Sonic Mania Reviews
Sonic Mania is quite possibly the best blue blur experience in over twenty years. What Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and Pagoda West Games have accomplished is nothing short of breathtaking, and it most certainly steers the Sonic franchise back on course. Now, we can only cross our fingers that both the flawless quality and overwhelming success of Sonic Mania will result in a series of future franchise entries within this style.
If you liked classic Sonic, you'll love Sonic Mania. If you've never played a platformer and don't understand why people are so excited for a game with graphics that your electric toothbrush can render, you might want to skip it.
So is Sonic Mania good? Yeah, it’s awesome. Is it the best Sonic game ever? No, Sonic 3 & Knuckles is. Is the Sonic Cycle broken? Probably not, Sonic Forces is due out later this year and looks like more of the third-person rubbish that we’re now so sadly used to.
Sonic Mania proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sonic is better in 2D. Mania cleverly leans on the best of Sonic’s past while also carving its own path for a bright future for the blue blur. Welcome back Sonic.
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 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.
Incredible levels, beautiful art, a fantastic soundtrack and classic gameplay make Sonic Mania the best Sonic game in years.
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
Sonic fans have been waiting for a game that finally built on the legacy of the Genesis era Sonic games and Sonic Mania has finally captured that magic that has been missing. Bringing in a true Sonic fan to take the reigns of the series was very much the right decision and you can tell the level of loving detail put into every aspect of the game. It may have taken a long time, but everybody’s favorite Blue Blur is finally back in Sonic Mania and it feels so good.
Sonic Mania for as little as €20 contains everything what's best in the classic entries, and many fresh ideas. Must-have for all fans of the blue hedgehog – but only for them.
Review in Polish | Read full review
A prime example of how retro console gaming can still be fun AND relevant. Cracking good fun...
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Sonic Mania, and it’s a clear example of just how successful fan-created passion projects can be when they’re nurtured by a studio. I’m also hopeful that the 2D journey doesn’t end here either, but encourages Sega to continue further down this road with even more new content in the future. In the meantime, 3D fans have Sonic Forces to look forward to when it launches later this year.
Overall, Sonic Mania is probably one of the best Sonic games ever made and is a very carefully and thoughtfully crafted game.
A nostalgic platforming remix-o-rama made with love.
Despite its flaws, Sonic Mania is the type of game that players can keep going back to over and over. It has the replayability of the classic Sonic games with minor modernisations for current day gamers, and is sure to appeal to old and new players alike. For a franchise that for a while seemed to flounder and suffer from subpar titles, it offers hope to fans that there will be more to return the series to its former glory.
Even with the small issues, Sonic Mania is a love letter to Sonic fans. As it should be though, it was designed by fans for the fans. Sonic Mania is right up there with the best Sonic titles and an excellent throwback that longtime fans have been hoping and waiting for – myself included.
It’s clear that Sonic Mania was made with a lot of tender loving care, and with all the fans this game is set to please in addition to finding new ones, it would be a shame if Sega doesn’t name Christian Whitehead and company the new Sonic Team.
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.
