WARNING: This article contains Sonic Superstars Story Mode spoilers.Sonic Superstarsinvites players on a brand-new 2D Sonic adventure that aims to feel like the games series loyalists know and love while also adding new ideas and challenges to the formula at the same time. Considering how long it took Sega to truly find a successor to the original Classic Sonic games withSonic Mania, it’s understandable that some fans may be skeptical ofSonic Superstars. If players give it a chance, however, they’re likely to find something within the new 2D platformer to enjoy, as it has a surprising amount to offer.
Among its new additions is a brand-new cast member known as Trip the Sungazer. Wearing a mask that hides her face and a bulky suit of armor, Trip acts as an unwilling member of thevillain team with Fang the Hunter and Dr. Eggman. Trip is a local to the Northstar Islands who was brought in to help the bad guys with their efforts, but she ends up making messes for them and herself by being clumsy and shy. These traits make her look adorable to many fans, and to their delight, Trip is an unlockable character that’s rewarded for completing the main story.
Unlocking Trip the Sungazer is the Perfect Reward for Beating Sonic Superstars
Throughout the story ofSonic Superstars, fans get to see Trip accidentally trigger traps and annoy Fang the entire duration of their time together until playersreach Lagoon City Zone. Eventually, fans will have the option of playing “Act Amy,” which is a special zone where only Amy Rose can be used. The cutscene before the stage shows Trip accidentally triggering a trap door and getting stuck in the ruins. Amy, in her own designated act, helps the lizard out of the ruins and gives her food as an act of further kindness.
Amy Rose’s actionsare what leads Trip to stand up for herself against Fang, throwing away her mask and armor as a symbol of her newfound bravery as she uses the seven Chaos Emeralds against the hunter to take back her homeland. The sequence is without a doubt exciting, as Trip single-handedly breaks the long-standing rule that only male hedgehogs have a Super form, and on top of it all, Trip’s Super form turns her into a golden dragon. After befriending Trip, it makes perfect sense that players should be able to experience this powerful character for themselves.
Trip’s Story is Practically Sonic Superstars' Hard Mode
Once Story Mode is complete, fans will get a notification after the credits that Trip is now playable in story mode, with her own designated story unlocked as well. However, players shouldn’t dive headfirst into Trip’s story empty-handed, as the levels are adjusted for Trip and her abilities, as well as the fact that anyone with her story unlocked has already bestedSonic Superstars' final boss, so they have likely picked upa few of the Chaos Emeralds. As a result, Trip’s levels actually dictate the use of Superstars' new Emerald Powers, but also feature plenty of Warp Rings to get them.
However, once players have collected all seven Chaos Emeralds, Trip’s Super dragon form is at their disposal, which will make quick work of the levels. While some sections are definitely more difficult to get through as a dragon, namely Pinball Carnival Zone Act 2’s train sections, Trip’s Story ends up being an incredible reward for those willing to go the extra mile. Even though the “Encore Mode” ofSonic Superstarsmight not justify its price tag, it’s still a fun adventure that makes it easy for fans to play the whole game twice.
Sonic Superstarsis available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
