Sonic is back and in a very familiar way. Sonic Superstars brings the speedy blue hedgehog back to his retro 2D roots, with playable appearances from some of his best friends to once again defeat Doctor Eggman (or Robotnik, if you’re feeling super nostalgic). But don’t let the classic exterior fool you. Superstars is here to show that an old hedgehog can still learn new tricks.
Four playable characters
Like most classic Sonic titles, Sonic Superstars features more than the headlining hedgehog as a playable character. This time around, you have four heroes to choose from, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles ‘Tails’ Prower, Knuckles the Echidna and sporting his original CD Sonic outfit, Amy Rose.
In true retro Sonic spirit, each of these characters has their own abilities that make them perfect for different playstyles and party types. Sonic has speed, Tails has his high flight, Knuckles can glide horizontal distances and scale structures, and Amy has her hammer, which can smash through walls and allows her to double jump with the widest damage radius of each character. These characters alone are reason enough to revisit the game more than once, but they’re not the only thing that will keep you playing.
Four-player simultaneous co-op
For the first time in the series, four players can venture into the world of Sonic at the same time. You and your team can choose from four selectable characters and work together to collect the Chaos Emeralds and rescue the innocent animals from Eggman’s mechanical clutches.
Areas full of fresh air
Sonic Superstars returns to the series’ 2D origins, but there’s nothing but brand new areas here. That means new level themes, new scenery, and lots of new eye candy as you ride at the speed of sound. These include things like a foggy jungle, a forest full of natural rail grinding, bungee jumping vines and much more. It’s visually rich and contemporary but in keeping with the vibe of the classic series. But you better not look at the landscape and focus on where your feet are going…
A new gallery of robotic rascals
Zones aren’t the only ones getting an upgrade. Eggman has some new tricks up his sleeve that are sure to catch the hedgehog and his friends. These come in the form of tons of new enemies and many more obstacles that you will have to learn to avoid and overcome. Sometimes the job will take more than the standard Badnik bounce. Expect to face mini-bosses as well as Eggman’s own mechanized concoctions aimed at halting your progress. Or so the doctor hopes.
Use the power of the Chaos Emeralds
Another new feature in the world of Sonic the Hedgehog utilizes the power of individual Chaos Emeralds. After finding a secret ring in a level, you’ll need to complete a grappling hook mini-game where you’ll have to swing through obstacles to grab the shiny gem.
Sega has revealed two. One turns you into water to cross waterfalls, the other lets you unleash an army of clones to clear the screen of enemies. This means that for the first time, there’s no waiting to collect all seven emeralds to give Sonic super abilities. Now each emerald is just as important as collecting them all, and gives you new ways to play after each special stage. With seven to find, the possibilities for different powers are nearly limitless.
Physics-based gameplay galore
2D Sonic fans will be delighted to know that physics-based gameplay is back and as glorious as ever. Use ramps to build up your speed levels and jump long distances. Accelerate and use your momentum to bounce off enemies, launching yourself over tons of terrain. Use character abilities in tandem with your propulsion to travel in unique ways. It’s all there and, as always, helps deliver an unforgettable, speedrun-friendly Sonic experience using all sorts of speed cheats.
A modern classic
Each of these new pieces of the Sonic formula come together to create a classic title with a modern coat of paint. This new addition to the retro Sonic games is not just a throwback, but a whole new experience for gamers of every generation of Hedgehog fans.
It’s a no-brainer for those looking for a new addition to the 2D Sonic series to follow Sonic Mania. And for those looking for an introduction to classic titles or the Sonic series, it’s a perfect starting point looking to perfect the formula and bump each of its notches up to 10.
Sonic Superstars is slated for release in fall 2023.
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