The Best Sonic Games
As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates his 30th anniversary, it’s time to take a look back at the iconic mascot’s gaming legacy. From Mario to Pikachu, Sonic has been one of the most recognizable faces in video games since his debut in the 1990s. To commemorate this milestone, we’ve ranked and listed the best Sonic games of all time.
Sonic the Hedgehog has had a long and storied history, with many main titles and spin-offs. Here’s a look at some of the most influential games in the series, from Sonic the Hedgehog to Sonic Mania Plus. Get ready to go fast and jump down this list!
Check out the list of the best Sonic games
Sonic 3 and Knuckles
Sonic 3 & Knuckles is a classic gaming masterpiece. It features three playable characters, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics, two separate campaigns, an epic story without dialogue that introduced the concept of “true final bosses,” some of the best music in the franchise (including contributions from Michael Jackson), and a variety of well-designed zones. Its blue sphere special stages are fun and simplistic. Sonic 3 & Knuckles perfectly captures the essence of Sonic games and remains the pinnacle of classic gaming - arguably as close to perfection as Sonic has ever come.
Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed splits its title character into two personas: Sonic the Hedgehog, seen during the day, and Sonic the Werehog at night. While the werehog fails to capture the essence of the series, it is still a noble attempt at gameplay variation. Ultimately, Sonic Unleashed succeeds in delivering an immersive experience that captures Sonic’s personality and sense of speed while providing a visually stunning spectacle.
Sonic Unleashed is a beloved classic among Sonic fans, renowned for its expansive levels, incredible score, and killer storyline. Its 3D-boost formula was copied by later games in the series, but Unleashed remains the original and best. With tens of kilometers of alternative paths to explore and one of the toughest final levels in Sonic history, it’s no wonder why this game is still celebrated today.
Sonic and the secret rings
Sonic and the Secret Rings is a testament to what big budgets can achieve. Boasting premium vocals and production values, an engaging story with narrative twists, aesthetically inventive levels with exciting sets, 100 missions plus multiplayer and unlockable Easter eggs, as well as top-notch graphics for the Wii platform, this game is a must-play.
Sonic and the Secret Rings offers a unique gameplay experience, with Sonic’s agility allowing him to move forward with unstoppable momentum. The game features an innovative impulse mechanic that surpasses Sonic Unleashed, as well as time-slowing and speed-boosting abilities. With its Arabian-inspired visuals and aural beauty, plus surprising depth in its gameplay, this title is sure to please fans of the series.
Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations combines the 2D and 3D elements of Sonic Colors with the addition of Classic Sonic, whose gameplay is entirely 2D. The game is 75% 2D, but its physics and level design make it a great experience for both Sonics, featuring branching paths, exciting backdrops and modernist twists.
Sonic Generations celebrates the blue blur’s legacy, combining classic elements with modern touches. It features remixes of beloved music and cameos from Sonic’s friends, plus a thriving modding community on PC that has made it the most popular Sonic game ever.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed takes the original game to a new level, combining three different racing styles into one. Players can drive, fly and navigate their way through stages, offering an experience that appeals to all types of racing fans.
Sega’s Transformed is a racing game that pays homage to the publisher’s history, with a cast and track list spanning multiple eras. The physics for each vehicle type are accurate and responsive, allowing for a seamless transition between modes. Fans of Sega will appreciate this love letter to the company, as well as its quality gameplay.
Sonic Riders
Sonic Riders offers an immersive experience with finely tuned physics and track layouts that reward momentum. Its vibrant environments, even by GameCube era standards, are complemented by the Babylon Rogues and Jet the Hawk, Sonic’s best rival. Innovative for its time, Riders is still a blast to play with friends.
Sonic Colors
Sonic Colors offers a variety of play styles, from 3D augmentation action to 2D platforming, with cute alien “threads” that give Sonic bite-sized powers. Despite the game’s shortcomings - being too easy and short in story mode, and relying too heavily on side-scrolling - the overall experience is pleasant due to its technically solid gameplay and interstellar amusement park setting. The music also adds to the fun with its silly and exaggerated tones.
Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
Zero Gravity offers a unique twist on the Sonic Riders series, allowing players to manipulate gravity and explore maps in new ways. With 30 degree turns and the ability to walk on walls and ceilings, this game lets you defy gravity like never before.
Zero Gravity offers an adrenaline-pumping racing experience with its wacky mechanics, expertly crafted maps and timelessly cool aesthetic. Players can fly through the air at rocket speed, bounce off objects to increase their speed and enjoy one of the best musical themes of the series.
Sonic Adventure 2
Sonic Adventure 2 made significant improvements over its predecessor, with better graphics and a more finely tuned design. Levels were tailored to the game’s controls, core worlds were removed and Chao Gardens enhanced.
Sonic Adventure 2 (SA2) streamlined its gameplay by reducing the number of types from six to three: Sonic/Shadow Speed, Knuckles/Rouge Treasure Hunt and Tails/Eggman combat mech. The speed stages remain some of the most impressive 3D platformer levels in Sonic history, while the scavenger hunt maps are a bit large but still enjoyable (although timed scavenger hunts can be challenging). The mech stages take the best aspects of Gamma’s gameplay from Sonic Adventure and add more difficult environments. By cutting down on diversity and doubling down on polish, Sonic Team ensured SA2’s gameplay was top-notch. Shadow the Hedgehog’s debut and an engaging story are just bonuses.
Sonic Free Riders
Sonic Free Riders, an Xbox 360 Kinect-only floating board racing game, promises to help you slim down like its iconic blue hedgehog. Despite some users’ issues with Kinect’s functionality, I had a great experience and was able to enjoy the game as intended.
Free Riders is an immersive racing game that utilizes the entire body for intuitive gameplay. It stands out from other Kinect titles with its extensive content, including maps, a story mode, and online play, as well as a variety of characters. This makes it a complete gaming experience rather than just a tech demo.
Final note
Love Sonic? Check out our list of the best Sonic games. Share it with your friends and let us know if you have any questions.
