Sonic Mania/ Sonic Mania Plus (XB1, PS4, PC, Switch)

[QuickSciFi]

Sonic 1/2/3/Knuckles/CD did not reuse levels and stages the same way Mania reuses levels and stages. In that sense, Mania's callbacks and references are a first in the main 2D Sonic games. So you're comparing apples to oranges.

By your standards, more like oranges to tangerines. Don't be so dramatic.

[Genesis Knight]

By your standards, more like oranges to tangerines. Don't be so dramatic.

I'm just arguing your point that Sonic Mania rebuilding Green Hill, Chemical Plant, Flying Battery, Blue Sphere, etc., is a convention in the series. It isn't.

The game would have been better if they hadn't - as we can see from the creativity in the original zones. But as Barone outlined, there were practical reasons to rehash iconic images from the old games.

[Blades]

The goal here is to Make Sonic Great Again™. I'm all for experimentation, and yes (Sonic Retro and) I think less rehashes is always good. But that's not what most people want. I thought Shadow the Hedgehog was great (and still do) primarily because it was new and definitely not a rehash.

But the key is to make something that appeals to everyone THEN experiment.

[QuickSciFi]

Well, I guess I'll have to really wait and play it myself b4 commenting further myself. I may just bite the bullet on this one. I'm pretty hyped up. For me, though, it would have to the Collector's edition for the statue and the ring, or wait a month or two b4 it's on sale for 10 or 15 bucks.

[Sik]

Sonic Mania is the first classic 2D Sonic title we've had in what...over 20 years? I think I'm okay with them reusing old levels, seeing as this was made to fuel our nostalgia as much as possible. We got 4 new levels anyway, besides. And going by the review scores, this is the most critically acclaimed game in the series; a 100% new level sequel is on the cards, no doubt. They'd be mad not to.

Reviews don't mean much, it depends on how many sales it did.

...and actually I'd be interested to see sales numbers (even if rough ones). This is actually the only "retro" game I could see legitimately standing a chance against mainstream AAA games in that sense. The audience for a classic Sonic game is just huge.

[The Jackal]

Oh I think it will sell well. I'm hoping it sells more than Forces so SoJ have a wake up call and give Stealth & Taxman free reign next time.

[Thief]

Well, I guess I'll have to really wait and play it myself b4 commenting further myself. I may just bite the bullet on this one. I'm pretty hyped up. For me, though, it would have to the Collector's edition for the statue and the ring, or wait a month or two b4 it's on sale for 10 or 15 bucks.

I'm surprised you don't actually have the game. What's up?

[Baloo]

Graphics, gameplay and music: 10/10.

Level choices are really meh though. The rehashing of old elements even in the new levels is a bit of a let down. It doesn't feel worth the $20 price in this regard when they could have simply designed and made a new game with new zones.

Overall the game is amazing, but for the diehard sonic fans there is some disappointment in playing the new zones. Studiopolis and Mirage Saloon Zone would have fit in on a great new Sonic game. Everything else including the final Zone was a best of though.

I really do wonder why SEGA didn't just guide them to make an entirely new game.

[IrishNinja]

this is a legit GOTY candidate here, folks - and it's been a heullva year

[Lan Di]

I'm enjoying the 4k 60fps visuals with scan lines on my PS4 pro.

[Sik]

I really do wonder why SEGA didn't just guide them to make an entirely new game.

I imagine Sonic Forces is Sega's main focus and Sonic Mania happened to be a side project.

...though Sega really has promoted Sonic Mania way more than Forces even though both were announced at the same time.

[Alianger]

I think they played it safe with the zones for this release but will probably release more new zones as an expansion or a sequel if it sells well enough.

[Blades]

I think they played it safe with the zones for this release but will probably release more new zones as an expansion or a sequel if it sells well enough.

I think that's a given and I can't wait. The first one is more of a market test than anything IMO.

[Gogogadget]

I thought Empire was the best for the longest time until I re-seen the Trilogy again recently and what I found out was the magic of the first was lost in Empire. Also watched these movies half baked too, so that also made me see these movies from a different perspective I've never seen before. Highly recommend you blaze up and see them again to see the error of your ways.

I've got far better things to do than waste my life smoking that stupid drug. I loathe weed, sorry.

[Blades]

^Smart man.