"Classic" is a pretty potent word. It automatically covers the object in question in a nostalgic bulletproof blanket, which is probably why it's a must in the marketing world. People love Coke Classic - at least I do. Classic Rock is tried and true music (for your dad). How about video games? Definitely. It's an especially beneficial adjective to use when discussing Sonic the Hedgehog.
The year's Summer Game Fest gave us a trailer and a sneak peek at Team Sonic's latest iteration of the Blue Blur and.yeah, it's beautiful. At first glance, Sonic Superstars looks like a return to the 2D side-scrolling action of its golden days, albeit with a gorgeous 3D paint job overhaul. Super cool and perhaps worthy of the acclaim, but then, at the close of the trailer, I read the words: "New Thrills. Classic Feels". Interesting. You know, if you really want to catch classic 2D "feels" though, I'd recommend something like Sonic Mania.
Look, it's not that I'm anti-3D, or some kind of cantankerous old man kicking against the stone of progress. I openly admit that Sonic Superstars seems like a blast, especially since it's not afraid to laugh at itself. The first 15 seconds of the trailer are a little split-screen joke comparing the hedgehog's retro past and his objectively beautiful 3D future, in which retro Sonic shrugs nonchalantly and speeds off into the modern world. Along with the inclusion of iconic buddies, Tails, Knuckles and even Amy Rose (nice!), Sonic Superstars looks to be a pretty awesome addition to the canon. So why the skepticism?, you may ask. I'm glad you brought it up.
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When I think about Sonic, my mind immediately drifts back to Sega's early entries on the Genesis console eons ago, and it's not like I'm alone here. Just ask Australian wunderkind programmer Christian Whitehead. According to 2017's Comic Con in San Diego, Whitehead had apparently been asked by Sega to port early Sonic titles to iPhone as early as 2009 (which I totally downloaded for free). This seemingly innocuous addition to the App Store tapped into a nostalgic need for which there was much demand. Fueled by the success of the Sonic ports, Whitehead went on to work with Headcannon studios and others to develop a game that managed to keep both feet in the past while still feeling fresh.
2017's Sonic Mania was everything a sucker like me could ask for: graphics and gameplay that would feel right at home in 1991's Sonic The Hedgehog 2. Moreover, it seemed like that was the intention-a game for Sonic superfans by Sonic superfans. Instead of simply porting all the golden Sonic oldies into one package (like 2022's Sonic Origins), Mania easily tapped into that beloved aesthetic and upped the ante. Even the opening menu offered a range of previously unavailable options like Time Attack mode where you can play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles, and Competition mode for two player use (unfortunately, not for my Switch Lite). I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet.
Reflecting on all the excellent Remasters we've experienced recently - a few of which I've reviewed here on DualShockers - a good remaster walks the fine line of merging cherished gameplay with new elements. Sonic Mania was no remaster, but it occasionally felt that way. Within the first hour or so of gameplay, you encounter the adored Green Hills and Chemical Plant zones. Remember those? Well, both of them have been organically tweaked to a level of perfection that feels as fresh as a cucumber. To my delight, I found ziplines, Power Rings to UFO Bonus Stages, and even a Tetris-style boss level lifted directly from the Sonic spin-off "Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine".
Now, I'd be content with just minor embellishment to remastered levels, but Whitehead and his gang went one further. Not only did they create four entirely new zones that seamlessly fit into the bygone 16-bit era, they also gave us a real treat with the Sonic Mania Encore DLC. Two new playable characters were tossed into the mix: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel, both of whom have popped up sporadically in the Sonic canon. True, Sonic Superstars has an impressive roster, but with Mania.I mean, c'mon. The gang was truly all there.
Despite my mild criticism of Sonic Superstars, it all comes from a place of love. As a lifelong fan, I've seen quite a few Sonic iterations come and go over the decades, all of which makes me yearn for the glory days of the 90s. Of course, it's obtuse and downright dumb to believe that such an iconic and formative series would stay in the past forever, but, then again, some things don't need an upgrade. That's not to say that I don't love what's been going on recently at Sega. Team Sonic has been tentatively branching out into some interesting directions (The Murder Of Sonic The Hedgehog, anyone?) and truly exploring 3D possibilities with the excellent Sonic Frontiers. With Sonic Superstars though, it just feels a tad bit unnecessary for Sega to manufacture classic feels, when we've had the option to simply reach out and play authentic classics for years.
Of course, I could be wrong. Sonic Superstars may turn out to be a critical turning point in the series, but, just like my Coke, I've come to the realization that nothing can ever beat the original formula. But what if the shop is all sold out? I got you covered. Since we're comfortable throwing out beverage metaphors, think of Sonic Mania like Coke Zero - a modern guilt-free alternative and pretty damn close to the real thing. Cheers!
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