Sonic Mania Review

Back in 1991 on a classic Sega Megadrive I remember being first introduced to this blue hedgehog with bright red shoes, it was a real buzz of a game not only to complete but to challenge friends on by getting faster and faster times to complete each level.

Now my kids have that same opportunity and although my reactions may not be as quick as they used to be I can still teach them a thing or two.

With 15 million sales of the original game Sega have tried many times to resurrect this loveable character from the 1990’s but only the mobile version in 2006 came close with 8 million sales.

Can Sonic Mania be the title to do this?

In a word NO

Many versions of games exist and things change over time, new things get added and some bits get removed. Sonic Mania has done a fair bit of that.

First thing I was hoping to do was get a sub 30 second run on Green Hill Zone Act 1, well that didn’t happen, especially with a boss now on what seems to be every level. I got lost initially and thought I had done something wrong before realising just how different they have made it.

Only 2 acts per zone as well, it feels somewhat like a cut and paste of different zones. One of the sonic features was fast free flowing acts, but there is too much blocking that from happening despite numeros attempts to make levels flow, it didn’t come together for me. Not saying that’s particularly bad but having the option to play the original or modified would have been nice.

Competition mode allows for some great split screen action and not only is it simple finish and win but combining coins and score too so don’t think it’s just the fastest to victory (but it helps), being able to set the number of rounds is also nice.

Time attack allows you to choose Sonic, Tails or Knuckles and then choose your Zone/Adct and complete it as fast as you can and see how you fare on some leaderboards. Again a nice addition of a original game concept created by 1st generation gamers of Sonic.

For me though the music and graphics are fantastic, all updated and offering 60FPS provides a great visual experience of yesteryear with modern day sharpness.

On a 50inch screen it’s sharper than my old 14inch crt TV when I first played this on the megadrive all those years ago.

SUMMARY

It’s just doesn’t offer enough for the price. £15.99 for a modified reboot and essentially a time attack and a co-op mode. Perhaps I’m being a little harsh on a classic title and I love playing Sonic but although it’s fun to play and well presented I could give this title a miss.