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. DReview
    Aug 29, 2017
    8
    Cool game, very nostalgic, but the glitch with the home menu, and also the lag in control input, makes me not even want to turn the game on anymore. It feels like my Switch is going to break when ever I want to go back to the home menu.... Hope they fix it soon, so I can play it.
  2. NeoTheFox
    Sep 3, 2017
    9
    This game recreates Sonic 3 & Knuckles experience very, very faithfully. Graphics, controls, everything feels the same, yet very improved - new useful jump dash ability makes Sonic's gameplay a lot more fluent, and the sprites are just gorgeous - everything runs butter smoothes without hiccups or slowdowns, which for such a fast gameplay is impressive. The only downside is not having levelThis game recreates Sonic 3 & Knuckles experience very, very faithfully. Graphics, controls, everything feels the same, yet very improved - new useful jump dash ability makes Sonic's gameplay a lot more fluent, and the sprites are just gorgeous - everything runs butter smoothes without hiccups or slowdowns, which for such a fast gameplay is impressive. The only downside is not having level transitions - it's a shame, since it's the only thing that original did a better job with.… Expand
  3. MultiThomas777
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    Simply the best 2D Sonic game to date, that in my opinion of course.
    Aside from excellent, and I mean super excellent level design, extremely catchy music, and adorable graphics, the gameplay is just like the older 2D Sonic games, but feels smoother. It's seriously great, try it out!
  4. BugF1x3r
    Aug 20, 2017
    10
    I'm a big Sonic fan ever since the day that the original Sonic the Hedgehog came out on the Genesis and this game is even better. I only wish that there would be a physical release!
  5. Dukemang
    Aug 31, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania is an amazing flashback game to the 1990's back when Sonic the Hedgehog was it's prime. Sega hiring Christian Whitehead and his team was the best thing that could've be done to this game and he delivered. The level design is fantastic with massive world views; making you want to re-play previous levels to find secrets or alternative paths. The music (composed by Tee Lopes) isSonic Mania is an amazing flashback game to the 1990's back when Sonic the Hedgehog was it's prime. Sega hiring Christian Whitehead and his team was the best thing that could've be done to this game and he delivered. The level design is fantastic with massive world views; making you want to re-play previous levels to find secrets or alternative paths. The music (composed by Tee Lopes) is also a great feature to the game as well mixing classic sonic music with newer tones to create upbeat and catchy themes. This game is a must have for anyone who likes platformers or casual games that was made by sonic fans, for sonic fans.… Expand
  6. tomcrew10
    Dec 26, 2017
    8
    Not only one of the best Sonic games available but also one of the most enjoyable 2d platformers. The reason for this is due to the great level design (for the most part) which allows the player to move fast but has platforming that feels fair. The bosses are mixed bag though as some were annoying to face(OIL ocean boss) where as others are a joy to fight due to their unique design andNot only one of the best Sonic games available but also one of the most enjoyable 2d platformers. The reason for this is due to the great level design (for the most part) which allows the player to move fast but has platforming that feels fair. The bosses are mixed bag though as some were annoying to face(OIL ocean boss) where as others are a joy to fight due to their unique design and throwbacks to earlier games (metal Sonic). Another issue I personally have with the game is how it handles lives as if you run out of lives at a boss you need to redo act 1 and 2 to get to the boss making it take longer to learn the boss patterns. Despite the flaws mentioned this game is great and made even better when compared to recent Sonic games.… Expand
  7. SonicDude
    Oct 29, 2017
    9
    90’s goodness with top notch control, amazing tracks and some of the best level design in a sonic game. The amount of re used stages although don’t ruin but still effect the game. A must buy for fans of the blue blur as well for any one who likes platformers.
  8. baltowolf
    Aug 18, 2017
    10
    Disparado o melhor jogo de Sonic nos ultimos anos e o melhor em 16-bits.
    fases criativas, Bosses incriveis e musicas lindas, jogo perfeito!
    É mais um jogo que não se enjoa facilmente
  9. CoioTato
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    O melhor sonic de sempre, feito pelos fãs mais entusiastas e contém uma excelente trilha sonora e gráficos, diversão garantida.
    Absolutamente fantástico 10/10
  10. InfiniteYT
    Sep 20, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a game for fans made by fans but it isn’t a fan game. It’s a symbol of what can happen when you connect with your community to make something special. I preordered the Collector's edition for PC and was so hyped to play it I bought it on Switch as well during the 2 week delay on PC. First of all this game looks amazing. It has some of the best sprite work in any game I haveSonic Mania is a game for fans made by fans but it isn’t a fan game. It’s a symbol of what can happen when you connect with your community to make something special. I preordered the Collector's edition for PC and was so hyped to play it I bought it on Switch as well during the 2 week delay on PC. First of all this game looks amazing. It has some of the best sprite work in any game I have ever seen and has so much detail spread across the sprawling zones. Each level is massive and intricate but I never found myself lost. Every zone rewards mastery of the game's mechanics and knowledge of the zones. Secrets are super rewarding to find and the new special stage to get the chaos emeralds is super fun. The soundtrack is fantastic! There isn’t a bad track in the entire game. The bosses for the most part are really fun and clever (especially chemical plant act 2 boss). Sonic controls very well and so does Tails and Knuckles as they truly nailed the feeling of the original games. There so much to unlock and do in a $20 game it’s magnificent. However not everything is perfect. The blue sphere mini game still isn’t fun, the oil rig octopus boss is fairly annoying, and the steam version has DRM. Other than that there really isn’t anything to complain about here. If you like platformers you have to get this game. I personally don’t think it’s the best Sonic game but it’s the most consistent game in the franchise and is guaranteed fun.… Expand
  11. TheAdjuster
    Mar 27, 2023
    0
    VERY overrated. To be fair, it's fun at times. It even has a few new ideas thrown into the mix. But those ideas are (very) small steps in the evolution of the Sonic formula. Not once did I have a "wow" moment and the last zone in particular was notably and disappointingly tedious.

    IMHO, Sonic 1,2,3 are far superior (never played Sonic CD), and Mania is overhyped just because it's    VERY overrated. To be fair, it's fun at times. It even has a few new ideas thrown into the mix. But those ideas are (very) small steps in the evolution of the Sonic formula. Not once did I have a "wow" moment and the last zone in particular was notably and disappointingly tedious.

    IMHO, Sonic 1,2,3 are far superior (never played Sonic CD), and Mania is overhyped just because it's fan-made. As a stand-alone game some people might find it to be a more polished entry, but in the wider context (i.e. if you've already played Sonic 1,2,3) it is not that fun. Had this been released by Sega as Sonic 4 back in the day, critics would be panning it as unimaginative, uninspired, and lacking in fresh ideas.    … Expand
  12. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    9
    Didn't care much for one of the bonus games and the co-op, which is a shame. However, everything else about this game is awesome. From the music, level design, art-style, game-play, all of it is just amazing.
  13. MorrisSHM
    Sep 10, 2017
    10
    This game can't get any better. It suits to any old school sonic player, and newcomers. I highly recommend buying it if you own the console and won't mind spending just a bit for a totally priceworthy game
  14. Benjimon
    Nov 6, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a game that knows its target audience and catered to their every hope to nigh on absolute perfection. Those who grew up with Sonic in the 90's have wanted this game for a long time and the only complaint anyone could make is that more new Zones would have been nice. Still that is not going to stop me from giving Sonic Mania a perfect score because from tip to tail the gameSonic Mania is a game that knows its target audience and catered to their every hope to nigh on absolute perfection. Those who grew up with Sonic in the 90's have wanted this game for a long time and the only complaint anyone could make is that more new Zones would have been nice. Still that is not going to stop me from giving Sonic Mania a perfect score because from tip to tail the game is a labour of love which truly understands what made Sonic fans of the 90's love the games so much.
    It manages to pay homage to most Sonic games, even the Master System titles in subtle ways such as going underground in Green Zone, or moving around in a bubble in Hyrocity and it's little and not so little touches like these that make the game so a joyful nostalgia trip.
    Like recent Mario games, Sonic Mania manages to ensure every level offers up something different and moves on from it before the novelty wears off. It does this far better than any past Sonic game.

    The Soundtrack however is what I loved most about this game. On one hand they have composed a heap of fresh tracks that feel like they have been scooped from the past. The Ooze with 90's charm, Act 2 of Studiopolis perhaps being the most 90's thing ever created. it's all extremely impressive and tone perfect. As for the classic songs the composers have done just as good of a job. They've all been remixed and some have been given a second part for Act 2. They all sound as if the original composer wrote them in the 90's, and yet they are clearly not running on Mega Drive sound technology. Using modern sound technology and yet replicating that mega Drive feeling very well is no easy balancing act....The pure joy of the music really reminds you how much music mattered to Classic Sonic, and this soundtrack is the perfect icing on the perfect cake.    … Expand
  15. Digibutter64
    Jun 2, 2018
    9
    I haven't played many Sonic games, but this is a great platformer! The different playable characters provide different ways to speed through the well-designed levels. Perhaps lacking a bit in originality, but Sonic Mania is fantastic. Recommended for platformer fans and those who particularly like the classic Sonic games.
  16. ultimatepalmtre
    Nov 28, 2017
    10
    This game is perfect platformer not just for Sonic fans, but everyone. Finally the franchise has a game that proves it's still on the cards, even if recent titles have given it a hard time.

    I love this return to sprite based characters and environments, it's looks so beautiful! The levels are fantastically designed and the bosses are so clever! But for me the best gameplay comes with    This game is perfect platformer not just for Sonic fans, but everyone. Finally the franchise has a game that proves it's still on the cards, even if recent titles have given it a hard time.

    I love this return to sprite based characters and environments, it's looks so beautiful! The levels are fantastically designed and the bosses are so clever! But for me the best gameplay comes with the special stages; i love these so much! Genius! The music throughout the game is also fantastic.

    I can't stop playing this game. It's too much fun and I don't think I will ever grow tired of it. I hope they make another one of these with even more amazing content!    … Expand
  17. GamingBaller
    Sep 4, 2017
    10
    This is the very essence of Sonic. I can honestly this is the best 2D Sonic game I've played. The new stages are amazing, a blast to play in. Constantly going fast in correlation with the players skill. This game isn't a cake walk either... imagine that a hard Sonic game. One of the main arguments is that 66% of the stages are old. this really isn't true, sure they share name with the oldThis is the very essence of Sonic. I can honestly this is the best 2D Sonic game I've played. The new stages are amazing, a blast to play in. Constantly going fast in correlation with the players skill. This game isn't a cake walk either... imagine that a hard Sonic game. One of the main arguments is that 66% of the stages are old. this really isn't true, sure they share name with the old stages but Zone two is completely new. So cut that 66 in half and you have 33% old stages. Even still those old stages are remixed so they still feel new. Now back to praising the game, the physics are so awesome! Perfectly replicated and the attention to detail is so obviously there. The references are everywhere and this is a must have game on the switch. The best part? It's a steal. Seriously, I'd buy this game for $60 but it's only $20!?!? A deal like this is amazing! If you never got into Sonic... try this game. If you used to be into Sonic... try this game. Never liked old Sonic but a fan of 3D Sonic? Try this game. Just love Sonic? Try. This. Game. I assure you you won't be wasting your money. I'm a Zelda fan... but this might be my game of the year.… Expand
  18. MeTheNinja
    Nov 23, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The only spoilers here are the levels, so if you don't want to know them then stop reading. This is an incredibly polished game, the soundtrack is amazing, Tee Lopes did an amazing job, highlights include Lava Reef Zone Act 2, Studioplis Zone Act 1, and the Hardboiled Heavies theme. The level design is great, and the game looks good.… Expand
  19. SimonD00
    Sep 11, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania is like the old games but better, the wide screen makes it so that there are less deaths or loss of speed because of spikes or enemies coming to fast from the right side of the screen. This means that Sonic now is able to run way faster than in the older games where you at times had to take it slow to not get hit. The controlls have also been revamped and it's no doubt for theSonic Mania is like the old games but better, the wide screen makes it so that there are less deaths or loss of speed because of spikes or enemies coming to fast from the right side of the screen. This means that Sonic now is able to run way faster than in the older games where you at times had to take it slow to not get hit. The controlls have also been revamped and it's no doubt for the better. Sonic is less momentum based than in his older games which makes tight platforming less of a tedium and to top all this of, the new art and grafics looks amazing. If you havn't played it yet, Please do it now it's well worth your time… Expand
  20. mefzeldernx
    Mar 3, 2018
    9
    Sonic y sus amigos vuelven a sus raíces para finalmente lograr que su lucha ante el Dr. Eggman tenga resultados positivos. "Sonic Mania" es un plataformas 2D que pisa fuerte y se vuelve uno de los mejores juegos del erizo azul.
    El diseño de niveles y la ambientación es una maravilla, se siente el amor de los desarrolladores por el personaje y su legado, hay guiños en cada detalle que un    Sonic y sus amigos vuelven a sus raíces para finalmente lograr que su lucha ante el Dr. Eggman tenga resultados positivos. "Sonic Mania" es un plataformas 2D que pisa fuerte y se vuelve uno de los mejores juegos del erizo azul.
    El diseño de niveles y la ambientación es una maravilla, se siente el amor de los desarrolladores por el personaje y su legado, hay guiños en cada detalle que un nostálgico seguro aprecia. La jugabilidad es la típica de Sonic, debes ir rápido, pero los múltiples caminos le dan una gran rejugabilidad al juego.
    No puedo no recomendar éste juego, ya seas nuevo o un veterano con Sonic, ésta es una entrega que enamora. Ideal para Switch, ya que se reproduce tan bien como en las otras plataformas pero tienes la ventaja de jugarlo de forma portatil.    … Expand
  21. 2000mudkip
    Sep 5, 2017
    10
    Sonic Mania is a perfect game in every sense of the word, it's the best Sonic game since Generations and probably the best game in the Sonic series. The only game in my opinion that is better than Sonic mania is Ratchet and Clank 2. But hey, opinions.
  22. FilipeGoncalves
    Dec 22, 2021
    9
    An updated blast from the past.

    A must to have and play even in 2021.

    Lacks the platinum trophy
  23. ScreenScraggy22
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    I have no words to describe how amazing this game is. The gameplay is so smooth and true to the original. This game brings a challenge but its not unfair, the graphics are great and so much nicer than the old games. The new levels are unique and fun. And don't get me started on how absolutely outstanding the music is.
  24. Panzidane
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    This game is exactly what we expected for it is. I loved the level design, OST, and everythinh. I wish Sonic Mania 2, 3, 4, and most. Perfect game, RECOMENDED.
  25. Ancora
    Nov 3, 2017
    8
    hacía AÑOS que no tocaba Sonic y este juego me a echo volver. Me encanta, mezcla todo lo clásico con la actualidad. UN 10. Además en modo portátil.... una pasada la verdad recomendado 100%
  26. BenneyBob
    Nov 5, 2017
    8
    For My First Sonic Game this was Really Good. Time after Time i have heard horrible things about the Sonic franchise so when i heard this game was good i was surprised how much fun i was having. Going fast in a game is always cool to do. When a entire game is Centered around going fast your just asking for fun. This game Opened me up to Sonic and ill be sure to try other games in the sonicFor My First Sonic Game this was Really Good. Time after Time i have heard horrible things about the Sonic franchise so when i heard this game was good i was surprised how much fun i was having. Going fast in a game is always cool to do. When a entire game is Centered around going fast your just asking for fun. This game Opened me up to Sonic and ill be sure to try other games in the sonic franchise.… Expand
  27. Madmortagan68
    Sep 21, 2017
    10
    I grew up playing Sonic. I have poured countless hours into Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, and Sonic & Knuckles over the years. Not only as a kid but also at multiple times throughout my life with last year being my most recent resurgence. I tell you this so that you know I'm an expert of sorts on the 2D sonic games and so that hopefully it will carry some weight when I say: THIS IS THEI grew up playing Sonic. I have poured countless hours into Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, and Sonic & Knuckles over the years. Not only as a kid but also at multiple times throughout my life with last year being my most recent resurgence. I tell you this so that you know I'm an expert of sorts on the 2D sonic games and so that hopefully it will carry some weight when I say: THIS IS THE BEST SONIC GAME EVER MADE! That statement also makes this game one of the best platformers ever made as well.

    The Game's brilliance cannot be understated. At $20, this game is a steal and an absolute must buy    … Expand
  28. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    10
    Good Ol Classic Sonic
    This Game, Like Star Wars Under Disney, Knows What Made The Classics So Damn Amazing.
  29. BillyBillyBoBil
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    It feels great to experience something like this. In my opinion, it's better than Sonic CD. It has this great value of Nostalgia, Graphics, and Gameplay. The Animation is smooth, and the music is amazing.
  30. NeutralMilkH
    Sep 8, 2017
    10
    This is the ultimate ride of nostalgia and I never wanted it to end, luckily the amount of content packed into this game alone made up for it very much. Even though I'm more of a Mario person, I couldn't help resist zipping across stages(or levels, I forget the exact names) with reckless abandon, and I think that this game might finally get me interested in this franchise.
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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

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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]
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