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. FrankoAmmo
    Aug 31, 2017
    7
    Let’s start by saying my first console was a SEGA and my first game was Sonic Pinball. I eventually played other Sonic games afterward. To be honest, I always had a mixed feeling about Sonic games. Even if I find them interesting and usually complete them (few emeralds, not all), but there are a lot of things I do not necessarily like in general (hard to die, too many paths, too fast atLet’s start by saying my first console was a SEGA and my first game was Sonic Pinball. I eventually played other Sonic games afterward. To be honest, I always had a mixed feeling about Sonic games. Even if I find them interesting and usually complete them (few emeralds, not all), but there are a lot of things I do not necessarily like in general (hard to die, too many paths, too fast at times, easy bosses in general even if I liked their styles, hate the blue sphere mini game, etc.).

    When I saw Sonic Mania was coming out, I thought I would give it a chance considering the price was fine by me ($30 Canadian / digital). I feel that 60% of the game was old levels which were re-designed, but not that much. The other 40% was nice, but kind of the same mechanics. A few things were added which I appreciated like the UFO game, the bouncy fluids (switch) and the helix-like structures. I completed the game with 3 emeralds and 15 medals (2 gold).

    This game deserves a 7 or 8 out of 10, but definitely not a 9 or 10 unless it would be a complete new game with new levels and new abilities.    … Expand
  2. IndieCrit
    May 2, 2018
    7
    I made an awful review of this game earlier, giving it extremely low ratings. But I will keep this short and sweet. Sonic Mania has solid gameplay, excellent music, graphics take me to the old sonic games, great animations, and finally sonic charm (the series has been doing horrible lately, with Sonic Forces being the latest disappointment.) But Sonic Mania still has some flaws, too,I made an awful review of this game earlier, giving it extremely low ratings. But I will keep this short and sweet. Sonic Mania has solid gameplay, excellent music, graphics take me to the old sonic games, great animations, and finally sonic charm (the series has been doing horrible lately, with Sonic Forces being the latest disappointment.) But Sonic Mania still has some flaws, too, ignored by nostalgia happy gamers. The Oil Ocean Act 2 boss (and others, but mostly this one), is very cheap. Some controls feel wonky and you'll be slowed to a halt while going fast from an instant - death hazard. Buy.. at your own risk. Dig into it more before you buy.… Expand
  3. Loo_oo
    Jul 4, 2018
    7
    Quand un jeu touche la fibre nostalgique il ne faut pas s'attendre à une révolution. Mais ce qu'il faut admettre c'est qu'il le fait bien ! Si bien que l'on se demande réellement si le titre n'a pas été développé dans les années 90 !

    Ce que j'ai aimé (+) : - Ultra fidèle à ses origines - Des thèmes musicaux accrocheurs - Le plaisir d'antan retrouvé - L'intro animée somptueuse Ce    Quand un jeu touche la fibre nostalgique il ne faut pas s'attendre à une révolution. Mais ce qu'il faut admettre c'est qu'il le fait bien ! Si bien que l'on se demande réellement si le titre n'a pas été développé dans les années 90 !

    Ce que j'ai aimé (+) :
    - Ultra fidèle à ses origines
    - Des thèmes musicaux accrocheurs
    - Le plaisir d'antan retrouvé
    - L'intro animée somptueuse

    Ce que je n'ai pas aimé (-) :
    - Finalement rien de nouveau
    - La technologie d'aujourd'hui aurait permis un peu de luxure au niveau des animations
    - Des décors un peu trop pauvres

    Vous l'aurez compris, ce Sonic Mania titillera vos souvenirs de jeunesse et vous fera briller les yeux. Une fois redescendu sur terre, vous lui trouverez les mêmes défauts qu'autrefois... mais rassurez-vous, ce titre est un must. A posséder absolument !    … Expand
  4. cool_dork
    Feb 3, 2019
    7
    It is a fun game, but can be really frustrating when you need to start an entire zone over again.
  5. Krossbone
    Jan 30, 2020
    7
    Sonic Mania is a fun romp for Sonic and the best 2D excursion the Blue Blur has had in a number of years, the best since Sonic Rush (though that game is arguably superior).

    Most of my complaints are the lack of level originality for many of the stages, A lot of them are simply re-used from older games, and it was obvious they could have thought of more new levels similar to Studiopolis    Sonic Mania is a fun romp for Sonic and the best 2D excursion the Blue Blur has had in a number of years, the best since Sonic Rush (though that game is arguably superior).

    Most of my complaints are the lack of level originality for many of the stages, A lot of them are simply re-used from older games, and it was obvious they could have thought of more new levels similar to Studiopolis and Press Garden had they put the effort into it.
    The game is, however, very replayable.

    Long story short, Sonic Mania is a game you can sink many hours into, but it's a really simple game and lacks much in the ways of content. It pretty much feels like an HD Genesis game, and is mostly unoriginal in its choices of stages.    … Expand
  6. CatsNGames
    Sep 16, 2020
    7
    Really fun Sonic game, but you really have to be into Sonic games to like it. If so, this is definitely for you
  7. Farolowe
    May 24, 2022
    7
    not a good sonic game i find the game rubbish because the levels are too difficult and it's not fun to get all the things
    not a good game Only buy the game when it's on sale because for 20 I would have expected more
  8. Gloone
    Jul 12, 2018
    6
    If you genuinely love playing the original Sonic games then you'll love this, but for me almost everything about it is a mixed bag.

    Visually it's good, and the film-themed Studiopolis zone is a standout which rivals the classic levels -- but the rest can be a little rough around the edges aesthetically, and on a fair few occasions, poor visual design caused confusion and negatively    If you genuinely love playing the original Sonic games then you'll love this, but for me almost everything about it is a mixed bag.

    Visually it's good, and the film-themed Studiopolis zone is a standout which rivals the classic levels -- but the rest can be a little rough around the edges aesthetically, and on a fair few occasions, poor visual design caused confusion and negatively affected the gameplay.

    The music is good -- again, Studiopolis is the standout newcomer. The remixes of classic levels mostly left me cold, though. They generally play it safe and end up as an unhappy compromise between the 8-bit style and more naturalised instrumentation.

    The gameplay... at times there is a great flow to it and it can be really good, but often it really isn't. I was hoping they would take what actually worked in the original Sonic games and refine it, but it's pretty much the same -- which means the good and the bad. There are the same basic contradictions at the heart of the gameplay -- the cramped screen, the frustrating damage and deaths, the inconsistent controls, the long stretches that require no skilled interaction -- you can beat most of this game pretty easily by holding a directional key and jumping, not needing to worry about taking damage because you can just pick up your rings again. Bosses are the same kind of story, with the exception of a handful of clever and entertaining ones.

    I've played some outstandingly focused and well-designed platformers recently (most recently Celeste), and it really shines a light on the design deficiencies of Sonic and Sonic Mania. I believe that somewhere in the Sonic formula is the potential for an excellent game, but I don't think this is it.    … Expand
  9. Traslogan
    Aug 23, 2017
    6
    Game is great at first. Unfortunately you get midway in and it begins devolving into old 80s cheaptricks for difficulty like making you run into enemies and then it goes a step further by being unable to properly restart (Cannot restart with 3 lives, it just punishes you across restarts), and a checkpoint system with no autosaves at all. If you are at a boss of a zone with 200 rings and 1Game is great at first. Unfortunately you get midway in and it begins devolving into old 80s cheaptricks for difficulty like making you run into enemies and then it goes a step further by being unable to properly restart (Cannot restart with 3 lives, it just punishes you across restarts), and a checkpoint system with no autosaves at all. If you are at a boss of a zone with 200 rings and 1 life, resuming the save remove all rings and all progress in the zone but keeps your 1 life...

    By the mid game you reach places like Oil Zone and the boss stages become unreasonable, with the game glitching out where it should be harming Sonic or not, and using screen-effects that are so obstructive you can no longer see the game. It gets worse when it starts having enemies appear on-screen already 1-frame from attacking just so you have no time to react.

    There's a great game in there somewhere, but you get past the great game and end up with a surprising amount of issues faster than expected. This could easily be an 8 or 9 out of 10 in my books based on my first hour or two of it, but by hours 3 and 4 the few issues it has have bogged the game down into complete frustration. If they fix it, it would be so much better but for now...meh.

    And just for a unique up-yours to any of us who got it on the Switch, it has massive delays going to the operating system, and it's literally the only game on the entire system with this massive delay.    … Expand
  10. RadioMelon
    Aug 20, 2018
    6
    I want to make something very clear as I leave this review on Sonic Mania.

    I love this game. I think it's a great hearkening back to the days of when Sonic was still in all his 2D glory, and I was one of the few to play almost all of the Sonic originals for the Genesis. I was not fortunate enough to play Sonic CD or any other lesser known 2D titles. I'm giving you that preface to    I want to make something very clear as I leave this review on Sonic Mania.

    I love this game. I think it's a great hearkening back to the days of when Sonic was still in all his 2D glory, and I was one of the few to play almost all of the Sonic originals for the Genesis. I was not fortunate enough to play Sonic CD or any other lesser known 2D titles.

    I'm giving you that preface to elaborate on why I am giving this game a mixed review.

    I like to think that graphically, Sonic Mania is gloriously old school in every sense you can imagine. Every design feels like a re-polished version of the sprites that many gamers might remember from the original Big Four (Sonic 1-3 & Knuckles.) Stylistically the game stays very consistent and is very pleasing to the eye.

    Sound design? Top notch. While it really tries to create it's own style instead of just using tracks completely similar to the original games, that's absolutely fine. Innovation is never a bad thing. The tracks are catchy and upbeat, no song really feels out of place.

    Now on to the game-play. Oh boy. This is where things get a bit rough.

    Sonic Mania has a surprising mixture of smooth, fast moving action that allows you to speed comfortably through levels with remarkable ease. Most of the time. Some of the more classic levels of the game highly reward high speed antics over low speed calculated movements, while some of the newer or modified older levels encourage player to think carefully before their next movement option.
    This is where the game diverges a bit even from previous levels of the Sonic series. I can personally attest to the fact that you will probably die at least once or twice in this game to fatal obstacles that you won't be able to anticipate until they're already right in your face. I can personally confirm that in one of the levels, I tried to spin dash into an area with some moving platforms. The odd placement of the checkpoint comparable to the moving platforms resulted in my death. Twice. This is despite more cautiously approaching the platform on the second time around, I was still crushed between marginal hit-boxes I could barely see.

    This is the sort of theme you will see a lot of in Sonic Mania. While the bosses and enemies are certainly challenging in their own ways, they are rarely a problem. I can say that sometimes enemies will look as though you have a very slight opening to actually hit and destroy them, only for you to get duped and lose your rings regardless. Frustrating, but acceptable by difficult game standards.

    I want to also make it clear that compared to earlier Sonic games, this one is definitely harder. I have beaten Sonic 1 and 2, which are ironically harder (in my opinion) than Sonic 3. I absolutely breezed through 2 and 3 at least a few times, while Sonic and Knuckles was relatively difficult and I have only ever managed to beat it a couple of times.

    In an apt summary, here is what I think about Sonic Mania. Beautiful, nostalgic, fast paced, frustrating, and at times, infuriating. If you don't mind the occasional anger and seemingly unfair obstacles the game will throw at you, you will have a wonderful time.    … Expand
  11. Kyooshi4000
    May 24, 2018
    5
    I really don't like Classic Sonic.
    When I heard SEGA was cooking up something new... I could hear Roger Craig Smith's god like voice ready to wrap me in hype.
    guess what happened. I am so mad at SEGA right now for making some third-party developers handle the franchise for a while. TWO YEARS IS ENOUGH. The only reason this isn't a 4 or below is because Hortinus made a Modern Sonic    I really don't like Classic Sonic.
    When I heard SEGA was cooking up something new... I could hear Roger Craig Smith's god like voice ready to wrap me in hype.

    guess what happened.

    I am so mad at SEGA right now for making some third-party developers handle the franchise for a while. TWO YEARS IS ENOUGH.
    The only reason this isn't a 4 or below is because Hortinus made a Modern Sonic mod. Sadly,
    1. The mod loader don't work.
    2. It has Jason Griffith's voice anyways...
    I think that if SEGA makes another gosh darn Classic game I will cut their heads off.    … Expand
  12. SSCheetah
    Apr 8, 2023
    5
    First Sonic game I've ever played and honestly it was pretty meh. I think many of the raving reviews are based on nostalgia not actual fun value of the game itself. Taken on its own merit it's really not that fun. Controls are clunky and frustrating and difficulty level is unreasonable compared to other modern platformers that are a lot more forgiving. Celeste for example I've completedFirst Sonic game I've ever played and honestly it was pretty meh. I think many of the raving reviews are based on nostalgia not actual fun value of the game itself. Taken on its own merit it's really not that fun. Controls are clunky and frustrating and difficulty level is unreasonable compared to other modern platformers that are a lot more forgiving. Celeste for example I've completed 100%, because while difficult is also very fun and very forgiving. This game has neither of those two qualities. I like how the game contains bonus and special stages but likewise these are clunky and frustrating to play and if you fail one, you don't get another chance without replaying the entire main level to get back to it—for every attempt. So much frustration for bonus games that aren't really even fun. I really like the pixel art though so it gets points for that. My advice would be give it a miss unless you already know you love Sonic games as for me the fun factor was just totally absent. Go play Celeste or a Mario game if you want a platformer that's fun and easy to pick up.… Expand
  13. Wrecktangled
    Mar 18, 2022
    5
    Im sure this is the perfect fit for someone who loves Sonic. This was my first ever Sonic game though and to me it feels dated. I had just came off Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest and those felt so smooth comparatively. It was surprisingly difficult as well and became quite frustration. I can see a good game here though, its just not for me.
  14. Birdo7
    Jun 12, 2022
    5
    Awful game it try’s to be a classic sonic game when the classics aren’t perfect if you haven’t played Sonic 3 & Knuckles a billion times don’t play this game also when Sonic forces remakes green hill you freak out when Sonic mania remakes it your fine but if you have played Sonic 3 & Knuckles a billion times you’ll love it
  15. Saleemabdelhai3
    Nov 21, 2022
    5
    It’s alright. Not the worst or the best. Sonic deserves better. Sonic Unleashed is better
  16. Coolguy636
    Aug 31, 2023
    5
    very hard'
    but also kinda fun
    but mostly hard
    also i like race mode
    but
  17. tdebug
    Oct 13, 2022
    4
    It is beautiful and all, but I would wish to add an infinite lives option or at least more often saves. Currently you die on a last level boss and restart a few big levels behind kind of game. Must be real fun for those with countless hours to invest into the game, but with just a little more options could be also fun for everyone else.
  18. DarkerSonic06
    Jul 7, 2018
    4
    I dont pay 20$ to become all the levels again that were in Sonic1,2,3&K,CD.Cant they bring us new zones?
  19. Phuz
    May 30, 2021
    4
    It's Sonic. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't ever really recall anyone being a huge Sonic fan when I was younger. It was always a time kill game rather than yay, let's play Sonic. This is no different. It's better digitally cos I just do short spells here and there. If it was £6 then that is probably a fair price. I paid around £17 which it just isn't worth.
  20. nesag
    Jun 5, 2020
    4
    I think I have never played a platformer with such unresponsive and slippery controls. Your front vision covers only 2 meters of the level, making the planning and understanding of the levels impossible. I am not a huge fan of platformers, but when every single person recommends me to play some - I do. So far Sonic Mania - is the worst platformer I have ever had recommended to me.
  21. sloomo
    Dec 13, 2022
    4
    This game is sadly not worth your money. It’s dull. Maybe it’s a dose of nostalgia but it’s still not worth ten dollars.
  22. TopHatTortoise
    Apr 5, 2018
    3
    Mania is praised for being "the best Sonic game" and that might well be true.

    However the sonic formula mixes high-speed, momentum-based movement, precision platforming, minimum speed gates, instakills, small vision (plus no map), and sprawling maze-like levels. Those contradictions are hard to enjoy. Those who can ignore the contradictions may have fun. Those who invest in the    Mania is praised for being "the best Sonic game" and that might well be true.

    However the sonic formula mixes high-speed, momentum-based movement, precision platforming, minimum speed gates, instakills, small vision (plus no map), and sprawling maze-like levels. Those contradictions are hard to enjoy.

    Those who can ignore the contradictions may have fun. Those who invest in the level memorisation that allows you to bypassing the momentum-killing blocks and instant kills can enjoy flow and mastery. But I don't know why you would.

    In short -- buyer beware. Some people love this game, but don't assume that you will. For my money, the high review scores mask a deeply unenjoyable game.    … Expand
  23. Hyperior4200
    Jul 21, 2018
    1
    Terribly hard difficulty. It is not fun, not entertaining, Only the thing is Story Mode and 2P mode, the 2P mode is so horrible, what I need to do is just run at 2P mode. and the Story Mode, the gameplay is so hard, I can't get further. I am stuck at Oil Ocean Zone. Plus, I don't know what to do at Story Mode. so, THERE IS NOTHING TO DO AT SONIC MANIA, I really regret that I bought SonicTerribly hard difficulty. It is not fun, not entertaining, Only the thing is Story Mode and 2P mode, the 2P mode is so horrible, what I need to do is just run at 2P mode. and the Story Mode, the gameplay is so hard, I can't get further. I am stuck at Oil Ocean Zone. Plus, I don't know what to do at Story Mode. so, THERE IS NOTHING TO DO AT SONIC MANIA, I really regret that I bought Sonic Mania, I just cried before that I regret so much on buying Sonic Mania. I just got scammed, help me.… Expand
  24. Nezaniatoyimia
    Nov 8, 2019
    1
    It has no right to be called the Best sonic game and a masterpiece. This game is **** Sonic 2006 is a lot better. I've played Sonic 3 & knuckles so many times and when i tried to enjoy this "sonic mania" game i just wanted nothing more than close this piece of garbage. STOP PRAISING IT. IT'S BAD.
  25. blitzchamp
    Aug 29, 2017
    0
    I have to say it's pretty crappy to wait 2 weeks extra for this game to come out on Steam and then find out after I purchased it that it has DRM and also an always-online feature enabled. Whether this was intentional or not - it shows SEGA's contempt for the people who support it. I can understand an always-online feature in a FREE cell phone game, but not in a game I actually PAID YOUI have to say it's pretty crappy to wait 2 weeks extra for this game to come out on Steam and then find out after I purchased it that it has DRM and also an always-online feature enabled. Whether this was intentional or not - it shows SEGA's contempt for the people who support it. I can understand an always-online feature in a FREE cell phone game, but not in a game I actually PAID YOU FOR.

    Way to ruin a good thing - finally after years of making crappy games, a Sonic game worth playing finally came out and now this happens. Way to go SEGA.    … Expand
  26. 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
  27. Sakamoto_San
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    Tiene problemas que aun no arreglan, no funciona bien con la función de foto, suspender y home aparte el juego se cierra solo después de jugar un par de horas
  28. ff7master
    Sep 2, 2018
    0
    Simplemente perfecto, una obra maestra de las plataformas 2D cargada de nostalgia.
  29. luis2667
    Dec 7, 2019
    0
    buen juego clásico de sonic, lastima que sega mata cada vez mas la saga de sonic
  30. Brath
    Jul 1, 2020
    0
    Эта игра полное наебалово, что бы развести нас на деньги. Ведь тут очередная ставка на настольгию. Sega и Sonic Team, YOU CAN'T MAKE GOOD GAMES!!!!!
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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 »