Sonic Mania

 Switch
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 877 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 755 out of 877
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 877
  3. Negative: 61 out of 877
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  1. 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).

    Sonic Mania seems a portable friendly games which seems to be a perfect fit for the Nintendo switch. The small size of the game and its high replay value makes it a potential game that will never leave your switch drive.    … Expand
  2. SrRama
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Soy jugador de Sonic desde Master system, y esto es lo que llevo esperando todos estos años, solo usaré una palabra para definir a este juego: Felicidad.
  3. Dusenedezi
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    Best Sonic game ever, combines the excellent gameplay of Sonic 3 with more precision and new mechanics. The graphics are amazing everything has life and the colors are very striking! 10/10
  4. jysaw
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    This game is everything I've ever wanted out of a classic Sonic game and more. I couldn't have asked for a better game in my wildest dreams. The graphics are nice and nostalgic, they're crisp and look great. The animations are very well done. The music is absolutely phenomenal. The level design is genius and it works to allow you play how you want to play. You're able to speed through andThis game is everything I've ever wanted out of a classic Sonic game and more. I couldn't have asked for a better game in my wildest dreams. The graphics are nice and nostalgic, they're crisp and look great. The animations are very well done. The music is absolutely phenomenal. The level design is genius and it works to allow you play how you want to play. You're able to speed through and reach the end as fast as you can. You can take it slow and focus on platforming. You can explore and track that hidden special stage down. It's all here. The levels are massive. You can play the same level 3 or 4 times and not see the same things. The special stages from Sonic 3 and Knuckles return as a means to collect coins and these can give you a nice change of pace if you want to spend some time on them. They are completely optional. The new zones are chock full of set pieces and badniks to keep you enraptured and on your toes. The returning zones have over the top re-imagined layouts and obstacles in the second act. Each act is connected and allows for seamless gameplay. The bosses are all challenging and entertaining including a very special boss in Chemical Plant Zone. There are so many nods and references to obscure and well known Sonic things to keep veterans smiling the whole way through. The game is extremely long with a large amount of zones to explore. And most importantly this game feels like a classic Sonic game. It's the sequel to Sonic 3 that we've dreamed of since we were kids. This game has a little something for everyone. Veterans and newcomers alike. It's a truly masterful 2D platformer that's an absolute must-have for any fan of the genre. It has extras and side modes to keep you satiated after completing the story and it is just a blast to play. I can't recommend this game enough. If you're a fan of Sonic or 2D platformers in general you have to pick this game up. It's a steal at only $20. You won't regret your purchase.… Expand
  5. BMO
    Sep 4, 2017
    9
    This game took me way back. It fixes a lot of the gripes of old sonic games and adds a lot of routes to each stage. Music is on point with some of the songs remastered better than their older counterparts, and the new stages are familiar yet fresh and exciting. Boss fights aren't really that challenging but they're on par with older sonic games (With one special surprise). The art designThis game took me way back. It fixes a lot of the gripes of old sonic games and adds a lot of routes to each stage. Music is on point with some of the songs remastered better than their older counterparts, and the new stages are familiar yet fresh and exciting. Boss fights aren't really that challenging but they're on par with older sonic games (With one special surprise). The art design is clean, the ability to go back to stages and get the emeralds is nice, as is the fact that there are multiple bonus stages to find per stage so you don't have to go searching for one specific bonus stage to get the emeralds. For its price, you get your money's worth and then some, but unfortunately there are a few bugs in the game you might encounter that might hurt the experience.… Expand
  6. Rtheom
    Aug 18, 2017
    8
    This is a really great fan game. It never quite feels like a real sonic game because too much of it is just recycled from older games, and the new stuff that is in there feels just off enough to be easily recognizable as not from the original creators of sonic. The controls are just a hair too loose, sonic's hitbox is just a little too big, and the rings bounce in just the wrong way, butThis is a really great fan game. It never quite feels like a real sonic game because too much of it is just recycled from older games, and the new stuff that is in there feels just off enough to be easily recognizable as not from the original creators of sonic. The controls are just a hair too loose, sonic's hitbox is just a little too big, and the rings bounce in just the wrong way, but overall, a very solid effort. You can tell that this game was created by people that love the entire Sonic Universe (and I do mean ENTIRE). Small tweaks aside, this game really just needed to be all original content and it would have wound up being better for it, but its still a must play for old sonic fans. For newcomers, you should really return back to the originals, though, Sonic 1, 2 and 3.… Expand
  7. TheGeekLantern
    Aug 19, 2017
    9
    Como Nintendero de toda la vida pasé de Sonic y sus juegos hasta sus entregas en la Dreamcast. Por este motivo, fue una grandiosa experiencia encontrarme con el erizo azul y disfrutar del increíble juego de plataformas 2D que es Sonic Mania. Recomendadísimo si eres fan de los juegos retro, amas a SEGA o símplemente quieres ampliar tu catálogo de Switch con un juego de mucha calidad.
  8. Seemuhn
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    An awesome Sonic game, feels just like the 16-bit ones. It looks and sounds like Sonic CD but has better colours and more animations. The only negative thing i can say about it is that it features some levels from the old games rather than have everything made from scratch which just feels lazy.
    This is a perfect game to get for the Switch as it lets you take Sonic with you and as the    An awesome Sonic game, feels just like the 16-bit ones. It looks and sounds like Sonic CD but has better colours and more animations. The only negative thing i can say about it is that it features some levels from the old games rather than have everything made from scratch which just feels lazy.
    This is a perfect game to get for the Switch as it lets you take Sonic with you and as the game is not hardware demanding it looks just as good on the switch as any other platform.
    Buy it right now, its awesome!    … Expand
  9. dsc24axalta
    Oct 25, 2017
    10
    This game is simply amazing. And I don't mean purely from a nostalgic viewpoint either, though it certainly does scratch that itch. The game plays just like the Sonic games from the past, from the legendary titles we all grew up on (assuming you're around my age lol). What's cool about this game is that it adds enough new to keep the game fresh, even when exploring levels from the past. IThis game is simply amazing. And I don't mean purely from a nostalgic viewpoint either, though it certainly does scratch that itch. The game plays just like the Sonic games from the past, from the legendary titles we all grew up on (assuming you're around my age lol). What's cool about this game is that it adds enough new to keep the game fresh, even when exploring levels from the past. I get that some people would have preferred the game to have entirely new Zones. That's understandable to say the least. But what returned is so different from the past that essentially the entire game is brand new. And I love that the Zones themselves are MASSIVE. One of the best elements of past Sonic games was exploring and finding new paths in your runs from A to B and this game definitely gives you a lot to do in that regard. The game is a great blast from the past that has new elements; certainly a very enjoyable game to say the least.… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. SuperMatt777
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is meant to be a throwback to the classic, 16-bit Sonic games of the 90s and boy did it do them justice. Sonic Mania is an amazing game that does a great job of mixing the old with the new. New zones mixed in with some memorable zones from the old games made this an awesome experience. New stages like Studiopolis and Press Garden were beautiful looking stages with coolSonic Mania is meant to be a throwback to the classic, 16-bit Sonic games of the 90s and boy did it do them justice. Sonic Mania is an amazing game that does a great job of mixing the old with the new. New zones mixed in with some memorable zones from the old games made this an awesome experience. New stages like Studiopolis and Press Garden were beautiful looking stages with cool references while returning stages like Chemical Plant and Hydrocity were really awesome retro throwbacks with new twists. On top of all the stages, the game's difficulty was fair too; it was easy when it wanted to be easy and challenging when the time called for it. Sonic Mania is a really awesome game and the game Sonic really needed after his last few adventures. Any fan of Sonic, old or new, should definitely try it out.… Expand
  12. dislexicpotato
    Oct 21, 2018
    9
    With excellent gameplay, stunning retro visuals and memorable music, Sonic Mania is easily the best Sonic game since Sonic Generations in 2011.
  13. Toalbooth
    Sep 1, 2017
    8
    With the rocky situation that the Sonic the Hedgehog series has been since around 2012 with Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed, it came as a surprise no less when we all saw Sonic Mania being announced to be going back to its 16-bit (ish) routes, as well as in the hands on those that have had experience with Sonic the Hedgehog one way or the other.

    For a game going back over 25 years,    With the rocky situation that the Sonic the Hedgehog series has been since around 2012 with Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed, it came as a surprise no less when we all saw Sonic Mania being announced to be going back to its 16-bit (ish) routes, as well as in the hands on those that have had experience with Sonic the Hedgehog one way or the other.

    For a game going back over 25 years, you would be right to be skeptical, with purposely limiting yourself in terms of visuals and mechanics, but with Sonic Mania, all skepticism would be washed away as it is merely just an old coat of paint with nostalgic colours.

    Yes, Sonic Mania is filled with tons of nostalgia, but it all does work very well and handles much like the classic games, in fact some would even argue that this is the well and true Sonic the Hedgehog 4, but that's irrelevant to this.

    the story isn't anything special, some Egg-Robos are seen obtaining a Phantom Ruby which travels in time and turns them into the "Hard-boiled Heavies" each with their own personality and means of fighting... and that's pretty much it without spoiling the true ending when getting all Seven Chaos Emeralds.

    Now with the gameplay, if you've played all of the previous Sonic classic games, then you've literally played around 75% of Mania, yes when I said nostalgia, I was more referring to the fact that 8 of the 12 zones are all from the previous ones, you have 1 form Sonic 1, 2 from Sonic 2 and CD each and 3 from Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the last four are completely original zones.
    While that may not seem problematic for some, if you're going to make a whole new game, you might as well have more original zones than old ones, and I think we're all sick to death of Green Hill Zone; if you wanted to bring back classic zones, then I think just having 1 from each of the old games and 8 original would've been a more better result.

    Other than that, the music, visuals and gameplay are all fantastic in their own regards, I'm just waiting for the Album to come out on Google Play as I type this, the special stages also have their fair share of fun and challenge and makes the Chaos Emeralds more rewarding.

    While I was smiling to see the Blue Sphere stages return, I was very disappointed to see that I got nothing for getting all Gold Medals, I unlocked the Debug and Sound Tests just by getting all Silvers, so I thought I was going to get something else with my efforts, but alas, nothing.

    So with all of that in mind, this game is an absolutely solid game and is definitely worth its price tag, if it had more original stages, then I would've given this a much higher score of 10/10, but that is it'a glaring flaw in this ragard    … Expand
  14. seiftahan
    Oct 29, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this game is incredible and the 2d flashback is really good idea thank you Christian Whitehead for this game but no game without cons the good is

    the old zones is only a name
    this game is really hard Titanic monarch is the hardest zone
    this game is the real return of classic sonic

    the cons
    1- the stages is really bad designed
    2- sonic drop dash is cheap
    3- the controls is bad

    my rating 9.5/10 but no 9.5 on metacritic so I gonna give it a 9    … Expand
  15. holnugget
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    Got this digitally on sale during Christmas 2021 for $10. For that money, it's a 10/10 and a time kill.
  16. SonicKirbyElric
    Nov 5, 2017
    9
    This is a true sequel to the original Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy. The physics are just right and the level design is what you would expect of the era. Tee Lopes does a fantastic job with the soundtrack, my favorites being some of the boss themes. My only issues is that 4 out of the 12 zones are original and I would've loved to see more originality from this team that held many creative ideas.
  17. MrClassic05
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Mania is my favorite sonic game, and I didn’t expect getting this game for my Switch

    Story:
    Eggman is using a mysterious pink emerald that has a power to take you to another dimension and you have to stop him.
    The game has good and bad ending, Bad ending can be caused of beating the game normally
    And good ending after you collect all 7 chaos emeralds and then beat the game

    Mania Mode:
    Mania mode is the main game where you can play as Sonic, Tails, Sonic and Tails together and lastly knuckles.
    The multiplayer is the same as 3 and knuckles with Sonic controlling the camera and Tails trying to catch up

    Time Attack:
    You basically try to beat the level as fast as possible, this time the counter won’t start until you move forward and the boss battle will be ignored

    Bonus Stages:
    The bonus stages are the blue sphere stages from Sonic 3 except you are rewarded with coins that can unlock extras

    VS Mode:
    You basically race with player 2 with each player having his own screen

    Extras:
    Extras add more to the game such as &Knuckles Mode or Mean bean or peel out from Sonic CD

    Flaws:
    Sometime after beating Hydrocity Zone Act 1 the Game strangely freezes and hydrocity is not the only Zone

    Should you get it
    Yes, seeing how cheap the game is, but if this is your first sonic game you won’t praise the game as a longtime fan.    … Expand
  18. riverkev95
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Simplemente una gran forma de regresar con todo la de Sonic con este juego.
    Entretenido con gran diseño de niveles y variados modos de juego
    Grandioso en todos los términos de nostalgia.
  19. Cjis2Nice
    Nov 20, 2017
    9
    I can't say anything about this game that hasn't already been said before. It's the best classic Sonic game hands down. My only problems with it is that the bonus stages are limited to just the blue spheres, and I wish there were more original stages. Other than that though, this game is great. I would give it a 8.5, but I'll round up because this is the 2nd Sonic game (first beingI can't say anything about this game that hasn't already been said before. It's the best classic Sonic game hands down. My only problems with it is that the bonus stages are limited to just the blue spheres, and I wish there were more original stages. Other than that though, this game is great. I would give it a 8.5, but I'll round up because this is the 2nd Sonic game (first being Unleashed) that was able to surpass my expectations.… Expand
  20. Xcaliber
    Jan 20, 2018
    10
    this to me is the best sonic game since sonic cd. the level design is amazing and the remixed zones are awesome, the sprites and animations are so good and kinda cute sometimes. the music is also amazing with Tee Lopes handling this phenomenal soundtrack! Now for the problems............none. Christian Whitehead, pagoda west, and headcannon have created the best sonic game ever!
  21. dash383535
    Nov 30, 2017
    10
    Introduction: The classic 2D Sonic games are back with a mix of new, old, and remixed levels. Everything has been improved and updated for a classic Sonic game with new surprises that will keep you guess whats next. This is the Sonic game you have been waiting for since Sonic CD.

    Story: The story is pretty simple but it keeps the game going along. Eggman uncovers a mysterious gem that    Introduction: The classic 2D Sonic games are back with a mix of new, old, and remixed levels. Everything has been improved and updated for a classic Sonic game with new surprises that will keep you guess whats next. This is the Sonic game you have been waiting for since Sonic CD.

    Story: The story is pretty simple but it keeps the game going along. Eggman uncovers a mysterious gem that can warp and alter reality. You try to get the gem from him but a group of mysterious robot also want the gem. This gem is responsible for taking you to levels from the past that are completely different from what you remember. They also take you to new zones to explore. Throughout the story, you will fight Eggman with robots that he has used in the past with remixed attacks and you will also fight the new robots in crazy scenarios that could not be possible in the older games. The story helps make this new Sonic adventure feel fresh even though it's like the original Sonic games from the 90's.

    Gameplay: Run and jump just like you always have in Sonic games prior. The only new addition to Sonic arsenal of moves in the dash drop which helps you gain speed back up if you have lost it. This moves fixes some of the slower parts original Sonic games have had. The other thing that is new to the gameplay is the bonus stages. During these stages, you are trying to get a chaos emerald by collecting balls and rings that help you speed up to catch the emerald. These stages are a nice addition to the standard sonic gameplay we all know and love.

    Technicals: The animation presented in this game are amazing. Such detail was put into every frame of this game. This animation makes cutscenes and the game as a whole really pop out. The soundtrack of new and old remixes are amazing as well. Every ounce of this game is bleeding with passion from the original 3 games and should be commended for such.

    Conclusion: If you love fast platformers or Sonic in general, then this is a must buy game. This game is a celebration of what made Sonic good all those years ago and improves on the originals in every way, shape, and form. This game is the first in the Sonic franchise to become a masterpiece    … Expand
  22. NiltonD8
    Jan 26, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Im 34 yrs old n i grew up playing sonic and i'm a fan of sonic since i was a lil boy. congrats on this game and for me it was the game of the year period. its magical to see sonic in 2d again and honestly christian Whitehead is brilliant for putting such a good piece together. i think it should stay 2D because 3D doesnt go too well. congrats!!!!… Expand
  23. LukeWilson
    Feb 7, 2018
    10
    Sonic has been a big part of my childhood and after years of disappointment the love that went into this game shows making a game I won’t soon forget. This does what I loved about the old games, being able to go fast and creative levels. I thought this might be just a greatest hits but I was instead blown away by the creativity and love for the sonic franchise that went into this game.
  24. leetl1
    Mar 4, 2019
    9
    Mania is a sonic game that is really good. It brings back the classic style gameplay (in a good way, looking at you Sonic 4) and the music is simply fantastic. It's a nostalgic whirlpool and I love it. Wish there was more new levels.
  25. turbo_dweeb
    Aug 24, 2023
    8
    ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
  26. Mrbuckminster
    Aug 15, 2017
    10
    I absolutely love this game. Wow wow wow

    This is the real Sonic 4.

    The games feels fresh yet nostalgic, something that other revived titles like Crash Bandicoot couldnt do.
  27. MordecaiFloyd
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    This game is really well made.

    This is what every sonic should be. Perfect. It can please everyone, from younger to older and nostalgic gamers.

    The new stages are awesome. I don't know what else to say, just play this work of art.
  28. nicorzF1
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    This is a game that shows some things:

    1. People giving negative reviews because they dont want the blue blur to be back.
    2. That Sonic/SEGA games are always better on the Nintendo consoles
    3. That Sonic is finally back.
  29. Orangedrop
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Didn't hold much hope for this title and to be quite honest I have grown used to being dissapointed by Sonic games. NOT THIS TIME !! Game is glorious, fast, retro and everything I could have wished for from a sonic game.

    Being old enough to have been brought up with a Master System and Mega Drive (Genesis) this title threw me back to the early 90's all over again. Levels are large with    Didn't hold much hope for this title and to be quite honest I have grown used to being dissapointed by Sonic games. NOT THIS TIME !! Game is glorious, fast, retro and everything I could have wished for from a sonic game.

    Being old enough to have been brought up with a Master System and Mega Drive (Genesis) this title threw me back to the early 90's all over again. Levels are large with a good mix of fast pace and platforming just like the originals but better now the dev's have extra grunt available to them. the controls and feel of Sonic on screen are very similar to that of the original and remain tight throughout.

    I'm chuffed to bits that wefinally got what feels and plays like Sonic 4.

    Kudos to the development team, you nailed it and made many fans both young and old very happy indeed.    … Expand
  30. Ziggy93
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    A true Sonic the Hedgehog sequel.

    This game does an amazing job to feel fresh yet nostalgic. It contains remixes of original levels, but whilst still being different. The visuals keep it like the originals but which sequel level improvements to feel still modern. The design of it is brilliant in general. Each character follows a slightly different viewpoint. Each character is unique    A true Sonic the Hedgehog sequel.

    This game does an amazing job to feel fresh yet nostalgic. It contains remixes of original levels, but whilst still being different. The visuals keep it like the originals but which sequel level improvements to feel still modern.
    The design of it is brilliant in general. Each character follows a slightly different viewpoint. Each character is unique like in the originals.

    Boss and level design are uniquely different, but keeps to its original style. The levels are still different, so you have to learn new routes and places, so it's not just a dull rehash of the originals. They are difficult and feel more challenging.

    Overall I give this game a recommend. If you liked the old games, then this will feel like a new but all the while the same.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Switch Game of 2017
8
#8 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
10
#10 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Gamers' Temple
    Oct 6, 2017
    93
    After nearly 20 years of almost universally horrible games, the 16-bit icon has returned to his former glory and redeemed himself in the eyes of this long-suffering fan. Sonic Mania does a great job of reminding us what made Sonic great in the first place, while also FINALLY bringing the mascot into the modern era. Everything comes together - the music, the stages, the boss fights and the secrets - to form a package that is both appealing to the retro gamer and irresistible to anyone who enjoys a good game of run and jump. Whether on the Nintendo Switch or any other system, Sonic Mania needs to be in your collection yesterday.
    Read full review
  2. Switch Player
    Sep 18, 2017
    74
    Sonic Mania is like a greatest hits album that your favourite artist may release, with a few new tracks as a bonus. It has a high level of nostalgia, gloss and polish and will really challenge your skill, reflexes and patience. There's quite a bit to get stuck into, but you may find yourself being frustrated. If you love the little blue chap and relish a challenge, speed along to the e-shop and pick this up.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    Sep 14, 2017
    70
    This convincing comeback has been designed for the die-hards - and they haven't been this well served by a Sonic game for ages. [Issue#311, p.118]
See all critic reviews »