Summary
TheSonic the Hedgehogfranchise has seemingly found its stride in recent years. After a string of satisfying releases in the form ofSonic ManiaandSonic Frontiers, along with the Blue Blur’s Hollywood success,Sonicis in a much better place than it was almost a decade ago. Sega looks to climb the mountain of redemption even further withSonic Superstars, a title that promises to bring Sonic and friends back to their 2D roots with some modern twists. After years of searching for a sense of direction,Sonic Superstarsalready looks to be Sega at its most inspired.
Sega and Sonic Team are doing much more than rehashing the same game mechanics from previous 2DSonictitles. This time around, they’re introducing a bevy of new features to make the familiar feel fresh and get even moreSonicfans in on the action at once. Afterthe experimentation ofSonic Frontiers, Sonic Team and Sega are keeping their foot on the gas like never before. In a 2D platforming landscape rife with new ideas and bold gameplay, both developer and publisher are showing that they’re willing to take a chance and make something that feels bold and exciting withSonic Superstars.
Below are all the new features fans can expect whenSonic Superstarsreleases in October:
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Chaos Emerald Powers
The Chaos Emeralds are an essential part of everySonicgame, and they play a pivotal role inSonic Superstars. Players will be able to use the Chaos Emeralds to harness new abilities that can change the complexion of each level. From filling the screen with multiple Sonics that damage enemies to letting players climb waterfalls, theseChaos Emerald powerswill likely make for some dynamic gameplay.
4-Player Local Co-op
For the first time ever,Sonic Superstarswill bring local 4-player, drop-in and drop-out co-op to a 2DSonictitle. Players can bring three friends along to traverse the Northstar Islands with Tails, Knuckles, and Amy available as playable characters alongside the famed blue hedgehog.
Enemies New and Old
Sonic Superstarswill feature three antagonists for players to take on. Dr. Eggman is returning as expected, but the game’s other two villains are less prolific. First is Fang, a villain who has appeared in a handful ofSonicgames in the past and looks to fill a greater role inSuperstars. Then there’sTrip, a new character forSuperstarswho’s been enlisted by Fang and Eggman for protection.
Battle Mode
Keeping with the new multiplayer features inSonic Superstars, the upcoming project will also feature a battle mode. Players will have a chance to compete with one another in a couple of game modes, including one where up to four players can race through levels. This should add some replayability once players are finished withSonic Superstars' campaign.
Character Customization
Character customization has been a feature inSonicgames for some time, andSonic Superstarsis continuing the tradition. Players will be able to customize their characters in battle mode, and there will be skins to choose from in the main campaign. It’s unclear just how many skins will be available, but players can get rewarded with some if they pre-order the base game or purchaseSonic Superstars' deluxe edition.
Sonic Superstarshopes to usher in a new era for 2DSonic. After years of struggling to find even footing, the franchise has steadied itself and appears comfortable in its new sense of creativity. WithSuper Mario Bros. Wonderreleasing so close toSonic Superstars, October 2023 is shaping up to be a little blast to the past to when the two properties were at their most competitive. While it certainly isn’t the 90s anymore, it does look like the future of 2D platforming is brighter than ever before.
Sonic Superstarsreleases October 17 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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