Sonic Mania

 Switch
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Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 877 Ratings

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  • Summary: Sonic Mania brings fans back into the 2D world of platform games with nostalgic pixel-style art and core "classic" gameplay by reimagining iconic Zones and Acts from Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD and Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles, and adding in completely new ZonesSonic Mania brings fans back into the 2D world of platform games with nostalgic pixel-style art and core "classic" gameplay by reimagining iconic Zones and Acts from Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD and Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles, and adding in completely new Zones with all-new Acts and boss fights into the mix. [Nintendo]… Expand
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Sonic Mania Bonus, Special, Time Attack Modes In Action Gameplay

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Vooks
    Sep 8, 2017
    100
    Sonic Mania is the culmination of a huge amount of work, from people peerlessly passionate about Sonic’s 2D games. Sega took a risk allowing outsiders to take the reins of their defining characteristics and it’s resulted in the best Sonic game in decades. It’s not perfect – there are occasional glitches, some people might find the crushing deaths and general difficulty of later levels a little off-putting – but as after being disappointed with many of Sega’s past attempts at following up Sonic’s early success, Mania did what I had almost given up hope on being possible. Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and PagodaWest Games have proven they absolutely understand what made Sonic great in the Mega Drive days and have modernised this essence for a modern audience with a follow-up worthy of standing with the best in the series.
  2. Twinfinite
    Aug 16, 2017
    100
    The game is bursting at the seams full of smart nostalgic references that hardcore fans would pick up on, while also managing to feel like a genuine new entry. Sonic Mania is not only everything fans of the classic Genesis games could have wanted and more, but it’s one of the best 2D platformers of this generation, and of all-time. It has taken awhile, but with Sonic Mania, the series is finally back in the club of truly remarkable and exemplary games.
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Aug 24, 2017
    95
    The hype is real: Sonic Mania is the best Sonic the Hedgehog game since the Genesis days. [Issue #29, p. 17]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. GameSpot
    Aug 15, 2017
    90
    Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design.
  5. NintendoWorldReport
    Aug 17, 2017
    90
    Sonic Mania is a delightful return to the 2D platforming style that first made the hedgehog a star. The love from the development team for 16-bit Sonic is evident in every moment of the game. Fans of classic Sonic must buy this game, but the excellent level design, music, and graphics will please all people who enjoy a well-thought-out sidescroller.
  6. Game Informer
    Aug 14, 2017
    85
    Exciting level design, a stellar soundtrack, and cool expansions on the original formula work in one accord to deliver the Sonic game fans have been waiting for.
  7. Pocket Gamer UK
    Aug 18, 2017
    60
    Sonic Mania is a love letter to fans of the franchise, who will no doubt lap it up. But it also feels like a missed opportunity to be what Sega has never achieved before: a truly great Sonic game.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 196 out of 236
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 236
  3. Negative: 20 out of 236
  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 aSonic 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. HalJSmokes
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    Momentum you can feel.
    Sonic and friends are perfected in this game. Sonic's spin dash adds an all new dimension to this game and the player    Momentum you can feel.
    Sonic and friends are perfected in this game. Sonic's spin dash adds an all new dimension to this game and the player will find themselves spamming it just to see how it affects their movement and speed. Boss battles are super unique and new. These battles are not the same you remember from Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Sometimes you are outrunning the boss, sometimes you are trying to run up on the boss, sometimes you are launching a decoy sonic at Metal Sonic. The levels, whether new or updated, are great. The player will be surprised at every corner on how the level changes. Sonic Mania takes the best of 2D Sonic platforming, speed, and classic 90s charm, without feeling dated, and updates it to new heights.
    And of course the music is banging.    … Expand
  4. 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 onlyAn 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
  5. 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 although90’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.… Expand
  6. BajaBlaster15
    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,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!… Expand
  7. JoeQ_
    Mar 24, 2020
    8
    Most can agree that the Sonic series has been through its ups and downs. Sonic Mania goes back to the 2D Formula of games, specifically fromMost can agree that the Sonic series has been through its ups and downs. Sonic Mania goes back to the 2D Formula of games, specifically from Sonic 1, 2, CD, 3 & Knuckles. The platforming and speed of Sonic Mania is fantastic and is a love letter to the Sonic fans, but that should not shy away newcomers as this game is welcoming to all. The return of fan-favorite stages brings so much joy to me, but there are quite a couple of questionable stages chosen to return such as Lava Reef Zone & Oil Ocean. The game is also provided with amazing remixes and an overall memorable OST by Tee Lopes. The new stages in the game do not disappoint and are the highlight of the game, however, there's only four of them leaving much to be desired. Overall, Sonic Mania is a great game and a great return to what made Sonic great in the first place.… Expand
  8. 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 GOODЭта 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!!!!!… Expand

See all 236 User Reviews

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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