Sonic Superstars producer on close launch to Mario Wonder and differences between the series

Sonic Superstars producer Takashi Iizuka has weighed in on the game’s close launch to Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In an interview with Automaton, he said that he was “surprised” that the two were releasing just a few days apart from each other.

Iizuka was asked about differences between the two franchises, and noted that they “are enjoyable in different ways.” He also sounded appreciative of the fans that have supported Sonic over the past few decades.

Our full translation reads:

“I did not think that Mario and Sonic would be releasing in the same week (laughs) – I was very surprised! Mario and Sonic are both representatives of side-scrolling platformers, but they are enjoyable in different ways. Mario games are ‘Mario-like’, and Sonic games are ‘Sonic-like’. It is because people have been continuing to accept and enjoy that ‘Sonic-like’ gameplay that we have been able to continue for thirty years now. Those people who buy both games can see the differences in style in those games for themselves. We have confidence in the ‘Sonic-like’ 2D action typical of these games.”

Super Mario Bros. Wonder producer Takashi Tezuka also had a few words to say about the Nintendo game releasing near Sonic Superstars, saying that it’s an “interesting coincidence.” You can read more about that here.

Sonic Superstars is due out for Switch on October 17, followed by Super Mario Bros. Wonder on October 20.

Translation provided by Simon Griffin, Philip Proctor, and SatsumaFS on behalf of Nintendo Everything.