Sonic Mania

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 24,985 reviews
  • music
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Sonic Mania Game Cover
Sonic Mania is not only everything fans of the classic Genesis games could have wanted and more, but it’s one of the best 2D platformers of this generation, and of all-time.
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Sonic Mania is a 2D platformer celebrating the classic Sonic games with HD retro-style graphics and a crisp 60FPS frame rate. Play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles, each with unique abilities, as you race through re-imagined zones and battle new bosses. Compete with players or play in co-op mode with a friend. Welcome to the ultimate Sonic experience!

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 24,985 reviews
music2,333 positive mentions
stability143 negative mentions
  • music3,947 mentions

    The music in *Sonic Mania* has been widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and nostalgic appeal. Composed primarily by Tee Lopes, the soundtrack features a mix of remixed classic tracks and new compositions that resonate well with both longtime fans and newcomers, often described as "banger" and "eargasmic." The vibrant and catchy tunes enhance the gameplay experience, making the music one of the standout elements of the game, with many players expressing a desire to listen to the soundtrack outside of the game itself.

    • “The music especially is this game's strong point, and there's a blend of classic tracks, new tracks, and tracks that are remixed but expertly keep the original spirit.”
    • “The soundtrack is outstanding, graphics are beautiful, and the story is great.”
    • “The music is amazing, the gameplay is amazing, everything is perfect.”
    • “Get this if you want to play annoying versions of levels from past games in-between new levels that are mostly okay-ish, with remixed music that's hit or miss.”
    • “I really don't know why everyone loves this OST so much; it just sounds like it's trying to re-create the Michael Jackson OST from Sonic 3 but like... not as good.”
    • “The level design is diarrhea doodoo garbage, the soundtrack makes me want to put drills in my ears, and the graphics look like a pygmy marmoset ate a pack of colored pencils and smeared its diarrhea on my screen.”
  • gameplay2,445 mentions

    The gameplay in Sonic Mania is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics that successfully blend nostalgia with modern enhancements. Players appreciate the clever level design, which features both remixed classic stages and new environments, each introducing unique mechanics that keep the experience fresh and engaging. While some critiques mention frustrating elements and a reliance on gimmicks, the overall consensus is that the game captures the essence of classic Sonic gameplay while adding enough innovation to feel exciting and rewarding.

    • “This game is extremely replayable, the level design is as fun as it gets, the characters are very well thought out (powers, gameplay mechanics) and I feel like everything I do in this game results in a big grin on my face, because everything has been thought out by the developers, so every second is filled with fun and excitement.”
    • “With its pixel-perfect graphics, toe-tapping soundtrack, and blisteringly fast gameplay, Sonic Mania effortlessly captures the essence of the 16-bit era while injecting it with fresh energy and creativity.”
    • “The gameplay in Sonic Mania is fast-paced, exhilarating, and a pure joy to experience.”
    • “It was an insufferable experience trying to understand the stupid game mechanics.”
    • “The later levels have tedious as hell mechanics that make you want to die.”
    • “The animations and sounds are wonderful, however that really doesn't fix the outdated game design and major flaws with level design, it's simply not fun, engaging or rewarding, especially since the only other characters you can unlock are via paid dlc and not through gameplay.”
  • graphics1,652 mentions

    The graphics in Sonic Mania have been widely praised for their vibrant, nostalgic 16-bit style that effectively captures the essence of classic Sonic games while incorporating modern enhancements. Reviewers highlight the stunning pixel art, fluid animations, and attention to detail, making the visuals a standout feature that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a significant improvement over previous Sonic titles, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary polish.

    • “The graphics feel like what a 2D Sonic game would've looked like on the Sega Saturn had they actually made one on that console, but better suited for modern displays with crisp pixels and widescreen.”
    • “With its pixel-perfect graphics, toe-tapping soundtrack, and blisteringly fast gameplay, Sonic Mania effortlessly captures the essence of the 16-bit era while injecting it with fresh energy and creativity.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, stellar gameplay and one of the best special stages we have ever gotten in my opinion.”
    • “Step down graphic wise from Sonic 4, which is unacceptable.”
    • “Bad graphics shouldn't equal a bad game, but here, it's warranted.”
    • “It seems a good chunk of people giving this their recommendation have never played the first few Sonic games so have nothing to compare it to, but trust me when I say, aside from the pretty visuals and sounds, it brings nothing new to the table and feels very much more of the same.”
  • story627 mentions

    The story in Sonic Mania is generally viewed as simplistic and reminiscent of classic Sonic games, primarily revolving around the familiar conflict of Sonic versus Dr. Robotnik. While some players appreciate the nostalgic elements and the way the narrative is conveyed through visuals and minimal dialogue, others criticize it for being lackluster and lacking depth compared to previous titles like Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Overall, the consensus is that while the story may not be the main draw, it serves its purpose in supporting the fast-paced gameplay that fans expect from the franchise.

    • “This game is a true gem classic Sonic game and the story of the game is amazing.”
    • “The soundtrack is outstanding, graphics are beautiful, and the story is great.”
    • “The story is very well presented and told in nice cutscenes that prove that you don't need voice acting to tell a story.”
    • “The story is nonsense, though.”
    • “The story is kind of boring since there is little difference most of the time.”
    • “The biggest flaw I could find was the story.”
  • replayability426 mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, with diverse level designs, multiple playable characters, and various modes that encourage exploration and competition. Players can enjoy different routes and secrets with each character, enhancing the overall experience and providing ample opportunities for replay. Additionally, the inclusion of DLC and mod support further enriches the game's replay value, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.

    • “The outstanding level design and multiple playable character options lead to immense replayability.”
    • “The replay value is great and the amount of different routes, secrets, and ways to play helps keep the game going for a ton of playthroughs.”
    • “The whole game pays homage to the classic sonic games while also doing something incredibly unique and new making it endlessly replayable and just so much fun to experience!”
    • “Game has no replay value.”
    • “In my opinion, there's very little replay value in this game.”
    • “Long version - there's not much in the way of replayability unless you're willing to mod the game, and even then it's a struggle to continually boot the game up and play it every time.”
  • optimization216 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the implementation of Denuvo DRM, which they believe negatively impacted performance at launch. While some users report smooth gameplay and no significant issues, others experienced crashes, stuttering, and a lack of proper fullscreen options. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game can run well on various systems, the initial optimization claims were overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the DRM.

    • “Game works out of the box, no issues with Denuvo, no stuttering, crashing, or issues with the game itself.”
    • “Everything feels perfect and fun; it's greatly optimized.”
    • “The game runs smoothly on my PC and works well with an Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller.”
    • “It's worth mentioning that this game originally released with Denuvo DRM, with many players at the time experiencing performance issues at launch.”
    • “Delayed for two weeks so they could add crappy DRM that causes known performance issues.”
    • “The 2 weeks the game was delayed was obviously not for optimization of the PC port, but the implementation of the DRM everyone seems to love to complain about.”
  • stability167 mentions

    The stability of Sonic Mania has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs and crashes, particularly when changing resolutions or during specific boss fights. While some users experienced minimal issues and found the game generally playable, others described it as a "buggy nightmare" that detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the game appears to have a range of stability issues, with some players enjoying it despite the glitches, while others found it frustratingly unplayable.

    • “The game isn't too buggy, and the actual bugs aren't game breaking.”
    • “No freezes, bugs, or other issues.”
    • “Runs great, runs smooth, and personally I have not encountered any bugs at all.”
    • “However, it was a buggy nightmare crashing all the time, making it totally unplayable.”
    • “What I was not fine with was downloading the game and playing it to find that it is extremely buggy, and far easier to break than other versions of the game.”
    • “Game is the same but is now a technical nightmare; randomly freezes, going full screen crashes the game and can only be fixed by changing the resolution manually in the game folder.”
  • humor156 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and cleverness, featuring a plethora of funny moments, quirky character interactions, and amusing boss designs that evoke laughter throughout the gameplay. Players appreciate the nostalgic references and lighthearted tone, which contribute to an overall enjoyable experience that feels both fresh and reminiscent of classic Sonic titles. The game's humor is described as simple yet effective, making it accessible and entertaining for fans of all ages.

    • “From start to finish, the game is bursting with charm and personality, from its clever easter eggs and cheeky references to its infectious sense of humor.”
    • “The fact that Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is one of this game's boss fights is just hilarious to me.”
    • “Put simply, all the things that made the classic games such fun to play have made the jump to here; everything controls exactly how you remember, the adrenaline rush from zipping and looping through each zone remains the same, and playing with Tails following behind you still sees him die every five seconds in increasingly hilarious manners.”
  • grinding124 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, particularly when pursuing achievements or completing certain levels. While some enjoy the challenge and replayability, others feel that the mechanics often lead to frustrating and monotonous gameplay, especially in later levels and boss fights. Overall, the grinding experience can detract from the enjoyment, making it feel like a slog rather than a rewarding endeavor.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grindy (60 - 100 hours).”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “This game is a tedious slog to get through.”
    • “The later levels have tedious as hell mechanics that make you want to die.”
    • “The stage design in this game is utter garbage, and it's not like they had much room to mess up, because only about six of them are unique; the rest are from other Sonic games with remixes to make them as slow and tedious as possible.”
  • emotional94 mentions

    Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, often citing nostalgia and joy that brings them back to their childhood experiences with classic Sonic titles. Many reviewers mention crying from both frustration and happiness, highlighting the game's ability to evoke strong feelings through its music, level design, and overall gameplay. While some found certain aspects frustrating, the overwhelming sentiment is one of emotional fulfillment and a deep appreciation for the game's homage to the Sonic legacy.

    • “I cried when this game was announced, I cried when I booted it up for the first time, and I cried when I beat it.”
    • “This game made me feel six years old again, and in a good way.”
    • “Sonic Mania improves on all aspects of Sonic's games of the 90's and adds new mechanics, improves level design, and adds amazing music that legitimately made me cry; it's that good.”
  • atmosphere32 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its vibrant creativity, engaging level design, and nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic titles like Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. Reviewers highlight the excellent soundtrack, which combines remixed and original tracks that enhance the immersive experience, alongside smooth animations and colorful visuals that contribute to a playful yet dynamic environment. Overall, the game successfully blends modern gameplay with a nostalgic feel, making it appealing to both new players and long-time fans.

    • “The remixed tracks are excellent and the original tracks are full of energy and capture the atmosphere of the levels to which they belong.”
    • “What is here is great level design and superb atmosphere and visuals.”
    • “I really enjoy the atmosphere and creativity put into each level and I'm sure any Sonic fan would love what they've done to this game, especially in comparison to some of the official releases.”
    • “Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty has this bright look with fancy lights that don't contain a single shred of the dark atmosphere the original gave off.”
    • “It's atmosphere, control, and experience are all something platformer fans will enjoy.”
    • “Of the playful atmosphere laced with a mischievous threat.”
  • monetization28 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with some players feeling it is a cash grab that exploits nostalgia, particularly in the case of Sonic Mania and its perceived lack of originality. However, others appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the inclusion of meaningful DLC, praising the game for its engaging gameplay and beautiful aesthetics. Overall, while there are concerns about potential future monetization practices, the current model is seen as a refreshing departure from the prevalent trends of microtransactions and loot boxes.

    • “It holds the candle how AAA companies should make a game: no microtransactions, DLCs that actually add new and original stuff to the game, engaging gameplay, beautiful 2D aesthetics, and stunning level design.”
    • “Now I'm not going to critique every little thing in this game with a microscope, as much as I probably could, but just take my word that it is a thoroughly fun and refreshing game released in 2017: the era of microtransactions, loot boxes, and season passes.”
    • “There's no ads in this about Olive Garden or Zillow, so I'd say this is a pretty good piece of media with Sonic in it.”
    • “I would rather watch 3 hours worth of mobile ads than play this game again.”
    • “Origins really felt like a big slap in the face to me, a quick cash grab for Mania fans like me but mostly for the movie fans. Yuck, makes me sick just thinking about it.”
    • “Keep it up and Sonic Mania 2 has a season pass and microtransactions; you're the people that have made this dodginess acceptable and commonplace.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Reviews highlight that "Sonic Mania" excels in character design, showcasing the original cast effectively without unnecessary gimmicks. Players appreciate the game's return to classic character aesthetics, emphasizing a strong connection to the franchise's roots. However, there is criticism directed at the broader franchise's past missteps in character development and marketing over the years.

    • “Sonic Mania has some amazing character design across all the protagonists.”
    • “This is what Sonic should be: no hammy gimmicks and uses the original cast and character designs.”
    • “Another good Sonic game with nice level and character design.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

86% average critic score

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Play time

13hMedian play time
88hAverage play time
6hMain story
19hCompletionist
5-115hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 56 analyzed playthroughs

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