And players are rewarded in curiosity with fantastic bonus stages. Knuckles’ gliding and climbing, Tails’ flying and Sonic’s trademark speed each add a unique feel to exploration. Each character plays differently enough to make the game feel fresh no matter who players choose, with each level perfectly accommodating the character’s various abilities. The stages make for excellent playgrounds for Sonic and friends, with Tails and Knuckles joining the hedgehog on his adventure. Everything combines to make Sonic Mania an audio-visual delight. Zone 1’s music is either straightforward remaster or original tune (depending on the stage), with Zone 2 remixing the song into something completely new. Featuring catchy melodies and pulsing beat, the tunes match perfectly with Sonic Mania ’s fast, rhythmic gameplay. The gorgeous visuals find a perfect partner in the game’s fantastic score, which continues Sonic’s Genesis tradition of phenomenal music. Remastered zones feel right at home next to Sonic Mania ’s original levels, with every level looking so good I couldn’t tell the difference between them. This personality is highlighted both through the superb visual aesthetic and the phenomenal soundtrack that pumps through each zone. These elements allowed me to appreciate the full personality of each zone in full force. What’s more, every zone is capped off with a unique boss battle, with each encounter putting an exclamation point on the challenges overcome to reach them. Players are immediately initiated on the most necessary mechanics of a level, so I never felt lost or confused. Zone 1 introduces players to the main obstacles and enemies of the stage, while Zone 2 cranks the insanity to 11. Speeding through the various puzzles left a massive smile on my face, and I was constantly surprised at the differences between not only the macro levels, but also the first and second stages in each zone. From the iconic Green Hill Zone to the brand-new Studiopolis, the game’s stages are beautifully designed and thrillingly creative. Unlike Mario levels, which generally follow cliched themes, Sonic Mania ’s 12 zones feature distinct, memorable personalities complete with unique mechanics and enemies. This improved sense of momentum creates a more cohesive experience, and allows the gameplay to match the stellar level design. Combined with the classic spin dash, I never felt like speed was out of reach. This is helped by Sonic’s new ability, the drop dash, which allows immediate acceleration upon hitting the ground after a jump. Recent franchise entries have put such an emphasis on speed that stopping feels like a punishment, but Sonic Mania ’s tuning of Sonic’s acceleration allows players to get back up to speed quickly and fluidly. This addictive loop is made possible by Sonic’s responsive feel and control, which feels better here than it has in years. There is a euphoric sense of rhythm that accompanies moving through a level flawlessly, and the knowledge necessary for perfect runs invites players to engage with the levels again and again. But even more satisfying is the pursuit of perfection, and the game rewards players for moving through its gauntlets unscathed. The kinetic energy of classic Sonic is on full display, and it is exhilarating to reach full speed and blast through Sonic Mania ’s sprawling levels. This is a balance Sonic Mania achieves flawlessly, allowing players to blaze through levels at breakneck speeds or meticulously dig for hidden secrets. Sonic’s “gotta go fast” ideology has defined his brand, but classic Sonic gameplay is equal parts speed and exploration. This is what makes Sonic Mania such an achievement it not only reminds us of how good Sonic can be, it captures the magic that made us fall in love with him in the first place. Press continuously asked if *insert Sonic game here* would break the cycle of mediocrity, but the answer was always no. Sonic games became a junkyard of failed gimmicks and awful characters. As the hedgehog struggled to find an identity on rapidly progressing hardware, I found my interest waning, and for good reason. While I enjoyed the Advance and Adventure series of the early 2000s, that history was always at the fringe of my consciousness. As someone who was born in the twilight of Sonic ’s golden age, I’ve forever heard that the blue blur’s best was behind him.
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