Sega Producer Shares Thoughts on Sonic Superstars Releasing in the Same Week as Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder are both scheduled to release in the same week, which might seem unusual for fans who recall the consol...
Bradley Russell
Oct 15, 2023
Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder are both scheduled to release in the same week, which might seem unusual for fans who recall the console wars between Sega and Nintendo in the '90s.
Both games are returning to their origins with visually expressive artwork and traditional 2D gameplay. They will feature multiple playable characters, introduce new power-up mechanics, and offer four-player cooperative play.
The producers of both games, Takashi Iizuka and Takashi Tezuka, are grateful for the support from fans and hope that gamers will relish the chance to play both titles in close proximity.
Prior to the release of Sonic Superstars, Takashi Iizuka from Sonic Team shares his thoughts on the fact that the series is launching a new 2D platformer in the same week as Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Mario and Sonic have long been regarded as iconic gaming rivals, particularly among fans of Sega and Nintendo who witnessed the fierce competition between the two companies during the console market era of the '90s, featuring the Sega Genesis and SNES systems. The simultaneous release of Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder may feel a bit peculiar for those who experienced the rivalry of the 16-bit console wars.
Both Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Sonic Superstars surprisingly share similar premises. Both games aim to revisit their roots with visually expressive artwork and traditional 2D gameplay. They also offer multiple playable characters, with one character being a beloved addition to each roster (Amy Rose for Sonic Superstars and Princess Daisy for Super Mario Bros. Wonder). Additionally, both titles introduce new power-up mechanics and provide the option for four-player cooperative play.
In an interview with Automaton, Sonic Superstars producer Takashi Iizuka expresses his surprise about Mario and Sonic competing against each other in the same week, finding the coincidence amusing. He acknowledges that while the two games offer enjoyment in different ways, they both embody the essence of classic side-scrolling platformer gameplay. He emphasizes that Mario and Sonic possess unique qualities that set them apart, and fans continue to appreciate the distinct gameplay experiences provided by both franchises.
Iizuka further expresses his gratitude towards those who have supported the Sonic series for the past three decades or so, particularly those who have enjoyed the games and provided feedback. He mentions that those who purchase both Superstars and Wonder will be able to recognize the distinctions between the two titles. Additionally, he expresses confidence in Sonic Superstars' fast-paced 2D gameplay.
This statement follows a similar comment made by Takashi Tezuka, the producer of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, who also shared thoughts on the two games launching in the same week. Tezuka referred to it as an "interesting coincidence" and expressed hope that gamers would enjoy the chance to play both games. Despite the friendly rivalry between Mario and Sonic fandoms, there are those who have shown equal support for each game. This includes sharing crossover artwork between Wonder and Superstars, as well as expressing their intention to purchase both games upon release.
Sonic Superstars will be released on October 17 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Automaton (via Nintendo Everything)