Sonic Superstars Reviews
Sonic Superstars is a solid attempt at pushing 2D Sonic forward, but sadly its roster of new ideas has some issues. While the problems with the Emerald Powers can be avoided, it'll take major changes to make the multiplayer worth playing. It doesn't quite hit the highs of Sonic Mania, but it's way ahead of Sonic The Hedgehog 4.
Sonic Superstars is clearly a game made with a lot of love and passion for the Sonic community as a whole. New additions to the formula help to really set this entry apart from its predecessors and blaze new ground for a hopefully promising future. Co-op play is included in a way that's both intuitive and approachable for players who may have never encountered a Sonic game before, making Superstars a fantastic jumping on point. But in maintaining the core of classic Sonic gameplay, it also brings the common flaws of those very first games from years ago and stumbles in some key areas that will frustrate rather than engage with boss battles that slow the pace down to a crawl at times. While it may not reach the heights of previous Sonic games, this is a solid new entry for the series that fans will certainly enjoy, as well as their friends.
Those who expected major innovations in Sonic Superstars should not have expected major innovations in Sonic Superstars. Sonic always remains Sonic, precisely because he is Sonic. New heights have been reached in this particular type of level design, which alternates sections in which the hedgehog splashes like a pinball ball, apparently without any possibility of control on our part, to almost pixel-perfect movements in which excellent timing is also required. Bosses, as always, require careful analysis of movement patterns. Everything else is a pleasant side dish, but at the base there is always the old but superlative gameplay of Sonic.
Review in Italian | Read full review
We're a bit at odds with ourselves on Sonic Superstars. Fundamentally it's a really enjoyable side-scrolling Sonic title, but the two big ticket features - chaos emerald powers and co-op - are arguably the worst parts of it. While the emerald abilities have their uses, co-op just doesn't mesh with this gameplay at all. We can absolutely recommend this as a solo experience, as there's a lot to like about the fresh art style, largely great soundtrack, and multi-layered level design. Throw in a friend or two, though, and it quickly gets messy.
With Sonic Superstars I think Sega, for once, listened to what fans have been asking for years and upped the ante by improving the classic and not staying with a timid installment without risking anything. Don't get me wrong, the game isn't perfect, but I think it knows how to capture the essence of the Sonic that many of us grew up with and gives it just the right additive to attract new generations and enchant longtime fans.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Sonic Superstars also wants to make sure that his longtime fans fall in love all over again. The truth is, they never really let it go. The hedgehog returns in a very solid, but not totally perfect, 2D game.
Review in French | Read full review
It is undeniable that this is a game that the most fans are going to love, since the return of the character is always a celebration for its community. Recommending for those who want to try more platform titles.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
We had a few issues with Sonic Superstars - the local co-op could have greatly benefited from split-screen support, and the online Battle Mode feels incredibly shallow and tacked on - but this is the first original 2D Sonic game that feels truly authentic to the Genesis titles without aping the classic pixel-art style, and for a lot of longtime fans, that's frankly an absolute miracle. Zipping through the 12 zones in the excellent campaign made us feel like kids again, but it will also prove a great entry point for new players looking to see what all the fuss is about. Developer Arzest's reputation has taken a beating in recent years, but this is a triumphant effort from the studio and a great return for '2D' Sonic.
Sonic Superstars is exactly what longtime fans have been wanting from a modern iteration of the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sonic Superstars nails the fundamentals of 2D Sonic design, but its new features don't add much to the retro formula.
A gratifying new spin on SEGA's iconic blue blur, Sonic Superstars introduces co-op and a smattering of other neat ideas for the best 2D Sonic game since Sonic Mania.
Sonic Superstars has shaped up to be a Sonic game that is reminiscent of the Genesis days yet futureproofed for newer players to enjoy. It's in no way a perfect Sonic game, but it's a fantastic reinvigoration of some of the best facets of the Sonic series thus far.
While its value proposition is questionable, and its slew of modes are of varying quality, Sonic Superstars delivers a true sequel to the original games where Sonic the Hedgehog 4 failed to. The all-important physics are spot on, each Zone is a thrill to blast through, and inventive new ideas iterate on a tried and true formula.
In the end, Sonic Superstars is a fun, modern take on the classic 2D Sonic formula. Its solid moment to moment gameplay, fun new visual style, and great soundtrack make for a very fun experience. The game falters a bit in the new addition of Emerald Powers, which aren't fun to collect and aren't useful when collected. The major difficulty spikes in mid-stage bosses and end bosses make for a frustrating combat experience rather than a rewarding one. Still, Sonic Superstars manages to pull together an experience old and new Sonic fans-or 2D platforming fans in general-will get plenty of enjoyment out of.
Sonic Superstars shines brightest when it's sticking to what made the Genesis titles so successful.
Sonic Superstars successfully brings classic Sonic into the 3D era while stumbling slightly in its inclusion of a tacked-on multiplayer experience.
Sonic Superstars started so well and with such potential but quickly fell off a cliff due to its irritating Zone design, forgettable soundtrack and odd aesthetic choices.
Sonic Superstars takes the blue hedgehog back to his retro 2D roots, once again: so, if you're a super nostalgic gamer, it's a good title, but don't let the classic appearance fool you, 'cause the game is also fresh and modern.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sonic Superstars elevates 2D Sonic beyond nostalgia after a definitive greatest hits entry. With loads to unlock, satisfying levels of challenge, and a great selection of new Zones, Sonic Superstars has everything you could want from a new 2D Sonic.
The heavier, stiffer controls hinder some aspects of the experience for Sonic veterans seeking an old-school feel. Nevertheless, Sonic Superstars still captures enough of Sonic’s essence – high-speed platforming and explorative gameplay – for both veterans and newcomers to have a decent time. It serves as a valuable addition to the franchise, even if it doesn’t quite reach the peak of classic 90s gameplay.