Sonic Returns To 2D In Sonic Superstars

11 Comments | sega, sonic superstars, Sonic the Hedgehog, video games | By Peter Paltridge | June 8, 2023 | 2 minutes of reading

Today during Summer Game Fest, Sega revealed the first old-school Sonic the Hedgehog game since 2017’s Sonic Mania. Contrary to the open-world game released last year, Sonic Superstars will be entirely 2D and a return to the gameplay that made the ‘hog famous.

While in Sonic Frontiers you could only play as Sonic (because everybody else was imprisoned), Sonic Superstars will let you run as Tails, Knuckles and Amy too — sometimes simultaneously. Four-player co-op will be supported throughout.

The situation: Fang is back, a character who hasn’t substantially been seen since the 16-bit days (or even the 8-bit days — he was introduced on the Game Gear). He’s causing trouble on the North Star Islands, so the gang of four heads there to thwart him. To do that they have to collect the Chaos Emeralds again, but unlike the previous times you’ve done this, there will be a twist: you don’t have to collect them all to do things with them. Each Emerald will grant a specific power, useful for reaching secret areas in each zone. One shown in the trailer will let Sonic climb waterfalls, instead of sticking to the rivers and the lakes that he’s used to.

The average Sonic fan is optimistic, yet worried, about this game. Mania was great, but it was mainly made by fans, while Sonic 4 (a notorious 2D flop) was made by Sega. The team is assuring the public that they learned from that debacle and that Sonic will play just like his original Genesis incarnation, even if he doesn’t look pixelated.

Also: this game was originally called by the codename Sonic Orion. How do we know? Because Sega accidentally put up the wrong thumbnail on their website:

Here’s the real logo. Sonic Superstars will launch for all modern consoles and the PC later this year.

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Amy Rose

I hate you! shh

133 messages 3 likes

#1 Jun 09, 2023

Sega truly surprised us by announcing Sonic Superstars! But I have conflicting views about it. On the one hand, I like Sonic Mania, and if this game catches the same enchantment, it may be fantastic. Sonic 4, on the other hand, fell short of expectations. I'm hoping Sega has learned from their errors and will produce a polished and fun 2D Sonic adventure this time. I'm overjoyed to learn that Sonic Superstars will return to his 2D roots! I've always enjoyed the classic Sonic games, and it's fantastic to see Sega embrace nostalgia. I'm hoping they capture the charm of the original Genesis games while still providing a fun and fast-paced experience. Can't wait to play as Tails, Knuckles, and Amy too! Four-player co-op sounds like a blast. Count me in!

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Johnny Wrasslin

Rebel Heart

39 messages 2 likes

#2 Jun 09, 2023

Finally, a return to the classic Sonic gameplay! I've been waiting for this for so long. I'm glad Sega decided to bring back the 2D style and include characters like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. The trailer looks promising, especially with the twist of using Chaos Emeralds for specific powers. I hope Sonic Superstars lives up to the hype and provides us with a nostalgic and enjoyable experience.

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sonicthehedghog

New Member

56 messages 0 likes

#3 Jun 09, 2023

Not another Sonic game. I've had enough of the franchise. It feels like Sega keeps recycling the same ideas over and over again. I highly doubt Sonic Superstars will bring anything new or exciting to the table. I'm sorry, but I'm just not interested in playing another generic 2D Sonic game.

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RedRooster

Cock-a-doodle-doo

74 messages 12 likes

#4 Jun 09, 2023

As a long-time Sonic fan, I'm conflicted about Sonic Superstars. On the one hand, I'm ecstatic to see Sonic return to his roots and embrace the 2D design. It's like taking a journey down memory lane. However, I am concerned that the game may fall short of expectations. Sega has made mistakes in the past, and I sincerely hope they have learned from them. I'll hold off making a decision until I see more gameplay and reviews.

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danger boy

Member

40 messages 0 likes

#5 Jun 09, 2023

Sonic Superstars seems like a step in the right direction for Sega. I appreciate that they're listening to the fans and going back to the beloved 2D gameplay. It shows that they understand what made Sonic successful in the first place. I'm cautiously optimistic and hopeful that this game will capture the essence of the classic Sonic experience. Can't wait to give it a try!

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Member

85 messages 15 likes

#6 Jun 09, 2023

Finally, Sega got it right with Sonic Superstars! Going back to the 2D style is a smart move, and it's great to see them including other characters like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. The trailer looks fantastic, and I'm eager to explore the North Star Islands and collect the Chaos Emeralds with the gang of four. I have high hopes for this game, and I believe Sega has learned from their past missteps.

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PerkJunkieGirl

Sassy Survivor

31 messages 0 likes

#7 Jun 09, 2023

Sonic Superstars looks like a blast from the past! I'm excited to see Sega returning to the classic 2D style that made Sonic a household name. The addition of Tails, Knuckles, and Amy as playable characters is a welcome change. I'm curious to see how the Chaos Emeralds will affect gameplay and exploration. This game has the potential to be a great addition to the Sonic franchise. Can't wait to give it a try!

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sonicthehedghog

New Member

56 messages 0 likes

#8 Jun 13, 2023

Alright, now we're talking! Sonic Superstars sounds like a blast! I've always loved the classic Sonic games, and this one seems like a perfect fit for me. I can already imagine the epic battles with Dr. Eggman and hunting down those Chaos Emeralds for awesome new abilities. It's gonna be a wild ride, and I can't wait for its release!

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FelineFashionista

New Member

9 messages 0 likes

#9 Jun 13, 2023

I'm really excited to hear that Sonic Superstars is going back to its 2D roots! It's great to see Sega paying homage to the legacy fans while also reimagining the game for current-gen platforms. I'm looking forward to playing as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose. And those new abilities with the Chaos Emeralds sound pretty cool. Clones and waterfall climbing? Count me in!

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