Sonic Superstars Will Not Feature Levels from Past 2D Sonic Games

Sega has shared new details about their recently announced 2.5D platformer Sonic Superstars via Sonic series producer Takashi Iizuka being interviewed by IGN. The most significant piece of news regards how the title will not feature levels from previous 2D games, which is a pretty big deal.

You can view the full quote from Iizuka below:

“In Sonic Mania, Green Hill Zone changed up a little bit. And even Sonic Origins, we did have Green Hill as part of Sonic the Hedgehog. But what we wanted to do with Sonic Superstars is really create something new and go in there and create these brand new islands that you get to explore as Sonic… We wanted to take Sonic to [the] brand new North Star Islands and have Sonic run around in this new environment. So we wanted to make brand new places for Sonic to go in this new title.”

IGN then went on to clarify that, yes, there will be “no levels you’ve seen in prior 2D Sonic games.”

For those unaware, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has habitually recyclled the same areas across countless installments, such as Green Hill Zone. And it reached a point where even reimaginings felt unnecessary. So I’m indescribably thrilled that this adventure will be wholly fresh.

In case you missed it, check out our announcement coverage comprising screenshots, a trailer, and more.

Sonic Superstars will release for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store in Fall 2023 for $59.99 USD.