Like any good franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog has had a turbulent journey. The initial series’ early 2D beginnings transitioned into the 3D-era platformer we know now. Sonic the Hedgehog changes, but his core principles and ideas remain in every new installment. Sonic’s style is still consistent even 33 years after its inception. Everything that makes Sonic good shines through in his best video games. This list contains some of Sonic’s most well-received titles.
3. Sonic Frontiers
Sonic Frontiers is number three on our list, released in 2022. Frontiers is the definitive 3D-era game, improving the various set-ups placed on prior games. Frontiers ushers in an open-world setting, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild. Classic Sonic elements such as rings and platforming are still essential. Frontiers’ combat and controls are divisive, receiving mixed criticism from fans. Its storyline and visuals, however, have received near-universal praise for a much-needed upgrade to Sonic’s storyline
Frontiers is a success story for Sonic the Hedgehog in more ways than one. Fans criticized Sonic titles in the past for their gameplay and storytelling. Previous games like Lost World and Forces both opened to middling expectations. Frontiers follows the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog films, showing that Sonic is still a reputable brand. Frontiers is the next step into a great adventure. Be sure to check out the game for your local console.
2. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 bursts onto the scene as number two on our list, released in 1992. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the sequel to the well-beloved Sonic the Hedgehog. The game vastly improves on its predecessor’s gameplay and offers new additions. The game’s stages are fun to navigate and have well-rounded 8-bit visuals. The Eggman boss fights may seem predictable, but they add a menacing flare to the title. The most notable additions were Sonic’s iconic Spindash and the introduction of his partner, Tails the Fox.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a pivotal point in the franchise’s future. It established Sonic the Hedgehog as a franchise worth looking into. Sonic’s worldwide recognition as an iconic video game mascot starts with Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Moreover, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 helped the Sega Genesis compete with Nintendo’s consoles. Because of this game, Sonic the Hedgehog is still moving forward. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 may look old, but the game still holds up surprisingly well in the modern age.
1. Sonic Mania
The spectacular Sonic Mania is number one on our list, released in 2017. Mania is different from other Sonic games in the 2010s. It brought the series back to its 8-bit roots, and fans cheered. Mania’s development bridged the gap between the Sonic Team and the Sonic Fangame community. Various fangame developers helped remix older stages for Mania. Christian “Taxman” Whitehead is a well-known fangame developer who pitched the game to Takeshi Izuka.
Mania was the most well-received Sonic game in the last fifteen years. For many viewers, it was a nostalgic journey through what made Sonic games ‘fun’ in the past. Even eight years after its release date, Mania is still praiseworthy. Sonic Mania is not a fangame, but the game is a love letter to the fans. The love and dedication that goes into the game is incredible. Mania is a fitting celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary and the Sonic fandom.
Honorable Mention: Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations may not be a top-three title on our list, but the game is worth a mention. SEGA released Generations in 2011 for the 20th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. The game’s legacy cuts deep: bosses and enemies from earlier Sonic titles remastered. The game was the first return of the ‘Classic Sonic’ character, and it helped connect Sonic’s past to his future.
Generations was a commercial success and remains a strong title for SEGA. The game received critical acclaim for its level design, soundtrack, and gameplay. Thirteen years after its release, SEGA announced a remaster of Sonic Generations. SEGA also announced Shadow Generations as a concurrent title. Shadow is taking the spotlight after years of playing second fiddle to Sonic. Together, the two titles are Sonic X Shadow Generations.
Sonic the Hedgehog is Reaching New Heights
Sonic the Hedgehog always moves forward, and now he’s moving into the future. The character’s live-action films have netted him public approval from casual moviegoers. Sonic’s franchise is in a good state, and the only place to go is up. Sonic fans are excited to see where SEGA takes the blue blur next. Sonic X Shadow Generations is just around the corner and has already impressed long-time gamers. The franchise has a bright future ahead of it.
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