Sonic Superstars Hands the Blue Blur a Hot Streak | Push Square

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Sonic Superstars is fun to play, and that's something this scribe rarely — if ever — associates with the SEGA series. Two acts playable at Summer Game Fest Play Days revealed an enjoyable return to the side-scrolling days after 2022's well-liked 3D entry Sonic Frontiers, proving the blue blur has got what it takes no matter the perspective he's speeding along.

However, if you're searching for an in-depth analysis of how Sonic's latest 2D effort stacks up against the likes of Sonic Mania, we recommend looking elsewhere. There's no deep dive comparison here, for this writer has little in the way of meaningful experience with the franchise. When an email about an unannounced Sonic the Hedgehog game drops in your inbox, though, you've got to take the opportunity.

As the confirmation trailer at Geoff Keighley's own Summer Game Fest livestream revealed, we're going back to the 2D space after arguably Sonic's best 3D game in years, Our findings don't suggest this marks a drop in quality, though. Far from it. Featuring completely new levels, it's a spin on the SEGA Mega Drive classics that satisfies speed requirements, expansive level design, fun mechanics, and the need for new features. The roughly 15-minute demo featured the PS5, PS4 title's first two acts, with four playable characters to choose from: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. All come with their own unique skills, providing reason to jump back in after a level completion.

What ties the four famous faces together is Emerald Powers, an entirely new mechanic that allows you to interact with the environment in different ways. The first two levels allow you to swim up waterfalls to reach new areas upon finding the power-up, and later missions are said to let you change