Highlights
- Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder are releasing within the same week, which may be strange for fans who remember the console wars between Sega and Nintendo in the '90s.
- Both games are returning to their roots with expressive artwork and classic 2D gameplay, featuring multiple playable characters, new power-up mechanics, and four-player co-op.
- The producers of both games, Takashi Iizuka and Takashi Tezuka, appreciate the support from fans and hope that gamers enjoy the opportunity to play both titles close together.
Ahead of Sonic 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 own Super 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. With Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder launching within the same week, it may be a little strange for those who were around during the 16-bit console wars.
Both Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Sonic Superstars have 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 for Sonic Superstars and Princess Daisy for Super Mario Bros. Wonder), as well as new power-up mechanics and four-player co-op.
In an interview with Automaton, Sonic Superstars producer Takashi Iizuka states that he was surprised how Mario 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 the Sonic series for the last thirty or so years, especially those who have enjoyed and provided feedback about the game. He notes that those who buy both Superstars and Wonder can see the differences between the two, while expressing his confidence in Sonic Superstars' speedy 2D gameplay.
This comment comes after a similar one made by Super 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 the Mario and Sonic fandoms, there are some who have been equally supportive of each game. This includes posting crossover art between Wonder and Superstars, along with these players vocalizing how they're going to buy both games at launch.
Sonic Superstars releases October 17 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Automaton (via Nintendo Everything)
