Sonic Superstars by Sega Sammy - modern co-op twist on classic 2D speed

Sonic Superstars drops you right into glittering 2D stages where waterfalls shimmer and bumpers thud under your controller, but this time three friends can crowd your sofa and jump in too. Sonic Superstars is Sega Sammy’s big co-op spin on classic high-speed platforming.

Co-op spin on a classic formula

Under the direction of Sonic producer Takashi Iizuka, Sonic Superstars turns traditional solo runs into four-player local co-op, letting players control Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy at the same time on one screen. The characters share lives, but each keeps their own physics feel, from Sonic’s snappy acceleration to Amy’s hammer swings.

The game sticks to side-scrolling levels rather than the 3D worlds of Sonic Frontiers, leaning on new Emerald Powers that twist the familiar loop-and-jump rhythm. These powers, gained from Chaos Emeralds, let you, for example, create clones of the character or swim up waterfalls, opening alternate routes and hidden item paths inside stages.

Platforms, art style and stage design

Sonic Superstars launched in October 2023 as a multi-platform title on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Sega priced console versions around 59.99 USD in major markets and offered both physical and digital editions.

The art style blends 3D character models with 2.5D environments, aiming for what Iizuka described as “modern but nostalgic” visuals. Level themes range from bright, jungle-like islands to industrial zones with glowing machinery and bouncing platforms, echoing the feel of classic Mega Drive stages while adding new traversal tricks.

Emerald Powers and character abilities

Chaos Emeralds unlock specific Emerald Powers, which can be activated during levels to alter traversal or combat. One power creates multiple clones of the character, useful for hitting separated switches or attacking groups of enemies. Another lets players transform into a waterfall-flowing form that climbs vertical water streams, revealing secret routes and bonus items.

Each playable character keeps distinct movement options familiar to longtime players. Sonic uses his drop dash to maintain speed, Tails can fly for short periods, Knuckles glides and climbs walls, and Amy wields her hammer for melee attacks and has a slightly different jump arc. These differences shape co-op dynamics, with players often assigning specific tasks to particular characters.

Multiplayer structure and online options

Local co-op is the headline feature: up to four players share one screen through the entire campaign. Collisions can be chaotic, as characters jostle for rings and footholds, but Sega tuned enemy damage and ring distribution to keep the experience accessible even for less experienced players.

Beyond co-op story play, Sonic Superstars offers an online Battle Mode where players use customized characters to compete in small arena-style challenges. These matches involve tasks like collecting items or surviving hazards, with cosmetics and upgrades unlocked by spending medals earned in-game.

Story setup and campaign length

The campaign once again pits Sonic and his friends against Dr. Eggman, joined by returning rival Fang the Hunter and a new character, Trip. The narrative is told through brief cutscenes and in-level moments rather than long cinematic sequences, matching the brisk pace of the gameplay.

Most reviewers report a main story length of around 10 to 15 hours for a first run, depending on how many collectibles and alternate routes players chase. Completionists who aim to see all Emerald Powers, hidden paths and post-game content can extend playtime significantly beyond that range.

Reception and player feedback

Initial critical reception was mixed to positive, with reviewers praising the core feel of running and jumping while critiquing some co-op chaos and difficulty spikes. On Metacritic, scores for different platforms generally landed in the mid-70s out of 100 around launch.

Players have highlighted the sensory impact of speed and level detail, but some noted that four-player local co-op can become visually cluttered, especially in more complex stages. Sega has since issued patches to address bugs and adjust balancing in certain segments, based on player feedback collected during the launch window.

Role inside Sega Sammy’s portfolio and stock context

Sonic Superstars sits alongside Sonic Frontiers and mobile titles like Sonic Dash in Sega Sammy’s digital entertainment portfolio, providing a family-friendly console and PC release that leans on the strength of the Sonic brand. For CEO Haruki Satomi, the title supports a strategy of maintaining regular Sonic releases while experimenting with format and multiplayer features.

On the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. share (ISIN JP3419050004) reflects investor expectations for Sonic Superstars and other franchise entries as part of the company’s broader earnings mix.