Based on an early look at Sonic Superstars, fans believe the game will have a fifth playable character based on the opening title sequence. This game was first revealed at the Summer Game Fest 2023 showcase hosted by Geoff Keighley, which surprised many fans. Sonic Superstars is a brand-new co-op experience that combines the series' classic action platforming with 4-player multiplayer action. This has a 3D aesthetic that is inspired by the original Sega Genesis titles, making it very similar to the Classic Sonic stages in games like Sonic Generations and Sonic Forces.Shortly after the event was over, Sega revealed a number of aspects that weren't covered in the trailer. This includes Sonic Superstars' price, along with confirming that the new power shown off in the trailer was a power used by the Chaos Emeralds. One thing that caught fans' attention was Sega's statement near the end, where it noted that Sonic and his friends will be facing off against Dr. Eggman, Fang the Sniper, and apparently a brand-new character that is designed by Sonic's original character designer, Naoto Ohshima. Some fans believe this character can be seen in the game's intro sequence and could be playable.Looking at Sonic Stadium's still frame of the intro sequence, this character beside Eggman and Fang could be a fifth playable character for Sonic Superstars, or the secret final boss of the whole game. The theory for the fifth playable slot stems from how there's a space above Knuckles that would fit another character like Fang or the aforementioned helmeted creature. It's possible that space could be filled by another character after initially beating the game, but this is just speculation at this time.
This new character appears to be an animal like Sonic and his friends, based on the arms and tail. The robotic part on top looks more like a helmet than a robotic enhancement, with them stumbling in the animation as well. Some fans believe this character is the one that was designed by Sonic character designer Naoto Ohshima, and they'll be seeing his unmasked form later.
Since Summer Game Fest is taking place over the weekend, gamers can get the chance to try out some of the games directly on the show floor, including Sonic Superstars. The opening title sequence for the game is animated in 2D, similar to the cutscenes of Sonic Origins. This character can be spotted in a group shot after Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy go face off against Dr. Eggman, Fang, and this mysterious character.
Sonic Superstars launches in Fall 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.