Sonic Mania Review
Sonic the Hedgehog has had a…troubling few years to say the least. The last game that was well received was Sonic Generations back in 2011. However, that was until earlier this year, when Christian Whitehead released the first classic style Sonic game since Sonic and Knuckles in 1994. This game was Sonic Mania, which not only went back to the graphics of the Sega Genesis, but also recreated some famous levels from other games, but with some changes.
Story
Sonic Mania takes place after Sonic and Knuckles, and sees Sonic and Tails returning to Angel Island after noticing a powerful energy reading. When they get there, Eggman has already sent a group of EggBots to retrieve what is found out to be the Phantom Ruby. The Phantom Ruby gives the EggBots new powers and turns them into the Hard Boiled Heavies. The Ruby also sends Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles across places they have already visited and new locations where they try to get the Ruby back from Eggman
Gameplay
Sonic Mania is a traditional platformer, where you go from the beginning to the end of a level with enemies in the way. Sonic Mania has 12 levels, eight of which are remixed old levels and four are new levels. Each level is split into two acts, with a boss fight at the end of each act.
However, there are multiple different characters to play through the levels as, those being the duo of Sonic and Tails, Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles. Each character has their own unique abilities which can help to traverse the many different paths found in each stage. Sonic can use the Drop Dash, an ability that lets him rocket forward after landing from a jump. Tails is able to fly, avoiding most enemies and obstacles, although he does get tired after a while, meaning you can’t fly forever. The duo of Sonic and Tails can use Sonic’s Drop Dash, and Tails can fly while holding Sonic. However, you can’t go nearly as fast or get nearly as high as when Tails flies on his own. And finally, we have Knuckles. Knuckles can glide after a jump until he hits the ground, and is also able to climb almost any wall.
Presentation
One of the best things about Sonic Mania is that it brings Sonic back into his 16-bit days. This game is proof that less is more, because it has completely outclassed most modern Sonic games. The stages are bright and colorful, with tons of references to older games, including a boss fight against some long forgotten characters like Bark the Polar Bear. The animations also look smooth, and don’t clash with the environments.
Final Thoughts
Sonic Mania is the best Sonic game this year, as well as the past few years. This is a result of letting fans of a series make the next game, as the fans usually know the series the best. While Sonic Mania isn’t perfect, it brings Sonic back to the fun game design it should be. While I would have loved more than four new stages, but they are packed to the brim with detail and passion. Overall, it brings Sonic back to his 16-bit routes, and is a bright light in official fanmade games.
