Sonic Superstars

While it’s certainly familiar, the amount of variety on display makes Superstars feel like a proper follow-up and evolution of the old school entries, rather than just a simple retread of those past ideas. And in a way, that’s what I love about Sonic Superstars — it knows what the fans want, but it’s not content with playing it safe. Rather, it introduces new ideas to the well-established, crafting one of the finest 2D platformers around. If Sonic Frontiers set a new standard for what 3D Sonic should be, then Superstars is arguably the new blueprint for his 2D adventures.

While its less well-executed ideas drag it down, it’s great to see Sega try to evolve the series past being a basic platformer, and while it’s no Sonic Mania, it’s a hell of a good Sonic game and one that’s absolutely worth trying if you’re new to the series or have been a lifelong fan.

Sonic Superstars represents some of the best 2D platforming has to offer. It has constant surprises while still offering a ton of room for mastery. The game is a delight from start to finish and beyond.

Sonic Superstars returns to 2D in a brand new adventure set in an all-new world with mind-blowing effects and 4-player local and online multiplayer.

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, apparently without any possibility of control on our part, with 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 Sonic gameplay.

Sonic Superstars is the modern 2D Sonic game I never thought we’d get. It updates the visual style in a way that feels true to the classics while bringing in top-tier level design that allows the core platforming mechanics to shine. In a week when both Sonic and Mario are launching new games, it’s a good time to be a 2D platforming fan.

Very good move by a Sonic Team that has managed to offer the sensations that veteran fans wanted, but with modern incentives and features. It shines almost as much as a Chaos Emerald.

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.

Sonic and friends are back in a new 2D adventure to thwart Dr. Robotnik's evil plans in Sonic Superstars! It even has multiplayer options. Is it any good? Read more about it so you can decide for yourself.

Sonic Superstars manages to capture the classic gameplay of the saga with some welcome changes. Furthermore, it does so in a graphically fantastic game with varied levels and bosses. Unfortunately, the multiplayer part doesn't feel as well implemented, and the game ends quickly.

Sonic Superstars is not only one of the greatest tributes to the more classic side of the blue hedgehog, but a game with a character and personality all of its own. A title that feels familiar from the first moment, but that will surprise us as we progress. SEGA proves that there is life for classic Sonic beyond the pixel art style.

Sonic Superstars is the perfect comeback to a formula that dominated the 90s but still has space for innovation and exciting things for the future.

SONIC SUPERSTARS surpassed my expectations as I thought it would simply be a fun co-op iteration of the classics. However, its adorable game world, variety of gameplay, assortment of clever challenges, and hidden goodies to find really makes it go above and beyond.

Sonic Superstars is not without its faults; the bosses sometimes overstay their welcome, and the multiplayer feels a little underbaked in places. However, Arzest has accomplished something many Sonic fans doubted could ever be done. Successfully create a modern 2D Sonic that not only retains the feel of the MegaDrive/ Genesis originals but builds upon them in meaningful and exciting ways, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where the blue blur heads next.

In riffing on this classic game’s core mechanics, its clever design choices, its lively graphics, and its sense of pure fun, Sonic Superstars has done justice to the franchise’s legacy. Taking a step forwards can also mean taking a step back – and in this approach, Sonic Superstars leaves a lasting mark.

Sonic Superstars manages to capture the magic of his earlier releases. The multilayered levels and innovation throughout make this one of the best Sonic games in years! While the multiplayer aspects are not as strong, the single-player portion undoubtedly proves that Sonic is back!

It is undeniable that this is a game that the most fans are going to love, as the return of the character is always a celebration for its community. Recommended for those who want to try more platform titles.

Sonic Superstars is a fun and thoroughly by-the-numbers Sonic title, which is all it is really trying to be. Itis the definition of an average Sonic game, it's competent, and it's often enjoyable. I had a good amount of fun with it, and it's a perfectly solid platformer. It doesn't reach the highs of Sonic Mania, which was always going to be a tough act to follow. If you like the 2D Sonic offerings, you'll have a good time with Sonic Superstars, even if it isn't likely to become a new favorite.

Sonic Superstars is exactly what longtime fans wanted from a modern iteration of the series. The new graphics are wonderful and the level design of the stages is well thought out. The main campaign immediately highlights the good replayability of the work thanks to the introduction of four different characters, each of which has unique abilities capable of modifying the approach to the levels and renewing the experience, while the multiplayer modes, which do not allow you to replicate with the same force the heady sprints performed in single player. To this we add some unrewarding bonus phases and some uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of the movement system during the boss fights. Yet Superstars remains a must-see for fans of the blue hedgehog, as well as a recommended purchase for fans of the reference genre.

Sonic Superstars is the new chapter of the series in 2.5, and is enriched with many new features.

If Sonic Superstars is the future of the franchise, then it's bright enough that the blue hedgehog will have to wear shades.

Sonic Superstars brings the series’ 2D formula back in spectacular fashion. It’s brought back physics and momentum that are strikingly close to the Genesis / Mega Drive originals, and combines them with original zones that all offer fun, unique gimmicks. However, boss fights are tedious, and the lack of online co-op stings.

Sonic Superstars is like a modern version of the Genesis classics, with all the good and bad that entails. The four-player, same-screen co-op functionality works surprisingly well, and the new Emerald powers keep things fresh. While it isn't as good as Sonic Mania, Superstars is a fresh twist on classic Sonic action.

Sonic Superstars absolutely nails the classic 16-bit Sonic gameplay. Its power-ups are hit-or-miss and its extra modes and co-op will divide opinion, but fans of the Mega Drive / Genesis days will adore the way this mixes that old feel with a new look.

Sonic Superstars successfully brings classic Sonic into the 3D era while stumbling slightly in its inclusion of a tacked-on multiplayer experience.

Sonic Superstars is a good Sonic game that manages to capture the essence of the Genesis titles. Fun can be found in both single and multiplayer. However, the price of the package is a little above considering the amount of content that is offered.

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.

Sonic Superstars draws upon its classic roots and wears that inspiration on a sleeve. The cooperative play is superb, but the unimaginative zones and underwhelming battle mode prove the stage a superstar performs on matters.

Despite some big caveats, I mostly enjoyed Sonic Superstars as a solo trip down memory lane. The platforming feels good, the levels are mostly fun, and the presentation looks great. Ripping through robots while hitting loop-de-loops and bounce pads still brings a smile to my face. But the game’s new additions either feel inconsequential or ill-advised, watering down an otherwise respectable package. Sonic Superstars offers a solid return to form for the series’ oldest and most ardent followers, with some hedgehog-sized potholes along the way.

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.

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.

Sonic Superstars is a good classic 2D Sonic game that shines especially in its visuals. Stages have a wider array of gimmicks when compared to older 2D Sonic games and boss fights are much more complex. However, the game design can feel unpolished and often doesn’t do a good job in communicating with the player. While the addition of local co-op sounds great on paper, Sonic’s speedy gameplay proves to be a difficult match for it.

Sonic Superstars is a perfectly serviceable Sonic game with beautiful visuals and nailed-on movement of the main characters. The number of collectables and confusing level layouts holds it back from true greatness, but there’s just enough here to keep the fanboys at bay until Sonic and friends return once again.

Sonic returns this year with a 2D platformer, and where the game starts out excellent, it weakens a bit in the long run. This is unfortunate, but the fact is that the gameplay in itself does provide enough fun, and the game is full of nostalgic references to the past, which are on point. The controls are top notch, but the co-op, while fun on paper, is too chaotic in execution, so it doesn't work well. At its core, a more than fine game, but where there are many pros, there are just as many cons to consider.

Sonic Superstars does a lot of things right, the speed is there, the momentum and physics from the classic 2D games are recreated almost flawlessly, but uneven overall quality and a couple of unclear solutions prevent this title from being much more than another half done nostalgia fest.

It’s safe to say that Sonic Superstars is one of the better Sonic games available. In fact, it might even be the best Sonic game since the original trilogy, outside of Sonic Mania at least. It can be a bit chaotic at times, and some bosses need some fine-tuning or at least some checkpoints between their phases, but Sonic fans are likely to appreciate the classic feel and wealth of new zones. Just don’t buy it on the basis of its local co-op features, or you’ll likely be seriously disappointed.

This pretty platformer simply stays in its comfort zone, which will surely please iconic fans at the risk of chilling others.

A true spiritual sequel to the classic 2D titles, Sonic Superstars will satisfy even the hungriest of fans, but not the most demanding.

In short, a good Sonic which could have been absolutely stunning if it had allowed itself to modernize while retaining this recipe which still hits the mark, even after all these years.

Sonic Superstars is far from the best Sonic, and its flaws are both copious and obvious. Despite this, there's still that base Sonic high-speed platforming joy at its core, and those ultra-cool moments when it really sticks the landing with a funky new idea, unique surprise, or charming throwback to outshine the ways in which it trips over itself. After all, when you reach for the stars, sometimes you'll overextend--but it makes those moments when you do seize glittering glory all the sweeter.

Overall, while there are faults with the game’s multiplayer, this is still a good Sonic the Hedgehog game. If you stick with the singleplayer on your own, you will definitely have fun with it. However, I do hope the next 2D Sonic game is one that uses pixel art in the same manner as Sonic Mania.

Sonic Superstars is full of ideas, and while not all of them land (especially the co-op), the inventiveness on show and core gameplay makes it worth checking out.

Sonic Superstars shines brightest when it’s sticking to what made the Genesis titles so successful. Running through the levels, launching oneself off spring boards and dashing through loop the loops is just as enjoyable now as it was in the 16-bit days. Cracks in this Chaos Emerald become more apparent with some of the changes. Many of the boss designs are good, but the patterned approach to fighting them can make them excessively drag on. The powers granted by Chaos Emeralds are fun additions, but the overall emphasis on exploration over speed takes away from the core experience of what one expects and loves from a Sonic game, plus the addition of multiplayer is a reminder of why these have traditionally been single player experiences. But criticisms aside it’s still a fun game, and while far from flawless, still a must play for fans of classic Sonic games.

Sonic Superstars is an adequate 2D Sonic adventure boasting great character control and stage theming alongside significantly improved boss battles. However, the peculiar implementation of the Chaos Emeralds and the only decent level design prevent this outing from really establishing itself as a must-play for veterans of the franchise or genre. At the very least, there’s a reasonable offering of supplemental content packed in replays and bonus modes to satisfy the fans awaiting an original 2D Sonic game.

It’s no Sonic Mania, but this is still one of the better attempts to create a modern day 2D Sonic The Hedgehog, with impressive visuals but boring boss battles.

Sonic Superstars isn’t holding back the series after the positive reception to Frontiers. It’s more than enough to keep it trucking along. Sega is sensible to be cautious about shedding too much of Sonic’s retro identity, but it needs to realise that none of us have hung around this long for Knuckles’ terrible recovery speed, or the strange instances where a single hit reduces our ring count to zero. Sonic Superstars brings us so agonisingly close to the definitive 2D Sonic game, but for now, it’s a good foundation to build on.

While the campaign is still enjoyable, Superstars’ multiplayer components are far worse options than anything in past Sonic games. Like digging Emeralds out of the rough, Sonic Superstars’ new ideas end up feeling like a mix of both interesting and ill-advised, making it an amusing Sonic game but not exactly a Super one.

Arzest has repaired its reputation after the horrible Balan Wonderworld and released a charming family game that captures most of the things about Sonic that are worth preserving.

Go in expecting the classic with a couple of added extras, and your time with Sonic will be action-packed and enjoyable.

Classic Sonic is back and, whilst it does many good things, it also falls shorts in many aspects, becoming a fun game that still is too far from the classics.

Sonic Superstars is a mixed experience. Although it can bring back good memories with its 2D-style, it also falls short due to poor level design. The game is well-colorized and feels very much alive, but it suffers from an annoying soundtrack and forgettable boss fights.

Sonic Superstars has some of that high speed Sonic platforming magic, but the tedious boss fights make it hard to fully recommend.

Sonic Superstars embodies the classic 2D Sonic game qualities, which is a commendable feature as it ensures an enjoyable gaming experience. However, this also serves as a point of critique, given the series' frequent reliance on nostalgia in past iterations.

Sonic Superstars is packed with classic sonic charm, gorgeous visuals, and fun, fast-paced levels that we love from all 2D Sonic games. But the two big ticket selling points, the chaos emerald abilities and battle mode, are sadly its weakest links. The story mode is still largely enjoyable, and some better implementations of the new abilities but make a sequel to this game legitimately great. If you’re a fan of classic Sonic, you’ll likely still enjoy this title.

Once again, Sonic Superstars is a case of 'could have been great'. The playability is basically there, especially Amy's double jump is a blessing... And yet, in the end, nothing really fits together all that well.

Sonic Superstars is a decent Sonic game, but it is not the return to former heights that some would expect. It offers entertainment and fun, but is marred by the action being slowed down quite a lot, interrupting the flow, and boss fights that drag on and feel like a throwback instead of an evolution.

We loved the soundtrack and the ability to play as Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Trip. It’s also worth pointing out that 2D Sonic has never looked so good. The level design is also superb, and we look forward to exploring new routes in our next playthrough, but we feel like a lot of what makes Sonic so amazing has been sacrificed on the altar of flawed multiplayer...This makes us worry about the future direction of the Sonic games, and if the questionable gimmicks from the 3D entries will slowly start to pollute the usually stellar 2D games. While Sonic Superstars isn’t on Sonic Mania or Generation’s level, it’s still a fun and enjoyable Sonic outing where some ideas work and others don’t.

Respectable platforming and classic Sonic elements are undermined by inconsistent new ideas.

In its core mission, Sonic Superstars is successful. It recreates the foundation of 2D Sonic – some of the finest platformers ever made – well. Unfortunately, the new elements layered atop that are rather hit-or-miss. I personally don’t think this is anywhere near as good as Mania. But it’s good. In fact, it’s good enough that I expect fan debate about which game is superior to be fairly heated – which is a sure-fire sign that Sega is on the right track.

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.

Sonic Superstars is a game that understands the broad strokes of 16-bit Sonic games, but not any of the finer details. The new ideas it brings to the table are undercooked, and its multiplayer component is too poorly utilized to recommend. There are undoubtedly moments of genius here when everything lines up just right. But any goodwill I had for the game was ruined by the tedious, arduous boss battles. If you’re a Sonic fan who has thoroughly mastered the classics, you may find some entertainment here. But you deserve so much better than this.

Neither particularly exciting nor even safe, Superstars’ greatest Sonic sin is being really quite boring, and not very suited to multiplayer antics at all. [Issue#34, p.70]

Sonic Superstars ultimately gets bogged down in how it regularly sidetracks the player, tripping them up at almost every conceivable opportunity. There are glimmers of brilliance that occasionally shine through, but the overall experience was a tiresome one to play through.