Arriving with the momentum of last year's Sonic Frontiers, Sonic Superstars presents a 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure that harkens back to the beloved classics. It's reassuring to see that the Blue Blur's past still holds a place in his future. However, Sonic Superstars is not a solo journey, as players can also take control of Sonic's trusted companions such as Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, and even team up with friends in drop-in/drop-out co-op mode. While the title draws inspiration from the retro games, fans will surely have high expectations for it to meet modern standards. After getting a taste of the game, it appears that Sonic Superstars will indeed deliver. Game Rant recently had the opportunity to experience Sonic Superstars at the Sega Summer Showcase in NYC. Alongside other titles, we were able to try out the game, experimenting with various power-ups, enjoying co-op gameplay for a brief time, and exploring exciting locations such as Bridge Island, Speed Jungle, Pinball Carnival, and Cyber Station.
Bridge Island provided a direct homage to Sonic's classic level design, serving as the most straightforward map. The map incorporated common obstacles and gimmicks from the franchise, truly capturing the essence of the classics. It not only prepared us for the subsequent maps in terms of gameplay, but also accentuated the unique and more complex gimmicks found in each map.
In contrast, Speed Jungle was meticulously designed, creating a sense of claustrophobia as we maneuvered from one path to another. We had to rely on grabbing onto vines to launch ourselves in the correct direction, deal with pesky frogs latching onto us, and strategically navigate other obstacles through jumping or outrunning them. Additionally, certain sections of the jungle would darken the surroundings, heightening the suspense and turning every dash and movement into a thrilling guessing game. This added layer of uncertainty enriched the exploration of the zone, evoking a range of emotions.