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. JTJSGamer
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Best Sonic game in years. This is the perfect game for Sonic fans and new-comers to the franchise. Great level design, beautiful retro inspired graphics, and amazing music make this the Sonic game you can not miss.
  2. Darthtux
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a game made with passion and love. It is definitely made for the fans and also any new players who never got to experience the first sonic games.

    For only $30 you get a full game with high replay value; -being able to play as Sonic, Sonic/Tails, and Knuckles -Getting all the chaos emeralds -Speedrunning and just trying to get an higher score The game itself has a    Sonic Mania is a game made with passion and love. It is definitely made for the fans and also any new players who never got to experience the first sonic games.

    For only $30 you get a full game with high replay value;
    -being able to play as Sonic, Sonic/Tails, and Knuckles
    -Getting all the chaos emeralds
    -Speedrunning and just trying to get an higher score

    The game itself has a lot of old and new levels with new mechanics like the drop dash from sonic
    The drop dash is so fun to use and extremely useful
    Going back to the levels; the lvl design is top notch and you have a lot you can collect while you make your way to the boss!
    Also the bonus stages feel like a good side thing to do and it was a good addition

    They also added mini bosses for act 1 of every stage and I really appreciate that; since it helps your prepare for the big one in act 2. The bosses themselves have been remade; familiar bosses has new moves and stages (There's a few that caught me off guard, so wont spoil xD) but all of the bosses are really well made with some blast from the past

    Lastly the music; I think this is what holds a major part of Sonic's success and that is the music. Lots of remixed music from the past and new ones but all of them are soo good; already in my playlist. I never found a single track that was not memorable and Sonic once again achieves that
    ~Opening Animation is really cool too along with the music

    To wrap it up Sonic Mania is simply an amazing game. For $30, and not full price, you get a somewhat Classic Sonic Sequel with lots of new elements and remixed soundtrack/stages.
    The game keeps grabbing you to come back for me and trust me, I will play as much as I can before Sonic Forces come out!

    Congrats Sega you have made it back!    … Expand
  3. RidleayRomero
    Sep 13, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a game for the fans by long time fans of the franchise. I ordered the Collector's edition and was thoroughly satisfied with it's contents. The game itself is just as good if not better then the first 4 sonic games from the 90's. Just a simple plot, a simple goal, and a complex series of jumps, loop-de-loops, explosions, and crunches!
  4. orkinen
    Sep 5, 2017
    10
    Es uno de los mejores juegos de Sonic sin duda alguna, me ha hecho recordar las grandes partidas de la megadrive, con escenarios clásicos y a la vez unos totalmente nuevos.. jugabilidad perfecta, digno de ser el "verdadero" Sonic 4. Tiene mezcla de todos los Sonic clasicos, incluido el Sonic CD. el punto negativo pueden ser las bases de bonús que para mi son bastante complicadas. la BandaEs uno de los mejores juegos de Sonic sin duda alguna, me ha hecho recordar las grandes partidas de la megadrive, con escenarios clásicos y a la vez unos totalmente nuevos.. jugabilidad perfecta, digno de ser el "verdadero" Sonic 4. Tiene mezcla de todos los Sonic clasicos, incluido el Sonic CD. el punto negativo pueden ser las bases de bonús que para mi son bastante complicadas. la Banda sonora es de 10!… Expand
  5. ssjblackburn
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is amazing great visuals great sounds ...just enough old stuff and new stuff.... everything feels fresh and inovative .......bosses are varied and feel fun to battle against music harkons back to the glory days but with diffrences and enhancemnets ......spoilers ahead ....warning.... one boss i got to i was like ok,cool how will i fight him here.......well you play puyo puyo!!!!! (Or dr robotnics mean bean machine … Expand
  6. JoseGames
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    Undoubtedly the best 16-bit blue hedgehog game, colorful levels, spectacular soundtrack and a great variety of special areas with its referred head, certainly A Current Masterpiece
  7. sthagodd
    Aug 20, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is hands down the best Sonic game in many years, and is arguably the best Sonic game of all time. This game is a treat for old and new fans of the blue hedgehog. I grew up playing all the old genesis games as a kid and now 10-15 years later, I finally get to play a brand new classic 2D Sonic title. This game is what I've been asking for all those years and this development teamSonic Mania is hands down the best Sonic game in many years, and is arguably the best Sonic game of all time. This game is a treat for old and new fans of the blue hedgehog. I grew up playing all the old genesis games as a kid and now 10-15 years later, I finally get to play a brand new classic 2D Sonic title. This game is what I've been asking for all those years and this development team knocked this game out of the park, along with a perfect soundtrack by Tee Lopes. I don't usually write reviews but I had too because this game is incredible and I hope they consider more classic 2D titles in the future.… Expand
  8. efac41
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    I'm a long time Sonic the hedgehog fan, and I must say I rather enjoy most sonic games that I own/I've tried, and Sonic Mania isn't only enjoyable as a sonic fan, but as a gamer in general. I'm a fan of platformers but Sonic the Hedgehog has always been my favorite and this game is a tribute to Sonic the Hedgehog in every way possible:
    Awesome music- Check
    References to another sonic    I'm a long time Sonic the hedgehog fan, and I must say I rather enjoy most sonic games that I own/I've tried, and Sonic Mania isn't only enjoyable as a sonic fan, but as a gamer in general. I'm a fan of platformers but Sonic the Hedgehog has always been my favorite and this game is a tribute to Sonic the Hedgehog in every way possible:
    Awesome music- Check
    References to another sonic games - Double check xD
    Fluid gameplay - Check
    Creative levels- Check
    And the tale goes on and on and on and on...
    This game contains references to everything, the new gimmicks are cool and the old re-imagined old levels are awesome(specially the Sonic CD levels imo), I'm also a fan of the creative and full of references bosses - like the robotnik mean bean machine boss, the sonic fighters boss and the metalic madness one come to mind.
    Because of that I'm going to give Mania the perfect score 10/10    … Expand
  9. bsm82
    Aug 24, 2017
    10
    I'd say a 9.5 given a few hiccups, but this is an AMAZING Sonic game. Old fans and new can enjoy the blue blur as he returns to platforming glory.

    Pros: - Perfect physics/momentum based gameplay. - Great new levels and amazing re-imagining of classic stages. - Perfect soundtrack, Tee Lopes knows how to capture the feel of Sonic music. - Great pixel graphics, and varying backgrounds    I'd say a 9.5 given a few hiccups, but this is an AMAZING Sonic game. Old fans and new can enjoy the blue blur as he returns to platforming glory.

    Pros:
    - Perfect physics/momentum based gameplay.
    - Great new levels and amazing re-imagining of classic stages.
    - Perfect soundtrack, Tee Lopes knows how to capture the feel of Sonic music.
    - Great pixel graphics, and varying backgrounds between Acts and even within each level. This helps keep the gameplay fresh.

    Cons:
    - PS4 Leaderboards for Time Trials don't work, they crash out the game. As of now, they haven't been fixed. This is a real bummer, a lot of replay value is in the Time Trials and comparing your scores to others online.
    - A more subjective criticism, but it would be great if the graphics were more on par with something like Sonic 4 (high quality, HD, clear) instead of the classic pixel style. Combine those graphics with the gameplay, physics, and momentum of Mania and you have an even better game, in my humble opinion.    … Expand
  10. chaunce123
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    Great game for for sonic fans a must buy. if you are bad at classic sonic games do not play this its not for you, stick too your boring new super mario bros
  11. 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 !!
  12. Sonicman77
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    Best Sonic game ever! 10/10
    - Fact: This is an amazing game!
    - The Sonic 3 & Knuckles sequel that we've all been waiting for.
    - Fantastic music!
    - Awesome level design.
    - Retro graphics!
    - Better Boss Battles!
    - &Knuckles
  13. BREEBS
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    This is the first time I've felt obligated to write a review on Meta.

    Being a massive fan of all previous Sonic games and the blue speedster in general (going way back to 1991 and the SEGA Master system and Sonic The Comic). I almost religiously played the games to death, the pinnacle imho being Sonic 3 & Knuckles combo on Megadrive. With the last being Sonic Generations which I enjoyed    This is the first time I've felt obligated to write a review on Meta.

    Being a massive fan of all previous Sonic games and the blue speedster in general (going way back to 1991 and the SEGA Master system and Sonic The Comic). I almost religiously played the games to death, the pinnacle imho being Sonic 3 & Knuckles combo on Megadrive. With the last being Sonic Generations which I enjoyed but nothing else.

    After Generations, I wondered if there would be any point playing Sonic Mania due to having my “30-something, seen it all and done it all” attitude - but I'm so glad I took this blue leap of faith.

    Firstly, what struck me was that I was overjoyed by the amount of times I caught myself laughing/grinning at the screen, amazed by something I'd played various versions of millions of times over, yet seeing it twisted and reworked in such a beautiful way and providing delight I haven't had from a game in years.

    I was thrilled by the old bonus levels (which I love and hate equally) mixed in with the very enjoyable new ones. Playability with all the main core characters Sonic, Tails and Knuckles (no sign of Vector/Bumble-dude and Shadow in sight thankfully). Reworkings of old and classic bosses were a highlight (Big shout out to Mean Bean Machine) & Tails flying his plane!! They all worked so well as a whole product.

    This is a game which is challenging for Sonic oldies - I'm not ashamed to say I even got a 'Game Over' and was even bailed out by my buddy Tails - whose A.I delighted me no end.

    Mania got me enthusiastic about Sonic again in a way I never thought imaginable. I hope this project is a massive success and they can go on to produce many more games.

    My initial reaction was that it can’t be as comprehensive and fun a game as the aforementioned S3 & K and it isn’t because nostalgia is the overpowering factor but it’s such a welcome throwback for us veterans who look back on Sonic as part of our golden generation of games…

    I, for one, will be one of the first in the queue again if they decide to make more.

    B    … Expand
  14. RebelSoldier
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is like a breath of fresh air to the series.It's the ideal 2d Sonic game that I wanted for more than 20 years and I was not let down.Game journalist point out that "There are more retro levels that new" and yes that is technically a flaw but I don't care I had immense fun with this game that I didn't mind what level comes up.To make a good Sonic game a good Sonic game in needsSonic Mania is like a breath of fresh air to the series.It's the ideal 2d Sonic game that I wanted for more than 20 years and I was not let down.Game journalist point out that "There are more retro levels that new" and yes that is technically a flaw but I don't care I had immense fun with this game that I didn't mind what level comes up.To make a good Sonic game a good Sonic game in needs to check these criteria(Level design, Art and graphics, Accessibility and a soundtrack)
    Sonic Mania gets the main part of a formula for a great Sonic game and then some.The level design of these stages are excellent and each and every set piece was thought out.Primarily Act 2 of each zone is different is so many ways that it becomes a new zone all by itself.

    Conclusion: This is one of the best games I ever played and will play again many years from now.The more "There are more retro levels that new" isn't really a flaw in my opinion.All that matters is that you had fun and yes, I had great fun.
    P.S If you have a problem with the retro zones overshadowing the new ones then you can play Fan games that even rival Sonic Mania. "Sonic before the Sequel" and "Sonic after the Sequel" are games that you can try that have almost 100% originality and great level design.    … Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Crafter
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a pure masterpiece that has been brought to us. Sonic Mania combines everything great about the classics while bringing its own creative spin on it, with improved physics, visuals, and even music. Sonic Mania proves to show the classics can still be in style. Mania's gameplay is a blast, with Christian Whiteheads perfectly made physics and amazing level design Mania is trulySonic Mania is a pure masterpiece that has been brought to us. Sonic Mania combines everything great about the classics while bringing its own creative spin on it, with improved physics, visuals, and even music. Sonic Mania proves to show the classics can still be in style. Mania's gameplay is a blast, with Christian Whiteheads perfectly made physics and amazing level design Mania is truly a wonder to behold. Sonic Mania's inclusion of tails and knuckles enhances this experience and makes each and every level a new experience, which in turn makes the replay ability amazing. Sonic Mania has minor flaws however the positive is completely outclassed by negative, you will find yourself having a blast from the stages, to music, to visuals, to gameplay, Mania proves sonic still has a lot of fire in him ready to be pushed out.… Expand
  18. ThisIsAlistair
    Nov 8, 2017
    9
    Probably the best Sonic game out there.

    Excellent level design, excellent music. Almost perfect, but a bit too much reliance on past Sonic games, and the bonus stages are not that much fun - would have been better to have bonus stages like in Sonic 3 etc, that award items. Online co-op play would have been great.

    Still, one of the best platformers you can buy.
  19. FreedomFighters
    Aug 3, 2019
    9
    Let me quickly answer the inevitable: when watching that 25th Anniversary event for “Sonic the Hedgehog” at Comic-Con in 2016, did I, a born-in 3D gamer merely watching (or, half-watching while playing “Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time”) to get a look at the next 3D “Sonic” title, really expect that the best thing to come from that event would be a game that was essentially an amalgamation ofLet me quickly answer the inevitable: when watching that 25th Anniversary event for “Sonic the Hedgehog” at Comic-Con in 2016, did I, a born-in 3D gamer merely watching (or, half-watching while playing “Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time”) to get a look at the next 3D “Sonic” title, really expect that the best thing to come from that event would be a game that was essentially an amalgamation of 2D-era “Sonic” stages re-done for a new generation? No way, man, I was all about that totally-not-abhorrent Totino’s Stuffed Nachos product placement (which, I…admittedly fell for because I tried the Stuffed Nachos and…I honestly liked them). But in all seriousness, I was so intrigued (and, to some degree, confused) by “Project Sonic 2017” (which later became “Sonic Forces,” of course) to the point that “Sonic Mania” kind of faded into the background for me. I’d honestly forgotten about it until it was confirmed for a Nintendo Switch release some time later at the Nintendo Switch Presentation in 2017. Little did I know at the time that I’d not only have more fun with “Sonic Mania” than “Sonic Forces,” but that I’d come to see “Sonic Mania” as one of the most rip-roaring, off-the-wall, and best Sonic games I’ve played.
    “Sonic Mania,” through and through, is a love-letter to the “Classic Era” of “Sonic the Hedgehog,” and even the tiniest details scream out “passion.” The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, the game is just bursting with vibrant colors and great attention to detail, and the overall art design is just a marvel to observe. The music, as is the case with many “Sonic” games, remains catchy, immediate, and all-around fantastic, and it’s great to see that the music feels fresh, while retaining the spirit of what made these original songs so iconic. And the gameplay is equally fantastic: the physics are refined, the speed and platforming are mostly great, and while the game does spend a good bit of its time kicking you in uncomfortable areas with its difficulty, it’s still so easy to become hypnotized by the game’s clever and inventive level design that serve to remind us why the 2D “Sonic” games were such compelling competitors to the “Super Mario Bros.” games back in the fourth generation of gaming.
    I will say there are a few things holding this game the smallest bit back: while it’s a loving re-creation of 2D “Sonic,” it does bring about several of the frustrations and annoyances from that era, which means the game still suffers from annoyances that stem from the “trial-and-error” style of gameplay, as well as the overly-frustrating bosses that almost seem to have “fake difficult” written somewhere on them. Also, maybe this is me making a mountain out of a molehill, but I can’t be the only one frustrated that, if you get a “Game Over” in Act 2 of a Zone, you’ll HAVE to play and beat Act 1 again, right? Sega, if you plan to make another game in this style, please remove that feature. I appreciate the commitment to faithfulness, but refinement is a nice thing, too.
    All things told, though, “Sonic Mania” is easily one of the best “Sonic” games that I’ve played in a while, and perhaps one of the best games in the series. It may be odd saying that about a game like this, but this is nearly everything a “Sonic” game should be, and while I’m not sure if Sega is going to continue to try their hand at new 2D “Sonic” experiences, I can definitely say “Sonic Mania” lays a great foundation for them if they plan to keep going with it.
    Final rating: 9 out of 10 “Awesome”    … Expand
  20. ShadowChaos99
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    A perfect way to keep the Sonic series alive and well. Gives you everything that the sonic in the 90's did, and even more, as you can play as Tails, Sonic, and Knuckles, something you couldn't do in the first game.
  21. Metayerju
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    Worth a run. Good free game on psn plus. It is a bit dated. Slightly boring
  22. FPS_Gamer
    Oct 24, 2017
    10
    O jogo decidiu apostar no estilo de seus clássicos, como uma jogabilidade simples e sprites, o game conta com uma série nova de sprites e desafios levando aos fãs antigos a diversão e chamando o novo público dos jogos.
  23. stabbykeith1985
    Nov 5, 2017
    8
    An excellent game, full of a good mix of nostalgia and new. However, multiple bugs and sudden difficulty spikes can make an already challenging game almost unplayable at some points.
  24. 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.
  25. Calebobvs
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    This classic sonic game is the best classic sonic game by far! The graphics are very awesome! Definitely brings back the classic sonic feeling. Thank you, SEGA for making this game a reality!
  26. 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.
  27. Yehaa2648
    Jan 11, 2018
    10
    Sonic Mania is by far the best Sonic game out there. When you get ahold of this game you'll be in heaven, great game great graphics, and just filled with nostalgia.
  28. Petepems7905
    May 30, 2019
    9
    Pretty damn awesome that's all I can say because no other words can do this game justice
  29. MufasaMedic
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    This game is everything you loved about the original Sonic games mixed with refreshing new gameplay. It's a perfect blend of classic sonic and new elements. It never feels too challenging or too difficult since you always have the ability to start your game at the most recent level. The new levels are super fun and look amazing. Well done Sega
  30. Insertc0in
    Aug 15, 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
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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

All reviews »
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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