Sonic Superstars delivers a healthy dose of nostalgia-infused action. Consequently, if you are in your 40s or older, or you adore old-school Sonic titles, then this will appeal to you. Thankfully, this modern take on the classic 2.5D platform was extremely well conceived. As such, this is an ideal title for veterans and newcomers alike.
This fast-paced and colourful affair was developed by Arzest and Sonic Team and published by Sega. Furthermore, it can be played alone or locally with 3 others. As such, you can team up with your friends or your loved ones as you collect every ring, save every creature, and thwart Dr Eggman’s dastardly plans.
Sonic Superstars is surprisingly straightforward.
Though the action is hard to keep up with, I loved every crazy moment. No matter which character you picked, the gameplay was surprisingly straightforward. In retro fashion, you must move from point A to point B whilst exploring as much of the level as possible. However, this isn’t so easy as you are flung through the air, chucked through tunnels, and made to do the loop the loop. On top of this, there are enemies and traps to avoid, and special areas to discover.
The story focuses on the untouched NorthStar islands. This beautiful archipelago catches Dr Eggman’s eye. Accordingly, he hires Fang the Hunter to capture the inhabitants to enhance his robotic army. Yet, Sonic, Tales, Knuckles, and Amy will not go down without a fight. Subsequently, they must use their skills to overcome the obstacles and save the day.
A never-ending roller-coaster.
Sonic Superstars travels at a relentless pace from beginning to end. Alongside this, there are 12 zones comprising 26 acts of eye-watering madness to overcome. Each area has special obstacles, and platforming mechanics that ensure you never get bored. Moreover, there are secret areas and special levels that hide each character’s Chaos Emerald. There are 7 of these gems to collect and each of them empowers you with new skills.
I won’t spoil it for you, but unlocking these abilities allows you to explore every area in greater detail. Additionally, it makes each playable character more enjoyable to handle, so I suggest finding every portal.
Alongside the main story is the ability to challenge each of your friends. Here you can play locally or online as you compete to be the champion. There are plenty of game modes on offer and if you are victorious, you can customise your robot to highlight your gaming prowess.
A trip down memory lane.
The healthy dose of familiar gameplay should have held this back. However, Sonic Superstars has created a wonderful blend of dated mechanics and modern madness. Consequently, it captures the brilliance of 90s adventure platform titles whilst adding a modern twist.
On top of this, the gameplay is challenging, creative, and easy to pick up and play. Therefore, it is the perfect experience for families or a small group of friends. What’s more, though, the action is relentless, and it never outstays its welcome. Subsequently, I adored every boss battle and the plot twist that ensures you come back for more.
Sonic Superstars is beautifully polished.
I was amazed at how well the developers captured the original essence. Every aspect of the visuals brings back wonderful gaming memories. Furthermore, the exceptional level design and wonderful sprites are a treat. Additionally, the vivid colour palette and smooth animation are something to behold. In short, this is brilliantly retro with a stunning modern finish.
The audio is just as good. Not only does it revisit the original ideas, but it reinvents them as well. I adored the upbeat tunes and the OTT sound effects. However, it can occasionally be overwhelming. As such, I’d recommend keeping the volume down to get the best experience.
Awesome controls.
What made Sonic so special was its intuitive controls. Luckily, Sonic Superstars retains this approach. Accordingly, it has awesome controls that are easy to understand and simple to pick up. Yet, unlocking new skills adds a degree of difficulty to the mix. Subsequently, it isn’t a walk in the park and this keeps you focused.
This title hides many secrets. What’s more, there are some pleasant twists to the gameplay. As such, if you are a completionist, you’ll discover some additional content that others may miss. Alongside this, the multiplayer action is addictive and mindless. Therefore, there is plenty of replay value and longevity.
Sonic Superstars blows away those blues.
If you are a veteran gamer, you know that big franchises often become weaker. Sadly, they lose their way and the action becomes diluted. However, Sonic Superstars bucks this trend with its homage to the Mega Drive classic. Consequently, every element is captivating and interesting. Furthermore, the level design is intelligent and you’ll rarely tire of what you see. As such, I cherished it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you thwart Dr Eggman and his devious plan? Pick your hero, find the secrets, and banish the evil forces.
