Sega's kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, is set to receive a significant free character addition with the upcoming arrival of Bayonetta. The Umbra Witch will be the first free character introduced as part of the game's second year of post-launch updates, continuing the strategy that has seen the roster steadily grow since the game's debut.
While a specific release date for Bayonetta has not yet been announced, a new trailer showcases her utilizing her signature Butterfly Witch machine, as well as other vehicles like those belonging to Godzilla and King Ghidorah. Further details regarding Bayonetta, a paid Godzilla pack, and other Year Two content are expected to be revealed during the World Championship Finals and Year Two Showcase livestream scheduled for October 9.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launched with a roster primarily composed of characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. However, its post-launch support has included numerous crossover characters from other Sega properties, many of whom were added for free. Past free additions include AiAi from Super Monkey Ball, Amigo from Samba de Amigo, Arle from Sorcery Saga, Axel from Crazy Taxi, Classic Sonic, Goro Majima and Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza, Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5, Nights from Nights into Dreams, Red from Angry Birds, and Sonic characters Tangle and Whisper.
Polygon praised Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds in its review, calling it "a bright, digital spectacle, an intoxicating rush of pure, uncut video gaming." The game is currently available on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.