User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 877 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 61 out of 877
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  1. Aug 31, 2023
    5
    very hard'
    but also kinda fun
    but mostly hard
    also i like race mode
    but
  2. Aug 24, 2023
    8
    ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
  3. Aug 23, 2023
    0
    sonic mania is a fundementally flawed MESS of a game. Imagine liking this piece of GARBAGE. it's so good it becomes bad. this game is too good! 0/10.
  4. Jun 30, 2023
    9
    Sonic Mania is a blast from the past for all longtime Sonic Fans! This game contains retiring zones as well as new ones. Classic graphics, great music and is a treat for anyone playing!
  5. Jun 29, 2023
    8
    The game is beautiful and is very polished! Although there is EXCESSIVE level recycle from other games and the levels sometimes connect in a weird way that can make the pase kinda weird but overall pretty fun!
  6. Jun 29, 2023
    9
    I had the biggest, dumbest grin on my face from the start of the game to the end of it, with some minor roadbumps in there for some minorly annoying enemy placement and slightly confusing level design that is just common in 2D Sonic games. As someone who would put 2 of the 4 classic sonic games in his top 20 favorite games of all time, this was a complete treat.
  7. 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.
  8. Apr 13, 2023
    8
    I think the game is great but could do with some more original levels but god do I love the drop dash
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Feb 3, 2023
    8
    This is a collection of classic levels from old Sonic. And they pass it off as a new game. The collection, so to speak, is normal. But the optimization is bad. When playing on an Intel Pentium, the game hangs. Although, for example, starting CSGO (who doesn't know it's a 3D game) and the game produces 40 fps. 40 fps in a 3D game. And 50 fps in a 2D game. Ideally
  12. 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.
  13. Jan 25, 2023
    9
    Very similar to the original Sonic games on the SEGA consoles except it's not painstakingly, unbelievably punishing. And it saves your progress after each level. I do think some of the newer ideas are a slight step down from stuff copied from the originals. But overall, a super fun game!
  14. Jan 2, 2023
    8
    Nostalgia done right!
    Sonic 2 might be the one game I've played more than any other throughout my life. While this game won't replace Sonic 2, I'm definitely going to keep coming back to it over and over again.
  15. 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.
  16. Nov 21, 2022
    5
    It’s alright. Not the worst or the best. Sonic deserves better. Sonic Unleashed is better
  17. 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
  18. Nov 17, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. super fun game! the boss fights are cool, the gameplay are fast and fun, and it has tiny sonic!!! Expand
  19. Nov 15, 2022
    10
    It's a pretty difficult game, but very fun and well managed after all. I loved it!
  20. Nov 9, 2022
    9
    Sonic manía is really great, the best sonic on years, the sonic team is COOL, very good
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. Sep 15, 2022
    10
    RATING: 100%

    Proof that fans put way more work into games than Sonic Team themselves does.
  24. Sep 1, 2022
    0
    this game is so bad. i mean you cant have fun it all with this one. really bad and cheap
  25. Aug 26, 2022
    0
    this game is so bad on so may ways. the gameplay is empty with a big lack of content
  26. Aug 15, 2022
    10
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  27. Jul 21, 2022
    10
    Я,истинный фанат Соника.И когда эта игра вышла,Я приятно удивился,что Сега вернула классического Соника.Пройдя этот шедевр,Я с уверенностью могу сказать,что игра взяла с каждого классик Соника по чуть-чуть,смешала все и получился шедевр гейм-дева.Рекомендую пройти,или ознакомиться с этой игрой.Я,истинный фанат Соника.И когда эта игра вышла,Я приятно удивился,что Сега вернула классического Соника.Пройдя этот шедевр,Я с уверенностью могу сказать,что игра взяла с каждого классик Соника по чуть-чуть,смешала все и получился шедевр гейм-дева.Рекомендую пройти,или ознакомиться с этой игрой.
  28. Jul 19, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Прекрасная игра, мне очень понравилось! В игре есть очень много боссов, отсылающих на серию классических игр. Expand
  29. Jun 30, 2022
    0
    the worst sonic game that i ever seen. the gameplay feels so empty and rushed.
  30. Jun 26, 2022
    8
    GREAT return to formula, this is easily a top 10 Sonic game, deserves all praise and respect it gets
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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]