The Blue Blur is back! This time returning to the 2D space again in Sonic Superstars, as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy look to thwart Doctor Eggman's plans once more.

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As the first 2D game since the widely loved Sonic Mania, there's plenty of pressure on Sega to deliver something to that level of quality.

Head developer Takashi Iizuka hopes to modernise Sonic Superstars from the classic sidescrolling gameplay to something different, with a funky new art style, the introduction of new powers via the Chaos Emeralds and revamped gameplay.

We even get the return of Fang, a character who first appeared in 1994's Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble.

So, what else is there to know about the latest Sonic 2D Adventure? Plenty, in fact!

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Here's everything you need to know about Sonic Superstars, including its release date, trailer, pre-order news and all the latest trailers.

When is the Sonic Superstars release date?

Sonic Superstars gameplay showing Sonic running across a green landscape
Sonic Superstars. Sega

Sega has confirmed that Sonic Superstars will be released on 17th October 2023.

Anyone looking to play the game as soon as possible in the UK can do so from midnight on that date. This is the same for every country, since it's an offline experience as opposed to an online one.

Made by Sonic Team and Arzest, the game was originally announced in June 2023 after two-and-a-half years of development time. Sonic Superstars marks the first 2D Sonic game in six years, following Sonic Mania in 2017.

Can I pre-order Sonic Superstars?

Sonic Superstars gameplay showing Sonic and three other characters ready for action
Sonic Superstars. Sega

Yes, pre-orders for Sonic Superstars are now live via Amazon and GAME. If you are hoping to start playing the Blue Blur's latest adventure come launch, make sure to get an order in now.

Until 31st January 2024, too, you can subscribe to the Sonic Superstars newsletter to unlock an exclusive skin for Amy Rose. Pre-orders of the game come with an exclusive LEGO Eggman character skin, as well.

Which consoles and platforms can play Sonic Superstars?

Tails in Sonic Superstars flying through the air in front of a waterfall
Tails in Sonic Superstars. Sega

Sonic Superstars is set to launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC – specifically Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Sonic Superstars is launching across all platforms simultaneously, too, so no need to wait for a port to your preferred platform of choice. Jump in on day one without a second thought.

Sonic Superstars gameplay and story details

Sonic Superstars gameplay showing Sonic as a ball in front of a red building
Sonic in Sonic Superstars. EA

Sonic Superstars brings back the classic 2D Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay we all know and love, but gives it a modern twist, thanks to charming 3D graphics and local drop-in, drop-out four-player co-op.

Trailers showcase this four-player co-op, with the game looking to be a party classic in the making.

You play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose. New Emerald powers have been teased, with clones of Sonic appearing, the gang turning into voxel-graphic octopuses, and the ability to swim up waterfalls all showcased so far.

There are bound to be more surprises in store.

In terms of the story, details are naturally being kept secret. What we do know is that the adventure is set in the all-new land of the Northstar Islands, with Doctor Eggman teaming up with classic baddie Fang the Sniper.

A brand new villain has been designed for the game, too: Trip the Sunglazer. Trip was designed in part by original Sonic co-creator Naoto Ohshima. You can see Trip in the Game Informer exclusive interview with Sonic Team creative officer Takashi Iizuka.

The same interview details how Shadow will not be appearing in Sonic Superstars. The game is considered part of the "classic" line-up of the Sonic franchise, with Iizuka explaining: "Shadow is from the modern series of characters and gameplay... the classic series exists before the modern series, so they haven't met at that time."

Is there a Sonic Superstars trailer?

The first Sonic Superstars trailer debuted at Summer Game Fest in June 2023. We see the classic 2D Sonic art style transition into the new modern art style with all four playable characters in action: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy.

Another excellent Sonic Superstars co-op trailer was then revealed in August 2023. This one shows off the game’s bright graphics, fun-looking gameplay, colourful cast of characters and the new four-player co-op option. Check it out below:

Listen to our One More Life podcast, subscribe to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter for all the latest gaming intel.

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