Sonic Superstars Unleashed: Ultimate Guide to Mastering Emerald Powers

Sonic Superstars keeps many classic gameplay elements of Sonic, while also introducing fresh mechanics that offer players innovative ways to navigate the world, handle enemies, and overcome obstacles. One notable addition is the collection of the Seven "Emerald Powers."

In Sonic Superstars, every Chaos Emerald grants an immediate new power upon being obtained, in addition to the well-known super transformation ability that becomes accessible once all seven are gathered. These seven "Emerald Powers" enable players to approach enemies and explore levels using novel strategies as they are unlocked, opening up the possibility of discovering hidden secrets and uncovering alternative routes throughout the game.

Emeralds can be obtained in a specific order, irrespective of the completion order of special stages. This guide highlights the initial locations where an Emerald can be acquired. Hence, players may receive the Avatar from Speed Jungle Act 1, for instance, even if they have not completed the special stage of Bridge Island Act 1. Likewise, revisiting a previous special stage after completing subsequent stages will yield the next uncollected Emerald on the list.

Avatar (Blue)

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The Avatar power is the initial Emerald Power that players can obtain. It enables multiple copies of the active character to swiftly traverse the screen, inflicting damage upon enemies and destructible objects in their path. This ability proves advantageous when confronted with numerous adversaries.

To obtain this Emerald Power, players can venture into Bridge Island Act 1. They should select the path with the lowest elevation and continue until their character spins through a narrow tunnel, propelling them onto a crumbling stone platform. Proceed to the right and cross a bridge to discover the Special Stage Ring suspended in midair.

Bullet (Red)

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The Bullet Power is the second Emerald Power, enabling players to execute an air dash in any desired direction. This dash can also be chained together to cover longer distances. It proves to be highly beneficial for reaching inaccessible platforms, especially for characters who are unable to fly (excluding Tails).

To obtain the Bullet Power, players need to navigate through Speed Jungle Act 1. They should utilize the vines to propel themselves onto the vine platform above the starting area. From there, they must continue riding the platform until they come across a vine rail loop. Following the loop, they will find a narrow tunnel that their character can spin through. Beyond that, they should opt for the bottom tunnel when encountering a pair of tunnels.

After emerging from the tunnel and gliding along another vine rail, players will come across three tunnels and must opt for the central one. Selecting this route will lead them to another vine rail, which will ultimately transport them close to a frog, as the Special Stage ring awaits just a short distance ahead.

Vision (Purple)

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Vision is unlocked third and allows players to see invisible items and objects, which often includes platforms that will let players access new areas.

Players can obtain Vision in Sky Temple Act 1 by following the path with the lowest elevation. They should continue until they encounter an updraft that propels their character upward. Once the character latches onto a pole, players should proceed to the right to locate a platform containing the Special Stage ring. By releasing the pole while holding the right button, the character can safely land on the platform and access the ring.

Water (Cyan)

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Unlocking the water power enables the character to transform into water, granting them the ability to effortlessly navigate through water in any direction and even swim up waterfalls to reach previously inaccessible regions. Moreover, while the power is active, drowning becomes impossible, making it perfect for exploring underwater sections.

Acquire this power during Pinball Carnival Act 1 by dropping down past the paddles in the first pinball section. Proceed straight ahead, using a bouncer to access a moving platform. Run down the ramp to a checkpoint, then utilize the paddles and bouncers in the next pinball section to reach the top. Descend the left ramp and enter the tube, exiting to the right to access another pinball section.

Disregard the paddles, drop down, and pass through a door. Ride the spinner at the bottom of the room to descend further. Move to the right and leap into the spinner above to propel yourself over the spikes and towards the right. Enter another tube to emerge right by the Special Stage ring.

Ivy (Green)

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Ivy is the fifth unlockable character, offering players the ability to grow a vine and use it as a means to travel upwards. This allows for a dependable ascent without having to rely on flight or constantly using the Bullet ability. Furthermore, the vine can be maneuvered to the left or right, giving players greater control over their desired destination.

To unlock Ivy, players need to progress through Lagoon City Act 1. They must descend the first water slide and then utilize the water jets to ride a moving platform. After encountering a Seal enemy and going down another water slide, players can bounce over additional water jets to reach a checkpoint.

Using the water gun beyond the checkpoint will propel the character towards a water slide that leads to an area with two water jets and a spring that leads to more water guns. These water guns can be utilized to reach the next section. From here, players should utilize the balance platforms to jump up and cross over to a waterfall. Then, use the water gun to traverse the gap and reach a slope. Carefully run down the slope and use the next water gun to catapult over two cloud enemies and reach another checkpoint.

After passing the checkpoint, descend next to the water jet and proceed to the left. Drop directly below the cloud enemy and continue to move towards the left. Drop beside the balance platform and stick to the right wall by holding the right key to discover a hidden path that contains the Special Stage ring.

Slow (Yellow)

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Players can unlock the ability to slow down time, known as Slow, as the sixth power in the game. Slow proves to be a valuable tool when dealing with fast-moving obstacles, particularly in challenging stages like Cyber Station. Additionally, it can be useful during intense on-screen actions, such as boss fights.

To unlock Slow, players need to progress to Sand Sanctuary Act 1. They should proceed to the right, then go up a sand fall before heading to the right once more to locate the first checkpoint. From there, players should navigate past sawblades and continue up another sand fall to the right. Afterward, another sand fall should be climbed, followed by heading left. Continuing to the left, players will encounter a pair of sand falls. After ascending them, players should move to the right and utilize the bars above the snake to ascend further. Beyond this point, players will encounter additional bars and moving platforms. If players fall, they can utilize a nearby sand fall to regain their position. Just beyond the platform situated above the sand fall, players will come across a scorpion enemy. Just past the scorpion, players should make use of the Bullet Power to traverse up and around the loop, without entering it. This will enable them to reach the Special Stage ring located on the other side.

Extra (White)

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Extra is the seventh power players can unlock, granting the current character a unique special attack when activated. Sonic gains a homing attack, Tails can unleash small tornados by swiping his tails, Knuckles can use his powerful punches, and Amy can throw her hammer.

To unlock Extra, players need to complete Press Factory Act 1. Start by moving towards the right and taking the lower path (you may spot Knuckles briefly if he is not the active character). Reach the first checkpoint and then descend the ramp on the right to collect a shield. Jump up and continue onward. After passing the spikes and the pair of floating enemies, ascend the ramp and proceed right until you encounter another pair of floating enemies. Take advantage of the moving platform to go up and then use the tremors caused by the Press in the background to bounce up one more level.

Hop to the right through the narrow gap and continue along the path, passing by bats, until you reach a series of floating platforms. Ascend and move right using the screws with moving spikes to climb higher. Once you get caught by a trap and propelled upward, break free and keep moving to the right. Utilize the box launched by the tremors and the platforms above it to continue heading up and to the right, eventually reaching a checkpoint.

After passing the checkpoint, continue moving to the right on the lower path, being careful to jump and avoid getting launched by the tremors. Then, use the spring to be launched into a wall, subsequently dropping down onto a lower platform. Proceed to the left and descend after the balloon, and finally, use the Ivy power to move upward and to the left in order to find the platform where the Special Stage ring is located.

Super (All)

After obtaining all the Chaos Emeralds, players can unlock their character's Super Form by accessing the powers menu once they have accumulated a minimum of 50 rings. In the Super Form, the character becomes impervious to various types of damage, with the exception of instant death caused by falling into bottomless pits or being crushed. Additionally, the character's movement speed significantly enhances, granting greater mobility albeit at the expense of increased difficulty in control.

Spoilers about the fifth playable character lie below this section.

Unlike the Super Forms of the other characters, Trip the Sungazer's Super Form exhibits distinct behavior. In this form, she undergoes a remarkable transformation into a majestic golden dragon, granting her the ability to soar through the skies. By holding down the jump button while airborne, she can even unleash scorching flames. This incredible power of Free Flight allows her to effortlessly maneuver through certain levels and bypass extensive platforming sections. However, one must exercise caution when utilizing this ability, as it can lead to unintended fatalities by accidentally colliding with perilous death pits or aerial obstacles.

Trip's Super Form enhances her ability to effectively target and strike bosses, even when their weak points are typically inaccessible throughout the majority of the battle. This proves particularly advantageous against formidable foes like the boss encountered in Pinball Carnival.

Sonic Superstars can be enjoyed on various platforms, including PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.