Sonic Superstars is a promising step towards a new era of 2D Sonic the Hedgehog games. Though a couple of the boss fights go on a bit too long and there are a few bugs that could use patching, the dynamic levels, multiple playable characters, and top-notch presentation make Superstars a great time.
Sonic Superstars
Developer: Arzest & Sonic Team
Price: $60
Platforms: PS4, PS5 (reviewed), Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
MonsterVine was provided with a PS5 code for review
Slowly but surely, the reputation of the Sonic the Hedgehog series has seemed to be on the mend. Sonic Frontiers was a promising new start for the franchise’s 3D side, while external material like Sonic Prime and the IDW comics have given fans lots to take in. As Sonic Superstars is a new 2D entry, I’m glad that it’s proven to, for the most part, be worthy of continuing on that upward trend for yet another avenue of the series I love so dearly.
Right from its announcement, I was stoked for Sonic Superstars because it included Fang the Hunter (also called Nack the Weasel, Fang the Sniper, and so on). Though there’s no dialogue in Superstars, seeing Fang and Eggman work together to be goofy jerks while Sonic and his pals knock them around at every opportunity is very charming throughout a playthrough. The new character, Trip, fits it perfectly – both aesthetically and in terms of gameplay.
Each character plays in their own distinct way that changes how you approach each stage. Though I’m a sucker for straightforward Sonic gameplay, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy each provide you with different mobility and offensive options, which compliments the different paths you can take through a stage. Being able to smack enemies with a hammer of fly/glide over obstacles allows you to change up your approach and keeps the game exciting on replays, which I appreciate. The new Chaos Emerald powers grant you even further freedom to mess around, as you can slow time, glide through water, air dash, and more throughout each level.
“Though I love the tried and true perpetual first stage, it’s refreshing to get a mix-up like this now and then and this subversion sets the tone for how the rest of the game is willing to diverge from the path.“
Stages in Sonic Superstars try a surprising amount of new concepts out. From pixelated areas that have you floating around as an octopus to a stage that you play forwards and then backward as time reverses, I was never bored of any of the main stages and Acts in the game. This is also one of the rare Sonic games to forego starting with Green Hill Zone. Though I love the tried and true perpetual first stage, it’s refreshing to get a mix-up like this now and then and this subversion sets the tone for how the rest of the game is willing to diverge from the path.
My one major issue is that a few of the boss fights in the game go on a bit long and are sometimes matched with scrolling segments that you aren’t in too much control of. Though they mix up the formula a bit compared to the usual “timed jumps at one area” routine, the sheer length of some fights made redoing them upon death or replay feel like a chore. I also fell through the map hub a couple of times, though that seems like it could be fixed pretty easily.
The multiplayer Battle Mode was also somewhat unimpressive. Though competing with others to collect stars or shooting lightning at each other as customized avatars can be fun, the wonky online and lack of mode diversity makes it more of a brief distraction than a fully formed side mode.
Sonic Superstars has an incredible presentation all around. It’s colorful and fun to look at, expanding upon the “Classic Sonic” look with fresh new characters like Trip and environments that immediately appeal to you. As is almost always the case, the music in Superstars is brilliant and catchy. A few of the tracks seem destined to become immediate classics, with “Speed Jungle Zone” standing out as my very favorite. This game understands how appealing the looks and sounds of Sonic are and manages to carve its own path while staying true to the overall aesthetic of the series.
The Final Word
Sonic Superstars is largely a blast to play thanks to its various characters and wonderful presentation. Though a couple of segments drag on a bit, most of the game is a fast and flashy adventure that tries new things but stays true to what people love about Sonic, to begin with. If this is the future of 2D Sonic, then the horizon is very promising.
MonsterVine Rating: 4.5 out of 5 – Great
