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. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    10
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  2. PatiKunTom
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    Sonic Mania is just almost perfection. The levels are remixed and are just so much fun to play even after many playthrough, the pixel art looks beautiful, the soundtrack is phenomenal, the special stages are playable and at the same time, there's a Knuckles & Knuckles mode, it's just awesome. The only possible this game be topped if there's a sequel to this game with completely new zones.
  3. elilol15
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    It's a pretty difficult game, but very fun and well managed after all. I loved it!
  4. Shamp058
    Nov 21, 2022
    10
    Easily the best 2D sonic game. The pixel art and animations are amazing, it has some of the best level design in the franchise, the music is stellar (of course), the special stages are the best in the series, and the drop dash has easily become my new favourite sonic move. My only "issue" that i have with the game, are that most of the levels are reused from past games (I hate oil ocean),Easily the best 2D sonic game. The pixel art and animations are amazing, it has some of the best level design in the franchise, the music is stellar (of course), the special stages are the best in the series, and the drop dash has easily become my new favourite sonic move. My only "issue" that i have with the game, are that most of the levels are reused from past games (I hate oil ocean), but it really doesn't bother me at all. This game is fantastic, and a must play for everyone. Period… Expand
  5. I-ReviewStuff
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    Straight-up great, if not perfect. Introduces the Drop Dash, one of my favourite 2D Sonic mechanics. The game is so charming and great, the fact that this is a pixelated game probably amazed me when I first played it. Simple 10/10, nothing less.
  6. Youmustdienow
    Aug 19, 2017
    9
    I read that this was made to be as if it launched on Sega Saturn. If this exact game had launched on the system it would have been its saving grace. That's how good this game is. A shy from a 10. A more epic end boss would have made this perfect. I would also have liked the option to play as the Sonic 3 sprite. We play as the Sonic CD one with nicer animation.
  7. Vitoner
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    Finally a classic Sonic game wich builds upon the classic trilogy and Sonic CD and results in something both fresh and nostalgic. Thank goodness for Christian Whitehead and kudos to SEGA for letting a passionate and talented fan create the best 2D Sonic game in ages! SEGA still does what Nintendon't.
    9 out of 10 because there are small issues that can be ironed out, mostly caused by    Finally a classic Sonic game wich builds upon the classic trilogy and Sonic CD and results in something both fresh and nostalgic. Thank goodness for Christian Whitehead and kudos to SEGA for letting a passionate and talented fan create the best 2D Sonic game in ages! SEGA still does what Nintendon't.
    9 out of 10 because there are small issues that can be ironed out, mostly caused by sticking to the classic Sonic design philosophy. I.e. sometimes you still crash into enemies because of the ridiculous speed or sometimes the backgroung and foreground elements are kinda confusing... nitpicky stuff.    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Deanster101
    May 27, 2018
    9
    The original levels that have been reimagined are a lot of fun but the real treat here are the brand new stages, Studiopolis Zone sticks in my mind as being particularly excellent. Gameplay is bang on and the graphics are gorgeous, but the music....oh my god it’s incredible I want the soundtrack! This is the Sonic we have been waiting for, just sack Team Sonic and use Christian WhiteheadThe original levels that have been reimagined are a lot of fun but the real treat here are the brand new stages, Studiopolis Zone sticks in my mind as being particularly excellent. Gameplay is bang on and the graphics are gorgeous, but the music....oh my god it’s incredible I want the soundtrack! This is the Sonic we have been waiting for, just sack Team Sonic and use Christian Whitehead from now on, SEGA :)… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. EpicLadySponge
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    The light of day for this franchise has finally came after all these years being treated by two failures, many mixed bags, and a few goods this far. With Sonic Mania, newcomers and veterans alike are now to experience the classic days where it was just Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters and those three plus Eggman/Robotnik as the only main characters after more than twentyThe light of day for this franchise has finally came after all these years being treated by two failures, many mixed bags, and a few goods this far. With Sonic Mania, newcomers and veterans alike are now to experience the classic days where it was just Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters and those three plus Eggman/Robotnik as the only main characters after more than twenty years of never receiving a classical 2D installment. This game combines elements seen in Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles to give us the ultimate surprise no one was expecting to see since the release of Sonic & Knuckles. It's always great to see a franchise go back to their roots rather than trying a new way to impress their fans. If you are a Nintendo Switch owner, it is very recommended to get Sonic Mania on the system that's best suited for it.… Expand
  16. splinted
    Aug 17, 2017
    9
    At 30 years old and being a gamer all my life, it takes a lot to impress me and the sole reason why I bought this game is because I wanted to get the same feeling of being 3 years old playing my first sonic game in the 90's with my brother. The moment when I got to the stage of Sonic being on the flying battery and hearing the same music with a bit a hint of remix, all the nostalgicAt 30 years old and being a gamer all my life, it takes a lot to impress me and the sole reason why I bought this game is because I wanted to get the same feeling of being 3 years old playing my first sonic game in the 90's with my brother. The moment when I got to the stage of Sonic being on the flying battery and hearing the same music with a bit a hint of remix, all the nostalgic feelings came at once and I felt 3 again.

    Sonic Mania delivers the most authentic modern 90's game i have ever played. Almost every stage starts off like the original classics but completely the more you progress. The sonic characters have the exact animations with new welcoming ones. The boss battles feel just as exciting and innovative. And if there is anyone who has played all the original Sonics countlessly as a kid and remember all the secret locations--- well guess what? You will be rewarded. To wrap things up, Sonic Mania is a fantastic buy for 19.99 and anyone who grew up in my generation would absolutely love this game.

    9/10    … Expand
  17. 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
  18. TicTacToad
    Aug 18, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania does a fantastic job at recapturing the magic the original Genesis Sonic games have, and all future predecessors have failed to capture.

    While Sonic has gone through a rough identity crisis for most of his life now, Sonic Mania brings him back to his roots, resulting in a game filled with charm and love. Everything is at its best here. The graphics are wonderfully animated    Sonic Mania does a fantastic job at recapturing the magic the original Genesis Sonic games have, and all future predecessors have failed to capture.

    While Sonic has gone through a rough identity crisis for most of his life now, Sonic Mania brings him back to his roots, resulting in a game filled with charm and love. Everything is at its best here. The graphics are wonderfully animated and vibrant, resulting in easily one of the best looking Sonic games. The level design is top notch, with a perfect mixture of speed and platforming. The best part of the game however, has to be the music. It is comprised of both renditions of older songs and brand new songs, which all sound fantastic, resulting in easily one of the best soundtracks ever seen in a Sonic game.

    However, the game is not without its flaws, even though there are very few. Right off the bat, the game can be somewhat glitchy. Throughout my two playthroughs (one as Sonic + Tails, and one as Knuckles), I've ran into issues such as getting stuck inside of walls, having UFO bonus stages think I've fallen outside of the stage when I have not, and having the music cut out after getting an invincibility power up or a 1 up.

    Another flaw the game has is how some of the recreated levels feel very similar to their original counterparts by relying on nostalgia too much, most notably, the Act 1 segments. While nearly every Act 2 manages to feel like a new experience and filled with surprises (Chemical Plant Zone's Act 2 boss easily being the best surprise of the bunch), a lot of the re-imagined Act 1 stages don't feel all that reimagined, and instead feel more like something you may find in an elaborate ROM hack. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, for games like Sonic Generations do similar things and the levels themselves still feel fantastic, but having some of that Act 2 charm in the Act 1 stages would've made the experience feel a bit more new. However, I'm just nitpicking, as anyone looking for nostalgia or a mix of nostalgia and new will be extremely satisfied in what they're getting. The game feels like it has so much potential to do all sorts of new and crazy stuff, but had to be held back in order for Act 1 stages.

    Overall, Sonic Mania is a return of glory for the blue hedgehog and friends, and I am incredibly hopeful for a future Sonic Mania 2 or something of the like.    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Creeper3455
    Aug 28, 2017
    9
    Once upon a time,at the SEGA Headquarters,there was this one guy who thought "Well,people don't like these new 3D Sonic games (especially Sonic Boom,for Ch****'s sake!),so...What about a throwback to the good old days?". And that's where we now have Sonic Mania,AKA the first TRULY good Sonic game we had in years. Let's start with the story:It's your typical 'stop the bad guy' thing,butOnce upon a time,at the SEGA Headquarters,there was this one guy who thought "Well,people don't like these new 3D Sonic games (especially Sonic Boom,for Ch****'s sake!),so...What about a throwback to the good old days?". And that's where we now have Sonic Mania,AKA the first TRULY good Sonic game we had in years. Let's start with the story:It's your typical 'stop the bad guy' thing,but with a "Remix" vibe to it. And that's where you'll explore different worlds of different games,such as Sonic The Hedgehog,Sonic CD... (the list goes on). What Sonic Mania lacks for storytelling,it makes up for colorful levels and incredible music. Unlike those 3D abominations that tend to go in a dark way (*cough-cough* 2006 *coff-coff*),this one goes all the way kid-friendly,with impressive level design,fun boss fights,and also a smooth frame rate. It's all-in 60fps in both docked and undocked. Even the animated cutscenes are awesome to look at. Now during the levels,you also have these Bonus Levels,such as 'Get the Chaos Emerald!' and 'Get Blue Spheres!',which are fun to play,and also intriguingly hard at some point. I could talk for hours about this game,but in the end,Sonic Mania might be the best Sonic game we had in years (until Sonic Forces...),if not also a "Sorry" letter from SEGA,with creative levels,a remixed-up soundtrack,and,of course,the fun that'll make you go to max speed. (bad puns.)… Expand
  23. FilipeGoncalves
    Dec 22, 2021
    9
    An updated blast from the past.

    A must to have and play even in 2021.

    Lacks the platinum trophy
  24. 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
  25. Jack5switch
    Dec 18, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania is undeniably Sonic the Hedgehog's best modern-day game, so long as we don't bring up the plot threads that tie into Sonic Forces. It's true nostalgia fuel, delivering in every aspect what the original Genesis games set in stone for the blue mascot. It also ends up feeling fresh and inspired, due to the stylised but still pixelated art style, and the exploratory nature of theSonic Mania is undeniably Sonic the Hedgehog's best modern-day game, so long as we don't bring up the plot threads that tie into Sonic Forces. It's true nostalgia fuel, delivering in every aspect what the original Genesis games set in stone for the blue mascot. It also ends up feeling fresh and inspired, due to the stylised but still pixelated art style, and the exploratory nature of the stages, making playing as any character feel like a new experience. However, the Genesis legacy left some fundamental flaws, and Sonic Mania is similarly a victim to them. Some of the level design is hit and miss, momentum can be randomly compromised by the placement of springs or enemies, and the Oil Ocean octopus boss is just the absolute worst. If Mania was built to resolve these embedded problems from start to finish, it would be higher on this list, but currently it sits directly in the middle.… Expand
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. joacoandresen
    Aug 22, 2017
    9
    I played the original Sonic when I was 6, now, 12 years later I gave Sonic one more chance and it didn't dissapointed me.

    First of all, the price: perfect. No complaints here. The graphics: DO NOT GET UPSET ABOUT THE 16 BIT GRAPHICS UNTIL YOU PLAY THE GAME. Gameplay: fast, so fast. There are not boring seccions like in past games. Length: it is what it is, a Sega Genesis game...so    I played the original Sonic when I was 6, now, 12 years later I gave Sonic one more chance and it didn't dissapointed me.

    First of all, the price: perfect. No complaints here.
    The graphics: DO NOT GET UPSET ABOUT THE 16 BIT GRAPHICS UNTIL YOU PLAY THE GAME.
    Gameplay: fast, so fast. There are not boring seccions like in past games.
    Length: it is what it is, a Sega Genesis game...so don't expect a 100 hour aventure.

    It's a love letter    … Expand
  29. pwnanobrien
    Aug 18, 2017
    9
    Sonic Mania is truly the sequel to Sonic & Knuckles old sonic fans have been waiting for. It is the perfect blend of new and old with the old pixel art style graphics, stages from sonic 1, 2, 3, &Knuckles as well as brand new stages and great music to boot. The later special stages are challenging but not impossible. Every 1st act has a mini boss and every 2nd act has a main boss.

    I    Sonic Mania is truly the sequel to Sonic & Knuckles old sonic fans have been waiting for. It is the perfect blend of new and old with the old pixel art style graphics, stages from sonic 1, 2, 3, &Knuckles as well as brand new stages and great music to boot. The later special stages are challenging but not impossible. Every 1st act has a mini boss and every 2nd act has a main boss.

    I found the later stages to have a lot more gameplay with a lot more platforming sequences than running sequences. And therefore, old terrible game players like me likely found themselves running out of time before the bosses in the final zone, haha.

    Overall, very good game. If you liked the old sonics, you'll love this. Let's just hope Sonic Forces can live up to Mania.    … Expand
  30. Snowertx64
    Aug 18, 2017
    9
    Before starting I have no idea how to rate an idea as great as this

    We start with the predecessors like the hated sonic boom and sonic lost world, sega attempts to make great games but unfortunately fail loudly Now talking about sonic mania I have nothing more to say that it is a simple project of love of fans for fans of the blue hedgehog All levels ARE amazing and it's really    Before starting I have no idea how to rate an idea as great as this

    We start with the predecessors like the hated sonic boom and sonic lost world, sega attempts to make great games but unfortunately fail loudly

    Now talking about sonic mania I have nothing more to say that it is a simple project of love of fans for fans of the blue hedgehog

    All levels ARE amazing and it's really cool to go back to green hill zone again but old people do not live and sonic knows it so they added new levels

    The gameplay is fresh and intuitive right from the start

    The graphics are incredible drawn directly from sega genesis and polished by christian whithead

    The music is perfect and I even say this to the level of other legendary sonar bands like zelda

    Summary: Finally, this is the best sonic I've ever had the luck to play and possibly one of the best platforms I've ever played in my life.

    Money does not do what the fun does    … Expand
Page:

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 »