SONIC MANIA

Putting ’hog fans in a spin Format PS4 ETA 15 Aug Pub Sega Dev Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games

We simply had to wedge Sonic Mania somewhere into our Hot 50. The latest version of the game showed off the Chemical Plant stage from Sonic 2, but given the Sonic Mania treatment, which means new routes, bonuses, and hazards added into the familiar old-school level design. To recap, Sonic Mania is a mish-mash of classic Sonic levels and gameplay mixed with new ideas, moves, and design; it’s a celebration of everything you love about 2D Sonic. Running at a smooth 60fps, and featuring two playable sidekicks from Sonic’s past – Tails and Knuckles – this feels like pure joy wrapped in blue prickles. The three characters all play in different ways (for example Knuckles can climb walls and Tails can fly), meaning there’s room to replay and explore the levels. Every time we get teased with a new gameplay snippet from Sonic Mania we lose our heads (and hearts) all over again to this developer collaboration that puts beleaguered Sonic fans first.