Sonic Superstars keeps the fast, side-scrolling platform action associated with classic Sonic, but it is not a remake of the original games. SEGA pairs 2D play with 3D graphics, a new setting, four playable characters, fresh stage ideas and Chaos Emerald powers that can change how you move through a level.
Is Sonic Superstars a 2D game?
Yes. The core is 2D side-scrolling action: players run, jump and use moves such as the Spin Dash through stages viewed from the side. The presentation uses 3D graphics, but that does not make it a fully 3D platform game. SEGA describes the mix as classic 2D action with new visuals, zones, music and mechanics on its official features page.
The result is best understood as a new side-scrolling Sonic adventure, not a return to the original games unchanged. The setting, stages, character abilities and Emerald Powers provide the new material around that familiar foundation.
What is new in the Northstar Islands?
The adventure takes place in the Northstar Islands, with zones built around different settings and attractions. SEGA’s October 17, 2023 launch notice highlights three examples:
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- A new Spin on a Classic: You've never played classic Sonic like this before!
- Multiply, swim up waterfalls, change form, and more with the powers of the Chaos Emeralds.
- lay as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, using their unique abilities to explore and uncover new paths and secrets.
- More Friends, More Fun: Play with up to 3 other players in local Co-op and challenge players from around the world in Battle Mode!
- Speed Jungle: a jungle zone among the game’s new environments.
- Pinball Carnival: a carnival setting with pinball and coaster attractions.
- Cyber Station: a zone where characters can transform into forms including jellyfish, mice and rockets.
These examples show how the game adds variety to its stages; they do not mean every zone is built around a single transformation or gimmick. The same launch notice also describes the playable cast, powers and modes in more detail: SEGA’s Sonic Superstars release notice.
Who can you play as?
The campaign’s four playable characters are Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy. They share the basic run-and-jump foundation, but their abilities give players different ways to handle obstacles and enemies.
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![Sega Games Sonic Superstars [EN/FR] (Switch)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tq5PqAeUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A new Spin on a Classic: You've never played classic Sonic like this before!
- Multiply, swim on waterfalls, change shape and more with the powers of the Emeralds of Chaos.
- Play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose, using their unique skills to explore and discover new paths and secrets.
- More friends, more fun: Play with up to 3 other players in local Co-op and challenge players from around the world in Battle Mode!
- Sonic has the Drop Dash.
- Tails can fly.
- Knuckles can glide and climb walls.
- Amy can attack with her Hammer Smash.
Those differences matter most when choosing how to approach a stage: flight, gliding or wall climbing can open routes that suit a character’s movement, while Amy’s hammer adds an attack option. SEGA’s feature page also says original Sonic designer Naoto Ohshima was involved in production; it does not identify him as the game’s sole designer or director.
How do Chaos Emerald powers work?
Collecting Chaos Emeralds unlocks Emerald Powers, which add situational abilities for exploration and combat. SEGA’s examples include:
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- Product 1: Experience two games in one with this Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack
- Product 1: Sonic Mania is a true, classic Sonic experience: Gorgeous pixel graphics featuring a variety of new Zones with iconic favorites from Sonic 1, 2, 3, Sonic & Knuckles
- Product 1: Team Racing – Race as a team, win as a team. Use various team moves to assist your teammates, knock out opponents and unleash your Team Ultimate
- Avatar: creates clones that attack enemies and collect items.
- Bullet: launches the character in a chosen direction.
- Vision: reveals hidden platforms and rings.
- Ivy: grows a controllable vine.
These powers can help you interact with a stage in new ways, but they are not described as abilities available to use at every moment. The character’s ordinary movement and skills remain central to getting through a level.
Can you play the campaign with friends?
Yes, the campaign supports local play for up to four players, with one player able to join or leave during play according to Nintendo’s description. That is local co-op—not online co-op for the full campaign, which the official pages do not establish.
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- Product 1: Race across five massive overworlcl islands, each with their own unique action-platforming challenges and hidden secrets to uncover
- Product 1: Blaze a trail as you see fit and discover side quests, solve puzzles, scale enormous structures, go fishing, and encounter a firendly face or two along the way
- Product 1: Unlock Cyber Space levels featuring signature 3D platforming at Sonic speeds and a variety of challenges to test your skills like never before
- Product 1: Use the all-new battle system and skill tree upgrades, combining moves such as dodges, parries, counters, combos, and the new Cyloop ability to take down mysterious foes
- Product 2: A new Spin on a Classic: You've never played classic Sonic like this before!
Battle Mode is a separate option: SEGA and Nintendo describe online competition for up to eight players. Nintendo’s Canada feature page says Switch online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership and notes that multiplayer may require additional accessories, without naming a specific controller model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms and editions are available?
SEGA’s official site lists PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam and the Epic Games Store. Regional storefront availability, formats and edition contents can vary, so check the listing for the market and platform you intend to use. The platform list and platform-specific language information are on SEGA’s international Sonic Superstars site.
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- Bring the party on 5 classic boards from the Nintendo 64 Mario Party games
- Show your friends and family who’s boss in 100 minigames from throughout the Mario Party series
- All game modes can be played online
- Matches with friends in board game mode are saved after each turn both locally and online—pick up where you left off
- Play using a single Joy-Con controller, two Joy-Con with the Joy-Con grip accessory, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or Nintendo Switch Lite system
PlayStation’s US page lists Standard and Deluxe editions. Its Deluxe edition includes a LEGO Fun Pack, additional content, a digital artbook and a mini soundtrack; SEGA also describes digital deluxe content and a free LEGO Sonic skin. These details do not guarantee that every regional storefront has the same bundle or add-on contents. Check the exact listing before buying; edition and add-on information is available on the PlayStation game page.
SEGA’s 2023 Japanese release notice says Xbox and PC versions are digital-only, but that is a regional statement and should not be generalized to other markets. Current prices and physical-versus-digital availability depend on the storefront and region.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
