Sonic Mania

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 678 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 560 out of 678
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 678
  3. Negative: 82 out of 678
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  1. hoogafanter
    Aug 21, 2017
    9
    This is basically a super polished version of the genesis games, filled with remixed returning context and original ideas. Mechanics are largely the same with a few minor changes and one game changing move for sonic. If you are a fan of the genesis games, you will fall in love with this game quickly. If you are a first time Sonic player, this is the definitive way to jump in and get started.
  2. PyRo1005
    Aug 16, 2017
    9
    Sonic fans have a lot to be happy about with the Sonic Mania as it hits all of the right notes for retro and new gamers alike.

    Gameplay: Controls are incredibly tight, to the extent that missteps are pretty much your fault and you recognize it. Platforming is smooth and speed feels fast without chaotic which given the nature of Sonic is incredibly helpful. To further this, all of the    Sonic fans have a lot to be happy about with the Sonic Mania as it hits all of the right notes for retro and new gamers alike.

    Gameplay:
    Controls are incredibly tight, to the extent that missteps are pretty much your fault and you recognize it. Platforming is smooth and speed feels fast without chaotic which given the nature of Sonic is incredibly helpful.
    To further this, all of the original moves are back and the modern moves have been taken away. While this might feel like a step down for newer fans of Sonic, it will become natural as the game does not feel the need to overwhelm you with too many move sets.
    When playing the most difficult decision you will have to make is which character you use and less about what move to use.

    Difficulty:
    This is why the game does not get a perfect 10 and it is because Sonic Mania is a love letter to retro gamers and was developed by fans of original Sonic. This also means that the game can have a (sometimes literally) crushing learning curve as you get used to threading the needle for very specific jumps. New gamers might be inclined to give up especially when making it to more challenging levels from older games.

    Visuals and music:
    Love letter still is the perfect way to encompass what this game is from the level design to the music, everything has a specific purpose.
    Level textures pop extremely well and combine the old with the new so well that I was actually grateful when I died sometimes as it gave me a chance to look at the gorgeous backgrounds and enemies closer.
    The music is also phenomenal as everything has received a modern overhaul without stripping it of its soul. From hearing the extra life song play to having a panic attack as Sonic struggles to hold his breath, the game has done an excellent job bringing Sonic back to form.
    Added bonus, you have the option to change the TV resolution to old CRT televisions (fuzzyness and all) where all you need to really go retro is grab some soda-licious, your favourite pop and enjoy.

    Overall:

    Is Sonic Mania a perfect game? no
    But it is damn close and the developers should be extremely proud with bringing a game that was in a rut for almost 20 years back into shape and relevant.
    The game does not give you any quarter and does not feel like it is just punishing you for fun (I'm looking at you Dark Souls). Completing complex stage puzzles or finishing bonus mini-games to unlock either extras or Chaos Emeralds is great.
    While new players might be frustrated with the learning curve, retro gamers will find plenty to love and unlock with no-save mode, time attack mode, and leaderboards.    … Expand
  3. semigod
    Dec 4, 2017
    9
    (edit)Tiene una velocidad muy buena , unas fisicas de movimiento perfectas y los mapas decir que estan bien diseñados es poco, porque la nueva green hill tiene una variedad de posibilidades de jugar ,de lugares increiblemente diseñados ...cada rincon es muy diferente
    y otro como flying baterio me encanto , como combino elementos de flying battery original y de wing fortress de sonic 2.
  4. Ali_Moghimi
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania is a great Sonic game
    probably not better that most of the 3D games but pretty fun and awesome
    the redesigned stages are nothing like the past games and feel pretty new
    and the special stages are so fun and even better than the previous 2D sonic games
    ill give it a 10/10
  5. JIATNSA
    Aug 16, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania is a brilliant display of the franchises best and provides great potential for the future of the series. Its visual style is brilliant and nails the Sega Saturn aesthetic, this can also be said about its soundtrack which I expect nothing less from Tee Lopes. The gameplay feels like a natural progression from Sonic 3K and levels are more open and detailed then ever.

    The only    Sonic Mania is a brilliant display of the franchises best and provides great potential for the future of the series. Its visual style is brilliant and nails the Sega Saturn aesthetic, this can also be said about its soundtrack which I expect nothing less from Tee Lopes. The gameplay feels like a natural progression from Sonic 3K and levels are more open and detailed then ever.

    The only issue i find with Mania is the reuse of zones that take up sixty percent of the zones in the game. However this issue is small as Mania adds twists to the level in the second act of the reused zones, this still leaves the first act though which I feel could have been rectified by making brand new zones altogether.

    Regardless I still find Mania a complete joy and cant wait for a possible sequel that solves this small issue. But until then go ahead and buy this game this is a 90's Platformers paradise that you just cant miss.    … Expand
  6. Jfksh
    Feb 13, 2018
    9
    Yes, It's a sorry moment that Sonic Forces is a bad game at any cost, but at that time Sonic Mania is different.
    Sonic Mania is a, well, it's the 4th 16-bit genesis Sonic game to say the ĺeast. With intense level designs and great gameplay
  7. Dedo
    Sep 8, 2017
    9
    Uall! Sonic game was nostaugic from start to finish. I remember when I was a kid and I was hours and hours in front of the mega drive. I think they should have done a checking in the graphs because the stages and the sound are very good, but the graphs leave to wish. Even so, it is not something that disrupts the experience! Go, Go Sonic !!
  8. TheoneTrueKing
    Nov 6, 2017
    9
    It is great to have a sonic game that is not insane plot and just simple platformer fun which is what originally made the series what it is. Happy to see it like it was
  9. Seta
    Nov 11, 2017
    9
    Good game but Sonic 3&Knuckles was better in my opinion. i am a bit bias though because Knuckles is my favorite character and he just isn't nearly as fun to play as in mania in my opinion.
  10. Xnoam12
    Dec 12, 2017
    9
    Amazing sonic game that we been waiting for years. best classic sonic game, amazing music, fun gameplay and bosses.
    It's one of the best sonic games ever.
  11. JPSantosS
    Feb 19, 2018
    9
    The game was beautiful, well done and memorable, I'm very happy that a 2D game was able to surpass and be even better than a 3D game full of Hype.
    I was hoping that Sonic Forces would please me more, though, only Sonic Mania pleased me in 2017.
    The game is inspired by its level design, the songs are stupendous and the creative Bosses. The only negative thing about the game was the    The game was beautiful, well done and memorable, I'm very happy that a 2D game was able to surpass and be even better than a 3D game full of Hype.
    I was hoping that Sonic Forces would please me more, though, only Sonic Mania pleased me in 2017.
    The game is inspired by its level design, the songs are stupendous and the creative Bosses.
    The only negative thing about the game was the little addition of new phases, but still the experience was how I first played Sonic again!    … Expand
  12. Normiereview
    Jun 13, 2018
    9
    The Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise has had a rocky road with successes and failures and this time it feels that SEGA have finally accomplished what they've been trying to do for so long and that is bring Sonic back to his former glory. This game offers an amazing blend of both old and new with classic zones such as Green Hill and Chemical Plant whilst also offering refreshing new experiencesThe Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise has had a rocky road with successes and failures and this time it feels that SEGA have finally accomplished what they've been trying to do for so long and that is bring Sonic back to his former glory. This game offers an amazing blend of both old and new with classic zones such as Green Hill and Chemical Plant whilst also offering refreshing new experiences with zones like Studiopolis and Press Garden.
    The game is packed with bosses ranging from fan favourites like Metal Sonic and the Death Egg Robot as well as a surprising appearance of the Mean Bean Machine. But with so many bosses, this brings up my only real complaint which is that some of the sub bosses feel forgettable.
    In the future I would love to see more of games like Sonic Mania and soon Sonic could be put back on track    … Expand
  13. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  14. Petepems7905
    May 30, 2019
    9
    Pretty damn awesome that's all I can say because no other words can do this game justice
  15. X_247
    Jul 8, 2020
    9
    this game is good and the music is perfect and the frameworks well in PS4 and in every final stage there are an boss to fight but the problem with the bosses it is they are very easy, so if you like platforming games so go and buy it.
  16. AlBal665
    Feb 20, 2023
    9
    I grew up playing the 2D Sonic games on the Sega Mega Drive so when I saw this on PS Plus I jumped at the chance to get it and I can happily say that Sonic Mania is an excellent modern 2D Sonic game. While it’s not quite as good as the original games (partially due to nostalgia but also Sonic 3 & Knuckles was an outstanding game) it’s nostalgic enough that it keeps people like me happy andI grew up playing the 2D Sonic games on the Sega Mega Drive so when I saw this on PS Plus I jumped at the chance to get it and I can happily say that Sonic Mania is an excellent modern 2D Sonic game. While it’s not quite as good as the original games (partially due to nostalgia but also Sonic 3 & Knuckles was an outstanding game) it’s nostalgic enough that it keeps people like me happy and it’s also a great game by itself. If you grew up with the Mega Drive Sonic games like me then definitely give this a go!… Expand
  17. JP_Wilde
    Jan 24, 2020
    9
    a tribute to old fans, with classic levels well updated and incredible new levels.
    Beautiful and detailed graphics in 16 bits and a good challenge, saved the Sonic franchise in this generation.
  18. Braequan_623
    Mar 3, 2020
    9
    Does what Generations does well: celebrates Sonic. This time, rather than the whole series, Mania celebrates the era of Classic 1990's Sonic the Hedgehog. While, I wish there were more new zones, the game is just filled with passion and heart, something that recent Sonic games have been severely lacking. Definite recommendation to any Sonic fan and to anyone who played the games on theDoes what Generations does well: celebrates Sonic. This time, rather than the whole series, Mania celebrates the era of Classic 1990's Sonic the Hedgehog. While, I wish there were more new zones, the game is just filled with passion and heart, something that recent Sonic games have been severely lacking. Definite recommendation to any Sonic fan and to anyone who played the games on the SEGA Genesis back in the day.… Expand
  19. Evo2404
    Jul 25, 2020
    9
    Just a fun game a great return to the classic games and is just a fun sonic game no over done story or anything just a pure and fun game and is a must own game if you like platformers or the classic games of back in the day
  20. estivee
    Sep 7, 2020
    9
    Sonic is back baby!
    This is the best Sonic game in a very, very long time. It’s probably the best Sonic game since Sonic 2. Every part of this game is crafted with love to the smallest detail, old levels return but are revamped in this new style where there’s more paths and larger worlds for you to explore as either Sonic, Tails, Knuckles or Sonic and Tails together.
    Where this game    Sonic is back baby!
    This is the best Sonic game in a very, very long time. It’s probably the best Sonic game since Sonic 2. Every part of this game is crafted with love to the smallest detail, old levels return but are revamped in this new style where there’s more paths and larger worlds for you to explore as either Sonic, Tails, Knuckles or Sonic and Tails together.
    Where this game really shines though is it’s new levels where modern game design and old school Sonic mesh for some new experiences really comes to life! This, more than anything gets me excited for a new Sonic game from this team where they get the freedom to craft a totally new Sonic experience!

    If you have played Sonic as a kid or never played a Sonic game before this game really stands the test of time as the great gameplay and fantastic levels carries this game more than anything else!
    Everyone that likes platformers HAS to play this game!    … Expand
  21. Aireki_pegasus
    Oct 3, 2020
    9
    Un juego lleno de nostalgia, excelente jugabilidad y buena inclusión de personajes y escenarios tanto nuevos como clásicos. Aunque me hubiera gustado que fuese un poco más largo, pero en si es uno de los mejores juegos de Sonic de todos los tiempos.
  22. Travistravel
    Apr 29, 2021
    9
    After many years of sonic games, this game finally captured the sonic experience i was looking for. It's just so fun and classic sonic fun. Definitely play it.
  23. STARMARTIN
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    It's a overall great game and it really nails the classic era well. And improved on the physics great with the characters. It's a definitely must try game.
  24. IBANGMYWIFE
    Sep 28, 2021
    9
    Sonic Mania is one of the best Sonic games I've ever played, no doubt, but after a few repeated playthroughs, it gets kinda boring. I would recommend it to you either way. I still prefer Sonic 3 & Knuckles tho.
  25. Alex_Sangfroid
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    Ignorando el empaño que significó el posterior lanzamiento de Sonic Forces, Sonic Mania representa la esencia más primigenia del erizo azul, velocidad, sentir cómo puedes ser más rápido que antes ya sea por habilidad o porque descubriste nuevos atajos, en un todo ser competitivo contigo mismo respecto a tu rapidez. Algo que honestamente se perdió hace rato, siendo Generations el últimoIgnorando el empaño que significó el posterior lanzamiento de Sonic Forces, Sonic Mania representa la esencia más primigenia del erizo azul, velocidad, sentir cómo puedes ser más rápido que antes ya sea por habilidad o porque descubriste nuevos atajos, en un todo ser competitivo contigo mismo respecto a tu rapidez. Algo que honestamente se perdió hace rato, siendo Generations el último juego que en serio tuvo esto (y ya han pasado como 11 años desde entonces). Mania es como traer la fórmula de Megadrive a la décima potencia, Sonic 1, 2, 3 y CD pero mejor y además con mucho de su propia autoría. Los niveles reimaginados de los primeros 3 juegos realmente se sienten como jugar a una nueva zona, especialmente al mostrar algunos de los boss battle más carismáticos y originales de la saga, mientras que los niveles totalmente nuevos son de los mejores niveles de Sonic en los últimos años, la variedad de objetos, caminos alternativos al estilo de Sonic 3, y de escoger entre jugabilidades clásicas como la Sonic CD aparte de la que viene por defecto, hacen que cada jugador pueda ir a su total manera por los niveles. Un problema recurrente en los videojuegos actuales de nuestro querido erizo es que claramente, Sonic team no tiene idea de qué juego quiere hacer, parecían tener una idea clara con la jugabilidad de Boost que, aunque no era tan aprovechable a largo plazo sí entregó algunos momentos muy memorables desde Unleashed hasta Generations y pasando por Colors (y teniendo un bochornoso adiós en Forces), pero en cuanto se les acabó el boost no tenían idea de que hacer, Lost world es Mario con skins de Sonic, si a varios fans les pareció pésimo el tener un Sonic lento en Unleashed, imaginar cuando en Lost world la totalidad del juego es el Sonic más lento de la historia, incluso antes de esto con los storybooks se veía el problema, muchas ideas pero ninguna dirección fija. Y es aquí donde reside una de las virtudes de Mania, sus desarrolladores claramente entienden la esencia de Sonic de cara al gameplay que es velocidad, carisma y punto final, se puede notar el cariño, el verdadero interés y la seguridad con la que el juego avanza, en ningún momento hay duda de que supieran a dónde ir con Mania. Un juego que reviva la vibra clásica pero... añadiendo un toque nuevo a la franquicia. Solo espero que Sonic team pueda ver el ejemplo y sepa extrapolarlo al Sonic moderno. Basta de intentar imitar a Devil may cry (Shadow the hedgehog) o a Super Mario Galaxy (Lost world). El mejor Sonic en los últimos años, y ojalá sea el comienzo de cosas buenas para Sonic, como fan no espero nada que no sea eso.… Expand
  26. Xx_ammar10
    May 14, 2022
    9
    Perfect level design perfect gameplay good atmosphere a lot of content the only criticism i have is that some ideas are over used
  27. TheWinterWarman
    Oct 23, 2022
    9
    A great return to form. Although, I wish there were more original levels instead of reused ones...
  28. EpicLadySponge
    Aug 15, 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
  29. silversaihan
    Oct 6, 2017
    8
    Delighted with this title. Really pulls you back to the experience of being a kid and sitting down to Sonice for the first time. Some of the levels can feel samey from time to time, but otherwise this is an excellent release. Would gladly buy Sonic Mania II if we ever get it!
  30. Untitled94
    Aug 16, 2017
    8
    A great way to make a new Sonic game with the old Sonic gameplay. Let me go ahead and get the very few negatives out of the way. One thing is, while it has a save system and you do not have to start at the very beginning when you lose all your lives, it does still follow the Sonic 3 & Knuckles formula where you have to start over the whole zone, rather than just the act if you lose allA great way to make a new Sonic game with the old Sonic gameplay. Let me go ahead and get the very few negatives out of the way. One thing is, while it has a save system and you do not have to start at the very beginning when you lose all your lives, it does still follow the Sonic 3 & Knuckles formula where you have to start over the whole zone, rather than just the act if you lose all your lives. Which can feel a bit tedious. Another thing is...actually, that was it. The game otherwise is great. The gameplay, the music, the graphics, the drop dash Sonic has, all that stuff is great. And I can honestly say that this game has the best special stages in the history of Sonic games (the emerald challenges, I mean). This is definitely worth the $20 price tag!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PS4 Game of 2017
33
#33 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
46
#46 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 16, 2017
    90
    With this brilliant game Sonic at last reminded us why he was once a worthy rival for Mario. [11/2017, p.56]
  2. GameOver.gr
    Sep 28, 2017
    90
    It is surprising how well the developers understood the underlining reasons Sonic was so loved in the 16bit era. Gone are the autorun, the messy 3D levels and the horrible clown characters, gone is the linear cheap thrill design of the modern 3D games. In their place, we got excellent level design with hundreds of different routes, elegant design choices and supremely balanced gameplay which bring us one of the best Sonic games since Sonic & Knuckles. Pity Sega was too afraid to budget for modern graphics because they would have had a full priced, instant classic on their hands.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    Sep 28, 2017
    80
    Sonic Mania is a wonderful celebration of what's made Sonic so great in the past while also striving to push it forward. This isn't to say it's perfect – it has some of the problems of the previous games as well – but it's such a perfect encapsulation of old Sonic games, it's impressive. If you've ever been curious about what makes these old games special, or if you're just interested in revisiting the series you loved as a kid, this is the best way to do it. It's the old and the new wrapped together in a way that makes both shine. I hope this team goes on to do more, and eventually break themselves away from needing to remix old levels and just make their own.
    Read full review
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