[Released 10/17! 'Sonic Superstars' Review! The latest Sonic game that reminds us of the charm of the series, both nostalgic and new!

This title, which inherits the 2D action appeal of Sonic the Hedgehog as he races at supersonic speeds across a wide field, will allow players to rediscover the appeal of Sonic the Hedgehog, while at the same time offering a wide range of enjoyment, including 4-player cooperative play and 8-player battles in a beautiful world depicted by the graphics of the current generation consoles. The game is also a game that can be enjoyed in a wide range of ways, including four-player cooperative play and eight-player battles.

The "Sonic the Hedgehog" series is a series of action games in which Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic), a cool blue hedgehog, runs through stages at supersonic speeds. Adventure" and the open world "Sonic Frontier. In addition, a live-action movie will be released in 2020, and an animated series, "Sonic Prime," will be released in 2022, making Sonic a favorite among a wide range of users, both young and old.

Furthermore, Sonic has made many guest appearances in various games, including "Super Smash Brothers," and it is no exaggeration to say that he is one of Sega's signature characters.

The latest title in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series is "Sonic Superstars. This title returns to the 2D action system of the early series and portrays the fun of the original "Sonic the Hedgehog" game with the graphics of the current consoles.

The rules are very simple: jump to avoid obstacles and race toward the goal, and the game's gimmicks, such as the looping single-turn loop, the bumpers that blow Sonic and his friends around like pinballs, and the high-speed tunnels, keep the game feeling like the original series in the best sense of the word. Even those who have never played the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series before will feel right at home within a few minutes of playing the game. The same rules apply as in the previous games: if you save at least one ring placed in the stage, you will not make a mistake even if you hit a trap (you will only lose a ring). Beginners can take their time in the game if they keep in mind to secure rings, while advanced players can play without making mistakes to get a high score at the finish line with a lot of rings. The rules, which can be enjoyed by a wide range of players according to their skill level, are truly the taste of a long-established game.

Even on the same stage, Sonic's fun increases as you play the game over and over: the first time you explore, the second time you get used to the game, and the third time you aim for the time ....... The sense of speed, which is a strong point of the series, increases as you progress, and running around at blinding speeds is nothing short of exhilarating. In addition to this sense of speed, the unique actions of each character and the search for the "Chaos Emeralds" hidden in the stages, the new "Emerald Power" element makes repeated play even more fun.

The cool Sonic, his best friend Tails, the energetic Emmy, and his rival Knuckles are all playable characters in the new game. Sonic has the "Drop Dash," which allows him to accelerate quickly when he lands on the ground; Tails has "Flight," in which he spins his tail like a propeller; Emmy has the "Hammer Attack" and "Double Jump"; and Knuckles has "Gliding" and "Wall Climbing. Knuckles' "Glide" and "Wall Climbing".

For example, Emmy's hammer can be used to shortcut certain rock walls, and Knuckles can use his "wall-climbing" technique to climb a precipice that would normally be breached using an ivy gimmick. Knuckles can also use his unique actions to conquer a wall in unusual ways. You can also choose a character that can handle gimmicks that you are not good at, making the game easy for beginners to play.

Introducing the playable characters!

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog" is the main character of the series. He is a cool, freedom-loving character who is very popular overseas, and there are even several animated versions of his character that have not yet been shown in Japan. His unique action, "Drop Dash," increases his speed even further.

Tails

Sonic's partner, Miles "Tails" Pauer. He is the brainy sidekick from the second numbered game, and is one of the series' most famous team players, who carries his friends in "flight" by spinning his tail. The familiar intro of Sonic on the Tornado is also still present in this film.

Emmy

Emmy Rose is an energetic and dynamic girl. In "Sonic Frontier," she was trapped in a cyber space and could only be used in the "Another Story," but this time, she can be used from the very beginning. Her high attack power with the Hammer and her two-stage jump make her useful in a wide range of situations, from boss battles to stage attacks.

Knuckles

Knuckles the Echidna. He is Sonic's passionate rival, and his bright red color makes him a contrasting character. He can move through the air by "gliding" after jumping, and can climb vertical walls by "wall climbing," although his speed is slow.

Emerald Power" is a new element!

Emerald Power" is new in this title. This is a special ability that can be obtained by passing through special rings hidden in the stage and completing special stages in which the player must use swinging action to chase "Chaos Emeralds" floating in a different space.

There is a limit to the number of times you can use this ability, but the effect is powerful. The "Avatar," which attacks the stage with countless alter egos, can be used to win boss battles; the "Bullet," which turns into a fireball and flies in a specified direction, can be used to reach heights that are normally impossible; and the "Slow," which slows the flow of time, can be used to deal with fast-moving gimmicks.

Exploring the stage is important in order to obtain the Chaos Emeralds. Once obtained, the "Emerald Power" can be used by all players, so the more you explore, the more you can expand your play.

A special stage in which players chase the "Chaos Emeralds" as they move through a different space. Hook the rope of light to the numerous points floating in the air and swing like a trapeze to reach the "Chaos Emerald.

Avatar" calls forth countless alter egos to attack the entire screen. They are especially effective against bosses.

The "Bullet" becomes a fireball and can fly in any direction.

The production of this title is also noteworthy. The stages in this title are larger than those in previous titles, and the backgrounds are filled with other characters adventuring, making it interesting to go from one place to another. Boss battles offer the powerful graphics of today's consoles, and at the same time, they are fun to play in the manner of a 2D action game. The game is also a nostalgic and fun experience, as it requires a little bit of thinking to get through.

A shark-like boss approaches from behind. The graphics of the current consoles have made this possible.

The boss attacks unilaterally from the air. How can he attack? Fans will be pleased to see that the design is similar to the articulated character seen in the Mega Drive version.

While playing Tails, Emmy was chatting with a friend in the background.

This title has offline cooperative multiplayer and online/offline battles in "Battle Mode," so everyone can play together. Offline cooperative multiplayer allows up to four players to play and run around the field with other players. There is no penalty for being left off-screen, and you can return to the stage at any time you like. I'm not very good at the ivy gimmick, so I'll let my friends take care of that for me. Instead, leave the speeding through to the next stage to me! You can also share the workload. It is also a good idea to play with someone who is good at the game and ask them to show you how to do it.

Up to eight players can play online in the "Battle Mode. It is a fun party game with a variety of rules, such as collecting stars scattered on the field, dodging cannonballs, shooting opponents with electric bullets, racing to the finish line, ......, etc. The "Metal Fighter," the robot used in this game, can be customized by changing its head, body, and leg parts, as well as its coloring (performance does not change), so it will be fun to go online with your favorite coordinated outfit.

Battle Mode can be enjoyed offline by up to four players in a split-screen format.

The "Metal Fighter" character can be customized by changing colors and reconfiguring parts. New colors and parts are unlocked as the game progresses.

Again, I felt that this title is a reboot of the 2D action "Sonic the Hedgehog" on current consoles. The game's exhilarating "Sonic the Hedgehog" experience, which grows more exhilarating with repeated play, is enhanced by the search for "Chaos Emeralds" and the ability to expand your abilities with "Emerald Power," making it suitable for a wide range of players, from fans of the original series to newcomers to the genre.

It is not a nostalgic look back in time, but rather a reminder of the fun of the 2D action genre.

It would be fun to use this title as a starting point to play other titles such as "Sonic Mania," for which Sonic fans became the official developers, and "Sonic Origins Plus," in which the early series can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Bounty hunter "Fang the Hunter" makes his first appearance in 28 years. Fang the Hunter", a bounty hunter, appears for the first time in 28 years and engages in a fierce battle with Sonic.

(Reporting and writing by Shinichi Yanamoto)

Game Information

Sonic Superstars

Compatible platforms: PS5/PS4/Switch/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/PC (Steam/Epic Games Store)

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam/Epic Games Store) are only available in digital format.

Release date: 10/17/2023

Genre: Action

Price: 6,589 yen (tax included)

Manufacturer: Sega