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Sonic Superstars review – How does it measure up to Sonic Mania? | Gaming | Entertainment

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Epic open-world games and multiplayer shooters may be all the rage right now, but as somebody who started gaming in the early 1990s, I’ll take a new Sonic the Hedgehog or Super Mario Bros over any game with a thousand planets or a dozen maps. The fact that we’re getting a new side-scrolling Sonic and 2D Mario just a few days apart is a fantastic stroke of good fortune, and more proof that 2023 might just be the greatest year in gaming history. Even better is that both games more than live up to expectations.

Indeed, Sonic Superstars provides a classic Sonic the Hedgehog side-scrolling experience, but with glittering new graphics and a few more bells and whistles.

While I’ll always have a soft spot for the classic 16-bit visual style that proved such a hit in Sonic Mania, the wonderfully bright and flashy art style of Sonic Superstars feels like a natural evolution.

From the bright blue skies of Bridge Island, to the topical hue of Speed Jungle and Neon lights of Pinball Carnival, each new stage is a feast for the eyes.

If anything, stages are so pleasing to look at and packed full of detail that it’s borderline distracting!

Even better, however, is how good Sonic feels to control. It’s far closer to the tight feel of classic Sonic the Hedgehog games than the loose, floaty feeling of titles like Sonic 4.

Elsewhere, despite a few enemies and obstacles that feel unfairly and improperly placed, the level design is largely exceptional, with dozens of huge, sprawling stages that end with imaginative and entertaining boss battles (for the most part, at least).

You’ll also notice that exploration plays a much bigger part in Sonic Superstars than almost any other 2D Sonic game in history. SEGA has placed a little less emphasis on speed-running and more on discovering the game’s alternative routes and secrets.

It’s not to say the action is too slow or lacking momentum, but you rarely feel like you’re on auto-pilot, with levels that require a lot more skill and concentration. It’s perhaps closer to the original Sonic the Hedgehog than some of its speedier sequels. 

To aid players in exploration, Sonic Superstars introduces a selection of new Chaos Emerald Powers that can be unlocked by completing special stages.

As the game progresses, players will be able summon a wave of clones to attack enemies and destroy obstacles, as well as an ability that lets you climb waterfalls in order to access new areas, and another power that reveals hidden blocks, items and platforms.

You select your power using the right stick, before activating it using the Square button (on PlayStation). The reason for explaining the controls is that while the powers add an interesting new twist to the classic formula, they don’t always mesh well with the speedy gameplay.

Powers are rarely used to get your character out of a jam, and instead as another means of accessing secret areas, or obtaining hidden rings and medals.

Other new additions include co-operative multiplayer for up to four people. Sadly, however, this isn’t the game-changer we hoped it would be.

Even with a greater emphasis on skilful platforming and exploration, Sonic Superstars is just too fast-paced and frantic for co-op to work.

It’s not something that bothers me too much, but if you’re expecting a co-op multiplayer experience that matches the likes of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, then you’ll be sadly disappointed.

Despite a split-screen viewpoint that’s a little on the small side, the game’s multiplayer Battle Mode is far more enjoyable.

Playable locally, online or with bots, players compete in various challenge stages to earn points and top the leaderboard. One stage has players compete to collect the most stars, while another involves damaging your opponents using a special lightning power.

The Battle Mode isn’t on par with multiplayer greats like Smash Bros or Bomberman, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you have a few friends over for a gaming party.

While not every new feature and innovation hits the mark, Sonic Superstars is a superb side-scrolling Sonic game that comes close to matching the magic of Sonic Mania.

The inventive stages, inspired bosses and stunning visuals come together to create a fantastic single-player experience that plays as good as it looks.

VERDICT: 4/5



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Clint Eastwood’s daughter confesses ‘it was tough’ acting opposite her father | Films | Entertainment

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Back in 2018, Clint Eastwood starred in the updated true story of a World War II veteran who became a drug courier for the Cartel in the 1980s.

For The Mule, the Hollywood legend had his own child, Alison Eastwood, play his daughter Iris, although she found it hard due to the nature of the role.

In a previous interview, she was asked: “Your father ended up directing you. What was that like?”

She replied: “Oh, he directed me multiple times *laughs*. I worked with him as a kid, and then I worked with him as a young adult. I last worked with him in 2018, which is when I retired from acting.

“It felt appropriate to start my acting career with him and then end it with him as well. They were all great experiences, but different ones. But he always looked after me.”

Alison told Fox News: “In 2018, I played his daughter in The Mule. It wasn’t a big role, but I played a character that didn’t speak to her father. They had a very strained relationship, which is the complete opposite of what we have. It was tough to play someone who had such negativity and resentment towards him. So when we were done shooting, I would go have a beer with him or something, so we could end the day completely happy and laughing. He’s an amazing director and there’s a reason why people love working with him.”

Before her parents divorced in 1984, Alison had really enjoyed being brought up around nature in the Eastwood home. Clint and Maggie Johnson wanted to get the family out of Hollywood and raised their kids in Carmel.

Alison remembered: “I’m glad they did because it was a very magical upbringing. We lived surrounded by the forest where we had baby deer, raccoons – all sorts of wildlife. And we were right on the ocean. My brother and I would just go outside and enjoy nature. I think that’s why I love animals and nature so much because I grew up in that kind of environment. It’s hard not to appreciate it on a very deep level.”

Alison shared how much of an influence her upbringing had on her: “It had an amazing impact on me. I remember my mom and dad took in a baby deer that had been orphaned. The mother had been hit by a car. We were able to care for it. And we were always surrounded by animals. My parents were both very conscious about exposing us to nature. But unfortunately, my dad is allergic to cats and some dogs. So is my brother Kyle *laughs*. So I ended up taking care of the animals and I just loved it. My earliest memories of my childhood were helping these animals in need and it was wonderful. I also had lots of pets – birds, fish, a hermit crab – anything that wasn’t an allergen *laughs*. I was just very fortunate to be surrounded by nature and this beautiful sea life.”

The Mule is now streaming on Amazon Prime.



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I’m thinking of ditching my Apple Watch for new watch that specialises in retro games | Gaming | Entertainment

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I’m thinking of replacing my Apple Watch with a new wearable device that’s launching in June. Atari has just announced a new smart watch that comes with an array of classic 2600 games like Missile Command and Pong. A retro gaming fan’s dream, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch is available to pre-order from the Atari website ahead of its June 10 release date. The Atari 2600 smart watch costs just $79.99 (£62 at the time of writing), which is a lot cheaper than the Apple Watch, and a big reason why I’m so tempted to invest.

READ MORE: Atari 2600+ REVIEW – A fabulous flashback to gaming’s golden age

The Atari device also comes with two interchangeable bands, complete with reversible designs. One of the straps replicates the look of the Atari 2600 console, another takes inspiration from Centipede, while my favourite has a Super Breakout theme. A third watch strap featuring a Missile Command design is also available while stocks last.

Elsewhere, the crown and button have been designed to look like classic Atari controller buttons. The rotating crown is of particular importance, serving as a paddle controller.

This brings me to the main reason why I’m thinking of ditching my Apple Watch in favour of the 2600 My Play Watch: the games.

The Atari device comes with four all-time gaming classics, including Pong, Missile Command, Centipede and Super Breakout. Centipede is my personal favourite, followed closely by Missile Command. Pong is one of the titles that put gaming on the map, while Super Breakout is as playable now as it was back in the late 1970s.

Outside of gaming, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch comes with basic fitness functions to just about justify the smart watch tag.

The Atari wearable monitors heart rate, steps, and calories burned. It’s also IP68-rated for complete dust protection and water resistance beyond 1 meter.

Unlike the Apple Watch and other more premium smart watches, the Atari device doesn’t come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality.

This means no email, WhatsApp or text message notifications, and you won’t be able to use it to control your music, answer calls and send messages.

This is undoubtedly the biggest drawback, and why Apple probably doesn’t have too much to worry about from Atari’s latest entry in the wearable space.

However, if like me you’re a sucker for old-school video games and love Atari, then you can pre-order the Atari 2600 My Play Watch from the Atari website.

(It looks like it will ship worldwide, although Daily Express has contacted Atari for confirmation, and about potential availability beyond the Atari website.)



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Atomfall early access release time, date and how to get free PSN credit with a Deluxe copy | Gaming | Entertainment

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Just a couple of months after the launch of Sniper Elite Resistance, UK studio Rebellion is back with another big new release for PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

Atomfall is a new narrative-driven survival game set in the English countryside. The Standard Edition of the game has a March 27 release date on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Epic and Steam). However, customers who pre-order the Deluxe Edition can actually begin their adventure three days early.

The Atomfall early access period has a March 24 release date and a 2pm GMT release time for fans living in the UK.

The Atomfall Deluxe Edition comes with a few additional in-game bonuses, including basic and enhanced supply bundles to make the early stages a little more manageable. That’s on top of an unreleased Story Expansion, titled The Wicked Isle. 

While the Deluxe Edition has a £74.99 price tag on consoles, PlayStation customers can actually nab some free store credit by visiting CD Keys.

At the time of writing, the online retailer is selling £80 PlayStation Store cards for just £74.99. This means you can get the Atomfall Deluxe Edition and have an additional £5 of PSN credit to put towards another game.

After purchasing a top-up card from CD Keys, the retailer will send you a link with the code that can redeemed on the PlayStation Store.

Once you’ve added the credit to your PlayStation account, you can pick up Atomfall Deluxe Edition, or use it to purchase another game.

If you’re playing on Xbox, then it’s worth noting that the Atomfall Standard Edition is launching as a day-one release on Game Pass Ultimate on March 27. 

Inspired by the likes of Fallout, Wicker Man and The Quatermass Experiment, Atomfall takes place five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.

Your character wakes up in a bunker with no memory of how they got there and no idea how to escape. Players will need to explore the surrounding countryside for information, following leads and bargaining with other survivors for vital supplies.

Rebellion explains more: “A fictional reimagining of a real-world event, Atomfall draws from science fiction, folk horror, and Cold War influences to create a world that is eerily familiar yet completely alien.

“The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you. Navigate cult-controlled ruins, natural caves, nuclear bunkers and more as you explore this dense, foreboding world.”



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