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
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  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.
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Critic Reviews

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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
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