Sonic Superstars - XBOX Series X, XBOX One

This game is an amazing value for $20! I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. It’s the classic 2D gameplay with modern visuals. There’s a ton of bosses, and many are challenging. It’s a relatively short game, but it offers solid replay value.

Sonic Superstars is an exhilarating return of classic Sonic gameplay. Enjoy the choice of 4 characters plus local co-op. New emerald powers are mostly fun, but thankfully optional for those who want a traditional experience. Fairly easy game until the last boss(es). Good for those with friends who come over or siblings.

Sonic Superstars on Xbox Series X is the speedy, colorful return to 2D Sonic platforming that fans have been craving. Developed by Arzest and Sonic Team, the game captures the spirit of the classic Genesis era with all-new zones that feel vibrant, layered, and more complex than the 16-bit originals, complete with high-speed loops, bumpers, and tight turns that flow buttery smooth at 60fps. You get to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy — each with their signature abilities — and the drop-in/drop-out four-player co-op in Story Mode is an absolute blast for families and friends looking to race through stages together. The introduction of Trip, a brand-new character designed by Naoto Ohshima (co-creator of Sonic himself), adds a fun mystery element to the plot as Eggman schemes on the Northstar Islands. The new Emerald Powers add clever strategic twists to exploration and platforming, letting you clone yourself, fly, or slow down time to reach hidden areas and secret bonuses. The Xbox Series X version benefits from crisp HD visuals and near-instant load times that keep the momentum going between zones. Is it perfect? Not quite — the multiplayer Battle Mode can be finicky and some boss encounters feel a bit uninspired compared to the stellar level design. But the core single-player and co-op experience is packed with replay value, collectible Chaos Emeralds to hunt down, and that addictive "just one more stage" energy that defines the best Sonic games. Whether you grew up with the blue blur or are discovering him for the first time, Sonic Superstars is a worthy addition to your Xbox library that proves classic Sonic still has plenty of gas in the tank!

The game has a beautiful art style and fun levels. The mini games/bonus levels are great. I like how the chaos emeralds can actually be used during gameplay rather than just being a simple completionist collectable.

Maybe it’s just me, but I did have a difficult time getting past one boss in particular. Thankfully, there’s no life counter, so I was able to keep playing from the same point without getting a game over. It’s a nice touch to be able to play through the game with multiple characters, so there is replay value. If you’re a Sonic fan (young or old), then it’s worth your time.