Sonic Superstars Unveils Epic Zones: Get Ready for Fast-Paced Adventure!

Highlights

Sega reveals the names and details of the first six Zones in Sonic Superstars, a 2D platformer with a focus on co-op multiplayer action.

Sonic Superstars tackles the concern of repetitive level designs by introducing fresh Zones that incorporate familiar themes with a distinctive spin.

The game showcases a variety of Zones, including Bridge Island, Speed Jungle, Sky Temple, Pinball Carnival, Lagoon City, Sand Sanctuary, Press Factory, and Golden Capital.

Sega has announced the names and details of the initial six Zones that players will traverse in the upcoming Sonic Superstars. This installment will take players back to the classic Genesis era of the franchise with its 2D platforming style, similar to Sonic Mania released in 2017. However, Sonic Superstars distinguishes itself by placing a greater emphasis on cooperative multiplayer platforming action, allowing for up to four playable characters on the screen simultaneously. Another notable difference from Sonic Mania is that Sonic Superstars will introduce entirely new Zones.

The reuse of familiar level aesthetics and designs in recent Sonic games, such as Sonic Forces, Sonic Frontiers, and even Sonic Mania, has been a source of criticism. Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the excessive reliance on the iconic Green Hill Zone, as it has appeared in multiple games, causing some to yearn for Sega to introduce fresh and original content instead of relying on nostalgia. Following the announcement of Sonic Superstars, Sega confirmed that all the Zones featured in this game will be entirely new and original. As a result, the names and themes of the first six Zones have now been unveiled.

In a preview piece from Game Informer, Takashi Iizuka, the creative head of Sonic Team, explained that Sonic Superstars, set on a brand-new island, would feature all-new stages right from the start. Although Green Hill or Chemical Plant Zone won't be present, some stages will have similar themes and aesthetics that pay homage to these classics, but with a unique twist. For instance, the first zone, Bridge Island Zone, shares similarities with introductory levels from past 2D Sonic games, but instead of a grassy plain, it takes place on a sunny beach. The acts also showcase a seamless transition of environmental atmosphere, with Act 1 transitioning from daytime to a scenic sunset in Act 2.

Sonic Superstars Zone Names:

Bridge Island Zone

Speed Jungle Zone

Sky Temple Zone

Pinball Carnival Zone

Lagoon City Zone

Sand Sanctuary Zone

Press Factory Zone

Golden Capital Zone is followed by Speed Jungle, where Sonic and his friends can utilize vines to traverse between various sections of the Acts. Continuing onwards is Sky Temple Zone, drawing inspiration from Sky Sanctuary and Windy Valley. This particular stage appears to be a single extensive level spanning a duration of nine minutes, as mentioned by the interviewer. Following Sky Temple Zone, players will encounter Pinball Carnival, a level reminiscent of the timeless Sonic levels found in casinos. Lagoon City serves as the quintessential Water level, showcasing the full potential of the Chaos Emerald Water power. Lastly, the desert level is aptly named Sand Sanctuary.

The interviewer had to halt their gameplay session of Sand Sanctuary in Sonic Superstars. However, they were provided with the titles and several screenshots of two additional levels: Press Factory and Golden Capital Zone. Press Factory appears to be an installation belonging to Eggman, comprising of a precarious environment teeming with robotic adversaries. On the other hand, Golden Capital appears to be a castle-like setting, featuring perilous lava traps hidden beneath its surface.

Sonic Superstars is scheduled for release in Fall 2023 on various gaming platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Source: Game Informer