Sonic the Hedgehog has had a tumultuous life, with the Blue Blur going back and forth between quality and…not so quality titles. That said, in the past few years SEGA seems to have gotten its groove back, with the latest Sonic title being a surprise 2.5D co-op experience.

Making the announcement during Summer Game Fest’s Kick Off (and expanded upon via a press release), SEGA officially unveiled Sonic Superstars: “an all-new Sonic the Hedgehog game bringing a new standard of play to classic high-speed 2D Sonic platforming” adding that “In Sonic Superstars, Sonic and his friends’ journey starts on the beautiful North Star Islands, a mystical place offering never-before-seen environments, as well as a mysterious story waiting to unfold.”

Looking like a mix of new and familiar, this side-scrolling platformer includes 4 playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy – each of which also have their own unique abilities.

The trailer showed off many creative ideas including pseudo-3D elements in the form of wall running and waterfall climbing as well as art-style changes depending on the scenario (with them teasing a Pac-Man inspired voxel-looking area).

There have been rumours that a new 2D Sonic was on its way, though many expected to see a sequel to Mania. While that very much could still be the case, it is exciting to see SEGA trying something a bit new with Sonic – while hopefully keeping all of the franchise’s core gameplay identities. Sonic Superstars launches later “this Fall” for $60.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Sonic Superstars so far? Do you like the art style? Is this a step in the right direction for 2D Sonic? Let us know your thoughts down below.

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