Sonic Mania
It’s rare to find a Sonic game that most fans agree on, but Sonic Mania is one of the most universally beloved games to ever feature the character. Released in 2016, Sonic Mania takes the 2D gameplay that popularized the original Sega Genesis games, while adding a number of modern touches. These include the ability to save, multiple playable characters, and a really clean presentation. Fans will have to debate for themselves if Sonic Mania is truly the best Sonic game overall, but there’s no doubt that it ranks among the best.
Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
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sonic the hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog’s second outing first appeared on the Sega Genesis in 1992, but 30 years later it’s still one of the character’s best games. sonic the hedgehog 2 starts out similar to the original game, but it features a number of improvements. The most notable of these, and the one that puts it on this list over the original sonic the hedgehog, is the spin dash movement. Since 1992, the spin dash has become a staple of all 2D Sonic games, and it’s hard to go back to the original once you’ve played later Sonic games.
Beyond that, Sonic 2 also introduced players to Miles “Tails” Prower, Sonic’s brave sidekick. With solid level design, gorgeous visuals, and a great soundtrack, Sonic 2 is a must have game. It’s also one of the easiest Sonic games to find digitally. In fact, there are no less than three ways to play it on Nintendo Switch. The best of them is Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog 2which includes Knuckles as a playable character.
Available on: PlayStation (via Sega Genesis Classics), Xbox, Steam, Nintendo Switch
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Ultimate Sonic Colors
Originally released for Nintendo Wii in 2010, Sonic colors was quickly embraced as one of the best 3D Sonic games of all time. A remastered version was released last year for modern platforms, adding a number of new features, including a few nods to the first sonic the hedgehog film. It’s worth noting that the game apparently suffered from some issues when it launched on Nintendo Switch, but it looks like these have been fixed through patches. You can check out our review of the PlayStation 4 version here.
Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
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Super Smash Bros Ultimate
When Sonic debuted, Sega positioned its mascot as Mario’s ultimate rival. These days, Nintendo and Sega have buried the hatchet, and Sonic is a staple in Smash Bros. since 2008. Super Smash Bros Ultimate continues this proud tradition, and the game features plenty of Sonic-centric content. There are several Sonic-inspired scenes, a number of music tracks, and cameo appearances from characters like Tails and Knuckles. It might not technically be a Sonic game, but director Masahiro Sakurai and the game’s development team have stuffed it full of things for Hedgehog fans to love.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
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sonic cd
First released on the Sega CD in 1993, sonic cd used the upgraded hardware in several interesting ways. The game features a stunning soundtrack, stunning 2D visuals, and a time travel mechanic that gives it a distinctive hook. The game is also responsible for introducing two major Sonic characters: Amy Rose and Metal Sonic. The game was ported to Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2011 by Christian Whitehead who would later develop Sonic Mania. This version includes a number of extras, including Tails as a playable character. The Xbox 360 version is available to download on all current Xbox platforms, but PlayStation and Nintendo fans will have to wait until later this year when sonic cd is included as part of Sonic Origins Collection.
Available on: Xbox, Steam
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Sound Generations
Some Sonic fans prefer 2D games. Others prefer 3D. Sound Generations had the audacity to ask “why not both?” To like sonic cdthe scenario in Sound Generations focuses on time travel, but this time it results in two distinct versions of Sega’s hedgehog! The “Classic” Sonic Stages feature 2D gameplay with stunning modern graphics, while the “Modern” Sonic Stages offer some of the best 3D scenes the series has ever seen. The game was released in 2011, but it received a major update on Xbox Series X last year, improving the visuals and boosting its performance to 60 frames per second. Fans can download it from the Microsoft Store or play an Xbox 360 copy through backwards compatibility.
Available on: Xbox, Steam
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Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Very few kart racing games can compete with Mario Kart, but Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed comes pretty close. The game also features a number of iconic Sega characters from titles such as Arcadian sky, Super monkey ball, and crazy taxi. To like Sound Generationsthis one also got an upgrade on Xbox Series X last year, much to the delight of Sonic fans.
Available on: Xbox, Steam
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