Sonic Superstars, initially revealed during the Summer Game Fest 2023 showcase helmed by Geoff Keighley, has intrigued fans with the speculation of a fifth playable character teased in the opening title sequence. The game, in a nod to the franchise’s legacy, offers a new co-op adventure that blends the much-loved action platforming with a four-player multiplayer dynamic.
Unraveling the Clues from Sega about Sonic Superstars
Upon the conclusion of the event, Sega unveiled several features that were left out of the trailer. This included the pricing of Sonic Superstars and verification that the unique ability showcased in the trailer was tied to the Chaos Emeralds. Towards the close of the announcement, Sega hinted that Sonic and his comrades would be pitted against Dr. Eggman, Fang the Sniper, and intriguingly, a fresh character designed by Sonic’s first character designer, Naoto Ohshima. This hint sparked speculation amongst fans who believe this character is glimpsed in the game’s intro and could potentially be a playable character.
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When observing a GIF image from the intro sequence shared by Sonic Stadium, fans have theorised that the character seen beside Eggman and Fang might indeed be a fifth playable character or even the ultimate secret boss in Sonic Superstars. Speculation about a fifth playable slot arose due to the conspicuous space above Knuckles, a space which could comfortably accommodate another character akin to Fang or the hitherto mentioned helmet-wearing character. Of course, such theories remain conjecture for now, as there is also the possibility of the space being filled by another character upon first completion of the game.
Naoto Ohshima’s Influence and Potential Character Design in Sonic Superstars
The unidentified character seems to be of the animal kingdom, like Sonic and his allies, judging by the arms and tail. The mechanistic part that covers the head seems more akin to a helmet than a bionic enhancement, suggesting an unsteady nature seen in the character’s animated movements. Fans are predicting that this new character is the one designed by Naoto Ohshima, and they’re eagerly awaiting a reveal of the character’s unmasked form.
As the Summer Game Fest spans over the weekend, gamers will have an opportunity to experience some of the showcased games firsthand, including Sonic Superstars. The game’s opening title sequence, rendered in 2D akin to Sonic Origins‘ cutscenes, provides a glimpse of the speculated character in a group shot, right after Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy are seen preparing to take on Dr. Eggman, Fang, and this enigmatic character.
Mirroring the 3D aesthetics of the original Sega Genesis titles, Sonic Superstars shares a strong resemblance to Classic Sonic stages seen in games like Sonic Generations and Sonic Forces.
The launch of Sonic Superstars is expected in Fall 2023 for Windows PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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