Sonic Superstars is an all-new 2.5D platformer game meant to satisfy fans of the blue blur’s glory days on the Genesis. It manages to achieve this very well with stunning modern graphics, and the ability to experience the game with friends in cooperative multiplayer à la New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Interestingly enough, this project did not have the direct involvement of Christian Whitehead, the famous modder known for his work on Sonic Mania (2017) and Sonic Origins (2022), the preceding 2D entries in the franchise. However, it has been confirmed that Superstars uses the same physics as seen in those games.
Rather, this entry is helmed by Arzest (whose President is Naoto Ohshima, the co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog) and Sonic Team, the division at SEGA behind the general franchise.
Classic Plot
Sonic Superstars follows the same old-school plot of the classics and sees Sonic defeating Dr. Eggman’s robots, acquiring Chaos Emeralds, and finally freeing trapped animals from a giant capsule at the end of every level.
Refined Art Style
Immediately into the experience, you are greeted with exquisite retro designs of Sonic and some of his closest friends over the years, including Tails, Knuckles, and Amy (all of whom are playable).
Long-time Sonic fans will sincerely appreciate the level of detail in the art style of the characters and the stages, which are directly inspired by the classic games and the age-old Archie Comics series. Amy Rose, in particular, sports her original aesthetic that makes her look more like the hedgehog she is for the first time in so long.
Incredible Variety
Those who indulge in Sonic Superstars will find that the game offers wondrous creative variety in its level design and bosses, making the entire experience approachable for veterans and, most especially, newcomers.
Many of the stages, in particular, are modern interpretations of old classics, giving off plenty of vibes from zones like Spring Yard Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog), Chemical Plant (Sonic the Hedgehog 2), Sky Sanctuary (Sonic 3 & Knuckles), and more.
Approachable Challenge
Adhering to challenge with the various obstacles in the game, but ensuring that you use the lessons of previous levels to succeed with later ones, Superstars may be the most accessible Sonic game ever made.
What’s more, there is no life system as seen in virtually all previous titles, so players never feel punished for experiencing the learning curve. This feature is most critical when it comes to the boss battles; some of which you will inevitably be repeating in order to advance.
No matter where you sit on the difficulty spectrum in Sonic Superstars, you will never find yourself quitting out of anger or unfairness. In fact, the best feature of this modern experience is the Chaos Emeralds.
While these magical gems of power have existed since the very first entry in 1991, Arzest has taken measures in Superstars to give each individual jewel a unique power in the vein of Megaman.
Chaos Emeralds with Unique Powers
After acquiring the Chaos Emeralds, which are available through Special Stages just like the classics, you have the option throughout each of the levels to make use of their abilities that make traversing obstacles, fighting enemies, and defeating bosses much easier.
Badniks are Back!
All the classic ‘badniks’ make a return in Superstars, including but not limited to Bat Brain, Crabmeat, Orbinaut, Jaws, and many more. Dr. Robotnik (Eggman) is donned in his OG outfit and floats in his iconic Eggmobile while Sonic and his friends take on a wide range of boss battles.
Replayability
Like most Sonic games, Superstars excels at offering meaningful replayability. Not only are you encouraged to redo previous levels as other characters, which offer their own quirks and abilities, but also to acquire collectibles that unlock outfits via the in-game Shop.
Final Score: 8/10
Pros
- Incredible variety of level design that is approachable for fans and first-timers to the series
- A harmony of speed and platforming
- Chaos Emerald powers are unique and exciting
- Great modern art style for characters and stages
- Returning faces for heroes and villains of the classics
- Co-op multiplayer and additional characters add meaningful replayability
Cons
- The game is short even for Sonic’s standards, with barely 10 hours needed for 100% completion. To compare, Sonic Mania/Plus clocked in at well over 20 hours for 100% completion.
- Certain stage gimmicks feel like cheap punches when you fail at them