The 10 Best Sonic Games

 From Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to Sonic Mania to Sonic Generations, here are our picks for the best Sonic games of all time.

Sonic Games: Reviving the Iconic Blue Hedgehog's Legacy

The gaming world has witnessed the rise and fall of countless video game characters, but there are only a few who have managed to leave a lasting impact. One such character is Sonic the Hedgehog, a speedy, blue anthropomorphic hedgehog who has become one of the most recognizable video game icons of all time. Since his debut in 1991, Sonic has been the face of numerous games, creating a devoted fan base and securing a special place in the hearts of gamers around the globe. This essay aims to explore the significance of Sonic Games, their impact on the industry, and their ability to captivate players old and new.

From the moment Sonic zoomed onto our screens, it was clear that the game was something special. Offering a fresh and unique style of gameplay, Sonic the Hedgehog provided an alternative to the classic, slower-paced platforming experiences of the time. With its lightning-fast speed and a charismatic protagonist, the game appealed not only to children but also to adults seeking an exciting and exhilarating gaming experience.

The 10 games on this list are the ones we feel are the best examples of both classic and modern Sonic style. So with that said, here are our picks for the 10 best Sonic Games, as chosen by a handful of biggest Sonic fans.

Top 10 Sonic Games :

10. Sonic Unleashed

Summary

Everyone's favorite hedgehog breaks new ground yet maintains his roots in a game that combines amazing next gen capabilities with classic Sonic 2D gameplay!

Content Rating: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood

Developers: Sonic Team

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Initial Release: Nov 24, 2008

Platforms: ps3 // xbox-360

Genres: Action

9. Sonic Rush

Summary

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is back, and this time he has help. Blaze the Cat joins Sonic to battle Dr. Eggman and his alternate-dimension version, Eggman Nega, in SONIC RUSH.

Content Rating: Mild Cartoon Violence

Developers: Sonic Team, Dimps

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Initial Release: Nov 15, 2005

Platforms: nds

Genres: Action

8. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Summary

A downloadable version of the 1992 Genesis/Mega Drive game, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has been remastered for accurate gameplay and razor-sharp graphics on all the classic Zones, plus a bonus -- the previously scrapped Hidden Palace Zone is fully playable for the first time in Sonic 2!

Content Rating: E

Developers: Sonic Team

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Initial Release: Dec 12, 2013

Platforms: android // iphone

Genres: Platformer

7. Sonic CD

Summary

Sonic comes to life and goes up against such foes as Metal Sonic, the evil hedgehog created by Dr. Robotnik in the re-release of the classic platformer Sonic CD.

Content Rating: Mild Cartoon Violence

Developers: Sonic Team, BlitWorks

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Initial Release: Dec 14, 2011

Platforms: winphone // pc // ps3 // iphone // xbox-360 // android

Genres: Platformer

6. Sonic 3 And Knuckles

Summary

This collection features Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic & Knuckles in one package.

Developers: Sonic Team

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Initial Release: Jan 1, 1996

Platforms: pc

Genres: Platformer, Compilation

5. Sonic Colors

Summary

Sonic Colors is a high speed action-adventure in which Sonic races through theme park-inspired worlds to rescue a colorful alien race from the clutches of Dr. Eggman. Sonic Colors for the Wii seamlessly combines both 3D and classic 2D game play perspectives.

Content Rating: Mild Cartoon Violence, Cartoon Violence

Developers: Sonic Team

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Initial Release: Nov 11, 2010

Platforms: wii 

Genres: Action, Adventure, Platformer

4. Sonic Advance

Summary

Sonic on a Nintendo system? Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Replete with new graphics, speedier action, and some brand-new enemies, Sonic races over to the Game Boy Advance with a new attitude. Most notably, this version has four playable characters, and you can even get four gamers in on the action via link cables. As always, the side-scrolling adventure challenges you to run and jump through levels and worlds packed with obstacles, power-ups, and would-be villains of all shapes and sizes.

Content Rating: E ; No Descriptors

Developers: Sonic Team, Dimps

Publishers: SEGA, THQ

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Features: Memory Card

Initial Release: Dec 14, 2001

Platforms: gba

Genres: Platformer

3. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle

Summary

Sonic Adventure 2 features the world-famous blue hedgehog in a hyper-fast adventure where players can either save the world or conquer it in an action-packed showdown between Hero and Dark characters!

Content Rating: Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Lyrics, Violence

Developers: Sonic Team

Publishers: SEGA, ACE (2)

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Features: Number Of Players, Memory Card, Vibration, Stereo Surround, 16:9, 480p, Online, Local - VS # of Players, Console-To-Handheld System Link, Steam Deck Playable

Initial Release: Jun 20, 2001

Platforms: pc // ps3 // xbox-360 // gcn // dc

Genres: Platformer

2. Sonic Mania

Summary

Sonic Mania brings fans back into the 2D world of platform games with nostalgic pixel-style art and core classic gameplay by re-imagining iconic Zones and Acts from classic Sonic The Hedgehog games and adding in completely new Zones with all-new Acts, and bosses into the mix.

Content Rating: Mild Cartoon Violence

Developers: SEGA, PagodaWest Games

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Features: Steam Deck Verified

Initial Release: Aug 15, 2017

Platforms: pc // nintendo-switch // xbox-one // ps4

Genres: Platformer

1. Sonic Generations

Summary

Delivering the definitive gaming experience for Sonic fans old and new, Sonic Generations sees Sonic the Hedgehog playable as both the much loved classic 1991 character, and the modern day video game hero he has become in this exciting new fast paced adventure.

Content Rating: Cartoon Violence, Mild Cartoon Violence

Developers: Sonic Team

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Sonic the Hedgehog

Features: Steam Deck Verified

Initial Release: Nov 1, 2011

Platforms: pc // ps3 // xbox-360

Genres: Platformer