Sonic Superstars Review and Walkthrough 2024

Sonic Superstars is a game for Nintendo Switch that has been successful. When Sonic Superstars first released, we were very excited to try it out. First, the rewards and other challenges tempted us to sit and play for over 7 hours. We did not realize until we saw the clock ticking at midnight.

Before playing the game, we thought they only changed the graphics. But thankfully, we were wrong and had some amazing experiences to share with you. They didn’t change the actual side-scrolling game mode. But the brand-new 3D Coat with classic Sonic Adventure was top-notch.

Now, Sonic Superstars have 11 zones featuring side-scrolling speed and loop-de-loops (classic). We are seeing the breathtaking new levels that come from Sonic’s wildest dream.

We experienced some sweet new tricks where Tails can slingshot you across the other side. Amy also has a new trick where she smashes robots with her giant hammer ( we started to feel sorry for Eggman).

The new boss battles were something you should truly look for in the Sonic Superstars. We left the pixelated robot villains and fought with Eggman’s mega-machines. It’s not like the developers only upgraded the graphics and stopped. They went deeper and added some fantastic features that we could dream of.

So it’s like we re-invented our childhood, which was the best thing that happened this year. Don’t think we are exaggerating; Sonic Superstars is throwing us into nostalgic memories.

Sonic Superstars: Overview

Sonic Team and Arzest created Sonic Superstars in 2023 for Nintendo Switch. They kept the nostalgic side-scrolling gameplay similar to Sonic the Hedgehog.

You can also get the sonic superstars in Nintendo Switch Roms.

After reviewing Sonic the Hedgehog, it was the perfect time for us to throw a Sonic Superstars review. Trust me, the 7-hour gameplay was worth it, we couldn’t keep the controller out of our hands.

As you know, Sonic has been a family-friendly franchise and the same goes for the Sonic Superstars. You will meet all the previous players from Sonic and a new character called Trip.

The Core mode of Sonic Superstars is the campaign mode with stories that you have to unlock. You can finish the whole thing in 8-9 hours, but it will take more if you go back to collect all the items.

The best part is you can explore the Island, which is a huge upgrade for the game. Usually, when we think about Sonic, we can only imagine speeding through rings. But this game allowed us to explore every area and collect rewards.

The 11 zones, each with different stories, hit us with more excitement. It wasn’t boring at all. We were quite thrilled to explore every zone and finish the stages. Some stages are very hard to solve, especially for children. But it will be much easier for you once you can adapt to this game.

Sonic Superstars: Storyline

If you have played the previous games from the Sonic series then you know most of the story. Seeing how the Sonic superstars took you on a new adventure with an exciting storyline was exciting.

Like always, Sonic and his friends are on a wild adventure on the Northstar Islands. And what is Northstar Island? It’s an Island filled with animals that can walk and talk like humans. Amazing right?

But the issue is a big, Humpty, dumpty-looking man living there named Dr. Eggman. Dr. Eggman is a bubble of badness and always challenges Sonic and his friends. He is trying to turn all the animals into his slave robots to win the world.

Eggman’s got help this time from Fang, a grumpy bounty hunter with claws sharper than a pizza cutter. And Trip, a mysterious island girl with armor, adds even more mystery. Who’s on whose side? No one knows, not even Eggman!

Meanwhile, Sonic’s nose twitches like a dog detector on overdrive. Meanwhile, Knuckles feels something funky with the Master Emerald. Both can tell something is happening in Northstar Island.

Sonic and his crew zip through the islands like a giant playground. They swing through steamy jungles, race across bridges, and soar through sky temples. 

But Eggman throws everything at them, from jellyfish robots to a monkey mech. And who can forget the giant golden piggy bank robot guarding Eggman’s secret stash? Seriously, Eggman needs a new hobby!

When things escalate, Trip steps in. She helps the heroes, leads them through secret tunnels, and saves them from booby traps. But other times, she vanishes faster than a banana in Sonic’s hands. Then everyone wonders if she’s a friend or foe.

This is the big showdown at the end! Eggman shows his ultimate mech, a time-rewinding monster. The monster turns heroes into puddles and good luck into bad breath. 

But wait! Trip transforms into a mighty dragon, realizing Eggman’s been using her. She joins forces with Sonic and his crew. Then, together, they send Eggman’s robo-nightmare packing faster than a rocket!

Sonic and his crew are hailed as heroes (except Knuckles, who just grumbles about his helmet covered in dragon slobber). They celebrate with the happy animals, and even Trip sticks around. And becomes the newest member of the Sonic Speed Squad!

Sonic Superstars: Characters

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic prefers a carefree life but leaps into action when faced with injustice. He can not stand bad guys and is always here for freedom.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Chracteristics
	Sonic the Hedgehog	Super speed, unparalleled stamina, homing attack, spin attacks, incredible agility	Impatient, impulsive, can be cocky, chili dog addiction	Adventurous, loyal, playful, possesses a strong sense of freedom

Amy Rose

A pink hedgehog with a big heart and an even bigger hammer. She is still mastering her surprising strength. Amy follows her heart to defend the weak, even if it means putting herself in danger.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Characteristics
	Amy Rose	Surprising strength, Piko Piko Hammer skills, strong sense of justice	Can be impulsive, loves Sonic, sometimes jealous	Energetic, loyal, passionate

Tails

A young fox with a genius mind and two tails. A skilled mechanic and pilot, Tails is Sonic’s closest friend and best sidekick. He overcomes past bullying by embracing his uniqueness. He uses his tail to fly and fight alongside Sonic like a good friend.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Chracteristics
	Tails	Genius intellect, mechanical skills, flight with tails	Can be shy, lacks confidence, and relies on Sonic	Trustworthy, resourceful, loves tinkering

Knuckles the Echidna

The last of his kind, Knuckles, is duty-bound to protect the Master Emerald on Angel Island. With immense strength and spiked fists, he smashes enemies. Climbing walls and gliding across vast distances are his strengths.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Chracteristics
	Knuckles The Echidna	Immense strength, climbing and gliding abilities, Master Emerald guardian	Stubborn, short-tempered, easily tricked	Other Characteristics

Trip the Sungazer

Trip is a mysterious girl full of secrets. Fang found her on the Northstar Islands; Trip’s purpose and allegiances remain unclear. She is a little bit clumsy. But her heavy armor and knowledge of the islands make her a valuable asset.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Chracteristics
	Trip the Sungazer	Heavy armor, knowledge of the Northstar Islands	Clumsy, secretive, unknown motives	Reserved, observant, may be hiding a secret

Fang the Hunter

A springy jerboa with lightning-fast reflexes and an eye for opportunity. Fang is a thief, in our opinion.

Fang the Hunter is always chasing the next big target and staying one step ahead of the law. He upgrades his vehicle, the Marvelous Queen, for every adventure.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Chracteristics
	Fang The Hunter	Agility, resourcefulness, skilled mechanic	Greedy, self-serving, prone to betrayal	Other Characteristics

Dr. Eggman

An evil genius with an IQ of 300, Eggman dreams of world domination through his vast Eggman Empire. His robot armies and obsession with the Chaos Emeralds make him a constant threat to peace.

Image	Character	Strengths	Weaknesses	Other Chracteristics
	Dr. Eggman	High intellect, scientific prowess, robot technology	Arrogant, impulsive, prone to failure	Megalomaniacal, inventive, obsessed with world dominance

Sonic Superstars: Acts and Stages

Bridge Island 

Sonic uses spring pads to jump and pursue the first Chaos Emerald hidden behind a misty waterfall. In Act 2, Tails practices flying through emerald valleys, avoiding falling rocks.

Speed Jungle

In Act 2, Sonic faces a high-speed challenge with neon rings, dizzying loops, and rotating spikes. He must stay focused and use his emerald-powered reflexes to grab the hidden Emerald at the finish line.

Sky Temple

Knuckles smoothly glides through Act 1, activating disappearing platforms and avoiding laser beams. In Act 2, Sonic races against time, navigating crumbling corridors and defeating robotic birds to reach the emerald guarded by a celestial dragon.

Pinball Carnival

In Act 1, Amy swings on large hammers, smashing Badniks and using flippers to propel herself to the exit. Act 2 becomes an exciting race for Tails, who speeds through tubes and grinds on rails, collecting rings and avoiding obstacles to secure the Emerald ahead of robotic rivals.

Lagoon City

In Act 1, Tails navigates underwater caves in his Egg Mobile, using sonar to dodge electric mines. In Act 2, Amy wears scuba gear, smashing rocks with her Piko Piko Hammer to reveal shortcuts and a hidden Emerald chamber guarded by a giant crab robot.

Sand Sanctuary

In Act 1, Sonic faces obstacles in a desert, including a drill robot. In Act 2, Knuckles uncovers treasure and encounters Fang the Hunter, a rival with plans for the hidden Emerald.

Press Factory Zone

In Eggman’s factory in Act 1, solve puzzles, shift platforms, and stop the conveyor belt to defeat the Monkey Mech. Act 2 gets intense with falling platforms; use your emerald power to slow them down and race to the exit before it all explodes!

Golden Capital Zone

In Act 1, climb towers, dodge obstacles, and face a big Piggy Bank Bot. In Act 2 (Knuckles only), punch walls for treasure and confront rival Fang the Hunter in a gold rush showdown!

Cyber Station Zone

Act 1 takes us to the laser grids, hack malfunctioning robots, and blast your way through to the ultimate clash with the rogue Prototype Mech. Act 2 (Tails only), pilot your Egg Mobile, dodging debris and enemy ships in a high-stakes race to Eggman’s flying fortress for the final confrontation!

Frozen Base Zone

Act 1, grab your snowboard and zoom down treacherous slopes, dodging blizzards and facing the colossal pterodactyl robot. Act 2 (Tails only), strap into your Egg Mobile for an epic space battle! Blast through a meteor shower, fight enemy ships, and reach Eggman’s fortress for the grand finale!

Egg Fortress Zone

Act 1: become a ninja, infiltrate Eggman’s heavily guarded fortress, dodge traps, and activate switches to reach the core. Act 2, the ultimate showdown! Face Eggman in a climactic battle! 

Remember, the Chaos Emeralds and the Super State might be your key to victory!

Gameplay Overview

• 2.5D side-scrolling platformer with classic Sonic vibes.
• Four playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.
• 12 Zones, each with 1-2 acts.
• Hub World is for selecting acts and customizing characters.
• Collect Rings for protection and Medals (100 Rings = 1 Medal).
• Losing Rings or touching enemies without Rings = losing a life.
• Fall into pits, drown, get crushed, or run out of time = lose a life.
• Retry from the last Star Post or Act starts upon death.

Special Stages and Powers

• Find Giant Rings in Acts to access Special Stages.
• Collect Chaos Emeralds in Special Stages.
• Each Emerald grants a unique “Emerald Power” (climb waterfalls, create clones).
• Collecting Emeralds is optional, Acts can be completed without them.
• All 7 Emeralds unlock Super State: invulnerability, super speed (costs Rings).

Multiplayer Battle Mode:

• Secret lab controlled by Dr. Eggman.
• Play as customizable robot characters called “Metal Fighters.”
• Compete in mini-games against other players.

Sonic Superstars: Rewards

Sonic Superstars offers up a bounty of rewards for conquering its Zones and Acts. Here’s a taste of the treasures you can earn:

In-Game Rewards:

• Rings: The classic Sonic currency! Collect 100 Rings to earn a Medal, and Medals unlock bonus content like concept art and music tracks.
• Chaos Emeralds: Find hidden Giant Rings in Acts to access Special Stages and collect these powerful gems. Each Emerald grants a unique ability, like climbing waterfalls or creating clones. Remember, all seven Emeralds unlock the legendary Super State for a super-powered rampage!
• New Moves and Abilities: Sonic might learn a new spin attack, Tails could refine his Egg Mobile piloting, or Amy might discover a devastating Piko Piko Hammer combo.
• Cosmetic Items: Complete challenges and collect Medals to unlock new costumes for your favorite characters. Dress Sonic in a snazzy racing outfit, Tails in a futuristic spacesuit, or Amy in a sparkly princess gown!
• Hidden Secrets: Explore every corner of each Zone to find hidden rooms and bonus levels!

Technical Overview

Graphics and Sounds

Visually, Sonic Superstars is a mixed bag. The 720p resolution and reduced textures are noticeable on Switch, especially in handheld mode.

Docked mode fares better, but environments lack the crispness of PS5 and Xbox Series X versions. Animations for Sonic and Friends are smooth and energetic, capturing the classic feel. The sound design is fantastic! 

Original and remixed tunes pump you up, and classic sound effects like ring collecting and enemy stomps bring back fond memories. Voice acting is minimal, but character expressions and actions convey emotions well.

Backgrounds

Backgrounds are generally good, with vibrant colors and varied themes. Lush jungles, shimmering deserts, and neon-lit carnivals provide visual variety. 

Certain Zones, like Press Factory and Cyber Station, could have benefited from more detailed backdrops to match their intricate mechanics.

Maps and Zones

Zone layouts are well-designed, offering a good mix of linear and branching paths. Hidden secrets and shortcuts encourage exploration and replayability. 

The Act 2 character-specific levels add spice, though some feel less fleshed out than the main Acts. Boss battles are varied in difficulty and mechanics, keeping things interesting. Overall, the level design is solid, catering to both speedrunners and casual players.

Online Platform for Sonic Superstars

Physical Copies

• Nintendo Switch: Find Sonic Superstars at local game retailers or online vendors like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop.
• PlayStation 4/5: Dive into the action at the PlayStation Store or your preferred brick-and-mortar stores.
• Xbox One/Series X|S: Hit the road with Sonic at Microsoft Store or nearby game retailers.
• PC (Steam & Epic Games Store): Launch into digital adventures! Download Sonic Superstars on Steam or Epic Games Store.

Digital Downloads

• PlayStation Store: Purchase and download directly to your PS4/5 console.
• Microsoft Store: Access the digital haven for Xbox One/Series X|S owners.
• Steam & Epic Games Store: Open the portals to PC gaming platforms and snag your copy.

Sonic Superstars Guide- How to Unlock Trip

It’s a simple mission of perseverance: complete the main story campaign with any of the four core characters (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Amy). Conquer 11 vibrant Zones, each with two Acts (except Bridge Island), and face the final boss head-on.

Once the credits roll, Trip will join the gang as a selectable character on the main menu. Her own dedicated campaign, “Trip’s Story,” also becomes available for you to tackle as her.

Beyond the Finish Line

This unlocks Trip isn’t limited to your initial character playthrough. Feel free to revisit the story with each hero and experience their unique Act 2 levels while still having access to Trip once unlocked.

Remember, collecting Rings, mastering platforming sections, and utilizing each character’s special abilities can make your journey smoother and faster, leaving you more time to bond with Trip later.

Trip’s Playstyle:

Trip is the only character that I can adore all day without getting tired! She is a fusion of Amy and Knuckle with more cuteness and filled with double jumps for tricky platforms. Her way of climbing and running just kept us engaged for 2 more hours.

We loved it when she took it further with her spiky rolling ability and transformed it into a donut-shaped wheel to climb walls and ceilings.

Super Trip: A Dragon Ascends:

Just like her blue-blur buddies, Trip unlocks the awesome power of Super State. Unlike their speed boosts, however, Trip embraces her namesake and transforms into a majestic dragon!

Need to squeeze through tight spaces? No problem, Super Trip can morph into a blazing ball of flame, conquering even the most intricate passages.

Tips for a Smooth Run:

we mastered the double jump and wall roll combo to maintain momentum and finish challenging jumps.

Then we explored hidden areas and found extra lives, Rings, Chaos Emeralds, and other discoveries, especially in Trip’s dedicated campaign.

Sonic Superstars: How To Get Coins Easily

Hidden Coins

• Go to each Zone Act thoroughly and look for giant Sonic-faced coins tucked away in corners, behind obstacles, or near golden enemies. It took us 45 minutes to find out.
• Each Act typically has 4-5 hidden coins, so keep your eyes peeled!

Hookshot Minigames

• Enter blue ring portals within Zones.
• Press and hold “A” to latch onto hookshot points, then release to fling your character towards the giant coin.
• Aim carefully and repeat until you grab the coin – grants 5 coins per minigame.

Top-Down Maze Minigames

• Reach a checkpoint with at least 50 rings to access a minigame portal.
• Navigate the top-down maze, using the “reverse” switch if needed, until you reach the coin.
• Each maze has 3 levels and 3 coins to collect.

Collect Rings

• Every 100 rings you collect earns you 1 extra coin.
• Focus on ring-heavy sections and remember, speed isn’t everything!

Fruit Acts

• Collect hidden pears throughout the game to unlock special Fruit Acts.
• These are quick, ring-filled levels – complete them to rack up coins easily.

Bonus Tip: Defeat the one golden enemy in each Zone Act for an additional coin.

How To Turn Into Super Sonic?

Hunt for Emeralds

Explore each Zone’s Act, completing platforming challenges and boss battles. Look for giant rings hidden in secret areas. Entering these rings takes you to special stages where you need to collect a Chaos Emerald by skillfully maneuvering your character.

Gemstone Glory

Once you collect all seven Emeralds, the Super Sonic ability unlocks. It functions like any other Emerald Power:

• Select it: Use the right analog stick to navigate the ability wheel.
• Activate it: Press the “Y” button.

Super State Unleashed

Boom! You’re now Super Sonic, a golden blur of invincibility and pure speed. Enjoy these perks:

• Invincible: No enemy can touch you, let alone harm you.
• Super Speed: Zoom through Zones at a breakneck pace, leaving everything in your dust.
• Increased Power: Wreak havoc on enemies with devastating attacks.

Tips and Tricks For Sonic Superstars Players

Boost Control

• Double Spin Dash: Chain two spin dashes back-to-back for an extended burst of speed, perfect for launching across gaps or skipping sections.

• Jump Cancel Spin Dash: Briefly press the “Jump” mid-spin dash to gain a slight height boost, ideal for reaching elevated platforms or hidden pathways.

• Directional Spin Dash: Hold a direction during the spin dash charge to guide your launch, useful for navigating tight corners or grabbing elusive rings.

Master the Drop Dash

• Perform a Drop Dash after falling from a high platform to gain horizontal momentum instantly. Use this to cross large gaps, reach secret areas, or chain with a spin dash for hyper-speed.

Character-Specific Secrets

• Tails’ Flight Tweaks: Hold “Jump” when flying to hover indefinitely, allowing for precise exploration and ring collecting. Press “Spin” while flying to perform a Tornado Spin attack, clearing out enemies and grabbing nearby rings.

• Knuckles’ Wall Climbing Mastery: Press “Jump” repeatedly to “shimmy” upwards while hanging on a wall, reaching seemingly impossible heights.

• Amy’s Hammer Hijinks: Charge Amy’s hammer attack while sliding down a slope to unleash a devastating ground slam, breaking obstacles and uncovering hidden items.

Hidden Zone Secrets

• Bridge Island Shortcut: In Bridge Island Act 2, reach the section with the rising and falling platforms. Stand on the middle platform before it rises, then quickly spin dash towards the wall in the background. If timed correctly, you’ll break through a hidden passage!

• Secret Chaos Emerald in Tropical Paradise: In Act 2, reach the final section with the moving platforms and water jets. Climb the ladder on the far right, then jump onto the small ledge above. Look for a tiny gap with a hidden ring – entering it awards you a Chaos Emerald!

Advanced Ring Techniques

• Ring Chain Jumps: String together jumps from rings placed close to each other, building momentum and bypassing challenging platforming sections.

• Ring Magnet Abuse: In certain levels, the Ring Magnet power-up can be triggered multiple times quickly by strategically jumping through its radius, netting you a massive ring haul.

Sonic Mania Vs. Sonic Superstars- Which One is Better?

Both Sonic Mania vs. Sonic Superstars brought us a different childhood nostalgia. We dived into Sonic Mania first, pixelated pixels popping on the screen like childhood memories. 

In our opinion, we like Sonic Mania more than Sonic Superstars. Our opinion might be different from other gamers. However, we are here to explain why Sonic Mania is better than Sonic Superstars.

Pixelated Perfection

Mania captures the Genesis era like a perfectly cooked chili dog. It’s detailed pixel art and iconic music evoke pure nostalgia, transporting you back to childhood Sonic bliss. Superstars, while polished, lack that raw, pixelated charm.

Intricate Levels

Mania’s Zones are intricate labyrinths of secrets, alternate paths, and surprises. Every corner begs exploration, rewarding you with hidden rings, bonus levels, and a constant sense of wonder. Superstars’ levels, while enjoyable, feel more linear and predictable, missing that “aha!” moment of uncovering hidden treasures.

Brutal Challenge

Mania doesn’t mess around. Mastering those jumps and conquering brutal bosses demands near-flawless execution. But overcoming those challenges is incredibly rewarding, pushing your Sonic skills to the limit. Superstars offers a friendlier difficulty, which might feel less satisfying for seasoned players.

Content

Mania throws everything at you: classic Zones, new Zones, bonus levels, time attacks, and even a whole extra character in Mania Plus. Superstars offers decent content but feel shorter and less replayable compared to Mania’s wealth of hidden secrets and additional challenges.

Pure Sonic Magic

Ultimately, Mania delivers the essence of classic Sonic – the speed, the jumps, the rings, the challenge – in a way that Superstars doesn’t quite match. 

Don’t get us wrong, Superstars is still a fun game with its modern features and wider character roster. But Mania reigns supreme for those who crave the raw, challenging, and pixel-perfect essence of classic Sonic.

Our Overall Experience 

Overall, Sonic Superstars delivered a fun and accessible Sonic experience. The wider character roster, online features, and smoother gameplay were welcome additions. However, the less intricate levels, lack of content, and diluted nostalgia factor left us wanting more compared to the near-perfect Sonic Mania. It’s a solid entry in the franchise but not quite a challenger for the crown.

So, if you’re looking for a modern take on classic Sonic with online competition and friendly difficulty, Superstars is a great choice. But if you crave the raw challenge, pixelated perfection, and intricate levels of Mania, you might still be zipping back to that masterpiece.

What We liked

• A wider cast of playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and even a new face called Trip – each with their unique abilities and playstyles. Made replays fresh and catered to different preferences.

• Smoother visuals and gameplay: Superstars ditches the pixelated nostalgia for a modernized look that feels smooth and responsive. Controls were tight as well.

• Easier difficulty: Unlike Mania’s brutal challenge, Superstars offered a friendlier approach. Perfect for newcomers or those who prefer a more relaxed Sonic experience.

What We Didn’t Like

• Levels felt less intricate: Though visually appealing, the Zones lacked Mania’s labyrinthine secrets and surprise paths. Exploration didn’t quite have the same sense of wonder.

• Less content: While enjoyable, Superstars felt shorter and less replayable than Mania’s wealth of hidden levels and bonus features. We craved more after beating the primary campaign.

• Nostalgia factor: Superstars opted for a modernized look, which might not satisfy hardcore fans who crave the pure pixelated charm of the Genesis era. Mania captured that perfectly, while Superstars felt a bit sterile in comparison.

• Boss design: Some bosses felt tedious and repetitive, relying on cheap one-hit KO mechanics. Not the most satisfying way to test our skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Even though this game has some downsides, you should try Sonic Superstars once. Our Sonic Superstar review would make you more tempted to play the game. And trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Sonic Superstars is a solid speedster, but it doesn’t quite dethrone the king. It throws a smooth, modern party with online features and a wider character roster, perfect for newcomers or those craving a less brutal challenge. Are you ready to play?