Summary
As a promotion from the upcomingSonic Superstarstitle, Sega released a short animated prologue that stars the game’s three villains.Sonic Superstarsis a 2.5D side-scrolling adventure for the titular hedgehog and friends, calling back to the franchise’s roots that were successfully recreated withSonic Maniaback in 2017.
The anticipated platformer boasts all sorts ofnewSonicfranchise features like local 4-player co-op. Additionally,Sonic Superstarsis introducing players to Chaos Emerald powers, which are various temporary abilities that can alter the character as well as the feel of each level. The initial announcement had fans excited as the game looks to be a blend of fresh ideas and traditional gameplay. This mix of new and old is perhaps best seen in the announced villains – one that hasn’t been seen since the Nintendo 3DS and another who is making their debut.
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Ahead of the release ofSonic Superstarsnext month, Sega shared an animated short titledSonic Superstars: Trio of Trouble!on social media. The prologue features the upcoming game’s three villains, Dr. Eggman, Fang the Hunter, and thenewSonicfranchise villain Trip. The short is directed by Evan Stanley, an IDW artist who has worked on theSonic the Hedgehogcomic series, and co-directed by Tyson Hesse, the director and writer ofSonic Mania Adventures.Sonic the Hedgehogcomic writer Ian Flynn pennedTrio of Trouble!, and the animation was done by Powerhouse Animation Studios – the team behind Netflix’sCastlevaniaseries.
Despite mainly focusing on the villains, the game’s four heroes are showcased in the opening dream sequence inside the mind of Fang the Hunter. While somefans think theSonic Superstarstitle screen actually alludes to a fifth playable character, only Sonic, Tales, Knuckles, and Amy Rose appeared in the short. The second half focuses on Dr. Eggman, Fang, and Trip as they stumble through a booby-trapped ruin and take on a new foe.
Longtimeseries fans have been excited aboutSonic Superstarsas it looks like a fun twist on the classic franchise formula. Those looking forward to the return of the blue hedgehog are now feeling a bit validated asSonic Superstarspreviewshave been quite positive overall. Among the many aspects critics are enjoying about the game, some notable standouts are the seamless drop in/drop out co-op, the brand new Chaos Emerald powers, and the unique level design. All in all,Sonic Superstarsis looking like it could be a major hit with both longtime and lapsed fans.
Sonic Superstarsreleases October 17 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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