Nobody needs reminding of how tumultuous the last decade (and more) has been for Sonic the Hedgehog. A series that used to be so effectively simple has been bloated and dragged further and further away from what made it so popular all those decades ago. If you had told Sonic fans that their blue hero would eventually turn into a werewolf and also take a backseat for another hedgehog with guns to take the spotlight, they probably would have laughed.
2017 is a big year for Sonic, though. Sonic Forces, arguably the “bigger” of the two releases, is still to come later in this year, but it’s Sonic Mania’s turn first. Developed by those who has worked previously on fan content for earlier Sonic games, Mania is a return to the series’ iconic style, that of a side-scrolling 2D platformer. It’s what fans have been crying out for, but does the end product deliver?
With the critics’ verdicts pouring in, it’s time to look at some of the Sonic Mania reviews and see if it was a gamble worth taking. Spoiler alert: it was.
Eurogamer – Edwin Evans-Thirlwell – Essential
[Full Review]“How the hell is this possible? It’s possible because for a small group of dedicated aficionados, the blue blur’s halcyon period never ended. What’s old has become new, and Sonic is once again the star he was supposed to be.”
Gamespot – Matt Espineli – 9/10
[Full Review]“An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series’ iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made.”
Polygon – Arthur Gies – 7/10
[Full Review]“But for me, as someone with fond memories but key criticisms, Sonic Mania seems content to paint over some of the series’ problems rather than fix them, making for a game that falls a little short of what might have been.”
Push Square – Stephen Tailby – 8/10
[Full Review]“If you’ve never enjoyed Sonic games, this certainly won’t change your mind, but anyone with an affinity for the Blue Blur’s seminal Mega Drive series can rest assured that this is more than worth your time.”
Destructoid – Chris Carter – 8/10
[Full Review]“Impressive effort with a few noticeable problems holding it back. Won’t astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.”
Attack of the Fanboy – Jelani James – 4.5/5
[Full Review]“…there is no denying that Sonic Mania is utterly amazing and has actually left me looking forward to the future for the first time in years.”
Dualshockers – AZARIO LOPEZ – 9/10
[Full Review]“Sonic Mania has helped me rediscover what it was I loved about Sonic growing up and it took me back to a time where I could just pick up a game and have fun. This is for Sonic fans everywhere and it will not disappoint.”
Sonic Mania is available today for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. A PC version is due for release on August 29th following a delay.
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