Sonic Superstars takes players on a nostalgic journey through the Northstar Islands, blending classic 2D Sonic gameplay with modern 3D graphics. Dr. Eggman is up to his old tricks, aiming to convert the island’s giant creatures into Badniks. Sonic, along with Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, are on a mission to thwart his plans in one of this holiday season’s biggest releases. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
Each character in Sonic Superstars brings their own unique abilities to the table, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Sonic’s speed, Tails’ flight, Knuckles’ gliding, and Amy’s double jump all provide distinct experiences. This makes for a refreshing take on the classic formula, especially when you start tackling levels together with a friend in the built-in multiplayer mode.
The use of Chaos Emeralds introduces a new layer of strategy to Sonic Superstars. These emeralds grant special abilities, like creating clones or revealing hidden secrets. Collecting them becomes an enticing optional challenge, enhancing gameplay without becoming a necessity – and also offering additional replay value with a reason to go back into previously played levels.
The level design itself is also a standout feature, with twelve vibrant zones that offer both familiar elements and new surprises. The game keeps things fresh by introducing character-specific stages as well, encouraging players to explore each one thoroughly to find its secrets while using specific abilities to do so.
Boss fights, while generally engaging, can occasionally overstay their welcome. Some battles require patience and pattern recognition, providing a good challenge overall with some cool visual designs thrown into the mix as well. However, a few encounters feel repetitive and drag on longer than feels necessary.
The multiplayer experience of Sonic Superstars, which was a heavily promoted and highly anticipated feature, can fall a little short of expectations. Playing with friends can be more chaotic than you want it to be, and the camera focus can lead to frustrating catch-up scenarios. The Battle Mode that is also included offers a more interesting multiplayer option though, allowing players to create custom robotic characters.
The game’s visuals are generally vibrant and provide an excellent modern take on the classic Sonic formula, but some zones have gorgeous background scenery while others feel a tad less inspired. We really liked the highly polished return to 2D side-scrolling though, and appreciated that his speed is a little less frantic than it was in the old 16-bit games.
And while Sonic Superstars doesn’t quite reach the heights of Sonic Mania, it successfully modernizes the classic 2D Sonic experience. The inclusion of Emerald powers and the absence of lives add intriguing dynamics to the gameplay while the co-op functionality provides an enjoyable way to experience the game with friends.
In summary, Sonic Superstars is a solid addition to the Sonic franchise. It pays homage to the Genesis classics while incorporating new elements with an engaging single-player experience and creative level design. Despite some minor shortcomings, it offers a satisfying Sonic platforming adventure for both new and longtime fans.
Score: 7.5/10
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