Sonic Mania

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 314 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 261 out of 314
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 314
  3. Negative: 26 out of 314
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AdamLicht1101
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    Excellent 2D retro game who all Classic Sonic Fan's has been waiting for. It's Colorful with a awesome graphics and also a beautiful soundtrack remix and create by Tee Lopes. And with Forces, it's gonna be a successful year for our Blue Blur.
  2. xZippy
    Sep 18, 2017
    8
    For the longest time, I internally prayed for a sequel for Sonic & Knuckles - and for the game to be done in the classic style. Not only was that prayer answered, but the game has modern upgrades that don't ruin the game's style nor the flow of gameplay. A must have for Sonic fans, and an interesting play for non-fans. The level design is still good as the classics and the music isFor the longest time, I internally prayed for a sequel for Sonic & Knuckles - and for the game to be done in the classic style. Not only was that prayer answered, but the game has modern upgrades that don't ruin the game's style nor the flow of gameplay. A must have for Sonic fans, and an interesting play for non-fans. The level design is still good as the classics and the music is beautiful.

    Like S&K, the game lets you play as Sonic or Knuckles, giving you two perspectives of the story. The plot is nothing to write home about, but still holds up. The bonus games however, though not terrible, are a bit repetitive and get old quick. And the game seems a tad short to me, but that's just me talking. Overall, one of the greatest sequels ever and a must buy.    … Expand
  3. SrTakelot
    Sep 25, 2017
    10
    A great game showing the return of a mascot to its height

    ..................................................................................................
  4. Splaterson
    Aug 31, 2017
    9
    A return to form for Sonic games, funnily enough, not developed by the Sonic Team.

    The game is everything and more that fans expect from a Sonic game and with the rise of 16 bit games over the last few years, it can bring a lot of fun to those who grew up with the 3D games and want a crack at a homage to its origins. The game starts off with a cutscene introducing the premise of the    A return to form for Sonic games, funnily enough, not developed by the Sonic Team.

    The game is everything and more that fans expect from a Sonic game and with the rise of 16 bit games over the last few years, it can bring a lot of fun to those who grew up with the 3D games and want a crack at a homage to its origins.
    The game starts off with a cutscene introducing the premise of the minor story going on in the background, we see Sonic starting off in the classic Green Hill Zone from Sonic 1, but as you progress through the stage you see the familiar layout of the stage slightly change, and this is the charm, its familiar but new and fresh introducing original stages as you progress through the game with enjoyable boss fights.
    The game is not perfect however, those familiar with the old games may initially become confused with the bonus stages as hitting a checkpoint with 25 rings will transport you to a bonus stage but not for a Chaos Emerald a la Sonic 2, these are obtained from finding giant rings hidden throughout the stage and completing that bonus stage similar to Sonic 3.
    The biggest criticism of the PC version is the 2 week delay compared to the console versions that appears to have been for the inclusion of Denuvo, a controversial anti piracy scheme that recently has provided mixed results. On release, due to Denuvo, the game was unplayable offline which people have been outraged about, and quite understandably as this is the type of game people would install to their laptops for a work commute of holiday where internet access is limited.
    (As of August 30th 2017, this online only feature has been removed due to severe backlash and the game is now playable offline)

    In conclusion, Sonic Mania is a fantastic addition to the Sonic franchise and a true return to the franchises roots and a genuine good game, and that's what it is, a game, it tests your reflexes and forward thinking in an enjoyable cutesy way expected from Sonic game.
    If you enjoyed Sonic 1, 2 and 3, you'll love this, this is the Sonic 4 we deserved, 23 years later.    … Expand
  5. Shadowbloody
    Nov 13, 2017
    10
    It is an excellent game of Sonic, where it offers great speed, physics, gameplay, and fun difficulties in each level. We have new animations, the graphic quality of the filters, very well finished.

    Sonic Mania surely deserves a sequel, Sonic Mania 2 or something similar.
  6. EpicLadySponge
    Aug 29, 2017
    8
    The light of day for this franchise has finally came after all these years being treated by two failures, many mixed bags, and a few goods this far. With Sonic Mania, newcomers and veterans alike are now to experience the classic days where it was just Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters and those three plus Eggman/Robotnik as the only main characters after more than twentyThe light of day for this franchise has finally came after all these years being treated by two failures, many mixed bags, and a few goods this far. With Sonic Mania, newcomers and veterans alike are now to experience the classic days where it was just Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters and those three plus Eggman/Robotnik as the only main characters after more than twenty years of never receiving a classical 2D installment. This game combines elements seen in Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles to give us the ultimate surprise no one was expecting to see since the release of Sonic & Knuckles. It's always great to see a franchise go back to their roots rather than trying a new way to impress their fans.… Expand
  7. Insertc0in
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania should be praised not only for how awesome this game is but the context this project came out to existence. Sonic Mania is a product of love, a collaboration of long time sonic fans and SEGA. From Tyson Hesse animation to Tee Lopes soundtrack passing by Hyper Potion music for the trailers we can feel the passion this game tries to convey. Pagodawest, Headcanon and ChristianSonic Mania should be praised not only for how awesome this game is but the context this project came out to existence. Sonic Mania is a product of love, a collaboration of long time sonic fans and SEGA. From Tyson Hesse animation to Tee Lopes soundtrack passing by Hyper Potion music for the trailers we can feel the passion this game tries to convey. Pagodawest, Headcanon and Christian whitehead did an amazing job of balancing the gameplay and gathering the memorable stages, bosses, gimmicks that we all loved in the 16 bit sonic era and put their own signature names on it.

    Sonic Mania is not only a celebration for Sonic fans but also to SEGA fans. This game is filled with Easter eggs and homages to what made SEGA beloved. Sonic Mania should be celebrated by all gamers not only because it's a very good game but also because it opens a new chapter in the gaming industry that companies like Valve used to practice and companies like Nintendo should be more lenient about (AM2R).    … Expand
  8. samuelribeiro
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    Simply the most anticipated game by fans of the past generation.
    The SEGA this time hit squares. Made the request of the fans and made a masterpiece, both in graphic quality and musically.
    This game is the realization of a great dream, a game that has marked generations and that now will enchant the new generations, for sure.
  9. Pedroxz
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    Excellent Game.Explore everything good from Mega Driver/Genesis games, The soundtrack is Incredible Tee Lopes Surely is a great Composer,The Level Design is very rich and knuckles owned alternative routes something that is very reliable to classics
  10. RandomGamer923
    Aug 30, 2017
    8
    What can i say? This is a definitive classic sonic game.It has everything you want: speed,good level design, amazing music, great story, good boss fights, tails and knuckles as playable characters.Finally we get a good sonic game, the last good sonic game was Sonic Generations(2011).Only two problems though: firstly the controller support is broken, and it has denuvo. 8/10
  11. DarknesShade
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    Not only does this game brings the Classic and Nostalgic feel of the older Sonic games, but also add so many new things that you Do feel this is the proper continuation of the Classic Sonic games!
    Amazing Music, Great Pixel Graphics and Firm Controls (that can be configured at will) makes this game one of the best of it's kind!
    This game actually made me tear up, my first gaming console    Not only does this game brings the Classic and Nostalgic feel of the older Sonic games, but also add so many new things that you Do feel this is the proper continuation of the Classic Sonic games!
    Amazing Music, Great Pixel Graphics and Firm Controls (that can be configured at will) makes this game one of the best of it's kind!
    This game actually made me tear up, my first gaming console was a Megadrive (Aka: Sega Genesis) and Sonic 1 was my first game ever, i almost feel like i am re-entering this world for the first time, its amazing, and i am forever grateful!
    10/10 Easily!    … Expand
  12. Markicore
    Feb 4, 2018
    7
    Alright, first let me get this out of the way: I did not grow up with Sonic the Hedgehog. I'm not even a huge Sonic fan, until this game. The level design is brilliant, and for the most part, the controls are tight. I see now why there are so many Sonic fans, the originals were brilliant and the fan made levels are even better. But there is one huge flaw...

    THE SAVE SYSTEM IS GOD AWFUL,    Alright, first let me get this out of the way: I did not grow up with Sonic the Hedgehog. I'm not even a huge Sonic fan, until this game. The level design is brilliant, and for the most part, the controls are tight. I see now why there are so many Sonic fans, the originals were brilliant and the fan made levels are even better. But there is one huge flaw...

    THE SAVE SYSTEM IS GOD AWFUL, ABSOLUTELY ABYSMAL. Basically the game has a level, and within each level two acts. You die in act one, you get sent back to the beginning of that act, you die in act two, YOU GET SENT BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF ACT ONE. This game is so unforgiving it makes me walk away... but I always come back. Why? No clue.

    So is this game worth it? Yes. At full price? Yes, but only because of the replay-ability.

    Dunkey gave it a 8/10, But I'll have to give it a 7/10.    … Expand
  13. IDontEvenNo
    Aug 30, 2017
    0
    Sega decided it was a good idea to delay Sonic Mania on PC under the guise of bug fixes and improvements, when really they were adding Denuvo DRM and always online to the game. Forget if the game is good or not. This is utterly absurd and shows that Sega doesn't care about PC users. Not only did they add always online and DRM that makes it so that you don't own your game, as in when theSega decided it was a good idea to delay Sonic Mania on PC under the guise of bug fixes and improvements, when really they were adding Denuvo DRM and always online to the game. Forget if the game is good or not. This is utterly absurd and shows that Sega doesn't care about PC users. Not only did they add always online and DRM that makes it so that you don't own your game, as in when the servers die, the game dies as well. They basically lied about it in order to secure as many day one sales as possible. As if they really had to worry about piracy before launch. All they've done now is encourage piracy and prompt refunds from people like myself, just because people in suits are more concerned about profits than making products people can enjoy, let alone use without being at risk of having your drive(s) fried. Don't touch this game until Sega removes this nonsense and comes clean with what's going on. They don't deserve your money.… Expand
  14. taylist
    Aug 29, 2017
    0
    Denuvo DRM is harmful to your computer! Devs slipped it in last minute. Sneaky and underhanded. Asking for refund. Will not support this malware no matter how good the game is.
  15. carrot-stick
    Aug 29, 2017
    1
    These dickweeds shoved Denuvo DRM in the game last minute and then didn't even disclose it till people noticed and started to complain. 1/10 for corporate money grabbing.
  16. qsdrdrhy2
    Aug 30, 2017
    0
    Sega tarnished this by adding Denuvo DRM without listing it on the storefront or in the EULA and are claiming it was a mistake which seems unlikely after a 2 week delay that was rumoured to be because they were adding DRM. It seems they thought they would get away with it, somebody added DRM and yet everyone is claiming not to know.

    Unplayable offline, increased HW requirements and    Sega tarnished this by adding Denuvo DRM without listing it on the storefront or in the EULA and are claiming it was a mistake which seems unlikely after a 2 week delay that was rumoured to be because they were adding DRM. It seems they thought they would get away with it, somebody added DRM and yet everyone is claiming not to know.

    Unplayable offline, increased HW requirements and larger file size it's just not good enough for a £15 game that is part rehashes of old levels and very short.

    Sega is a large corporation that should know better there is no excuse for this they have the resources for this to have not happened, I do not own a console so I have no alternative to play this.

    More shady practices by Sega.    … Expand
  17. tdebug
    Feb 20, 2023
    3
    Beautiful retro look. It is real pity however the game doesn't support fast back/forward and difficulty is rather high.
  18. XxsonicshinobiX
    Nov 22, 2017
    10
    this game is the best revival for sonic i got to say best game ever. the game has beutiful graphics for the restritions of this game. still #SONICYEAR (my sonic year would be sonic adventure 3)
  19. CyberRobotnix
    Feb 14, 2019
    10
    Literally the best Sonic game for a good decade, you should definitely try it out!
  20. ff7master
    Sep 2, 2018
    10
    Simplemente perfecto, una obra maestra de las plataformas 2D cargada de nostalgia.
  21. criticador
    Apr 8, 2019
    0
    eu não gosto de sonic mas não pelos graficos mas não gosto deste tipo de jogo acho muito parado
  22. makis
    Sep 5, 2017
    10
    I am so glad that I grew up with sonic. Now after so many years I get the chance to introduce the character to my 6 year old nephew. We played together the first 3 sonic games and some of the new ones but he simple adores sonic mania.
    The game is entertaining and rich. I love it, it is both classic and modern.
  23. BasilZero
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    Game: Sonic Mania
    Genre: Adventure Platformer
    Developer: Christian Whitehead/Headcannon Publisher: SEGA System: Steam (PC) Year of Release: 2017 Length of Playthrough: 6 Hours Total Score: 94/100 Value Score: 9.4/10 • Story: 9/10 • Characters: 9/10 • GamePlay: 10/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 9/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 10/10 • Replay Value: 10/10 • Player Value:    Game: Sonic Mania
    Genre: Adventure Platformer
    Developer: Christian Whitehead/Headcannon
    Publisher: SEGA
    System: Steam (PC)
    Year of Release: 2017
    Length of Playthrough: 6 Hours

    Total Score: 94/100
    Value Score: 9.4/10

    • Story: 9/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 10/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 10/10
    • Replay Value: 10/10
    • Player Value: 9/10

    Pros
    +Mania mode allows you to play as Sonic (and Tails), Tails and Knuckles. Encore mode allows you to play as Sonic alongside Mighty or Ray.
    +2D style from the Genesis era Sonic games
    +Retro stages reused with few changes
    +New Music and remixed music that goes well together with the Sonic Universe
    +Replay stages again once you finish the game (either mode)
    +Online Competitive and Time Attack mode
    +Great animation improvement to the oldschool formula

    Cons
    -Some levels can be tedious due to their design
    -Encore mode reuses the same levels
    -Endings are almost the same with little to no differences    … Expand
  24. metalcritic
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    The great return of classic Sonic. A very fun game in the best 2D style. Old levels with new mechanics. Completely new levels. creative bosses and great music.
  25. strangermoon
    Sep 27, 2019
    7
    its good sonic game but half game is same levels sonic 2 sonic 2 sonic 3 and knucles and those are best of course with enchanted little and ecnhanetd music which awesome but other half new levels some of good some of ok. basicly its not enough to call it a sonic 4 feeling game (not the actual sonic 4 contunation). no Physcal relase on pc or any retro sega console whcih can maded easly.its good sonic game but half game is same levels sonic 2 sonic 2 sonic 3 and knucles and those are best of course with enchanted little and ecnhanetd music which awesome but other half new levels some of good some of ok. basicly its not enough to call it a sonic 4 feeling game (not the actual sonic 4 contunation). no Physcal relase on pc or any retro sega console whcih can maded easly. cleary most of sonic 1 and 2 fans not ex sonic 3 and knucles game complate found this game amazing… Expand
  26. ShadowKnight
    Sep 9, 2017
    10
    Awesome game, even thought I got my ass kicked several times i still wanted to keep playing until I finished it.

    I've never been a fan of the genesis era games but I can see why people like them... hopefully in the future we get something akin to sonic adventure or heroes.
  27. VonSeux
    Apr 24, 2020
    7
    Levels are a bit too long and drag, but worst is being constantly interrupted with the bônus stages. You can do 5 or more of those on a single stage. Too much of a remake and too little of a new game.
  28. BlueSlime
    Aug 28, 2022
    0
    Doesn't work at all. First it says there is no sound and I need to install something from 2010 that I supposedly don't have, then it says it can't save and asks if I want to continue anyway, and if I say yes it says signout detected and goes back to the menu screen.
  29. Nickolababaiko
    Dec 2, 2020
    10
    Эта игра для фанатов классических игр про Соника 1,2,3 и Sonic & Knuckles. Лично я только в первую часть мало играл. В остальные части мы с друзьями залипали по полной в детстве!
    Sonic Mania вызывает приступы ностальгии! В этой игре всё круто! Графика как на Сеге только покруче, музыка как на Сеге только улучшенная. Уровни узнаваемые старые добрые...и есть новые. Боссы шикарные!
    Круче    Эта игра для фанатов классических игр про Соника 1,2,3 и Sonic & Knuckles. Лично я только в первую часть мало играл. В остальные части мы с друзьями залипали по полной в детстве!
    Sonic Mania вызывает приступы ностальгии! В этой игре всё круто! Графика как на Сеге только покруче, музыка как на Сеге только улучшенная. Уровни узнаваемые старые добрые...и есть новые. Боссы шикарные!
    Круче Sonic Mania по стилю классических Соников нет и скорее всего не будет!)))    … Expand
  30. MultiThomas777
    Oct 1, 2017
    10
    Simply the best 2D Sonic game to date, that in my opinion of course.
    Aside from excellent, and I mean super excellent level design, extremely catchy music, and adorable graphics, the gameplay is just like the older 2D Sonic games, but feels smoother.
    Simply amazing.
  31. singlungchan
    Oct 20, 2017
    8
    Action-wise the game is superb. Mechanics and game-play feel like a true Sonic game from the nineties in all its glory. The speed is there and it's the right kind of speed. All enemies and level-design is very well thought-out and it's just very fun to play.

    But! It's not the best sonic game because of the presentation. The level sprites just feel bland and are all over the place. The    Action-wise the game is superb. Mechanics and game-play feel like a true Sonic game from the nineties in all its glory. The speed is there and it's the right kind of speed. All enemies and level-design is very well thought-out and it's just very fun to play.

    But! It's not the best sonic game because of the presentation. The level sprites just feel bland and are all over the place. The Green Hill Zone tries to be pretty and it kind-of succeeds. But comparing the graphics directly to sonic and knuckles for ex., this game just fails to be on the same level. Nothing that will make you enjoy it less, though definitely strips the game of the last straw of magic there was to the best Sonic games from the past.    … Expand
  32. InfiniteYT
    Sep 20, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a game for fans made by fans but it isn’t a fan game. It’s a symbol of what can happen when you connect with your community to make something special. I preordered the Collector's edition for PC and was so hyped to play it I bought it on Switch as well during the 2 week delay on PC. First of all this game looks amazing. It has some of the best sprite work in any game I haveSonic Mania is a game for fans made by fans but it isn’t a fan game. It’s a symbol of what can happen when you connect with your community to make something special. I preordered the Collector's edition for PC and was so hyped to play it I bought it on Switch as well during the 2 week delay on PC. First of all this game looks amazing. It has some of the best sprite work in any game I have ever seen and has so much detail spread across the sprawling zones. Each level is massive and intricate but I never found myself lost. Every zone rewards mastery of the game's mechanics and knowledge of the zones. Secrets are super rewarding to find and the new special stage to get the chaos emeralds is super fun. The soundtrack is fantastic! There isn’t a bad track in the entire game. The bosses for the most part are really fun and clever (especially chemical plant act 2 boss). Sonic controls very well and so does Tails and Knuckles as they truly nailed the feeling of the original games. There so much to unlock and do in a $20 game it’s magnificent. However not everything is perfect. The blue sphere mini game still isn’t fun, the oil rig octopus boss is fairly annoying, and the steam version has DRM. Other than that there really isn’t anything to complain about here. If you like platformers you have to get this game. I personally don’t think it’s the best Sonic game but it’s the most consistent game in the franchise and is guaranteed fun.… Expand
  33. PSPMan3000
    Mar 3, 2020
    9
    While the game does piggyback off assets and ideas from past titles a lot (something I think holds the game back a fair bit) every asset or idea here that is entirely new, reimagined or reinterpreted is excellent. Amazing smoothly controls and great music makes this the best 2D game since Sonic 3 and Knuckles, I can't wait to see a wholly original project from this team.

    And honestly,    While the game does piggyback off assets and ideas from past titles a lot (something I think holds the game back a fair bit) every asset or idea here that is entirely new, reimagined or reinterpreted is excellent. Amazing smoothly controls and great music makes this the best 2D game since Sonic 3 and Knuckles, I can't wait to see a wholly original project from this team.

    And honestly, game was an 8 till I realized all playable characters can go super. Thanks for including that and caring so much.    … Expand
  34. Nijayias
    Aug 30, 2017
    9
    I'll start off by saying that I will not be factoring in the DRM thing as quite frankly I don't believe the game itself deserves to be blamed on review score for a poor decision by Sega. And may likely be patched out later.

    Sonic Mania for the most part feels natural and like something I'm familiar with while giving me a lot of new. The variety of levels and the stage gimmicks really    I'll start off by saying that I will not be factoring in the DRM thing as quite frankly I don't believe the game itself deserves to be blamed on review score for a poor decision by Sega. And may likely be patched out later.

    Sonic Mania for the most part feels natural and like something I'm familiar with while giving me a lot of new. The variety of levels and the stage gimmicks really help to flesh out each stage and keep things fresh for the most part. The boss battles are a joy and require more than just wait and attack as some have creative patterns and ways to defeat them. i won't spoil any but some really throw you for a loop.

    It's great to see that all three characters are treated equally in terms of super forms and that plot device of tails being too young thus he needs super emeralds is also thankfully removed. This game hits a lot of the high points i wanted ever since playing Sonic 3 & knuckles and even does a lot of the good things the Sonic Advance series did which I also enjoy. As i write this I have just gotten all the gold medals from the blue spheres. I'm grateful they brought back this as a bonus rather than the overused half-pipe.

    The branching paths and alternate routes thankfully manage to be as good and well designed for the most part like Sonic 3 & Knuckles while avoiding the frustrations of Sonic CD despite being as large as it making for a great mixture. The fact Knuckles once again gets his own routes and sections helps with variety and replay value.

    Now lets move onto some constructive criticism and input for ideas. Sonic Time Twisted - A wonderful and well made Sonic Fangame by Overbound Studios that I highly recommend to anyone who is a classic Sonic Fan. This game did some things I wish Mania would do. For example the ability to run off a ledge or jump off a spring and press the jump button causing yourself to curl into a ball was a mechanic that felt like a natural evolution of the gameplay in Time twisted. And its absence in Mania I feel is something that should be considered for future sequels. Not only this but Overbound added in 3 unique elemental shields such as the Ice Shield, The wind Shield and the Rock Shield all of which did unique things and added variety. I feel it was a missed opportunity for the Mania team not to include brand new shields to mix things up but maybe in the future? Last thing is I feel Mania could really benefit with altering the Drop Dash. It's a great idea but I feel it could be better by making it so you only have to press the jump button and hold it once in order to activate it. It would feel more natural this way and it would even allow sonic to use it while allowing the Insta shield to remain a double jump tap ability. I appreciate it as an unlockable but with this simple tweak both could be viable at the same time. and for that matter give Tails and Knuckles a new ability when holding the jump button while keeping their fly and glide moves to a double jump tap. This would really flesh out their move-set a tad with more options without sacrificing anything or deviating too much from the simplistic controls. And one last thing of note is the lack of an optional online co-op or competitive mode. I understand the desire to go old school with local which is important however You must always offer both options to give the best of both worlds.

    Aside from these little things and points of preference I really don't have much to complain about. Like Time Twisted I feel Mania is a worthy successor to Sonic 3 & Knuckles and is the most fun I've had in 2D sonic since the Advance series. The unlockables are plentiful with some funny ones in the mix. The soundtrack is pretty solid and I give props for making a Super Sonic Theme that has plenty to listen to before looping. Gameplay feels tight and responsive. Stage design and level gimmicks are well utilized.

    Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and all the other devs have a solid foundation here and I hope to continue to evolve it. There is plenty of room for improvement and innovation. whether they look at what other fans have done or use their own ideas.

    I could name off things I'd love like a bonus Stage Creator thing with online sharing to give the game endless possibilities and level designs to keep it alive beyond it's campaign and have more unlocks like the ability to have tails transform along with Sonic as I love how Sonic Classic Heroes mod had All three transform together But in the end what's here is solid and I can see myself returning to play several times just as I do with Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic Time Twisted. And I can't wait to see what comes in the future. My minor issues aside all of them keep this game from reaching the pinnacle of a 10 with some minor points and others major points but regardless I still think it's solid enough to be a nine. Highly Recommended no matter what platform you want it on. :) 9/10 Grammar Mistakes edited. Previously 1 of 3 found helpful.    … Expand
  35. ABHsonic
    Sep 7, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is so fantastic. Bringing back the memories of 90's children, SEGA has done a wonderful job. The graphics and colors are so gorgeous. Not only that, musics are also soothing for ears. I really really enjoyed this game. Now our new generation will know what Sonic was in the past. True ending is the starting of Sonic Forces, so I'm extremely can't wait for that game. 10/10 from me!… Expand
  36. tandriotti
    May 1, 2019
    9
    As a classic Sonic player, I can just say this is THE BEST Sonic game in history.
    But it takes 9 because of Denuvo that sometimes drop frames on the game.
  37. stargunner
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    Pretty much any negative review you will find is only due to the fact the game has DRM on it. It phones home once when you open it to verify the copy, and then you can play it offline whenever you want. Necessary? Probably not. A nuisance? Hardly. You have to download the game to play it, how hard is it to open the title screen for 5 seconds?

    The truth is that Sonic Mania deserves    Pretty much any negative review you will find is only due to the fact the game has DRM on it. It phones home once when you open it to verify the copy, and then you can play it offline whenever you want. Necessary? Probably not. A nuisance? Hardly. You have to download the game to play it, how hard is it to open the title screen for 5 seconds?

    The truth is that Sonic Mania deserves praise for its DEVELOPERS and all the talent, passion and hard work they poured into the game. Do not punish them for Sega of Europe's greed. This game is worth every penny, especially if you are a classic Sonic fan. For the $20 price tag, you should get more than your money's worth of playtime and enjoyment. Every level is oozing with style and sleek design, and the new mixed with the old is fun from start to finish. Whether you're a speed demon, a completionist, or both, I don't see how you couldn't love this solid entry into the Sonic franchise.    … Expand
  38. Kayla45
    Sep 8, 2017
    9
    In short:
    -It play great
    -It looks great -It sounds great -It cost 20 bucks -It can run on a potato at 16k 240 fps, if it wasn't locked at 60fps... -It's not very long... In not so short: For 20 bucks it is a great value. The thing is that it's a bit short, there are only 12 zones (+ the final boss zone), each in 2 acts that can be completed in a few minutes. The graphics are    In short:
    -It play great
    -It looks great
    -It sounds great
    -It cost 20 bucks
    -It can run on a potato at 16k 240 fps, if it wasn't locked at 60fps...
    -It's not very long...

    In not so short:
    For 20 bucks it is a great value. The thing is that it's a bit short, there are only 12 zones (+ the final boss zone), each in 2 acts that can be completed in a few minutes.

    The graphics are really good, it's designed to look like updated Genesis/Megadrive graphics, with more colors, details and some techniques unavailable on the original hardware like sprite rotation and scaling, all used very well.

    Some have complained about the presence of 3d graphics in the game, but the thing is that it's really rare and well used, mostly in the chaos emerald stages, which are full 3d.
    And it's also the king of 3d that a sega 32x could produce and the game was designed to look like a game that could have been released on a console between the Genesis/Megadrive and Saturn.

    The difficulty curve seems f*cked up, I remeber Flying Battery Zone (zone 4) being much harder than Mirage Saloon Zone (Zone 8) for exemple, it's not consistent at all. Same for the bosses, most of them are really easy but, overall, most of them are really well designed, I can't go into some details because of spoilers but you will have quite some good surprises.

    The best part of this game, for me, is it's sound track, there is no misuc in the game that I don't like ! And the sound design is on point, everything in this game sound great.

    Also sometimes there is collision errors and the intro video is really compressed, it looks like a YouTube rip, it's quite a waste of this wounderful animation.

    My verdict:
    Sonic is back and greater than ever !

    Exept that there is Denuvo, and as always it sucks.    … Expand
  39. Zero_Within
    Sep 9, 2017
    9
    This game is amazing, surely the best Sonic game in decades.
    It has an excelent Level and Game Design, nice use of past and new mechanics, awesome soundtrack (like, all the musics I'd give a 10/10), the graphics were also an outstanding point, in an allusion to how the game would've turned out if it was released for the SEGA Saturn, but clearly doesn't following the console's limitations.    This game is amazing, surely the best Sonic game in decades.
    It has an excelent Level and Game Design, nice use of past and new mechanics, awesome soundtrack (like, all the musics I'd give a 10/10), the graphics were also an outstanding point, in an allusion to how the game would've turned out if it was released for the SEGA Saturn, but clearly doesn't following the console's limitations.
    The only complaint I have is the transition between some stages that seems to have been forgotten and the almost lack of original zones, but at least the developer team managed to make the recycled zones feel original (except for Hydrocity) and with the new gameplay element (Drop Dash) and other completely new parts of the Level Design on each stage you probably wouldn't mind this issue.
    The boss battles are pretty creative as well, not all of them are incredible, but by the most they are pretty good (special credits to the Final Boss and the True Final Boss battles).

    If you haven't played this game yet, go play it, it's one of the best Sonic games ever.
    Note: Be aware about Denuvo DRM, make sure somehow that your computer will not be affected by its negative effect on PCs.    … Expand
  40. Lilahkiz
    Jun 7, 2022
    9
    A retuen to form of the blue blur the guy who did the sonic CD port and his team did a great job on this but this game does lack a lot of original stages especially since Sonic 4 ep 1 and 2, Lost world, Generations and Forces gave us Green Hill/ Green Hill ascetics a lot making it be a 9 and not a 10 in my book but still check it out.
  41. Metch144
    Sep 21, 2017
    8
    This game it's cool but the pass game is not difficult but keeps the speed as in the first games of the series in the console version is not yet played, and ports for them to be
  42. besoares90
    Oct 9, 2017
    8
    The game is awesome.
    It really brings back the old classic Sonic!
    The new leves are really pretty and innovative.

    The only things I did not like is that I was expecting more levels, even more of the old ones would be greate, and the game does not offer a good multiplayer experience.
  43. OsSiFiEd
    Nov 5, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. WARNING!!! SPOILERS!!! You have been warned...

    Also, this is suprisingly my Opinion! Don't loos your rings!

    Err... Sanic Maniac? Oh, **** I ment Sonic Mania.

    The game is great, no doubt, but I am a bit dissapointed. I am pretty sure SEGA Genesis games did not have advanced Graphical Effects and Non-16 Bit soundtracks. I mean Tee Lopes did an amazing job, but, considerting this is meant to be a throwback to the classic Sonic I knew whan I was 6, Err... Not what I was expecting.

    However, gameplay wise the game is pretty good. The special stages can piss me off, butI can just replay them till I get the Chaos Emerald. I also like the boss battles! The one in Studiopolis Act 2 where you have to chase the Hardboiled Heavies and blast those Homing Misiles at them is quite cleaver.

    Bluetooth controller suport is nice, but not all are compatable so I can't use one. I hope Christian and the team is able to make it so you can use any controller.

    One thing I am glad about is that this didn't end up like the pile of crap Sonic for the GBA was, 'cause I was quite woried when you announced this... Well, actually I didn't find out this existed till Nintendo uploaded the Trailer on their channel... Oops.

    So... Err, yeah. Do I recomend this? **** YEAH!

    Bye...    … Expand
  44. oscar7070
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    very very good retro game the engine work good i see one bag i play 36 hour the game 10/10
    play plzz aaaaaaaaa

    very very good retro game the engine work good i see one bag i play 36 hour the game 10/10
    play plzz aaaaaaaaa
  45. CarlosJDiaz
    Nov 9, 2017
    7
    Sonic Mania es un Buen juego pero queda corto ,La música es INCREÍBLE pero la duración no es mucho que digamos pero teniendo en cuenta que son 20$ el costo de juego no no podíamos imaginar mucho.
    Sonic Mania IGUALO a sus predecesores Sonic 1 2 3 & Knuckles no lo supero pero aun así es un muy buen juego.
  46. AllToasters
    Nov 19, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania does Sonic's 25th anniversary justice! If only more games were made like this - gorgeous pixels, great and enjoyable level designs, no sleazy-dressed characters (ahem, Rouge), and glitch-free! No dark, gloomy themes, just pure innocent joy! Old school Sonic done right!
  47. radbronado
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    It was a great game but not really all that replayable. Tails and Knuckles just weren't as fun to play as and once you got Sonic's true ending you only find yourself replaying it to pass the time.

    Music: stellar Gameplay: as close to perfect as possible. A couple inconsistencies with the classic physics but I'll let it slide Story: not the next MGS but come on this is a 2D Sonic    It was a great game but not really all that replayable. Tails and Knuckles just weren't as fun to play as and once you got Sonic's true ending you only find yourself replaying it to pass the time.

    Music: stellar

    Gameplay: as close to perfect as possible. A couple inconsistencies with the classic physics but I'll let it slide

    Story: not the next MGS but come on this is a 2D Sonic game it's got more story than half the classics anyway

    Fun factor: high the first time around but gradually less and less over time. Not too replayable, sadly.

    In conclusion: I still haven't worked out what the cool bonus is.    … Expand
  48. kch3691
    May 13, 2018
    6
    i have found memories of playing Sonic on the genesis when i was a kid, so I very much wanted to like this game. Unfortunately either my tastes have changed or it was all nostalgia because I just couldn't get into it.
  49. Darkison
    Feb 7, 2018
    9
    Great OST and art, great bosses and stages. The characters are good, but not so much.
  50. LeSonicFan298
    Mar 30, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As someone who really liked to play the old games on the Sega Mega Collection it is the best thing to see Sonic returning to that formula with some new additions. Not to mention the truck load of references and cameos to past games. And with Mania Plus around the corner with Mighty and Ray returning, it just adds to the list of nostalgia. Not to mention all the controls feeling good and responsive to the player and making it feel like you're playing the game rather than just watching a movie. All the stages are incredible too. I've been getting tired of Green Hill and Chemical Plant being in every game after Generations but in Mania, Christian Whitehead and the others thought up new concepts for those old levels to keep them fresh like having Robotnik crash down into Green Hill in the Death Egg Robot to destroy Sonic. The only reason i rated this a 9 is because of one thing. The PC launch. Now i don't have this problem since 1 i don't even have Mania for PC and 2 because my internet usually never goes off. But with the game being locked behind the piracy check thing it makes me feel sorry for the people who bought the PC launch but can't play because they don't have internet. I was really hoping to give this game a 10 and praise Christian Whitehead and the others but then Sega comes in, adds a feature, **** everything up and blames it on Christian Whitehead and the others. YA DONE GOOFED SEGA!… Expand
  51. User28190895
    Apr 24, 2018
    5
    I mean if you already own the copy and enjoy it for what it is, thats great. For me though, its dissapointing. It costs 20€, and for this price, there is not enough content. As a game, its good, animations, level design, boss battles... But thats it. No second campaign, no extra stages for co-op. Nothing... Just one campaign and vs mode.. And there is no online multiplayer, only local. WhyI mean if you already own the copy and enjoy it for what it is, thats great. For me though, its dissapointing. It costs 20€, and for this price, there is not enough content. As a game, its good, animations, level design, boss battles... But thats it. No second campaign, no extra stages for co-op. Nothing... Just one campaign and vs mode.. And there is no online multiplayer, only local. Why not both modes?

    So, good game, but no content equal to 20€.    … Expand
  52. MasterGamingRo
    May 28, 2018
    10
    The best sonic game ever and the new dlc is coming out with new brand stuff, modify all things.
  53. AltieresLima
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    Um jogo nota 10, tem o que existe de melhor no mundo do Sonic 2D, um jogo feito por fãs para fãs. Não encontrei nada de errado com o jogo e realmente é o que eu esperava que ele fosse.
  54. LPLeonYT
    Aug 11, 2020
    10
    Ein richtig gutes Game, es hat viel zu bieten und macht eine Menge Spaß. Der Soundtrack stimmt und die Grafik erinnert an ältere Zeiten.
  55. SparX0
    Aug 9, 2018
    8
    Basically perfection in terms sonic gameplay but borrows a bit too much from predecessors. Still a very solid and fun 2D platforming experience.
  56. BenDavies
    Sep 20, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's good to bring 2D Classic Sonic back into the franchise, though it's still dead. But the whole game was amazing. It's a good idea for SEGA to use Christian Whitehead as their second-hand man along with the others who made it. Has anyone got Mania Plus yet? This review is why I checked it's spoilers. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

    This takes place after Sonic Forces, Sonic lands back in Angel Island to find Mighty and Ray trapped and you got to pick one of them to be your partner and the one you left out will morph into a fake. It's really awesome, kinda like Pokemon though because you got to get characters from Item Boxes, and to switch, you need to find a switch box in the levels or a question mark to choose two at random. You die as one, you lose them, you lose them all, it's Game Over. Recommend you buy Mania Plus with this too!    … Expand
  57. Vectis99
    Nov 30, 2018
    9
    Sonic Mania was extremely fun, well paced, and cohesive. It relied very heavily on nostalgia to deliver a rewarding experience, yet at the same time it did not neglect the core gameplay appeal. It's a very mindless, fast-paced sort of entertainment which left me with very satisfied. Beyond that, the game didn't deliver anything groundbreaking or extraordinary, instead working on polishingSonic Mania was extremely fun, well paced, and cohesive. It relied very heavily on nostalgia to deliver a rewarding experience, yet at the same time it did not neglect the core gameplay appeal. It's a very mindless, fast-paced sort of entertainment which left me with very satisfied. Beyond that, the game didn't deliver anything groundbreaking or extraordinary, instead working on polishing a very old model of game design. So it's limited a lot in that respect, which felt a bit like a shame. Nevertheless, this was probably one of the best "Sonic"-branded experiences which it is possible to create.… Expand
  58. nintendo-sekta
    Jan 2, 2019
    10
    Игра хороша. Это лучший платформер про Соника которые проходил. В игре хорошая музыка, сложные боссы, напарник не бесполезен, игра не сложная и не лёгкая.
  59. Llauses
    May 12, 2019
    9
    A great come back from the Sonic franchise, taking the best levels of the classic games (fixing a few level design issues) and adding new mechanics that always work. The game has everything we miss from Sonic: great levels, creative boss fights (for the most part) beautiful visuals, good music and fun gameplay. The definitive evolution of 2D Sonic.
  60. DJKrimson
    Jul 5, 2020
    8
    Very creative level design. Amazing soundtracks and graphics. Fun gameplay. Not the best platformer I've played but definitely worth a buy if you're into this genre.
  61. ChumaGG
    Jun 24, 2021
    7
    Es un juego de sonic clasico.
    hablando terminos de juegos de sonic es un 10, hablando de juegos normales es un mhe.
    No esta mal, pero no soy fan de los niveles que te obligan a reiniciar por un camino sin salida o los niveles con agua.
  62. Gasrim
    Jun 5, 2019
    4
    Good Game Feels like classic Sonic with a twist of remixed music.

    But.... The PC copy of the game has a horrendous DRM so i got a PS4 Port on the psn store instead.
  63. clem666
    Feb 28, 2021
    7
    Definitely not my type of game but I have to admit that the gameplay is obvious and straight-forward, the colours and animations are as gorgeous as the level design. Some levels are really fun, some truly challenging which allows to make the pleasure vary. Original soundtrack is great. Controls are okay but you way too often have to do some precise specific chain of actions in order to getDefinitely not my type of game but I have to admit that the gameplay is obvious and straight-forward, the colours and animations are as gorgeous as the level design. Some levels are really fun, some truly challenging which allows to make the pleasure vary. Original soundtrack is great. Controls are okay but you way too often have to do some precise specific chain of actions in order to get where you want to. Boss fights, even if visually perfect and with their particular music themes, are really hard sometimes since you have to figure on your own which move will do damage at some point. There are too few indications.… Expand
  64. WaluigiPie
    Aug 3, 2019
    10
    This game is awesome!!
    So classic feelings...
    I have to say, it is the best StH game ever.
    Good design in 2.5D.
    Interesting gameplay.
    And VERY VERY VERY interesting world to discover.
    RECCOMENDING
  65. TarikAlic123
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    This 2D retro game is super cool but it could be in hd-3D but overall good game
  66. Japan_ab
    Nov 11, 2022
    10
    El mejor trabajo de Sonic desde Megadrive, en muchos aspectos incluso los mejora. Hecho por fans para los fans, imprescindible si te gusta Sonic
  67. Samuz
    Nov 25, 2019
    9
    O grande vilão Dr. Eggman (Robotnik) deseja dominar o mundo, ameaçando Green Hill roubando as Esmeraldas do Caos. Transformando todos os animais do mundo em robôs e criando máquinas mortais capazes de derrotar Sonic, Tails e Knuckles. Nosso objetivo é pegar todas as esmeraldas e derrotar o Dr. Eggman para restabelecer a ordem e salvar os animais. O jogo apenas fornece um motivo inicialO grande vilão Dr. Eggman (Robotnik) deseja dominar o mundo, ameaçando Green Hill roubando as Esmeraldas do Caos. Transformando todos os animais do mundo em robôs e criando máquinas mortais capazes de derrotar Sonic, Tails e Knuckles. Nosso objetivo é pegar todas as esmeraldas e derrotar o Dr. Eggman para restabelecer a ordem e salvar os animais. O jogo apenas fornece um motivo inicial para você continuar andando, melhor dizendo, correndo.

    Brilhando na sua simplicidade, onde relativamente não existe uma fórmula para jogar. Conclua os níveis pegando o máximo possível de anéis, esmeraldas ou até mesmo em menor tempo possível. Você joga conforme o seu estilo, simplesmente aproveite o passeio. Veja aos poucos todas as suas preocupações existentes no mundo sumindo, jogando para um único objetivo: Salvar o mundo de Sonic.

    Sua aventura começa com um dos 3 personagens. Sonic (supervelocidade e ágil), Tails (voar) ou Knuckles (consegue subir em superfícies verticais para depois planar, causando dano nos inimigos).

    A cada 100 anéis coletados ganhamos uma vida. Recebendo dano você perde todos os anéis, precisando correr para recuperar o máximo possível antes deles sumirem. Você morre se encostar novamente no inimigo ou na armadilha com 0 anéis.
    Acumulando 50mil pontos ganhamos uma vida extra, cada robô destruído você ganha +100 na sua pontuação.

    Bônus Spheres, o Dark Souls em formato de Sonic:
    Desafiador, exigindo reflexos afiados, a cada minuto o Sonic aumenta sua velocidade dentro da fase. Pegue as bolinhas azuis e evitar as vermelhas. Formando um quadrado, todas as bolinhas se transformaram em anéis. Coletando X bolinhas azuis para ganhar uma moeda de prata. Caso você colete X bolinhas e Y anéis, você ganha uma moeda de ouro. As moedas servem para liberar novo conteúdo para o jogo e habilidades para o Sonic.

    Corra contra o UFO para pegar Esmeralda do Caos:
    Para vencer a corrida pegue as bolinhas azuis para subir o nível de MACH, possibilitando correr mais rápido e alcançar o UFO. Mas cuidado com o tempo, é necessário pegar os anéis dentro da fase para ganhar TIME. Você perde caso o tempo termine ou caia no abismo. Para tentar pegar novamente a esmeralda é necessário achar outro anel gigante na fase.

    Monitores, onde vivem, o que fazem?
    Vamos encontrar monitores que darão desvantagem, vantagens e habilidades que modificar a jogabilidade do personagem, possibilitando ter acesso a partes ocultas da fase.
    Mas cuidado! Você ainda pode morrer caso seja esmagado, caia em abismos ou afogado (Sonic consegue mergulhar, mas não prende a respiração por muito tempo, é necessário encontrar bolhas de oxigênio para continuar mergulhando).

    Inimigos e Boss:
    Com criatividade e engenhosidade, Dr. Eggman cria inimigos e chefes surpreendentes para impedir o nosso progresso de salvar o mundo. No final de cada fase você vai encontrar um chefe. Todos são bem ambientados e com nível de dificuldade gradativo conforme o avanço do jogo. Você percebe que deu dano no chefe, quando ele ficar piscando em branco. Cada chefe é diferente e possui a sua maneira de ataque e contra-ataque.

    Novas fases que merecem aplausos, desenvolvidas exclusivamente:
    Studiopolis Zone: Uma divertida estação de TV pirata gerenciada pelo Robotnik, com referência a programas de TV, filmes, desenhos e até mesmo jogos de bingo. Aplausos para SEGA com a divertida Boss Fight onde Robotinik apresenta um programa de previsão do tempo.
    Press Garden Zone:A fase mais bonita, um jardim japonês no inverno. O jardim tá sendo devastado pelo Robotinik, transformando pica-paus em rôbos que derrubam bombas implantadas nas árvores.
    Mirage Saloon Zone: Deixou um gostinho de quero mais, o ritmo do jogo é quebrado para uma fase área. Ambientada no Velho Oeste, encontramos bares e cartazes de bandidos.

    O jogo é dividido em 12 zonas com 2 atos cada, totalizando 24 fases. O maior Sonic 2D criado.

    Gráfico simples mas não perde o charme 2D dos jogos antigos. Encontramos filtros que simulam a qualidade de imagem das TVs antigas e outras opções de qualidade.

    Durante as gameplays, o jogo fechou sozinho uma vez no modo Time Atack na Zona Green Hill ato 2.

    Conclusão:
    Com o sentimento de pura nostalgia, onde a única preocupação era salvar o planeta de Sonic e derrotar o Dr.Eggman. Encontrei aqui novamente o meu Eu, ligando todos os dias o MasterSystem e com ele um jogo gravado direto na memória do videogame.
    Sonic Mania não tem uma história complexa, mas com certeza Eu tenho uma grande história com esse ouriço azul. Foi como reencontrar um grande e velho amigo de infância, cujo esse morava perto de mim mas por causa do destino tivemos que nos separar, perdemos o contato e nunca mais nos vimos. Até que nos reencontramos 10 anos depois, colocando a conversa dos anos atrasados em dia como se a nossa amizade nunca tivesse sido alterada pelo tempo e distância.    … Expand
  68. imaginox9
    May 17, 2022
    10
    100% purely excellent ! Now I know the PC version had a problem with its DRM but I discovered the game on PS4, only to get much, much later the PC version as well. I loved the classic 2D Sonic games, and this is just perfect. Perfectly perfect. All the love has been poured into this masterpiece. So if you like 2D Sonic games, go get it immediately !
  69. sunfrost_
    Feb 25, 2020
    10
    Good game, very good Sonic game. 2D style is beautiful. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles is the best.
  70. GregLobstery
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Best Sonic game ever. Takes everything good about the original games. The level design, the music, etc. And makes it all so much better. And with the addition of new zones, ray and mighty returning, and a swanky new soundtrack, this game is just the absolute best.
  71. Wrathzo
    Mar 27, 2022
    7
    Sonic Mania is a 2017 platform game published by Sega. Produced in commemoration of the Sonic the Hedgehog series' 25th anniversary, Sonic Mania pays homage to the original Sega Genesis Sonic games, featuring speedy side-scrolling gameplay. It takes place over 12 levels, including several redesigned from past games. The story follows Sonic, Tails and Knuckles as they venture to defeatSonic Mania is a 2017 platform game published by Sega. Produced in commemoration of the Sonic the Hedgehog series' 25th anniversary, Sonic Mania pays homage to the original Sega Genesis Sonic games, featuring speedy side-scrolling gameplay. It takes place over 12 levels, including several redesigned from past games. The story follows Sonic, Tails and Knuckles as they venture to defeat their nemesis Doctor Eggman and his robotic henchmen, the Hard-Boiled Heavies.… Expand
  72. Baltifru
    Apr 19, 2020
    8
    A very good Sonic. What's particular about it is that it manages to give the taste of nostalgia with the graphics, the sounds, the spirit and the superb level design of an old-school Sonic, and still renews the formula by adding new mechanics to both the levels themselves and the bosses. And for the hardcore gamers there are plenty of secrets ans Steam achievements to fight for.
  73. LightDay
    May 22, 2020
    9
    A good speed platform game, it perfectly understands the concept of sonic.

    Its only problem: Too short and not as replayable and long as sonic 3 and knuckles.

    The second best sonic 2D game.
  74. EZrev2006
    Jun 29, 2020
    9
    great great great great great great great great great great great great great
  75. fuyuyuki
    Sep 15, 2020
    9
    a love letter to the sonic fanbase. this is a game created by fans, for fans and it shows. it's full of references, both obscure and very well known
  76. Xrayplayer
    Jun 22, 2021
    8
    It's a solid game with few outdated design choices, it's one of the best sonic games it had tight controls and brilliant level design and great boss battles with good soundtrack, the fast based platforming gameplay is great as ever, however I'm not fan of this outdated save system it makes the game kinda frustrating at times, despite that I really enjoyed myself it's very good.
  77. SaturnTheCoyote
    Nov 25, 2020
    9
    Wow, just wow. I grew up playing Sonic 1 and 2, aswell as Unleashed so I have a slight soft spot for that. I bought Forces hoping to get a wave of nostalgia, but I didn't. So I bought Mania, and I have absolutely no regrets. The music is absolutely great and I love the OST. The graphics are amazing. It re-introduces old characters which I am absolutely amazed to see, and it feels like it'sWow, just wow. I grew up playing Sonic 1 and 2, aswell as Unleashed so I have a slight soft spot for that. I bought Forces hoping to get a wave of nostalgia, but I didn't. So I bought Mania, and I have absolutely no regrets. The music is absolutely great and I love the OST. The graphics are amazing. It re-introduces old characters which I am absolutely amazed to see, and it feels like it's a Classic Sonic game with new tricks. There are a few playable characters too, which I love to see variety in games! The opening animation is great too. This game should not be tied in with Forces, it's completely different and I recommend you to check it out! I own the Switch version and it works absolutely great!… Expand
  78. Micmicc
    Jan 5, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Mania is the best 2D Sonic game and it would be perfect if not for a few shortcomings.

    Sonic 3 & Knuckles was the only 2D Sonic game I've ever played prior to this. Sonic Mania felt like playing 3 again and then some. Even though I haven't played much Sonic over the years I have the knowledge of what games there are and I can honestly say that Sonic Mania is the very best of all 2D Sonic games. First I want to talk about the looks of the game. In my opinion pixel art - if done right - is more beautiful than anything and the developers have made it spectacular. It looks stunning. Not just the visuals, Sonic himself got an upgrade not just visually, but functionally with his dropdash ability. It was kind of annoying having to crouch and mash A to speed up, now you can just use the dropdash and gain speed much faster. Also Super Sonic is great. Even though he moves much faster and is invincible I miss the song that was playing. The stages themselves got a huge upgrade too with diverging paths, some new enemies and bosses. Man, do I love the bosses and especially the boss music. There are tons of fan service in certain stages (e.g. the future sign at the end of Press Garden, the special stages, Bean the Dynamite etc.). Here are my opinions of those stages or rather zones:

    Green Hill Zone
    The classic. The same green hills we all know and love

    Chemical Plant Zone
    I feel like this zone could've used some less slow parts however I really enjoyed the boucing in Act 2.

    Studiopolis Zone
    This Zone's music is unbelievably good, it's so catchy. There aren't any slow part in this Zone but the boss takes a bit too long to defeat.

    Flying Battery Zone
    I remember this Zone very well from Sonic 3 and it's a blast this time around too. The music is absolutely stunning like it is in Studiopolis and the acts themselves are a bit on the lengthy side but good music makes up for it.

    Press Garden Zone
    After the best Zone comes the worst Zone, at least to me. Press Garden focuses on platforming and finding your way around and not speed at all. I understand that Sonic is a platforming game but speed is also a huge attribute of the series. Act 2 is takes especially long because you get frozen quite a few times.

    Stardust Speedway Zone
    This in my view is a Press Garden Lite; not as slow but still focuses a lot on slow platforming and opening gates. One good thing about this Zone is the Metal Sonic fight. The concept of climbing a tower to defeat a huge metal clone of Sonic is awesome and carried out well.

    Hydrocity Zone
    Hydrocity is a Zone that I also didn't really like because of the water. It seems like every platforming games has an obligatory water level, however Act 2 vastly improves on it with not being in the water that much and the slides. The boss fights are pretty unique and it was refreshing to see different kinds of fights.

    Mirage Saloon Zone
    There's nothing really special about this Zone in my opinion. The Tornado 'scene' in the beginning of Act 1 is certainly unique and fun but there's not much else about this Zone. One thing I enjoyed though is the sand loops which I didn't see much unfortunately.

    Oil Ocean Zone
    This Zone I feel like is a Stardust Speedway Lite because there are some slower part especially in Act 2 but if you're Super Sonic by that point you really don't have much to worry about.

    Lava Reef Zone
    Nothing much I can say about this Zone, it's certainly got lava.... Act 2's boss is pretty easy with Super Sonic but it can be very hard if you're normal Sonic,

    Metallic Madness Zone
    There is just too much going on. There is a lot of stuff going on in the background that I sometimes couldn't focus on where I was supposed to. Although I must say, the shrink ray is a great idea, all characters look great while tiny however I miss an animation when mini Sonic turns into the Super version of himself.

    Titanic Monarch Zone
    The final frontier. It was surprisingly easy considering that it's the Zone that the final boss fight takes place in. Those mosquito lookalikes never hurt me for some reason. I can't talk about everything so I'm just going to skip ahead tot he final boss. The Eggman fight is great. In a nutshell you have to chip his health while fending off his robot you previously defeated. This time I won't complain that something takes long because final boss fights are supposed to be like that and hey, there's action happening every second so you don't really have time to get bored. After you defeated Egman in the Zone you thought to be the last one, the real last Zone comes up, Egg Reverie Zone.

    Egg Reverie Zone
    Now this is hard. You turn into Super Sonic while having to deal hits to Phantom King and Eggman while your rings run out fast. There are rings floating around but there may not be enough. Also Phantom King is way more difficult to hit than Eggman due to his enery balls around him. If you manage to defeat both of them successfully you beat the game    … Expand
  79. vova22379
    Jul 15, 2022
    6
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  80. lSAGGERl
    Mar 3, 2021
    8
    Muy buena representación de lo que debe ser un Sonic. Frenetico y divertido. Totalmente recomendable.
  81. LVB10
    Apr 17, 2021
    8
    This game is really fun...................................................................................... The soundtrack is good too
  82. rexalossao
    Jan 22, 2022
    6
    aqui vai a avaliação de um br para esse jogo, eu achei que deveria ter parado na 4° fase, é serio depois dessa fase o jogo se torna chato , com um nivel de dificuldade tão alto que chega a deixar com raiva, e você querendo zerar logo o jogo, o level desining é uma bosta a partir da 5° fase , serio não dá, o jogo te joga em buracos aleatórios que tiram sua vida, esmagam o sonicaqui vai a avaliação de um br para esse jogo, eu achei que deveria ter parado na 4° fase, é serio depois dessa fase o jogo se torna chato , com um nivel de dificuldade tão alto que chega a deixar com raiva, e você querendo zerar logo o jogo, o level desining é uma bosta a partir da 5° fase , serio não dá, o jogo te joga em buracos aleatórios que tiram sua vida, esmagam o sonic aleatoriamente do nada , os inimigos ficam em posicionamentos que não favorecem a gameplay, pois a gameplay de um jogo de sonic deveria ser rápida e se você tenta passar as fases rapido você perde todos os aneis pro causa de um inimigo imprevisível ,um buraco que tira uma vida sua ou até um bloco que te esmaga, e não dá tempo de reagir pois o sonic nesse jogo é muito lento e leva muito tempo para pegar velocidade, inclusive o sonic parece estar pesando uma tonelada, as físicas do jogo são péssimas, e o super sonic que deveria ser forte só deixa o sonic mais rapido e mata alguns inimigos, e tambem pelos epecial stages que são bem melhores que a gameplay do proprio jogo.… Expand
  83. Bruninho1997
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    A trilogia do Sonic no Mega Drive/Genesis fez parte crucial da minha infância, eu joguei muito Sonic, Sonic 2, e Sonic 3 & Knuckles, e os amo demais, e ter jogado Sonic Mania foi incrível, indescritível a nostalgia que senti ao ver fases já conhecidas estando remodeladas com tanta fidelidade e carinho, com alguns acréscimos e melhorias. Pegaram tudo de melhor dos jogos clássicos eA trilogia do Sonic no Mega Drive/Genesis fez parte crucial da minha infância, eu joguei muito Sonic, Sonic 2, e Sonic 3 & Knuckles, e os amo demais, e ter jogado Sonic Mania foi incrível, indescritível a nostalgia que senti ao ver fases já conhecidas estando remodeladas com tanta fidelidade e carinho, com alguns acréscimos e melhorias. Pegaram tudo de melhor dos jogos clássicos e juntaram, o resultado está aí.… Expand
  84. TGious
    Oct 17, 2021
    8
    The best sonic game in a very long time. It is very solid and polished to a stunning degree. Fun gameplay and unique worlds will keep you playing to the end every time you pick this game up.
  85. Adasc2906
    Dec 8, 2021
    9
    In 2017 i thought sonic was dead. But after trying this game i can proudly say that there is still some hope for sonic. Plus tomorrow are GOTY 2021 and supposedly a new sonic game will be revealed.
  86. StarkAgentos
    Apr 11, 2022
    7
    Прикольная игра в стиле ретро с интересными уровнями в виде лабиринта. Перестал играть, потому что застрял на одном моменте.
  87. BiggestSonicFan
    Aug 27, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. That Game Has Good Controls Nice Camera Even Better Gameplay Like In Encore Mode Gameplay Is AWESOME In Encore Mode You Have A Single Heart And You Gotta Team With Mighty Or Ray When You Choose One Of Them Other One Gets Kidnapped… Expand
  88. BaldursThones
    Jun 21, 2022
    7
    This game got a lot of praise for going back to the old sonic games. I was never a massive fan of the old sonic games so this game was not a huge deal for me. I love the music and levels though.
  89. segapop
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    This is the best classic sonic game. It's simple like the genesis games, it has great music, and the drop dash is so satisfying to use. This game pretty much reminds you what made sonic popular in the first place. So if your a nostalgia nerd like me, a sonic fan, or just a gamer, then this is a must play.
  90. BannerSiamang15
    Jun 10, 2022
    10
    It's a good game and all but I was really hoping they'd bring in Jim Carrey for the mo-cap. if they do that for Sonic Mania 2 It'll be a goty guaranteed.
  91. FireDragon44
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    Omg This Game is AMAZING i suck at it but who cares

    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................
  92. Maxdom77
    Jun 16, 2022
    7
    Es un homenaje a sonic puliendo toda su jugabilidad en 2D. Se nota el esfuerzo en crear algo bueno
  93. Name091
    Jun 24, 2022
    9
    The game is gorgeous, the controls are convenient, the graphics do not hurt the eyes, the boss fights are very interesting. I think this game deserves a rating of 9/10
  94. MatheusGames
    Oct 6, 2022
    9
    O jogo é muito bom!O jogo não é melhor que o S3K mas é muito bom,a trilha sonora é ótima,tem o knuckles jogável e o level design é bom
  95. SonicFan20
    Sep 15, 2022
    9
    Sonic Mania Plus Is One Of The Greatest Sonic Games Ever Made, And It Wasn't Even Sonic Team Who Made it. Sonic Mania Starts Off Right Where Sonic 3 & Knuckles Left Off At Angel Island. Sonic And Tails Arrive only Too See Weird Robots, With The Phantom Ruby. They Get Teleported To Green Hill Zone From Sonic The Hedgehog 1 (1991) They Robots They Saw Get Transformed In To The Heavy MetalsSonic Mania Plus Is One Of The Greatest Sonic Games Ever Made, And It Wasn't Even Sonic Team Who Made it. Sonic Mania Starts Off Right Where Sonic 3 & Knuckles Left Off At Angel Island. Sonic And Tails Arrive only Too See Weird Robots, With The Phantom Ruby. They Get Teleported To Green Hill Zone From Sonic The Hedgehog 1 (1991) They Robots They Saw Get Transformed In To The Heavy Metals And The Game Begins. So Sonic Mania Is FULL Of References Longtime Fans And Newcomers Will Love. You Can Play As Sonic,Tails And Knuckles. Knuckles Has His Own Unique Stages. There Are New And Old Stages. Like The Return Of The Flying Battery Zone From Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles (1994) And New Stages Like Press Garden Zone which Is A Printing Press And Act 2 Is A Beautiful Garden. There Is The Return Of The Blue Spheres Game, But There Is A Original Special Stage That Is Kinda Like A Race Track Chasing A UFO. Another Addition Is The & Knuckes Mode. which Replaces Tails With Knuckles And Is A Refremce To a Meme. Controls Are Immaculate They Are Perfection. But The Drop Dash OOOO BABY YEAH ITS SO GOOD!!!!!!! You Jump And The Hold A In The Air to Have A Mini Spindash. And The Elemental Shields Return From Sonic 3 & Knuckles. And That Make It So Good. Tails's Controls Are Like The Ones From Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Knuckles Is Also The Same From Sonic 3 & Knuckles . The Boss Fights Are Good. There Are Mini Animated Cutscenes Also which Are So Cute And Cool. The Game Would Be Good As Is But If You Buy The DLC ITS EVEN BETTER. New Playable Characters. Mighty From Knuckles Chaotix, And Ray From Sega Sonic The Hedgehog, And A New Mode With Special Stages. Overall Sonic Mania Plus Is A And Mods Make It EVEN BETTER!! OH MY GOD!! 9/10 The Only Bad Thing About Is The I Wish There Was More And More Original Stages.… Expand
  96. A1yren
    Jan 4, 2023
    2
    the game marketing **** is easier to download an emulator and play normal classics and not this ****
  97. fijay43k
    May 20, 2023
    8
    Sonic mania- это отличная переработка класических игр про соника.
    Начнём с плюсов: разнообразные уровни(всего их четырнадцать, пять из них оригинальные, остальны взяты из других игр про соника), отличные боссы с которыми мы сражаемся после первого и второго акта, отличающиеся враги на разных уровнях, на некоторых уровней есть свои особенности(взятые из класических и advance)
    улучшенная    Sonic mania- это отличная переработка класических игр про соника.
    Начнём с плюсов: разнообразные уровни(всего их четырнадцать, пять из них оригинальные, остальны взяты из других игр про соника), отличные боссы с которыми мы сражаемся после первого и второго акта, отличающиеся враги на разных уровнях, на некоторых уровней есть свои особенности(взятые из класических и advance)
    улучшенная графика( она не отходит от канона, но намного качественней ранних игр про соника, особенно это заметно по главному меню)
    Из минусов:геймплей иногда наскучивает, мало отличий от класических игр.    … Expand
  98. APolChrome
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    (Reseña sacada de mi cuenta de Steam: APolChrome)

    Sonic Mania es lo que debería ser Sonic en todos sus juegos. El Sonic Team intenta romperse la cabeza con cada juego de Sonic, pensando en algo que revolucione la saga y que merezca la pena. A veces sale bien y por desgracia, la mayoría de veces no terminan de funcionar. Llevan desde Sonic Adventure 2 más o menos intentando cambiar    (Reseña sacada de mi cuenta de Steam: APolChrome)

    Sonic Mania es lo que debería ser Sonic en todos sus juegos.

    El Sonic Team intenta romperse la cabeza con cada juego de Sonic, pensando en algo que revolucione la saga y que merezca la pena. A veces sale bien y por desgracia, la mayoría de veces no terminan de funcionar. Llevan desde Sonic Adventure 2 más o menos intentando cambiar por completo la fórmula.

    Total, Sonic Mania da una bofetada al cambio y se mantiene en lo clásico, pero lo hace de manera excelente. Lo he sentido como un remake de los originales con algún nivel nuevo. El movimiento tan fluido, el diseño de niveles que consigue niveles tan grandes y divertidos de jugar, la variedad de mecánicas del juego, el soundtrack tan inmersivo, los gráficos tan bonitos... Podría estar horas diciendo lo bueno que es Sonic Mania.

    Aunque si que hay cosas mejorables. Las vidas son escasas. Si bien no es un juego súper difícil, no hay prácticamente cajas de vidas, aunque si que sienta súper bien encontrarse con una. También que al pasar por un Game Over en el segundo acto tienes que repetir el primero. Son cosas que molestan a la hora de jugar, pero son detallitos frente a todo lo bueno que tiene Sonic Mania.

    Si te gusta Sonic y no lo has jugado, juégalo ya. Es un vuelta a los orígenes espectacular.    … Expand
  99. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 16, 2017
    77
    Developers took their favorite episodes from the first five Sonics, took them apart and made a remix with some special additions: several new elements came from Sonic games that were never released, others – from cut content, and some were made from scratch. So they ended up with a game that’s bursting with secrets and gameplay mechanics. [Issue#223, p.61]
  2. GameWatcher
    Sep 5, 2017
    90
    Sonic Mania boasts a level of polish, care, and attention to detail the franchise hasn’t seen since Sonic and Knuckles. The developers clearly love Sonic and Mania glows as a result. And while it still comes tethered to Denuvo DRM, the game at least is not affected by this.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    Sep 1, 2017
    82
    A breakneck platformer that uses classic Sonic as a foundation for something fresh and exciting.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »