The best Sonic games you should give a try

Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most famous video game characters. The blue speedster has been with us for over three decades, starring in movies, TV series, and countless video games. Here we ranked the best-received installment in the Sonic series.

• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• Sonic CD
• Sonic Adventure 2
• Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
• Sonic Colors
• Sonic Generations
• Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
• Sonic Mania
• Sonic Origins
• Sonic Frontiers

Sonic the Hedgehog

Release date: June 23, 1991

Sonic the Hedgehog is undoubtedly a ground-breaking title. Sega’s hit release owes its success to several key factors. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, intuitive control system, and replayability played a significant role in cementing its status as a classic action title in the gaming world.

Sega created the blue speedster as an answer to Super Mario’s success, sparking fierce competition with Nintendo’s flagship franchise. Sonic’s emphasis on speed and fluidity provided a fresh alternative to Mario’s more methodical gameplay, and this rivalry ultimately pushed both franchises to new heights. The competition between Sonic and Mario has undeniably benefited gamers by contributing to the creation of numerous memorable titles over the years.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Release date: November 21, 1992

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stands out as one of the best Sonic games due to its refined gameplay, the introduction of new mechanics, and memorable level design. Building on the original game’s success, Sonic 2 takes the series to new heights by incorporating improvements and innovations that enhance the overall gaming experience. The sequel introduces Tails, Sonic’s loyal sidekick, who adds a unique cooperative element to the game. Players can control Tails independently or in tandem with Sonic, creating opportunities for teamwork and varied gameplay strategies. The addition of Tails also appeals to a broader audience, as younger or less experienced gamers can join in the fun.

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Sonic 2 also debuts the Spin Dash move, allowing Sonic to rev up and launch himself at high speeds from a stationary position. This mechanic enhances the sense of speed and provides players with greater control over Sonic’s movements, making the gameplay more dynamic and engaging. The level design in Sonic 2 is another standout feature, offering a diverse range of visually stunning and challenging stages. From the lush landscapes of Emerald Hill Zone to the gravity-defying loops of Chemical Plant Zone, each stage presents unique obstacles and environments that keep players captivated and eager to explore.

Sonic CD

Release date: September 23, 1993

Sonic CD offers a fresh take on the classic formula while maintaining the elements that fans adore. The time-travel mechanic is a distinguishing feature of Sonic CD, allowing players to explore past, present, and future versions of each stage. This adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, as players must navigate through time to find hidden items, alter the environment, and ultimately change the future for the better. This innovative mechanic sets Sonic CD apart from other entries in the franchise, offering a unique and engaging experience.

Sonic CD’s level design is exceptional, offering a wide range of vibrant stages with distinct visual themes and challenges. The time-travel aspect further enriches the level design, as each zone has multiple versions with varying obstacles, layouts, and aesthetics. It encourages exploration and replayability, as players can uncover new secrets and pathways across different timelines. Another highlight of Sonic CD is its memorable boss encounters. The game introduces inventive boss battles that test players’ skills and strategic thinking. These encounters add variety and excitement to the gameplay, providing a thrilling challenge for both newcomers and veteran Sonic fans alike.

Sonic Adventure 2

Relase date: June 23, 2001

The storyline in Sonic Adventure 2 is both intriguing and immersive, with two interconnected narratives: the Hero Story featuring Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and the Dark Story starring Shadow, Dr. Eggman, and Rouge. This dual narrative approach adds depth to the plot and allows players to explore different perspectives, enhancing the game’s replayability. Playable characters are a major highlight of Sonic Adventure 2, as each protagonist offers unique abilities and gameplay styles. Sonic and Shadow excel in speed-based platforming, Tails and Dr. Eggman utilize powerful mechs for combat, and Knuckles and Rouge engage in treasure-hunting missions. This variety ensures that players can enjoy diverse experiences throughout their adventure.

Sonic Adventure 2 also introduces formidable adversaries that challenge players at every turn. The game marks the debut of Shadow the Hedgehog, who becomes Sonic’s iconic rival and adds complexity to the story. Additionally, the game features memorable boss battles against foes like Metal Sonic and the colossal Biolizard, providing thrilling and demanding encounters.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing

Release date: February 23, 2010

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing takes the franchise in a new direction, showcasing the loveable characters in high-octane racing action that appeals to fans and newcomers alike. The game does not rely on a traditional story but instead focuses on exhilarating racing competitions featuring iconic characters from the Sonic universe and other classic Sega franchises. This unique approach allows players to enjoy a fresh experience within the Sonic franchise, where they can compete in exciting races without the need for an overarching narrative.

Playable characters are a significant highlight of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, as the game boasts a diverse roster of racers from various Sega properties. Characters like Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are joined by fan favorites such as AiAi from Super Monkey Ball and Amigo from Samba De Amigo. Each character has their own distinct vehicle and special abilities, providing varied racing experiences and strategies for players to explore. While traditional enemies are not present in this racing game, the competitive nature of the races and the rivalries between characters create a thrilling atmosphere. Players must outmaneuver and outsmart their opponents by utilizing power-ups, shortcuts, and character-specific abilities to secure victory on each track.

Sonic Colors

Release date: November 11, 2010

Sonic Colors first premiered on Wii and Nintendo DS, and in 2021, the game came out on PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC. Its story revolves around Sonic and Tails’ quest to stop Dr. Eggman from enslaving an alien race called Wisps to power his interstellar amusement park. The narrative is filled with humor and excitement, keeping players engaged throughout the game.

Sonic’s speed and agility are showcased, allowing players to experience exhilarating platforming action. Additionally, the game introduces the Color Power feature, where Sonic can harness the abilities of different Wisps to access new areas and overcome challenges. One of the main reasons Sonic Colors is considered among the best Sonic games is its level design, which combines 2D and 3D perspectives seamlessly. The game offers a variety of vibrant, colorful stages that take full advantage of Sonic’s abilities, providing a thrilling and visually stunning experience.

Sonic Generations

Release date: November 1, 2011

Sonic Generations earns its place as one of the best Sonic games due to its unique fusion of classic and modern gameplay styles. The story revolves around Sonic and his friends being pulled into a time vortex by a mysterious new enemy called the Time Eater. Both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic must work together to restore their world, traversing iconic levels from the past and present, leading to an engaging narrative that captivates players throughout the game.

Playable characters in Sonic Generations include both versions of the blue hedgehog, each with distinct abilities and gameplay styles. Classic Sonic focuses on 2D side-scrolling platforming reminiscent of the early titles, while Modern Sonic offers a mix of 2D and 3D platforming with high-speed action and quick reflexes. This dual-character approach allows players to experience the best of both worlds, catering to fans of different eras of the franchise. Enemies in Sonic Generations are a diverse mix of foes from various Sonic games, including Dr. Eggman’s robotic minions and other familiar adversaries. The game also features memorable boss battles that challenge players’ skills. One of the key reasons Sonic Generations is considered among the best Sonic games is its level design, which reimagines classic stages with updated visuals and gameplay mechanics.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Release date: November 16, 2012

Like its predecessor, it centers around high-stakes racing events featuring well-known characters from the Sonic universe and other beloved Sega franchises. The expanded cast of playable characters in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a major draw, with an even greater variety of racers from an array of Sega properties. Traditional favorites like Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are joined by new additions such as Joe Musashi from Shinobi and Gilius Thunderhead from Golden Axe. Each character possesses unique vehicles and special abilities, allowing players to delve into diverse racing experiences and strategies.

The standout improvement in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed compared to its predecessor is the pioneering gameplay feature that allows vehicles to switch between car, boat, and plane modes during races. This adds a dynamic layer of strategy and thrill to the races, requiring players to adjust to fluctuating terrains and master each vehicle form to outpace their rivals.

Sonic Mania

Release date: August 15, 2017

Sonic Mania shines as one of the best Sonic games due to its successful fusion of classic and modern elements, meticulously crafted level design, and the return of fan-favorite characters. This game serves as a love letter to the franchise’s golden era. One of Sonic Mania’s key strengths lies in its ability to blend nostalgia with innovation. The game features remastered versions of iconic stages from previous titles alongside brand-new zones that showcase inventive gameplay mechanics and challenges. This combination of familiar and novel experiences creates a unique sense of excitement and discovery for players.

The level design in Sonic Mania is masterfully crafted, offering a perfect balance of speed, platforming, and exploration. Each stage is filled with hidden paths, collectibles, and secrets that encourage players to delve deeper into the game’s vibrant world. The attention to detail and clever design choices make every zone memorable and enjoyable to traverse. Sonic Mania also marks the return of beloved characters Tails and Knuckles, who are fully playable alongside Sonic. Each character possesses distinct abilities and playstyles, adding variety and replayability to the game. This inclusion caters to long-time fans but also introduces newer players to the diverse cast of the Sonic universe.

Sonic Origins

Release date: June 23, 2022.

It’s a collection of remastered versions of four classic Sonic releases: 

• Sonic the Hedgehog, 
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2, 
• Sonic 3 & Knuckles
• Sonic CD.

Players can choose between Classic Mode, which faithfully recreates the original games, and Anniversary Mode, which supports the full-screen resolution, removes the limit of lives, and connects all four titles with brand-new animated cutscenes. Moreover, players may use the drop dash move, originally introduced in Sonic Mania. Another highlight of Sonic Origins is that Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are playable across all four games (except for Knuckles in Sonic CD).

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The game’s extended version, called Sonic Origins Plus, unlocks Knuckles in Sonic CD, brings Amy Rose as a fourth playable protagonist, and broadens the collection with 12 Sonic games released for the Game Gear handheld console.

Sonic Frontiers

Release date: November 8, 2022

Sonic Frontiers is the first Sonic game to feature open-world design, thus pushing the boundaries of the franchise while staying true to its essence. The story in Sonic Frontiers focuses on Sonic exploring the mysterious Starfall Islands, where he uncovers an ancient evil that threatens the world. Players embark on a compelling narrative-driven adventure full of unexpected twists and turn that keep them engaged throughout the game.

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The open-world design allows players to experience Sonic’s abilities on a grander scale, traversing vast landscapes and discovering hidden secrets. This new approach to level design offers a sense of freedom and exploration rarely seen in previous Sonic games. Enemies in Sonic Frontiers include a mix of classic foes from Dr. Eggman’s robotic army and new adversaries native to the Starfall Islands.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog

Release date: March 31, 2023

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is an intriguing spin-off that served as an April Fools’ Day joke. The story of this visual novel revolves around the mysterious murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, with players taking on the role of a detective tasked with uncovering the truth behind this shocking event. This narrative offers a fresh perspective on the Sonic universe with hand-drawn characters and environments.

Players assume the role of a new character who, together with Tails, tries to solve the mystery of the murder of the blue speedster. The gameplay departs from traditional high-speed platforming, focusing instead on point-and-click gameplay with puzzle-solving and interrogating NPCs to uncover hidden clues.