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. Funkymonk
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Finally! This is the game that captures the peerless 2D gameplay and charm of the originals whilst also giving us plenty of new ideas and surprises. In short it's the Sonic game fans been waiting over 20 years for. As for everyone else, well if you're into 2D platformers you'd be crazy to overlook this and if you've never played Sonic before this is a great place to start!
  2. mihmanz
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    The game is simply what we have been expecting for years. Great tribute to the originals and arguably the best Sonic game in the series. I wished it had a non-pixelation mode though... i don't remember the originals to be pixelated on my crt tv.
  3. Makaveli
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    I was a big fan of Sonic 2 back in the day, didnt really care much for any other games in this series, I guess 3 was ok and sonic adventure wasnt my jam but Finally we have a sonic game that surpasses Sonic 2.. This is the best Sonic game ever made. period.
  4. 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!
  5. Takeru88
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    Sin duda Sonic Mania se posiciona dentro de mis favoritos de la saga, junto al primer Sonic, el 2, el 3 y el CD. Es puro amor clásico. Tiene un arte carismático, una música adecuada, un control perfecto y el diseño de niveles es muy variado, rápido y con una amplia posibilidad de exploración, sin ser esto algo obligado ni tampoco tedioso. Incluso, el ritmo en el que encuentras los bonusSin duda Sonic Mania se posiciona dentro de mis favoritos de la saga, junto al primer Sonic, el 2, el 3 y el CD. Es puro amor clásico. Tiene un arte carismático, una música adecuada, un control perfecto y el diseño de niveles es muy variado, rápido y con una amplia posibilidad de exploración, sin ser esto algo obligado ni tampoco tedioso. Incluso, el ritmo en el que encuentras los bonus para conseguir las esmeraldas o las medallas no interrumpe el flujo del juego, pues hay muchas oportunidades para lograrlo y se siente casi natural. Y si no lo logras en la primera partida, las opciones rejugables te lo facilitarán. Me agradó que la dificultad de los bonus fuese elevada; hay algunos del demonio. No sé qué más decir: que este es el juego 2D de Sonic que había estado esperando desde hace mucho. Se ganó mi corazón con todos los guiños que tiene a la saga clásica. Muy buen plataformas! :)… Expand
  6. alan666
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Amazing game. Big attention to detail. A shower of pure nostalgia both in the graphics and in the soundtrack. A must buy for fans of Sonic in the 90´s
  7. FanboySEGA
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Lo quiero definir en un nombre, es el verdadero "Sonic 4".
    Juego totalmente recomendable para todos los públicos, es frenético, rápido, divertido, rejugable, música increíble... todos los adjetivos positivos que os podáis imaginar valdrían para este Sonic Mania.
    Lo tengo para PS4, pero para portátil tiene que ser todavía mas espectacular, una pena que no salga para PS VITA. Si no lo    Lo quiero definir en un nombre, es el verdadero "Sonic 4".
    Juego totalmente recomendable para todos los públicos, es frenético, rápido, divertido, rejugable, música increíble... todos los adjetivos positivos que os podáis imaginar valdrían para este Sonic Mania.
    Lo tengo para PS4, pero para portátil tiene que ser todavía mas espectacular, una pena que no salga para PS VITA.
    Si no lo tienes, compralo ya.    … Expand
  8. PissedOffWookie
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    Unbelievable. They outdid Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Fans actually made a better game than Sonic Team ever did. What are you doing reading user reviews? Go buy this game.
  9. otakudbz
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    The best Sonic game in years. Sonic Mania manages to be new & fresh, and old & nostalgic at the same time. It perfectly captures what the Sonic games were in 20 years ago, making a perfect celebration of past and future. The remixed stages are absolutely incredible, and the new levels are surprising at the same time. Both of them have great level design. It's also the hardest 2D Sonic GameThe best Sonic game in years. Sonic Mania manages to be new & fresh, and old & nostalgic at the same time. It perfectly captures what the Sonic games were in 20 years ago, making a perfect celebration of past and future. The remixed stages are absolutely incredible, and the new levels are surprising at the same time. Both of them have great level design. It's also the hardest 2D Sonic Game yet, and "difficulty" is something we didn't have in the Sonic Franchise for a long, long time. Of course, I can't forget about the beautiful soundtrack and sound effects. You should totally buy Sonic Mania right now.… Expand
  10. rtap5
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania plays like the originals, and has the same level of difficulty. But it truly is a must have for all Sonic fans everywhere, especially those of us who grew up playing those types of games.
  11. 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
  12. Mrbuckminster
    Aug 20, 2017
    10
    The game is simply what have been we expecting for years. Great tribute to the originals and arguably the best Sonic game in the series. I wished it had a non-pixelation mode though... i don't remember the originals to be pixelated on my crt tv.
  13. Ekko
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    I haven't been interested in the Sonic shenanigans since the very first 16 Bit games.
    I never felt the need to position myself in any one camp, I liked Mario, I liked Sonic. I always found it weird that many kind of "decide" for their plattformer hero of choice and than don't bother even look at the "rival". They're both great, they're totally different in how they approach the genre but    I haven't been interested in the Sonic shenanigans since the very first 16 Bit games.
    I never felt the need to position myself in any one camp, I liked Mario, I liked Sonic. I always found it weird that many kind of "decide" for their plattformer hero of choice and than don't bother even look at the "rival". They're both great, they're totally different in how they approach the genre but that is exactly what makes it fun! Diversity! I stopped playing 3D Sonic games after Adventures (which I found okay, but it hasn't aged well, imho, and SA2 wasn't really my cup of tea). I, like most, liked Generations, but everething else (-and you are not excluded, Sonic 4-) didn't work for me AT ALL. I planned on getting Mania and playing a couple of rounds for old times sake, but... F*ck. I didn't expect it to be that good. It basically looks like a forgotten Genesis / Mega Drive Sonic game. With great production value, fantastic soundtrack and man... I forgot how much fun 2D-Sonic was. I ended up cancelling everything i had planned and just played Mania. I just finished it and really look forward to getting as much of the unlockables as I can. I think lots of folks feel that this is their Sonic-fans wet dream. I Just think, if this came out of nowhere today, without there having been anything like Sonic games, it would just be as fun. It's just a great concept: Speedy passages interchanging with slower plattforming parts in visually and accoustically catchy environments. It's done very well here. It's really satisfying, controls are tight, visuals are 16-bittish-crisp and the music is super melodic.
    My only gripe is (-if you can actually call it that-) the inclusion of the Blue Sphere bonus stages. I really, really suck at them. Hard. It's just frustrating. I'm better at the Ufo-sections, though, so that helps.
    I didn't find anything else to complain about. I would gladly take another of these in a year or two. Maybe with a bit less pixely throwback-type graphics, a bit more modernized in visuals and feel. But even if not - hey! It's a metric ton load of fun! Biggest surprise for me this year! Get it!    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. Paulo-Lameiras
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    This is the Sonic game i heve been waiting for for over 20 years, and the proof that sometimes devs shouldn't mess with a winning formula.

    The gameplay is perfect, the visuals beautiful (love the mix between classic and new zones) and the sound brings fans many good memories. My only complain is the timer. Sure, it was always there, but the leves are so bigger that i would love to be    This is the Sonic game i heve been waiting for for over 20 years, and the proof that sometimes devs shouldn't mess with a winning formula.

    The gameplay is perfect, the visuals beautiful (love the mix between classic and new zones) and the sound brings fans many good memories.

    My only complain is the timer. Sure, it was always there, but the leves are so bigger that i would love to be able to explore ever corner and secret at my pace.

    Anyway, brilliant 2d platformer and easily the best Sonic game since Sonic & Knuckles 10/10.    … Expand
  16. 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.
  17. DiamondJoyride
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    I think I can safely say that this is among the best Sonic games ever conceived. Tight controls, incredible graphics, and while there is a bit of a difficulty spike later in the game, it doesn't take anything away from this outstanding game. Bar none, the best Sonic game since Generations.
  18. vgmkyle
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    Finally, a Sonic game that says F YOU to all of his naysayers, and to all the people that don't understand retro gaming. This is what you've been missing out on Call of Duty players -- a game that actually requires your brain. Try not to get too frustrated that it doesn't hold your hand.
  19. NeedleNose1
    Aug 18, 2017
    10
    This game is a reminder that Sonic and Mario were once treated as equal franchises. Sonic Mania is the best Sonic game that has ever been made, a love letter to the classic games and an excellent step forward. Old stages are seen in a brand new way and completely new, original stages stand among or above the most fondly remembered classics.

    If you are a fan of Sonic, platforming or fun    This game is a reminder that Sonic and Mario were once treated as equal franchises. Sonic Mania is the best Sonic game that has ever been made, a love letter to the classic games and an excellent step forward. Old stages are seen in a brand new way and completely new, original stages stand among or above the most fondly remembered classics.

    If you are a fan of Sonic, platforming or fun this game is for you.    … Expand
  20. antpaca
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    This is the perfect representation of 2D sonic. The remixed stages are kept interesting with new twists and turns, and the totally new stages stand shoulder to shoulder with any stage from the 1990s. Hopefully the next installment will contain a greater proportion of original stages!
  21. Jolteon7721
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Despite the occasional frustration of a rare glitch or hard level, Sonic Mania had me on a roller-coaster of nostalgia and fun in every level. They made new levels that have become instant favorites and took old levels and made them feel completely new. If it wasn't for the music I would not have recognized most of the returning levels. Sonic Mania is easily in my top 5 games of thisDespite the occasional frustration of a rare glitch or hard level, Sonic Mania had me on a roller-coaster of nostalgia and fun in every level. They made new levels that have become instant favorites and took old levels and made them feel completely new. If it wasn't for the music I would not have recognized most of the returning levels. Sonic Mania is easily in my top 5 games of this year so far.… Expand
  22. RexSol
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Sonic was always good. Ok maybe not. But it was a big part of my childhood. The last Sonic game i loved was Sonic 3 & Knuckles. And Sonic Mania is exactly the Sonic game i've always wanted. Perfect level design, perfect soundtrack, the perfect Sonic game, 10/10.
  23. BrandonNel2307
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is definitely a blast-from-the-past; but in a good way. Sonic handles exactly how he did 25 years ago! This game is not only for a long time Sonic fans, but also to people who are new to Sonic as well. This game perfects everything that it introduces: The new drop dash, new stages, new music remixes, new bosses, cool new gimmicks, new bonus stages, and most of all...KNUCKLES!Sonic Mania is definitely a blast-from-the-past; but in a good way. Sonic handles exactly how he did 25 years ago! This game is not only for a long time Sonic fans, but also to people who are new to Sonic as well. This game perfects everything that it introduces: The new drop dash, new stages, new music remixes, new bosses, cool new gimmicks, new bonus stages, and most of all...KNUCKLES! This game is by far the best 2D sonic game since Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and is definitely worth a look at; Sonic fan or not. So, this game is highly recommended overall, and I hope to see Sega make more of these type of classic games hopefully in the near future. (And making a whole new fresh experience by making all of the game's levels brand new ones!)… Expand
  24. 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.
  25. Elmer9999
    Aug 19, 2017
    10
    Sonic mania is an absoloutely amazing. Now, let me get this straight. This game is not a nostalgia trip. You do not need to be a sonic fan rock enjoy this. I do botch get people in reality; there’s nothing confusing about this game. A few cutscenes that are self-explanatory, and your off into the game. You don not need to be a hardcore fan to understand it. The gameplay is amazing; it isSonic mania is an absoloutely amazing. Now, let me get this straight. This game is not a nostalgia trip. You do not need to be a sonic fan rock enjoy this. I do botch get people in reality; there’s nothing confusing about this game. A few cutscenes that are self-explanatory, and your off into the game. You don not need to be a hardcore fan to understand it. The gameplay is amazing; it is tight, smooth, and the momentum ou can really feel it is there. The people who say the gameplay is “slippery” are simply mediocre and either like to bash on the series, or they don’t have a brain big enough to realize you can focus at your own pace in the game. This is how sonic mania works just like the classics; the better you are, the faster you can go. You can play the game at any pace you want. Nobody tells you to go very fast, or very slow. The music is amazing. So are the bosses. Unlike previous titles, it is just eggman in a new machine doing the same patterns. However, the bosses here are extraordinary. They are unpredictable, challenging, and fun. There are also a lot of secrets in this game, which will not be specified just so the spoiler box doesn’t have to be checked. The replay ability in this game is amazing. Even if you are a new sonic fan, this game is amazing. It is probably arguably the best game of all time.… Expand
  26. Barnes1987
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    What a bargain for under £20. This game is the true Sonic 4 and is easily one of the best Sonic games ever made. Multiple Save files and multiple characters, Lots of stages(Some remixed, some completely new) This game takes everything that made the original Sonic games great and improved upon it further, This is one not to be missed for true Sonic fans, and if you've never played a SonicWhat a bargain for under £20. This game is the true Sonic 4 and is easily one of the best Sonic games ever made. Multiple Save files and multiple characters, Lots of stages(Some remixed, some completely new) This game takes everything that made the original Sonic games great and improved upon it further, This is one not to be missed for true Sonic fans, and if you've never played a Sonic game before then this a great place to start. Highly recommended!… Expand
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. elvistrentin
    Aug 19, 2017
    10
    Just great! Its the true sonic 4 we've been waiting for so many years! I dont like giving 10 to games but this one deserve! Its a perfect game for real sonic fans
  30. Sageflash
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is undoubtedly the true successor of the Sonic classic's spirit, excellent design on the stages, beautiful glorious pixel, familiar control for Sonic and the gang, new bosses, multi-tier platform, made this game a nostalgic joy for all those who grew up with Sonic and the gang.

    This game is still a SONIC game, mind you, so it will not be easy. It will be full of challenges    Sonic Mania is undoubtedly the true successor of the Sonic classic's spirit, excellent design on the stages, beautiful glorious pixel, familiar control for Sonic and the gang, new bosses, multi-tier platform, made this game a nostalgic joy for all those who grew up with Sonic and the gang.

    This game is still a SONIC game, mind you, so it will not be easy. It will be full of challenges and race against time (and water), but don't be taken aback, because long dedicated fans will surely have no problem with it and instead embrace it more.

    Love you Sonic, and thank you Sega for letting the fans made the game.

    So now let us RUN AMOK with Sonic mania!!!    … 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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