The world of Sonic has been stagnant for far too long. However, Sonic Superstars is finally here to shake things up. This game represents a fun and fresh reinvention of the classic 2D Sonic gameplay formula that has captivated audiences for decades. In a recent hands-on gameplay preview, GamesHub had the opportunity to experience this exciting new take on the franchise. The result? Sonic Superstars made a firm impression and proved that there is still hope for the future of Sonic.
Sonic Superstars truly understands the elements that first endeared the Sonic franchise to global audiences. From its rush of speed to its beautifully-rendered environments, challenging platforming, and rewarding exploration, this game checks all the boxes. As players, we are dropped into an idyllic world teeming with roaming creatures and tasked with running, dashing, and bumping our way through stages. Along the way, we discover secrets, power-ups, and multiple Chaos Emeralds, each providing unique superpowers upon collection.
The inclusion of these power-ups may seem like gimmicks at first, but they add a new layer of depth to the gameplay. They allow for a greater sense of discovery and change the secrets that can be found in Sonic Superstars. Additionally, each character in the game brings their own unique traversal mechanics. Whether it’s Sonic’s sheer speed, Amy’s protective hammer, Knuckles’ gliding and climbing abilities, or Tails’ flying prowess, there are plenty of opportunities to venture further into stages and uncover hidden collectibles.
The stages in Sonic Superstars bear resemblance to their classic counterparts but offer a refreshing twist. They are more open and encourage exploration to a greater extent. While time is still an impetus that pushes players along a high-speed journey, there are multiple pathways to the exit, each hiding secrets. Sonic Superstars rewards players for taking the less obvious roads and embracing the full breadth of every level.
This commitment to exploration is further emphasized by the presence of hidden treasures and shortcuts throughout the game. Each level possesses a real sense of openness, making Sonic Superstars feel like an essential next step in the Sonic franchise. It seamlessly blends impressive modern features and fluidity with everything that remains classic about the original Sonic trilogy.
Muscle memory kicks in the moment players enter Sonic Superstars. Characters retain their movement and special skills from the original trilogy, providing a comforting familiarity. Knuckles, in particular, feels slightly bouncier as a character, but his glide and climb abilities have been taken from Sonic & Knuckles with great effect. The same can be said for Tails and Sonic, who retain their classic charms while fitting smoothly into the design of Sonic Superstars.
During the GamesHub gameplay preview, four opening levels and a unique Battle Mode were playable. Each level showcased a unique reimagining of classic themes, such as carnivals, islands, sunsets, and digital environments. These new interpretations introduced fresh running mechanics, obstacles, and puzzle-solving elements. One stage, in particular, stood out with its neon-infused, pixelated design. Sonic and his friends were transformed into pixel versions of themselves, providing unique traversal mini-games that were both challenging and visually stunning.
Sonic Superstars has learned from the classic 2D Sonic games and enhanced their core ideas with a real sense of creativity and freedom. This game serves as a breath of fresh air for the franchise, providing new challenges, gameplay mechanics, abilities, and collectibles. It subverts expectations while staying true to what made Sonic great in the first place.
After spending over an hour with Sonic Superstars, GamesHub walked away feeling hopeful for the future of the Sonic franchise. The game’s release on October 17, 2023, for multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, is eagerly anticipated. Sonic Superstars promises to be a game that revitalizes the franchise and delights fans both old and new.
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