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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. SrTakelot
    Sep 25, 2017
    10
    A great game showing the return of a mascot to its height

    ..................................................................................................
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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!
  19. 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)
  20. CyberRobotnix
    Feb 14, 2019
    10
    Literally the best Sonic game for a good decade, you should definitely try it out!
  21. MasterGamingRo
    May 28, 2018
    10
    The best sonic game ever and the new dlc is coming out with new brand stuff, modify all things.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. ff7master
    Sep 2, 2018
    10
    Simplemente perfecto, una obra maestra de las plataformas 2D cargada de nostalgia.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. TarikAlic123
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    This 2D retro game is super cool but it could be in hd-3D but overall good game
  29. 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
  30. 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 !
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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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