Summary
Ahead ofSonic Superstars' launch, Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka weighs in on how the series is releasing a brand-new 2D platformer within the same week as Nintendo’s ownSuper Mario Bros. Wonder. Ever since the early ’90s, Mario and Sonic have been considered iconic gaming rivals, especially from longtime fans of Sega and Nintendo, where the two companies were competing against each other in the console market with the Sega Genesis and SNES systems. WithSonic SuperstarsandSuper Mario Bros. Wonderlaunching within the same week, it may be a little strange for those who were around during the 16-bit console wars.
BothSuper Mario Bros. WonderandSonic Superstarshave eerily similar premises, too. Both games are looking to be a return to form, returning to their roots with expressive artwork and classic 2D gameplay. Both titles also feature multiple playable characters, with one character being a beloved addition to the roster (Amy Rose forSonic Superstarsand Princess Daisy forSuper Mario Bros. Wonder), as well as new power-up mechanics and four-player co-op.
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In an interview with Automaton,Sonic Superstarsproducer Takashi Iizuka states that he was surprised howMario and Sonic were competing against each other in the same week, laughing about the coincidence. He notes that the two games are enjoyable in different ways, but still represent classic side-scrolling platformer gameplay. He notes that Mario and Sonic’s qualities are what make them stand out and distinct from each other, and that fans continue to enjoy both types of gameplay that the two franchises provide.
Iizuka then expresses his appreciation to those who have supported theSonicseries for the last thirty or so years, especially those who have enjoyed and provided feedback about the game. He notes that those who buy bothSuperstarsandWondercan see the differences between the two, while expressing his confidence inSonic Superstars' speedy 2D gameplay.
This comment comes after a similar one made bySuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s producer, Takashi Tezuka, who also weighed in on the two games sharing the same launch week. Tezuka referred to this instance as an “interesting coincidence,” and hopes gamers enjoy the opportunity to play both games. While there is still some friendly rivalry between theMarioandSonicfandoms, there are some who have been equally supportive of each game. This includes posting crossover art betweenWonderandSuperstars, along with these players vocalizing how they’re going to buy both games at launch.
Sonic Superstarsreleases October 17 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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