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Sonic Mania for Windows

  • Paid

  • In English
  • V 1.1
  • 4.5

    (2887)

Softonic review

Retro 2D platformer video game

Sonic Mania is a modern version of the classic Sonic game from the 1990s. Sonic Mania commemorates the Sonic series by reviving the gameplay and graphics of the original SEGA games. Playable characters in this game include Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Tails. The cross-platform title is available on Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One systems.

Is Sonic Mania a remake?

In August of 2017, Sonic Mania hit the market in honor of the 25th anniversary of the PagodaWest Games and SEGA Holdings games: Sonic series. The release of Sonic Mania is the ultimate celebration of the nostalgic title. This Sonic Mania boasts heightened jumps, increased speeds, and improved visuals when compared to the 1991 Sonic the Hedgehog game.

The levels within Sonic Mania are the same as the classic edition except that they include brighter colors, different obstacles, and all-new mechanics. If you want to perform the recently added drop dash move, then double jump and hold the button down on the second command to quickly spin dash forward. Sonic Mania includes a widescreen view that lets you look further forward to avoid tough obstacles.

Is Sonic Mania 2 players?

Two people can participate in the Sonic adventure together locally. The multiplayer mode is not available for online gaming. If you are in the same room as the other gamer, then you can team up with them. Each player is assigned a different character to challenge Dr. Eggman. Knuckles, Sonic, and Tails each have unique abilities. Knuckles and Tails can fly whereas Sonic cannot.

What is the difference between Sonic Mania and Sonic Mania Plus?

Sonic Mania Plus improves upon Sonic Mania with bug fixes, intricate visuals, etc. The Sonic team remixes the original 1991 version even further by adding new characters to Sonic Mania Plus: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. Mighty can use a hammer and Ray can soar through the air. Mighty and Ray appear in both the 2D levels and 3D bonus stages.

Performance-related issues from the first Mania release have also been resolved. The frame rates within the 3D bonus stages have been increased in the Plus edition. The polished frame rate lets you have a fluid user experience. In Sonic Mania Encore Mode, you can alternate between different background colors. This esthetic feature lets you switch between times of day, color schemes, and more.

Sonic Mania Plus enhances the competition mode experience by letting you include 4 players in a split-screen view. The physical copy of Sonic Mania Plus is available to purchase while the regular Sonic Mania is only available online. The release includes new terrain to explore called Angel Island Zone. This exotic stage offers swinging ropes to jump from one to the next.

When you pass through a checkpoint with 50 rings, you access the ping pong bonus stage in the Sonic Mania Plus title. The original Mania has the blue sphere minigame that takes place on checkboard tiles. Within the scrolling playfield, you are able to make your way to the top of the ping pong table. The arcade game lets you select prizes from the claw machine.

Why is Sonic Mania so good?

Sonic Mania mirrors the classic 90s title by bringing you back to the starting point: Green Hill Zone. The simple gameplay is present in both the original and new versions of the Sonic series. Sonic Mania includes a multitude of challenging obstacles that make the game interesting.

There are bars that you can swing from to avoid landing on sharp points. The characters can either catapult into safety or danger. A lot of assistive elements within the game include energetic magnets, bouncy jelly, etc.

Sonic Mania adds new features to the original levels. You can headcanon through massive mazes to move quickly through the detailed landscape. The pixelated graphics remind you of the past 2D Sonic release. There is even mild cartoon violence during the duels against the evil robot army and new bosses to add some more plot. Overall, the entertaining animations present a story that weaves the levels together magnificently.

What is the best platformer game?

Sonic Mania and Sonic Mania Plus are two of the best platformer games on the market. Another staple video game is Super Mario Odyssey. If you prefer a fast-paced game, then you should opt for Sonic Mania. Super Mario has more methodical mechanics. Also, Super Mario Odyssey has stunning HD graphics and Sonic Mania has a distinct retro environment.

You can do more independent exploration in Super Mario Odyssey than in Sonic Mania. The vast area in Odyssey lets you perform various activities: swim, dive, etc. The focus on quick speed in Sonic Mania does not let you become acquainted with details like you would if you followed the slow pace of Super Mario.

A downside to Super Mario Odyssey is that the game is only available on Nintendo Switch. If you have a PS4 or PC computer or laptop, then Sonic Mania is an excellent choice. Both Super Mario Odyssey and Sonic Mania are purchasable for devices. If neither of these games is appealing, then these other SEGA titles may pique your interest: Sonic Forces, Sonic 2, etc.

A retro-style Sonic experience

Sonic Mania expands on the foundation of the original Sonic the Hedgehog platform game with a new twist on similar levels, characters, and music. The Sonic Mania soundtrack is synced together with Sonic racing through the landscape: cities, laboratories, etc. The game lets you play as Knuckles, Sonic, or Tails in single or multiplayer modes. One of the characters trails behind as the other leads.

What’s new?

The bright and detailed visuals coupled with the speedy gameplay create an appealing environment for the modern gamer. There are updates systematically given to the program to fix issues, develop visuals, etc. Visit their official website to read about their most recent update, privacy policy, terms and conditions, etc.

PROS

  • Cross-platform
  • Widescreen view
  • Interesting features
  • Split screen co-op mode
  • Fresh mechanics and moves

CONS

    Program available in other languages


    Sonic Mania for PC

    • Paid

    • In English
    • V 1.1
    • 4.5

      (2887)

    User reviews about Sonic Mania

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