Sega has officially confirmed that two beloved locations from Sonic Unleashed - Apotos and Holoska - will be featured in the highly anticipated Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. This announcement has thrilled fans of the 2008 title, offering a nostalgic racing experience with modern twists. While the kart racing genre is becoming increasingly competitive in 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds appears determined to stand out with its innovative content and fan-favorite inclusions.

The game was first revealed at The Games Awards 2024, with gameplay footage later showcased during February's PlayStation State of Play event. Although Sega hasn't announced a specific release date yet, players got an early taste through a February network test exclusive to PS5. This preview allowed participants to experience several courses and characters, including the game's unique CrossWorld feature that lets the leading racer switch tracks during the second lap.

As anticipation builds for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' 2025 launch, Sega has unveiled more details about the Apotos and Holoska tracks through social media clips. Apotos will be a main course that faithfully recreates the picturesque Windmill Isle environment, complete with its signature scenery and musical themes. Interestingly, the layout closely resembles the daytime stage from the original Sonic Unleashed. Meanwhile, Holoska will function as one of the game's CrossWorld destinations - icy tracks that racers transition to mid-race, featuring stunning auroras and massive whales that made the location memorable in Sonic Unleashed.

The inclusion of these Sonic Unleashed locations represents a significant nod to the 2008 title. While the game's night stages were controversial, its boost gameplay mechanics received widespread praise and have influenced subsequent Sonic titles. The vibrant, well-designed environments from Sonic Unleashed translate beautifully to the racing format, offering visually stunning tracks that maintain the spirit of the original locations.

Recent developments suggest the game is progressing toward its 2025 release window, having received an age rating from the Australian Classification Board. This timing could position Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to avoid direct competition with Nintendo's Mario Kart World for Switch 2, scheduled for June 5 release. The pricing controversy surrounding Mario Kart World ($80) might create an opportunity for Sega's racer to capture audience attention when it launches later in the year.