Tee Lopes's talents really give the game life, and the energy brought into the title by the soundtrack is something to be experienced to believe. Music in Sonic Mania feels very much like Sonic CD remixes of old songs, alongside new themes for the Mania exclusive stages. With a 16:9 ratio, solid 60 frames per second, and crisp HD sprites, Sonic Mania is basically what your nostalgia filled eyes remember the Genesis Sonic titles looking like rather than what they actually did. To say that alone is a bit unfair though, as the sprite art and graphics are beyond that of even Sonic CD. Sonic Mania is a wholehearted tribute to the SEGA Genesis in terms of presentation. Anyone looking to step into Sonic Mania as their first experience with the Sonic the Hedgehog series should keep in mind that this is merely a part of the experience and not an unintended side effect. However, this and other old school platforming mishaps are bound to frustrate newer players, as it is not exactly something that would be expected in a modern platformer.
This is due to the game believing that Sonic has been "crushed" by the blocks, even when he could simply fall or be pushed away.įor returning players, this may not be an issue since it is expected. Along with it comes the almost unfair case of what I call "broken toe death", where players will lose a life if the blocks happen to touch Sonic and Co. In Chemical Plant Zone, for example, the rotating block stairs gimmick from Sonic 2 makes a return. While there isn't much to complain about in terms of Sonic Mania being a faithful Sonic the Hedgehog game, that might also be its downfall. While Blue Spheres make a return as a bonus stage, it should be noted that they are there for extra lives, and not necessary for completing the game.
They are perhaps one of the best examples of how this game is an homage to all things Sonic the Hedgehog, and it's only a part of the whole tribute that this game is. Using Sonic R style models, and a Sonic CD style map, Sonic Mania's special stages have you chasing after UFOs in order to get the Chaos Emeralds required for the true ending. One last feature I would like to note is that the special stages are by far my favorites in the entire series. The game's difficulty is perfectly in tune with a classic Sonic the Hedgehog feel, so don't worry if you thought this game would be toned down for modern audiences. Second acts also provide new puzzles and platforming mechanics in retro stages to ensure everything stays fresh.Īs for the game's difficulty, if you had trouble getting through the second or third zone in Sonic the Hedgehog games in the past, and are only returning to it now for the first time since the Genesis days, expect to die.a lot. Those who were afraid of nostalgia being the main selling point of this game have no need to worry, as remixed stages are more of tile-sets and stage mechanic callbacks more than anything, since all of the stage layouts are completely new. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine makes an appearance! You know Sonic Mania takes pleasing the fans seriously when Dr. There are also a number of callbacks, Easter Eggs, and other hidden gems throughout the game that will be sure to put a smile on any longtime Sonic fan's face. That said, what Headcannon and PagodaWest Games have done is create wonderful remixes of classic stages from the Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis series, as well as a healthy number of stages of their own design. Other than that, there's not really much new to Sonic Mania in terms of core gameplay. This ability lets Sonic charge up his spin dash in mid-air to allow him to get back into the action at top speed the second he touches the ground. One of the few changes you'll come across is to Sonic's abilities, with the new drop dash. With the exception of a new special stage style, Sonic Mania is a replica of the Genesis classics down to the smallest detail. If you are coming into Sonic Mania for the chance to relive your childhood, or you're looking for a solid classic Sonic the Hedgehog experience without having to play on outdated 4:3 specs, then this game will give you everything you are looking for.