Highlights
Sonic Superstars, released shortly after the announcement, is a colorful and vibrant addition to the series that classic fans will love.
The game incorporates local co-op, giving the classic Sonic formula a modern twist and injecting a sense of novelty.
With distinctive abilities assigned to the four characters, gameplay becomes diverse and enhances the overall fun factor.
Released just a few months after its initial announcement, Sonic Superstars is already proving to be a worthy addition to the series, following the success of Sonic Frontiers. With its colorful and vibrant 2D experience, it is sure to be loved by classic fans. The standout feature of the new game, showcased in the trailers, is the local co-op, which breathes new life into the classic Sonic formula. This addition is a much-needed refreshment for the series and is warmly welcomed.
There are a total of four characters to choose from, each starting with a spin-dash and the ability to acquire most of the same special abilities by collecting the Chaos Emeralds. However, each character also possesses unique personal abilities that make their gameplay distinct. These abilities can be used to assist allies in co-op or are tailored specifically to that character. While it is recommended to try out all the characters, given how easily they can be swapped, some are simply more enjoyable to use than others.
4 Tails
Tails retains his dependable flying ability in the classic 2D Sonic style, which sets him apart as the ideal character for exploration in Sonic Superstars. This makes him particularly effective in expansive areas like the Sky Temple, where hidden power-ups await at every turn. Additionally, Tails' agility enables him to defeat slower bosses with relative ease, as demonstrated in the encounter with Dr. Eggman at the Press Factory. There, Tails effortlessly propels himself over obstacles, streamlining the battle. However, it is worth noting that Tails' gameplay tends to be slower due to his role as an explorer archetype. While this allows players to thoroughly enjoy and uncover the secrets within the visually stunning stages, some may find other characters to be more enjoyable companions for the adventure.
3 Knuckles
Knuckles's glide ability, when utilized properly, allows him to effortlessly bypass multiple foes without sustaining any damage. Players familiar with Knuckles's previous appearances, such as in Sonic Adventure 2, may be pleasantly surprised by the extraordinary speed of his glide in this game, which enables him to keep pace with the others. This skill proves particularly advantageous in locations like the Sandy Sanctuary, where Knuckles can effortlessly soar above all the quicksand. However, effectively utilizing Knuckles requires some practice.
Unlike Tails, who can fly directly upwards, Knuckles glides downward, making it somewhat risky to employ the ability as it may lead to collision with a wall or missing an enemy. It is easy to overlook his wall climb ability entirely, but despite the initial learning curve, playing as Knuckles remains highly enjoyable in numerous stages.
2 Sonic
The Blue Blur himself has undergone numerous changes and modifications to his movement in 2D space. However, this time, he retains the Drop Dash ability introduced in Sonic Mania. Being naturally faster than other characters, Sonic can quickly build up speed. When he utilizes the Drop Dash while launching off a ramp or platform, he can gain so much momentum that he can zoom through a stage within seconds.
This particular ability allows Sonic to accelerate his speed at any given moment. Considering the verticality present in the stages, it is advisable to make a habit of executing a Drop Dash after every significant jump. By doing so, Sonic can reach impressive heights without requiring assistance from teammates. This is advantageous for exploration and locating Chaos Emeralds. Additionally, Sonic exhibits noticeably more animation than the other characters, resulting in entertaining expressions when landing on water slides or being attacked by enemies. If players can effectively control his high speed, Sonic is just as enjoyable as fans have come to anticipate. However, there is one other playable character who slightly surpasses him.
1 Amy
Unlike the other playable characters in Superstars, Amy Rose stands out due to her limited appearances in the series and her signature comically large hammer. However, in this game, she gains a significant new ability: the double-dodge. While seemingly insignificant, this ability makes her remarkably user-friendly and the most accessible character in the game.
But Amy's usefulness goes beyond that. She can also assist her teammates by helping them reach higher platforms. This makes her a valuable asset to the team. Additionally, her trusty hammer can act as a defensive shield against enemy projectiles when she jumps, rendering her nearly invincible. This becomes particularly useful during intense boss fights when everyone is on the verge of defeat. It's worth noting that mastering Amy's double-jump adds a slight learning curve, but once players overcome it, they can unlock her incredible speed. This perfect balance of difficulty makes playing as Amy the most enjoyable and rewarding experience in Sonic Superstars.
Sonic Superstars
Platform(s) PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox OneReleased October 17, 2023Developer(s) Sonic TeamGenre(s) 2D, Platformer