Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 73 | 127 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 75 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 68% | 66 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 86 | 272 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 68% | 65 | 23 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 65 reviews sampled · 61 total reviews in window · weighted 25 up / 11.9 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (118)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 75
“Sonic Superstars is the first decent mainline Sonic game since Sonic Forces (an objectively okay game as rated by civilized minds). A distilled descendent of the original lineage, Sonic Team’s rare display of restraint has resulted in a game that succeeds through the purity of its simplicity. However, the stark contrast of convoluted, tawdry boss fights offsets its positives significantly, contributing some truly offputting misery to an otherwise entertaining time.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“In the end, Sonic Superstars is a fun, modern take on the classic 2D Sonic formula. Its solid moment to moment gameplay, fun new visual style, and great soundtrack make for a very fun experience. The game falters a bit in the new addition of Emerald Powers, which aren't fun to collect and aren't useful when collected. The major difficulty spikes in mid-stage bosses and end bosses make for a frustrating combat experience rather than a rewarding one. Still, Sonic Superstars manages to pull together an experience old and new Sonic fans-or 2D platforming fans in general-will get plenty of enjoyment out of.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Sonic Superstars isn’t a masterful Sonic the Hedgehog side-scroller. However, it’s not a downright terrible game either. It’s an entertaining gem that shines in some areas but shrivels up in others. Despite its flaws and failures, it contains a decent mix of new ideas, flashy zones, and charming character moments to make you smile.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“We had a few issues with Sonic Superstars - the local co-op could have greatly benefited from split-screen support, and the online Battle Mode feels incredibly shallow and tacked on - but this is the first original 2D Sonic game that feels truly authentic to the Genesis titles without aping the classic pixel-art style, and for a lot of longtime fans, that's frankly an absolute miracle. Zipping through the 12 zones in the excellent campaign made us feel like kids again, but it will also prove a great entry point for new players looking to see what all the fuss is about. Developer Arzest's reputation has taken a beating in recent years, but this is a triumphant effort from the studio and a great return for '2D' Sonic.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Sonic Superstars starts off well enough, but the more you play, the more cracks it starts to show. The quality of the levels just falls off after a while, and the bosses are unbelievably frustrating. For its current price tag, it's impossible for me to recommend this game to anyone.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Sonic Superstars is a nice return to most of what made 2D Sonic so great in the 90s. It has fun and unique zones to explore, Chaos Emeralds and abilities to find and earn, and the addictive replay value of trying to discover each stage’s secrets and most efficient path all while having an amazing soundtrack to enjoy while you do it.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Sonic Superstars retains the same 2D nostalgic joy thanks to its fun levels and challenges, though we advise playing the game solo if you actually want to finish it. You'll still find a lot to love from the game's levels, though they aren't as strongly designed as the ones in Sonic Mania. Sonic Superstars does enough and a bit more with its charm, especially for completionists. Though I could do without Knuckles' recovery frame when he sticks onto ledges, or Tails' flying method being the way it is (sins of past games and adherence to tradition for ill), the overall game is a solid 2D jaunt for all ages. The co-op really needs work though and is nothing more than a party favour.”
read full review ↗ - 35
“Sonic Superstars is ultimately nothing short of a major letdown.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Sonic Superstars tries to revitalise the platforming golden era of the franchise to mixed results - fun at times with equal amounts of frustration holding it back.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Sonic Superstars has all of the ingredients, but something has gone askew in the baking, resulting in an adventure overburdened with gimmicks while lacking in coherence. While the colorful world, nostalgic presentation, and fun cast of characters shine, Sonic Superstars frequently proves unwieldy and antagonistic, wrestling against its own design while roadblocking fun. There’s enjoyment here for the dedicated fanbase, but the wider community should look elsewhere.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Sonic Superstars offers a visually stunning and enjoyable adventure that combines classic Sonic high-speed action platforming with a fresh, 3D twist. The game's level design, treatment of Chaos Emeralds, and camera shake issues hold it back from reaching its full potential, but it's a must-play for Sonic fans. As you blaze through the Northstar Islands with Sonic and his friends, you'll experience a thrilling reimagining of classic Sonic gameplay..”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Sonic Superstars drop-dashed straight out of the gate and busted open the Act-ending Roboticizer coating my cold, bitter heart to free my bright-eyed, bushy-tailed inner child and put a big smile on his face.”
read full review ↗
The Jimquisition
Pure Nintendo
TheReviewGeek
Nintendo Life
Fun Factor
ani-game.com
Kakuchopurei
VGChartz
Nexus Hub
Gamer Guides
A Gaming Network
Too Much Gaming…and 106 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Update 10/24/2025 - Security UpdateOct 24, 2025
- Sonic Superstars – Patch Ver. 1.0.1.5Jan 10, 2024
- Update ver. 1.0.0.8Nov 9, 2023