Sonic Mania Reviews
Sonic Mania is a must-have title for platforming fans, retro enthusiasts, and Sonic fans of all types. It captures the essence of what made the series memorable, with a balance of high speed and thoughtful level design that guides you to secrets but always takes you to the end. Boss fights are inventive, and the title's replay value is immense, given the unlockables and various available pathways based on your chosen character. All we can hope for now is an official sequel, spiritual or otherwise, from these same fans-turned-programmers.
Sonic Mania never managed to find solutions for the series' problems. However, it returned what attracted many players after 24 years with a new layer, sending a message that the series still has an opportunity of improvement.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Very few stones have been left unturned to create what is a contender for the best Sonic title ever made. More than just an anniversary celebration, Sonic Mania is full of fresh ideas, balancing its source material and addition of all-new elements to elevate it beyond many other platformers that rely heavily on the same old formulas. It is a great pity that Sonic 4 exists, because no game deserves that name more than Sonic Mania; this is the Sonic 4 you have all been waiting for. The hope now is that it does not prove to be a one-off; a sequel with even more original zones and ideas needs to happen down the line. For now, though, it is a time to appreciate Sonic Mania and the incredible work Christian Whitehead and his fellow developers have done.
Sonic Mania has the essence of the classic Genesis games offering a variety of stages with new and nostalgic features. It is possible to see the passion of the developers in creating a game with what the fans wanted when it comes to graphics, soundtrack and above all the gameplay.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Sonia Mania is a refreshing attempt to bring the spotlight back on 2D Sonic games. It easily rivals the original Sonic trilogy in term of the level design and boss fights.
Sonic Mania doesn't just stand shoulder to shoulder with the classics of yesteryear; it surpasses them. The level design is absolutely incredible. Each zone features a wealth of obstacles and secrets, and they're all superbly implemented. Players are given ample opportunity to explore, though there's also incentive in speeding to the end.
Sonic Mania has everything you could ever want from a Sonic game. The levels are carefully crafted, the bosses are unique, and the fanservice is off the charts. Those looking for the second coming of SEGA's mascot have found it here.
Hell has frozen over, Sega managed to release the best entry in the Sonic franchise in years. To achieve this, the developers effectively captured what made Sonic the best console mascot in the 90s, resulting in a nostalgia fueled trip to the past.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Sonic Mania is more than a love letter for the loyal fans, it makes the series magical again, it is full of love and care, but we wish it didn't focus this much on boss fights.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
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.
Sonic Mania provides everything that players could possibly expect from a classic Sonic the Hedgehog title - for the best.
With Sonic Mania, Christian Whitehead and his team have done exactly what fans have wanted for years: start with the old and incorporate the new, keeping great level design, heart-pounding music and charming art direction. Sonic's back.
This is Sonic just as you remember, but bigger and undoubtedly better. Is it the best Sonic game? That's hard to say as it comes down to personal preference with regards to stages etc., but one thing is for sure, Sonic Mania is likely to be at the top of many Sonic fans' lists.
Every new cog in Sonic Mania looks right at home next to the old ones.
What was old has become new, showing that Sonic can deliver a thrilling adventure without gimmicks such as werewolves and fishing mini-games. Instead, Sonic Mania is a revival of this retro star at this best, and I hope SEGA makes more.
This game’s critical success should be a wake-up call for Sega to rethink their approach to Sonic in general. Although I can’t speak from the perspective of someone who didn’t grow up on Sonic, I truly believe this game boasts cross-generational appeal. Anyone who appreciates challenging, well-designed 2D platforming should find a lot to love here.
"The best 2D Sonic since the first three."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Sonic Mania is simply one of the best sonic games in the last 25 years. It’s highly polished, well designed and brilliantly fun. It’s everything the sonic fan in me wanted making a must play.
My experience with Sonic Mania has been a blast and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing my old childhood game. I feel as if Sonic Mania is well deserving of the scores it has received and has brought Sonic back into its golden days.