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A delightful homage to classic Sonic gameplay | Full Review - Sonic Superstars

2K View2023-10-18

Sonic Superstars

8.5

PartyActionMultiplayerPlatformer

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✨Overview

Sonic Superstars is a “back to roots” return to the classic 2D Sonic formula with a modern twist. This modern take on a beloved franchise captures the essence of the Genesis-era Sonic games while offering a fresh and visually appealing experience. With its beautiful visuals and diverse gameplay, it's a game that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate.

🟩Pros

+Faithful to the Genesis classics 2D style
+Beautiful visuals on all platforms
+Varied and creative levels
+Charming characters and animations
+Diverse gameplay with multiple characters and Emerald Powers

🟥Cons

-Co-op play could benefit from full split-screen support
-Occassional quirks with the level design

⭐️Score: 8/10

The game brings back the magic of the original Sonic titles that graced the Genesis and Mega Drive, and it does so with a fresh modern twist. As one of the first video game franchises I’ve ever played, I couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia and joy.

📖Story

Much like earlier platformers in the series, Sonic Superstars keeps its narrative simple and light. Dr. Eggman returns, accompanied by fan favorite Fang the Hunter and a brand new character named Trip, designed by original character designer Naoto Ohshima.

🎨Graphics and Art

Sonic Superstars seamlessly blends classic 2D gameplay with a modernized visual aesthetic. The shift from pixel art to 3D graphics is executed beautifully, capturing the spirit of Sonic's retro outings while introducing a fresh look. The looks particularly vibrant and crisp on all platforms, inclujding the Nintendo Switch. The character animations, colorful environments, and delightful character skins create an endearing atmosphere, making this game the cutest and sharpest Sonic title to date. The music, while not always catchy, maintains a Genesis-like quality throughout, enhancing the nostalgic feel of the game.

🎮Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics of Sonic Superstars captures the magic of the original Sonic titles on the Genesis and Mega Drive. In addition to Sonic, you can play as Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, each with their unique abilities. Tails can take to the skies, Knuckles can glide and climb walls, and Amy wields her hammer with style. As well as the aforementioned new character, Trip. At first, Trip might seem like a newcomer who lands with a thud, but as the game progresses, she becomes a valuable addition to the Sonic universe. These abilities bring a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, and experimenting with different characters is both fun and rewarding.

The game encourages exploration with branching paths that lead to hidden areas and rewards for those who venture off the beaten track. The sense of discovery and curiosity is very much alive in this title, making it feel like a true successor to the classic Sonic formula. The creativity in level design, along with the beautiful visuals, makes these zones a joy to play through.

The game also introduces the concept of Emerald Powers, which are gained by collecting Chaos Emeralds in a mini-game like fashion. These powers provide new abilities such as kage bunshin-esque clone jutsu for Sonic, and can be used strategically, enhancing the gameplay. While they're not essential, they offer a nice layer of depth and choice for players. Although overall its not perfect, level design is occasionally cut short by out-of-place hazards that interrupt the flow of the usually fast pacing, and the Emerald Powers aren't really that much integrated into the level design and seems like an modded feature.

🕹Controls

The Controls are responsive, providing a sense of familiarity and precision that fans of the classic Sonic games will appreciate. The characters' abilities are well-suited to their personalities, with Tails flying, Knuckles gliding and climbing walls, and Amy wielding her hammer. These abilities enhance the gameplay experience and add variety to multiplayer sessions.

📜Game Modes and Co-op

Sonic Superstars offers a variety of modes to keep players engaged. You can dive into Battle Mode for some competitive action involving various races or survival stages; and Time Attack Mode to test your speed-running skills. These modes provide extra opportunities for players to test their skills. While Time Attack is straightforward and fun, Battle Mode feels somewhat lacking in depth and polish.

One enjoyable aspect of the game is the extensive customization options for your online avatar. Collecting special coins during the campaign allows you to purchase various cosmetic items and custom colors, giving you the opportunity to personalize your character. Some of these items pay homage to classic Sonic characters

Not only the singlepalyer mode is fun, the game supports co-op play for up to four players as well sharing the screen. While enjoyable, co-op play has its quirks, including the missed opportunity of lack of split-screen to fully separate players altogether and not bound to a limited camera focus.

⚖️Conclusion

Sonic Superstars is a delightful return to the classic 2D Sonic formula with a fresh and visually appealing twist. Despite some minor flaws and missed opportunities, the overall package is enjoyable and reminds us why Sonic is an iconic figure in gaming. It's a must-try for Sonic fans, both old and new, as it captures the essence of the blue blur's golden age.

Mentioned games

Sonic Superstars

8.5

PartyActionMultiplayerPlatformer

Get