Following the open-zone action of Sonic Frontiers, the Blue Blur is returning to his roots in Sonic Superstars, a brand new 2D Sonic platformer coming later this year.
Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2023, Sonic Superstars is coming to PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC this Fall. And — unlike fellow 2D platformers Sonic Mania and Sonic Origins — fans won’t have to wait for a physical release, as the game is getting both a digital and physical launch at the same time. It’s also the first full-price 2D Sonic game in a very long time with a $59.99 price point.
Sonic Superstars isn’t a straight followup to 2017’s Sonic Mania, though. It’s a new spin on sidescrolling Sonic, featuring 3D graphics and four-player local multiplayer support for the entire campaign.
Players can choose between Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose as they take on Dr. Eggman and returning classic foe Fang. Longtime Sonic fans will remember Fang from his original role in Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble on the Sega Game Gear, and for his later appearance as a playable character in Sonic the Fighters.
Sonic Superstars will take place on the North Star Islands, which is host to never-before-seen environments and levels. Sega also teased a new role for the Chaos Emeralds in Sonic Superstars. Instead of collecting all seven to power up into Super Sonic, each individual Emerald contains its own unique Emerald Power. Some examples include creating clones of yourself and climbing waterfalls.
Even with all these changes, Sega says Sonic’s movements, physics, and controls will feel familiar for legacy Sonic fans. So based on that, it seems like fans don’t need to worry about another Sonic the Hedgehog 4 situation.
Sonic Superstars isn’t the only game fans are looking forward to in 2023, as Sonic Frontiers players are still awaiting new story content scheduled for sometime later this year. Check out our full recap of everything announced Summer Game Fest right here.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer at IGN.