Prepare for a speed-infused blast from the past! Sonic Superstars is gearing up to hit the gaming scene on October 17, marking the glorious return of classic 2D Sonic action. Developed by the dynamic duo of Sonic Team and Arzest, this game is poised to reignite the iconic legacy of the Genesis/Mega Drive era.
Building on a Legacy
With Sonic Superstars, Sonic Team and Arzest aim to recapture the essence of the classic Sonic titles that rocked the gaming world. The last 2D Sonic masterpiece, Sonic Mania, graced us in 2017, and now, it’s time for a new adventure that hopes to carry the torch. Fresh off the success of 2022’s Sonic Frontiers, the franchise is setting the stage for back-to-back hits, a feat Sonic Forces fell short of in 2017 despite the critical acclaim for Sonic Mania.
Exclusive Insights from the Creators
Our team had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with none other than producer and Sonic co-creator Naoto Ohshima and Sonic’s creative officer, Takashi Iizuka, at Gamescom 2023. They provided invaluable insights into the upcoming release of Sonic Superstars, its origins, and the essential elements they aimed to master to deliver an authentic 2D Sonic experience.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Sonic Superstars faces the formidable challenge of maintaining its time-honored legacy for devoted fans while being accessible to a new generation of players. We asked Sonic Team and Arzest about their core priorities in this ambitious endeavor.
Takashi Iizuka explains, “There are three key pillars to Sonic Superstars. Firstly, it continues the classic series lineage alongside Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic Mania. Nailing the touch, feel, controls, and physics of those originals is paramount.”
He continues, “Secondly, we want to make it appealing to modern audiences who may not have experienced the Mega Drive classics. Thus, a 3D art style was adopted to offer familiarity to new players while maintaining Sonic’s essence.”
He concludes, “Lastly, this is a classic Sonic game, but we’re not settling for ‘just an old game.’ Sonic Superstars introduces a slew of new features like multiplayer and unprecedented Emerald powers, bridging the past and present, proving that ‘old’ doesn’t mean outdated.”
Fang the Sniper Makes a Triumphant Return
Among the exciting revelations for Sonic Superstars is the return of Fang the Sniper, Sonic’s rival introduced in Sonic Triple Trouble for the Game Gear. Takashi Iizuka expresses his enthusiasm for Fang’s revival, highlighting the success of introducing minor characters like Mighty and Ray in Sonic Mania. This suggests that Sonic’s rich character roster might see more underappreciated gems stepping into the spotlight in future 2D Sonic adventures.
The Creative Minds Behind the Game
Beyond Sonic Team, we delve into the origins of the Sonic Superstars project and the role of developer Arzest and Naoto Ohshima, the original character designer for Sonic. Their collaboration started with a simple conversation about creating a brand-new classic Sonic game. Ohshima played a hands-on role in crafting the game’s design, characters, and levels, bringing a fresh perspective to the Sonic universe.
The Sweet Sound of Sonic
Sonic is renowned for its memorable music, and Sonic Superstars aims to carry on that tradition. The game’s soundtrack is in the capable hands of Jun Senoue, who brings a wealth of experience, having worked on both classic and modern Sonic titles. Senoue’s return promises a score that remains true to the roots of the 2D Sonic games.
Sonic’s Environmental Message
Sonic’s commitment to preserving nature is a recurring theme in the franchise. In an era where environmental concerns have never been more critical, Takashi Iizuka emphasizes Sonic’s enduring love for nature and his constant battle against Dr. Eggman’s destructive industrial ambitions. Sonic Superstars continues this message, hinting at an engaging storyline that reinforces the importance of environmental preservation.
Favorite Sonic Characters
Ending on a light note, we asked both Naoto Ohshima and Takashi Iizuka about their favorite Sonic characters, excluding the iconic blue blur himself.
Naoto Ohshima appreciates the positivity and qualities of Amy, while Takashi Iizuka, who began his Sonic journey with Sonic 3, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to feature Knuckles in the new Sonic Superstars game, marking a remarkable 30-year journey with this beloved character.
Sonic Superstars is poised to bring us the best of both worlds, honoring the classic Sonic legacy while embracing new adventures. Get ready to roll into nostalgia and future excitement on October 17!
