TL;DR
Remember when Sonic rivaled Mario? This article dives into SEGA's console exit, the challenges of Sonic's 3D transition, and how the company is now revisiting its 16-bit glory with Sonic Mania. This retro-inspired gem blends classic levels with new ones, offering fast-paced, challenging gameplay that recaptures the magic of the original games. While the Switch version boasts great visuals and performance, be aware of potential input lag with Joy-Cons and a steep learning curve for newcomers. If you're a Sonic fan or curious about SEGA's golden era, this is a must-play. Read on for the full verdict!
It may be hard to believe now, but there was a time when SEGA‘s mascot, Sonic The Hedgehog, rivaled Nintendo’s flagship character, Super Mario, in popularity. Today, Sonic’s relevance is debated, while Mario continues to achieve success 30 years later and is poised to star in what may be the year’s most anticipated title, Mario Odyssey on Switch. What factors led to this shift?
Classic start in Green Hill Zone.
In the 80s and 90s, console gamers largely aligned with either Nintendo (NES and SNES) or SEGA (Master System and Mega Drive/Genesis). Over time, Nintendo gained a significant lead, particularly after SEGA’s exit from the console market in 2001, following the discontinuation of the Dreamcast. SEGA transitioned to a third-party developer, focusing on game creation for all platforms. Sonic The Hedgehog was a defining success for SEGA, with the original trilogy significantly boosting Mega Drive sales. The game delivered fast-paced, pixel-perfect action, characterized by a blistering speed absent in Mario titles. The two platformers presented contrasting gameplay styles: Mario emphasized exploration, hidden collectibles, and warp zones, while Sonic focused on high-speed traversal across intricate levels, demanding quick reflexes to maximize bonus acquisition. Fans of methodical exploration found less appeal in Sonic, and vice-versa.
However, following the success of the initial three Sonic The Hedgehog games, SEGA arguably overexploited the franchise. The transition to 3D proved challenging, resulting in mediocre isometric titles and poorly received 3D entries (a trend SEGA has, to some extent, continued). Aside from franchises like Yakuza, SEGA currently faces difficulties in maintaining relevance with its older IPs. Consequently, the company is revisiting its roots, specifically the 16-bit era, through initiatives like the SEGA Forever mobile platform. Simultaneously, they released Sonic Mania, essentially a “Best of 16-bit 2D-Sonic” compilation, available on all major platforms, including Nintendo.
Sonic Mania is a remix of the classic Sonic games, blending familiar levels with new 2D arcade stages. Players can control Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles, either solo or with a friend. Some levels remain largely unchanged, featuring minor additions and new bonus areas, while others are entirely new and seamlessly integrated. This was achieved in part with the expertise of Sonic enthusiast Christian Whitehead. The gameplay is fast, challenging, and nostalgic, reminding players of the qualities that made Sonic appealing.
The visuals boast an enhanced 16-bit aesthetic that looks excellent on modern platforms. The game performs well on the Switch, benefiting from the handheld screen, and generally maintains a target of 60 fps. New players may find the absence of an introductory tutorial a drawback. While veteran players are familiar with Sonic’s spin attack and rolling mechanics, newcomers may experience initial confusion (as observed within our editorial team). While the manual offers guidance and experimentation is possible, the game’s rapid pace and constant time pressure may deter players from these options.
The soundtrack delivers the engaging chiptune melodies that players remember. (The Sonic theme inevitably evokes associations with [Swedish song title, not translated] “Känn ingen sorg”…). A notable issue with the Switch version is the control responsiveness, particularly when using Joy-Cons. A degree of input lag and imprecision can occur, conflicting with the game’s demand for precise movements at high speeds. While this may be partially attributable to the game itself, a Controller Pro is recommended for serious players, enhancing the experience across various Switch titles.
One of the bonus tracks in Sonic Mania.
Sonic Mania is a successful tribute to a bygone era, blending familiar elements with new content. However, its adherence to the classic aesthetic might make it feel dated to new players lacking a nostalgic connection to the graphics, sound, and level design. Therefore, Sonic Mania will likely appeal most to those who enjoyed the original Mega Drive games. It offers a chance to relive cherished moments, while providing fresh challenges and surprises at a reasonable price. Given the questionable direction the Sonic franchise has taken in recent years, this release represents a welcome return to form.
