Sonic the Hedgehog has had plenty of ups and downs over the franchises' 30-year run, with tons of memorable games. Some of these are memorable for how they blended speed and platforming to create a unique gaming experience. Others are known for putting unique spins on the established gameplay formula, taking risks and bringing the series to new heights.
There have been tons of Sonic games ranging from classic 2D platformers to adventure games, with a few sports titles and racing games thrown in for good measure. However, by looking at critical reviews on Metacritic and the Internet Games Database, it's clear to see that these five games stand out from the rest. Here's what critics say are the best games from the last 30 years of Sonic the Hedgehog.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog: 81/100
The original Sonic the Hedgehog game released on the Sega Genisis in 1991, and it was a landmark title that cemented Sonic's place in the industry. Sonic was created to directly compete with Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. 3, sparking an unforgettable '90s platforming rivalry. The original Sonic the Hedgehog was praised for its graphics, sense of speed and unique take on platforming for the time.
Nowadays, critics are just as fond of the game as it continues to be re-released on newer multiple different platforms. There's a bit of nostalgia present in many of the reviews for Sonic the Hedgehog, but that isn't always a bad thing. It's a classic speed-based platformer for a reason, and would only be outdone by its well-deserved sequel.
4. Sonic Advance: 83/100
It's rather surprising to see a Game Boy Advance title reviewed so fondly when compared to Sonic's other games. Sonic Advance released for the GBA in 2002 and was praised for its graphical style and tight gameplay, which many reviewers thought was reminiscent of the Genesis games. Sonic Advance was seen as a resurgence for the series, as there had already been a few 3D Sonic games that failed to impress critics.
Sonic Advance let players pick from four different characters, giving the game a sense of replayability that was new to the franchise. However, this aspect was also a point of criticism, with some noting that certain characters felt far better to play than others. Regardless of that complaint, Sonic Advance is one of the best 2D Sonic games ever made.
3. Sonic Adventure 2: 84/100
When it comes to 3D games, Sonic hasn't had the best of luck keeping up with his competitors. Most 3D Sonic the Hedgehog games have fairly poor reviews, though there are a few gems in the rough. For many critics and fans, Sonic Adventure 2 is one such gem with its huge cast of characters, intertwining story modes and unique side games. Critics appreciated the game's sheer amount of content, and this has since been further enhanced through mods.
There are certainly some problems with this classic, however. Critics point out the camera controls can be frustrating, some levels feel like they're made only to trick players and it has a simpleness that sometimes works against the game. Some reviews also say this sequel doesn't do enough to stand out from its predecessor. Despite these issues, though, critics havea largely recognized why so many fans consider Sonic Adventure 2 a 3D classic that modern Sonic games are still trying to live up to.
2. Sonic The Hedgehog 2: 86/100
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is, according to critics, the best classic Sonic game. It introduced several factors that would become series staples, such as Sonic's companion Tails and the iconic spin-dash. Much like the original, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has stayed fresh in fans' eyes thanks to frequent re-releases on modern consoles that update and improve upon the core game.
Critics have praised Sonic the Hedgehog 2 across multiple platforms, mainly due to its fantastic level design and increase in speed compared to the original game. Sonic the Hedgehog may have introduced the series' blend of speed and platforming, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was the game that defined it. Critics have also been quick to praise the game's ports and upgrades for being faithful to the beloved original.
1. Sonic Mania Plus: 89/100
The only game that critics felt was better than the classic Sonic platformers is one that set out to emulate those same platformers. Sonic Mania Plus is the updated version of Sonic Mania, though both games reviewed extremely well with critics. Both games started out as fan creations by developers with a clear passion for the classic Genesis titles -- and critics clearly saw that passion at work.
Critics also note how close Sonic Mania Plus felt to the original 2D Sonic games, creating something of a love letter to the Sonic series as a whole. Outside of its excellent gameplay, Sonic Mania Plus has earned praise on all levels for everything from its soundtrack to its animations and level designs. Really, the only serious criticism this game is received is for appealing to classic Sonic fans in a way that may alienate other players. Despite this, Sonic Mania is a clear passion project that helped renew people's faith in one of gaming's oldest platforming icons.