Summary
Sega COO and recently appointed president Shuji Utsumi has admitted that 2023’sSonic Superstarswas a “disappointment” in terms of the franchise’s recent launches.Sonic Superstarswas first released in October 2023 as an intentional call-back and a return to the Classic Genesis style of theSonicfranchise, being 2D platformers focused on speed. It also added a few new features that it would focus on, such as four-player co-operative play, new powers and obstacles associated with the Chaos Emeralds, and even a new playable version of Amy Rose.Superstarsalso saw the return of Fang the Hunter, a character who had been absent from the games for a long time.
Sonic Superstarshad a mixed reception upon release. While2023 was a weak year for Segain terms of sales,Sonic Superstarsin particular fell short of Sega’s own expectations, despite managing to be the publisher’s best-selling title of the year. On top of that, the critical reception toSonic Superstarswas middling, with fans and reviewers criticizing the game’s mechanics, citing tedious boss fights, wonky multiplayer, inconsistent music quality, and various bugs. Recently, Sega President Shuji Utsumi commented onSuperstars' performance.
In an interview withEurogamer, Shuji Utsumi was asked about howSonic the Hedgehogis trying to increase the quality of its output, comparing its annual releases in the 2000s to Nintendo’s more conservative release schedule withMario. Utsumi notes that while Sega was trying to do something creative withSonic Frontiers,Sonic Superstarsturned out to be a disappointment. Utsumi also brought upFrontiers' development, where it had a “confused” direction, so he asked Takashi Iizuka to join the project and help “fix it” so it would be ready in time for the secondSonicfilm.
Sonic Superstars Disappointment Compared to Sonic X Shadow Generations' Success
Utsumi then brings upSonic X Shadow Generations' recent success, which allows Sega to push things in a transmedia direction to connect and promote the game and third film together. He notes that the core experience is still in the game, however, saying that the game has to be very good, otherwise there will be no transmedia effect. Utsumi then praisesSonic X Shadow Generationswhile also teasing the publisher’s plans for 2025.
Utsumi also spoke about Sega’s recent legacy revival strategy, where on top of focusing on three IPs that would act like pillars (Sonic,Yakuza, andPersona), Sega is reviving some of its long-dormant properties likeJet Set RadioandGolden Axe, as seen with the announcement of reboots at The Game Awards 2023. Sega also came swinging withtwo new game reveals from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studioat TGA 2024, announcing a new entry in theVirtua Fighterseries and a title known asProject Century.Sonicwill also be driving into 2025 with theSonic Racing: CrossWorldsspin-off as well.
Sonic Superstars
WHERE TO PLAY
Adventure through the mystical Northstar Islands in this all-new take on classic 2D Sonic high-speed action platforming. Play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy and harness all-new Emerald powers to move and attack in dynamic new ways. Navigate gorgeous, never-before-seen environments solo or with up to 3 other players and stop Dr. Eggman, Fang, and a mysterious new adversary from converting the islands’ giant animals into Badniks before it’s too late!
