Sonic Mania: A Return To Form For The Blue Blur

If there is one element about the Sonic The Hedgehog series that cannot become understated or overstated for that matter, it is that Sonic The Hedgehog and 3D do not mix well, in fact, its like releasing a school of freshwater fish into the dead sea. So when SEGA announced Sonic Mania, a 2D platforming release for Sonic released on Nintendo Switch, for once I became excited. Excitement tempered with the knowledge of countless failed Sonic titles and hoping...just hoping that this release will constitute a return to form.

For once in years of truly atrocious Sonic The Hedgehog titles, there may become reason for celebration! Sonic Mania is a brand NEW 2D Sonic game, with both remastered and fresh zones reminiscent of classic Sonic titles. The music is strict 90's retro with the same sprite animations loved in the Genesis version, updated for the modern era of gaming. The platforming is in the vein of classic Genesis, with a difficulty curve suitable for all players of any age. This game is definitive proof that Sonic works his magic as a video game character better in two dimensions than in three dimensions. For classic fans of the series, this game does away with stupid subplots and boring characters, bringing back the classic Sonic gameplay that made the blue blue popular in the first place. However SEGA, it will take far more than Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces to save this battered franchise. Don't expect consumers to keep shelling out our hearts and our wallets to get trust betrayed again.

Final Score: 9/10

Give Sonic Mania a spin, this game is a fantastic return to the roots of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise and well worth every penny of investment for die-hard Sonic fans!