Sonic games can usually be divided into two main categories: 2D or classic platformers such as the original Mega Drive / Genesis trilogy, Sonic Mania, etc. and 3D or modern titles such as Sonic Adventure, Sonic Unleashed, last year’s Sonic Frontiers and more. The upcoming entry, Sonic Superstars, is built in the vein of the former, as the two lead developers elaborated in this interview they gave me.
What’s more, Sonic Superstars is a direct sequel to those 2D games, the stand-out feature, this time around, being the drop-in/drop-out local co-op multiplayer. In other words, players will be able to either go through the game on their own or invite as many as three other players for a platforming party of four – maximum. Additionally, Sonic Superstars also boasts a Battle Mode, which allows for competition between up to eight total players.
At gamescom 2023, I was invited to play two of Sonic Superstars’ levels alongside a member of the German media. I had access to the game’s full roster, which consists of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy – all of them in their classic iterations – and just as many stages: Bridge Island, Speed Jungle, Pinball Carnival and Cyber Station. Both characters and zones will feel very familiar to anyone who’s previously played a 2D Sonic game with Bridge Island. To give just one example, Sonic Superstars’ take on Green Hill Zone. This being said, the developers assured me that all levels would be wholly original, no matter how familiar veterans of the franchise might find them.
“Superstars also boasts a Battle Mode, which allows for competition between up to eight total players.”
The first thing that drew my eye was Sonic Superstars’ toy-like art style, which is neither as ‘pixely’ as Sonic Mania is nor is it trying to push for photorealism like Sonic Frontiers does. The result is a compromise, a ‘2.5D’ approach of sorts, which ultimately does not disappoint or impress me. My personal preference would definitely be pixel art – I absolutely think Sonic Mania is the best-looking Sonic game – but I can understand that younger players, in particular, are likely not to be as impressed with that. On the music front, however, I’m a fan of what I’ve heard so far and am confident that players will be tapping their feet while playing.
To finally touch on the gameplay, I’m happy to report that Sonic Superstars feels right and is worthy of being a successor of the classic line. The physics are what I’d expect, and I am happy that the fluidity you’d expect from a 2D Sonic is present here. This being said, I did not have the best time playing the hour-long demo.
What made the experience somewhat miserable for me is exactly what should set Sonic Superstars apart from the crowd: the multiplayer. You see, even though my new-found friend and I were able to whiz through zones at the same time, the camera only prioritizes the one(s) that move(s) fastest. The other(s) are placed in a bubble which wobbles its way towards the player(s) who have become the camera’s focus, à la New Super Mario Bros. Wii. This is a big problem since I didn’t enjoy being forced to either catch up or be left in the dust. The alternative would be for my partner or I to wait for each other – but what’s the point of doing that in a game which rewards you for going as fast as possible?
I can understand that this makes the game more accessible, especially to families with young children, but I doubt that the majority of players will opt to see the whole game in this way. Based on this slice of the game, I know I would rather see the whole game on my own and will most likely treat the co-op as a novelty feature. The only time I can say that the multiplayer was enjoyable was during the special stages found in each zone, wherein my partner and I had to take turns swinging and jumping as we pursued one of seven Chaos Emeralds.
Speaking of, the other thing that Sonic Superstars brings to the table is Emerald Powers, which function like the Wisps from Sonic Colours. There are seven total Emerald Powers to match the number of Emeralds themselves, each with their own unique ability. For example, the Emerald Power ‘Water’ allows Sonic and his friends to swim up waterfalls and navigate bodies of water with ease. Another one, ‘Avatar’, propels an avalanche of clones which seek to overwhelm each and every enemy found in your path. And whereas these abilities do indeed spruce up gameplay, I did find myself, more often than not, forgetting to use them altogether – going as fast as possible being the priority for me.
“The other thing that Sonic Superstars brings to the table is Emerald Powers, which function like the Wisps from Sonic Colours.”
In the end, I can credit Sonic Superstars with trying to come up with ways to spruce up a formula that was and remains great from the very beginning. However, I concluded my limited time with Sonic Superstars, hoping that we would have gotten a Sonic Mania sequel instead. But, as Superstars shows, Sonic Mania was a blip of brilliance in a catalogue of games that used to be great but which now seems to be on the verge of welcoming yet another title that will be just (generally) good. It also doesn’t help that Sonic Superstars launches on October 17th, just three days before the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. And, the way things are looking now, I’m afraid I don’t see a way for Superstars to measure up. But that’s just classic Sonic.
Sonic Superstars launches on October 17th on Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S and Steam for 79.99 CAD.
