Lapper, the developer of the upcoming homebrew project Sonic Studio has recently been performing deep analyses of the recently unveiled Sonic Superstars on his Classic Sonic Deconstructed @SonicStudioProj Twitter page.

His comparisons have shown very favourable results that demonstrate how similar the physics of the upcoming game are based on observations between recent gameplay footage and other classic Sonic games including Sonic 3 & Knuckles and the more recent Sonic Mania.

While the initial results were promising, we have further reason for people to breath a sigh of relief as Sonic Mania developer Christian Whitehead (aka the Taxman) has directly replied to a recent comparison. In the comment Christian stated that the physics used in Sonic Mania have been translated over to the modern 3D engine used in Sonic Superstars.

Will have more to say on this when it's appropriate, but the Mania physics were indeed fully translated to modern 3D

— Christian Whitehead (@CFWhitehead) June 14, 2023

​

While details are scarce right now, he says he plans to share more information when it's appropriate, perhaps closer to the games release this autumn/fall.

Source

 

[Kevbo]

So they cut off the mania team from this game and steal their physics. The developers deserve better than Sega.

 

[Chary]

That's wonderful news, but at the same time...it's just even more annoying that Taxman wasn't more a part of this project.

Sonic CD had some really annoying level design, but also some of the most out-there ideas...I refuse to be excited for a Sonic game anymore, but I'll at least be interested in seeing how this all goes.

 

[Bladexdsl]

there's hope for this game yet lets just hope he doesn't balan it

 

[DS1]

I want to know what more he has to say on this when it's appropriate

 

[Marc_LFD]

So it has the Mania physics, but Sega gets the credit? Typical of corporations.

If Sonic Superstars ends up being a superb Sonic game it's thanks to the Mania team.

 

[Purple_Shyguy]

Every time there's something good confirmed to be in a sonic game there's something awful just around the corner.

 

[ValentineMeikin]

What he's effectively saying, in my eyes, is that SEGA found his implementation of Sonic's classic physics to be better than anything Arzest or Sonic Team could do while keeping to the 2.5 dimensional plane of Sonic Superstars.

I wouldn't be surprised if they licensed the Retro Engine off Taxman after they semi-amicably split, in order to develop games like Sonic Superstars. He is not the only person who can create a game using the Retro Engine, it's just only him and SEGA who can officially do them with a blue hedgehog in them.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if, when people look at Amy in Origins and Superstars, she plays almost identically, since, shock horror, the underlying engine is Retro.

 

[Vorde]

there's hope for this game yet lets just hope he doesn't balan it

While I understand what you mean, it makes no sense as the person who created Balan doesn't have anything to do with this game; outside of the original creations.

 

[Xzi]

It's the level and music design I'm more worried about.

 

[Marc_LFD]

It's the level and music design I'm more worried about.

Personally, in Sonic games what concerns me the most is its gameplay and physics. Just look at Sonic 4 and Sonic Lost World when he stops, it feels absurdly unnatural, while saying that, SLW is a very good game on the WiiU/PC.

I read the 3DS version is a chore to play.

 

[NyaakoXD]

I read the 3DS version is a chore to play.

Oh it is. The first few levels feel like classic SLW Wii U/PC levels, but then it suddenly goes its own way and introduces way more tedious puzzles and tasks to do that pads out the playtime and ruins the pacing and speed Sonic should be known for.

 

[Xzi]

Personally, in Sonic games what concerns me the most is its gameplay and physics. Just look at Sonic 4 and Sonic Lost World when he stops, it feels absurdly unnatural, while saying that, SLW is a very good game on the WiiU/PC.

I read the 3DS version is a chore to play.

So many Sonic games also have level designs that feel like they would fit better in Super Mario World, though. Too much verticality and constant stopping.

 

[tech3475]

Hope +1

 

[LightBeam]

Idk about that tbh ......

It just looks like Sonic is just good at doing one single thing.
I better have that than any broken physics like they did with Sonic Forces, but it tells me I will not see something akin to Sonic Rush anytime soon

 

[PacBunnyXV07]

How are people gonna complained about SEGA using Sonic Mania's physics in Sonic Superstars, isn't that why people didn't like Sonic 4 cus "it didn't play like the classic games"? I swear, Sonic Fans and their bipolar opinions.

 

[Bladexdsl]

it makes no sense as the person who created Balan doesn't have anything to do with this game; outside of the original creations.

https://www.eurogamer.net/balan-wonderworld-co-dev-arzest-is-leading-development-on-sonic-superstars

 

[Vorde]

https://www.eurogamer.net/balan-wonderworld-co-dev-arzest-is-leading-development-on-sonic-superstars

Oh jeez... I'm not sure how I feel about this.
I really wish they would have just handed this over to HeadCannon.
God forbid we get another original Sonic game that's actually great.
Don't get me wrong, there are some excellent 3D Sonic titles, but as someone who grew up playing the original trilogy + CD for 1000 hours as a kid, beyond Adventure 1 and 2, I've never felt like the "3D Sonic Formula" works for me.
Anyway, here's to hoping it's a fun and enjoyable game

 

[RetroNerdGamer]

How are people gonna complained about SEGA using Sonic Mania's physics in Sonic Superstars, isn't that why people didn't like Sonic 4 cus "it didn't play like the classic games"? I swear, Sonic Fans and their bipolar opinions.

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong but... I think it's mostly because the guy who made that physics Engine isn't really working with Sega in any capacity and they essentially just said "Ok we'll take this but you can go bye!"

 

[Bladexdsl]

Oh jeez... I'm not sure how I feel about this.

now you see why we are all worried about this game