On PlayStation, we're sadly not able to partake in the festivities of Mario Kart, so we're often left with its competitors — few of which can hold a candle to Nintendo's casual racer.
SEGA has long attempted to break ground in the kart racing genre with multiple games centred around its spiky blue mascot, and while it's had some past triumphs, this year's Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is among the best in its series, and even stole some thunder from the seemingly unstoppable Mario Kart World.
There's a purity and a simplicity to the game that's maybe part of why it's resonated so well with casual players and racing fans alike. It's a more traditional, straightforward kart racer, but one that's very well executed.
The eponymous CrossWorld feature is a neat idea that keeps every race varied and unpredictable as you seamlessly travel from one colourful course to another and back again.
Though the novelty of this might wear off eventually, what's important is the game feels great to play and has surprisingly robust customisation, adding depth to the racing beyond which character and vehicle you pick.
It's the gadget system that provides this splash of strategy, giving you access to dozens of perks that boost your abilities and stats in all sorts of fun ways.
What's great about it is it's applicable for hardcore fans, who'll want to find optimal loadouts, as well as more casual players, who maybe need a helping hand.
This flexibility complements the game's positive energy, approachable handling, and crowd-pleasing character roster. In addition to a wide range of Sonic friends and foes, DLC and updates have brought in characters from other series, from Like a Dragon's Ichiban Kasuga to SpongeBob SquarePants.
It's a game that understands its strengths and its appeal, the result being a highly entertaining kart racer that has a little something for everyone.