Parents' Guide to

Sonic Superstars

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Family-friendly game delivers thrills, but some spills, too.

Game Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Switch , Windows , Xbox One , PlayStation 4 2023
The box for Sega's Sonic Superstars. On the cover, Sonic the Hedgehog is looking at the camera, while other characters in the game are in the background.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

Susan R.
Susan R. Parent of 8-year-old
October 23, 2023
age 6+

Playing Minecraft

REZ0004
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

As with previous games in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, SONIC SUPERSTARS is a high-speed game that lets you play as Sonic and his friends, each with unique abilities, in an attempt to overthrow the nefarious Dr. Eggman, and recover the powerful Chaos Emeralds. While much of the core gameplay remains the same – mostly run from the left side of the screen to the right, collect rings, avoid traps and defeat enemies – this latest game in the Sega series offers a new story, new abilities (called Emerald Powers), new locations (starting on the beautiful shores of the North Star Islands), and up to four player cooperative ("co-op") play on the same screen or online. Along with updated graphics and new music, Sonic Superstars lets you play as fan favorites – Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose – but also as a bonus fifth character unlocked only after the main campaign is completed. There are also timed modes and a battle mode. Sonic Superstars looks and plays similarly between all same-generation consoles, such as PS4 and Xbox One, or PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

For the most part, Sonic Superstars is one of the better Sonic the Hedgehog games in recent memory, mostly because of the new abilities, 11 new locations to race through, and a surprise new character to unlock. There are a few annoying issues, but that thankfully doesn't take away much from the overall experience. Reviewed on an ASUS ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC that somewhat resembles a Nintendo Switch, the updated graphics and smooth frame rate will be immediately appreciated, along with the new zones. Each location, like a carnival world or timed underwater levels, looks and feels different -- especially when you choose to play as other characters, each with unique abilities (like Tails' limited flight move). You can also experiment with these upgrades when facing off against tougher boss fighters. Even with some issues, Sonic Superstars is really fun, especially for longtime fans of the franchise who could appreciate the visual upgrade, fun abilities, variety of locations, and the addition of Trip, a new reptilian hero you can play as after finishing the main game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether Sonic Superstars is positive because you're fighting against the evil Dr. Robotnik, Dr. Egghead, Fang the Sniper, and their minions. Or is it not positive since you're relying on violence, in part, to accomplish your goals?

  • Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series can be hit or miss. Should there be more quality control for more consistency, or is it up to the gamer to read reviews prior to purchase?

  • While Sonic Superstars doesn't contain any controversial content, parents concerned about other titles should visit Common Sense Media to be informed about the media they're allowing their kids to access.

  • Teamwork is represented through the fact that you can play with others in this game and Sonic and his friends are working toward the same goal. How do games like this help you work together with others? Why is teamwork an important character strength?

Game Details

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