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.