appearances in various Sega crossover games, becoming somewhat of a recurring figure. When they were not playable in “Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing“, fans rallied together to demand their inclusion as traffic guards. Eventually, NiGHTS was included in the game “All-Stars Racing: Transformed“, alongside their rival Reala, as a playable character.

Furthermore, the character from NiGHTS appears in numerous Sonic games. In fact, Sonic’s first fully 3D playable role was in a mini-game within the Christmas version of “NiGHTS Into Dreams.” Interestingly, NiGHTS was the only guest character to be unlockable in the initial two “Sonic Riders” games. Given their shared development team and numerous appearances with Sonic, it seems that NiGHTS is the Sega guest character most often associated with the Sonic series. Including them as DLC seems not just a good addition, but perhaps even inevitable.

4. Kazuma Kiryu

Like A Dragon / Yakuza

  • Playable in almost every Yakuza game
  • Like A Dragon / Yakuza is one of Sega’s most successful series.

Kazuma Kiryu is a former yakuza member, often referred to as the Dragon of Dojima. Despite his desire for a life free from criminal activities, his commitments to those dear to him sometimes compel him back into the world of gang conflicts. As the renowned Like A Dragon series expands its fanbase, Kiryu, along with other beloved characters within the franchise, frequently makes guest appearances in various games. Remarkably, he has also shared screens with Sonic in titles like Sega Heroes and Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania.

Besides being a renowned Sega character, Kiryu isn’t new to the world of racing. In Yakuza 5, he disguises himself as a taxi driver and occasionally engages in high-speed races against the Devil Killers, a street racing gang. Although his driving skills might not be a critical factor when choosing characters for these games, it’s worth mentioning that Kiryu is more than just a popular Sega character; he also has a reputation as a skilled racer in his own right.

3. AiAi

Super Monkey Ball

  • A humanoid animal in a universe full of them, much like Sonic.
  • Has frequently rubbed shoulders with Sonic, inside and outside of Super Monkey Ball.

AiAi is a monkey who adores bananas and frequently embarks on exciting journeys with his companions and relatives. While the main gameplay primarily involves navigating a character within a ball, the latest editions of Super Monkey Ball offer a wide array of multiplayer activities.

In multiple Sega All-Stars racing games, AiAi was included as a playable character. Furthermore, in Sonic Riders, he’s one of the few guest characters that can be unlocked. Interestingly, Super Monkey Ball has recently become popular for crossovers; Sonic and other Sega characters have appeared in some of its more recent versions. Given AiAi’s frequent appearance in Sega crossover games, he would make a strong candidate for the upcoming game CrossWorlds.

2. Joker

Persona 5

Ren Amamiya (also known as Joker) is the main character in the game “Persona 5”. Following an unjust accusation for a crime he didn’t commit, Joker moves between schools due to his probationary status. During this time, he forms friendships with a group of fellow students who become collectively recognized as the Phantom Thieves. The Phantom Thieves use their unique abilities to alter the perspectives of corrupt adults, persuading them to confess to their wrongdoings. Since its release, “Persona 5” has gained massive popularity, surpassing even the original “Shin Megami Tensei” series and generating several spin-offs of its own.

As a result, the character of Joker and his depiction have been featured in various other games, notably Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, making him one of the initial DLC characters. Interestingly, his outfit was offered as a pre-order bonus in Sonic Forces. However, compared to other characters, Joker has not been a common figure in many Sega crossover games. If he were included in more Sega collaborations, it would mark one of the most popular recent Sega titles.

1. Ulala

Space Channel 5

Ulala is a well-known news correspondent recognized for participating in dance competitions against fellow journalists and extraterrestrial adversaries in a blend of future and retro settings, specifically the year 2499. Her lively news program is a staple on the Space Channel 5 network.

She consistently maintains her cherished and recognizable image, often appearing prominently in most Sega collaborative projects. Not only does she feature in all Sega All-Stars titles and Sonic Riders, but she’s also appeared in Sega crossovers where even Sonic is absent, such as Project X Zone and its sequel. In these games, she takes the lead alongside a few other notable Sega characters like Alex Kidd and Opa-Opa, battling off adversaries together. Given her enduring status and extensive presence across various Sega series, she would undoubtedly make an excellent guest character for CrossWorlds.

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2025-02-15 16:04