Guide: Best Sonic Games Of All Time

43. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (Wii U)

Part of a cross-media rebrand for Sonic and the gang– now with included tape and neckwear– Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric was a po-faced, misdirected effort at a reboot that provided stretched-out redesigns of the primary characters and offered you a mainly uninhabited open world to check out.

Its audio was passably amusing, however a host of technical problems and doubtful choices made this a dissatisfaction on every other level.

42. Sonic Labyrinth (GG)

This isometric Game Gear title from Minato Giken had you checking out 4 maze-like levels for secrets to open an objective gate and fighting a manager at the end of 3 Acts.

With uninspiring level style and sluggish, stodgy motion, this is a ‘3D’ Sonic that gets rid of the essential active ingredients of a Sonic video game. Sonic Labyrinth was readily available for 3DS, however is just actually for masochistic completionists.

41. Sonic Blast (GG)

Sonic Blast is a completely skilled 2D Sonic video game that launched on Game Gear (and Master System in Brazil), and it’s worth a mess around for interested celebrations and hardcore fans.

It was consisted of in Sonic Mega Collection Plus — a collection which broadened the variety of video games on GameCube’s Sonic Mega Collection Never ever launched on a Nintendo console– however Blast likewise came to Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console as a private release and is one of the GG offerings in Sonic Origins Plus

It’s an enjoyable curio for fans, however really far from the very best of Sonic’s 8-bit experiences.

40. Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal (3DS)

There’s plenty to enjoy in Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal on 3DS, however advanced it isn’t. It was among the much better Sonic getaways at the time (it released in 2014), however regrettably that’s not stating a horrible lot.

Series fans and serial platform lovers might do a lot even worse, however SBSC (as no one calls it) will not be bothering numerous a Sonic fan’s leading 10 list.

39. Sonic and the Secret Rings (Wii)

The very first Sonic video game for Wii, this Arabian Nights-themed take on the 3D formula put Sonic centre phase as the only playable character. Sonic and the Secret Rings utilized the console’s distinct controller in an on-rails experience which looked charming, however perhaps stopped working to nail the hedgehog’s 2D appeal in the 3rd measurement.

Like a lot of Sonic’s 3D video games, it has a good time or fascinating components, however they do not cohere into a gratifying whole.

38. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 (WiiWare)

2D perfectionists had actually asked for several years to see a go back to a ‘traditional’ Sonic video game– one without any discussion, no cutscenes, and no partners. In more current times the terrific Sonic Mania provided precisely what fans had actually imagined for so long, and there’s a strong argument that Sonic Superstars is what Sonic 4 truly needs to have been.

In 2010 Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 was Sega’s response to the old-school crowd. A WiiWare release with a lots side-scrolling phases, it satisfied a part of fans at the time. Standard mobility was exceptionally slushy compared to the 16-bit classics, and the video game is difficult to return to these days (and we do not simply indicate since it’s no longer buyable through the Wii Shop).

Nintendo players never ever got the follow-up, and no Episode 3 was ever produced.

37. Sonic 3D Blast (MD)

As a technical masterpiece for the aging Genesis/ Mega Drive, Traveller’s Tales Sonic 3D Blast (or Sonic 3D: Flickies’ Island as it’s understood in Europe) is an exceptional stab at the Sonic formula in isometric 3D.

The visuals catch the appearance of the hedgehog’s checkerboard Zones all right, however its slow controls and total lowered speed compared to the 2D classics minimize it to the status of an appealing also-ran.

Far from important, then, however likewise not the bottom of the barrel.

36. Shadow The Hedgehog (GCN)

If you ever questioned what a Sonic video game crossed with a third-person shooter would resemble, Shadow the Hedgehog is your response. This spin-off followed on from Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Heroes and took the series on a ‘darker’, more ‘fully grown’ path.

It’s probably not as bad as its track record recommends, although it struggles with much of the inelegance and bad level style of other, lower Sonic experiences. The effort to produce a grittier variation of Sonic comes off as hopelessly try-hard, however that method has its fans– as does Shadow the Hedgehog.

35. Sonic and the Black Knight (Wii)

“You understand what Sonic requires? A sword– a talking one, if poss!” stated no one ever, other than that a person individual in the conference where they developed Sonic and the Black Knight

This title continues the ‘Storybook’ series that started with Secret Rings and puts Sonic in an Arthurian experience that presented Wii-waggle sword battling for excellent step.

It’s about as great as that sounds, and while it’s not without minutes of beauty, the execution here simply does not cut it. We’re entrusted to another mediocre-to-poor entry in Sonic’s 3D brochure.

34. Sonic Forces (Switch)

Integrating Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic in a comparable method to Sonic Generationsthis was a less effective take on the formula.

Sonic Forces is a variety of 3D, 2D, and story that in lots of methods represented the previous 20 years of Sonic video games, with the gamer frequently feeling more like an observer than an individual in the action. A more youthful audience might be more flexible, however veterans have actually been here and done it all previously.

33. Sonic Lost World (3DS)

Sonic Lost World has its share of mediocrity and doubtful style, however it likewise has flashes of the old Sonic magic that kept fans on a drip feed of expect several years. While it has lots of 2D phases, it’s likewise a portable entry that attempts to try ‘appropriate’ 3D, too, and it’s excellent thinking about the 3DS hardware.

Do not get us incorrect: the 3DS variation is an incredibly typical experience in general, and we far choose its Wii U larger sibling, however this is likewise far from the worst Sonic video game you’ll ever play and it consists of basic minutes of platforming enjoyment that are actually rather excellent.

32. Sonic Spinball (GG)

Sonic Spinball in itself is a quite good spin-off title that showcased fairly good visuals and gameplay for the Genesis, however the Game Gear variation unquestionably experiences the required downgrades to get the video game running effectively.

Gameplay feels cumbersome and the music is a little a mess. Still, not an awful effort, all informed.

31. Sonic Boom: Fire & & Ice (3DS)

Sonic Boom: Fire & & Ice is– rather like its predecessor– a strong effort and worth factor to consider if you’re Sonic fan. The core project mixes a range of designs, with the primary phases using a pleasurable mix of expedition and puzzle-solving with minutes of pleasing momentum and speed.

There are some somewhat frustrating disadvantages, and it’s a video game that periodically feels constrained instead of supported by its source product. In general, nevertheless, it should have credit for what it succeeds and ought to be appealing to fans of the program, plus wider Sonic lovers ready to accept its restrictions.

30. Tails Adventure (GG)

Tails Adventure is certainly the odd video game out in the Game Gear’s Sonic lineup, however it makes a sound case for its special identity.

This is Sega’s quite friendlier handle the Metroidvania-lite formula– an enjoyable experience platformer with exceptional level style, imaginative products and capabilities, and some much-deserved time in the spotlight for Tails. For fans of the two-tailed fox, or experience video games in basic, Tails Island is well worth checking out.

29. Sonic Spinball (MD)

Sonic Spinball was an effort to broaden on the pinball shenanigans of Spring Yard Zone and Casino Night Zone from the very first 2 Sonic video games and spin a whole video game out of it.

The facility had pledge, and there are some cool concepts within, however sadly the outcome seems like a combination of underwhelming pinball and bad platforming. We frequently question how this may have ended up had it utilized the silky smooth engine from the mainline video games.

Offered on numerous issues throughout the years, consisting of on Switch with SEGA Mega Drive Classics and by means of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack (and even on Game Boy Advance through the Sega Smash PackSpinball’s exceptional music is factor enough to examine it out if you’re curious. The perk phases including Sonic standing at a pinball table with his reflection in the glass are still quite rad.

28. Sonic Chaos (SMS)

Hardcore Sonic fans may get a bang out of Sonic Chaosand it’s not without beauty, however compared to the greats, it’s a relatively unimaginative effort and far too simple for its own great.

A few of the levels will just take you 30 seconds to go through and personally we ‘d stay with the previous 8-bit titles. Still, Chaos has its protectors and it’s got some fantastic box art, so it’s not all bad.

27. Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (GG)

Just like all the Game Gear releases, it’s simple to badger Triple Trouble for its imperfections when compared to the home console titles, however even keeping in mind the constraints of the hardware, this video game still has its share of faults.

The experience itself is rather pleasurable and there are some strong level styles, however the absence of difficulty and slow pacing wind up bringing the experience down a couple of notches. Keep your expectations at a practical level and you may have some enjoyable, however this is far from necessary Sonic.

26. Sonic Lost World (Wii U)

Ostensibly, this is Sonic’s take on a Super Mario Galaxy-design experience with round worlds and abstract thrills.

It’s a long method behind Nintendo’s work of art, however Sonic Lost World is still a smart, vibrant platformer which uses flashes of genius and enjoyable. You’ll simply need to endure a lot of disappointment to get at the truly excellent things.

25. Sonic Unleashed (Wii)

It’s the Sonic X Werewolf crossover everybody was gagging for! Yes, Sonic Team’s persistence on interrupting Sonic’s circulation with random gameplay aspects from other categories continued with Sonic Unleashedwhich turned everybody’s preferred speed freak into a lumbering lupine oaf when night fell.

It has its minutes– as many Sonic video games do– however include Wii waggle for the drab fighter bits, and the outcome is Another irregular entry in the 3D Sonic canon.

24. Sonic Frontiers (Switch)

Sonic Frontiers represented a brave brand-new instructions for the series, however it has actually shown a dissentious one– by our estimates, this very first ‘open-zone’ entry fizzles by rather a margin.

We discovered that traversal and battle inconveniences afflicted the experience from start to end up, while structurally the video game provided extremely little range, rather leaning on repeated bring missions that get irritating after the very first island.

As far as the Switch variation goes, it’s rather easily the worst alternative readily available to fans, with visual compromises that make it difficult to advise if you’re able to play it anywhere else at all.

We’re not the greatest fans, then, however there are seemingly a lot of individuals who did discover Frontiers a gratifying Sonic experience.

23. Sonic Colors Ultimate (Switch)

Sonic Colors Ultimate is a well-executed review of a peak in Sonic’s long profession. The majority of the quality here comes from the material of the initial, instead of the brand-new additions and tweaks for this re-release. Things like the Jade Ghost and additional customisation alternatives are welcome, however not game-changing, and the musical and visual enhancements are very little.

At the end of the day, however, this is still a well-performing, portable variation of a traditional which’s probably all that it requires to be. This is definitely the very best and simplest method to attempt Sonic Colors out, although it isn’t a huge overhaul of what came previously.

22. Sonic Heroes (GCN)

Avoiding the more open technique of the Adventure video games for more linear-style levels, Sonic Heroes offers you groups of characters to change in between consisting of fan favourites Big the Cat, Rouge the Bat, and Cream the Rabbit along with the timeless trio of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles.

It did an exceptional task of reproducing the sensation of the 2D Sonic video games in 3 measurements, and while it’s not ideal, there’s a lot to like about Sonic Heroes.

21. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (SMS)

Sonic 2 (8-bit) is absolutely worth a search for Sonic fans who maybe lost out on the Master System/Game Gear entries. It is adequately various from the very first 8-bit video game to require examination, and it’s got more of the series’ outstanding music– we’re especially partial to some Sky High Zone, however it’s all excellent.

It’s not a spot on Genesis Sonic 2, however direct contrast is a little unreasonable provided the hardware. In general, this Sonic 2 has its own identity and it’s a great 8-bit handle the hedgehog’s hallmark platforming.

20. Sonic Superstars (Switch)

We had a couple of problems with Sonic Superstars — the regional co-op might have significantly gained from split-screen assistance, and the online Battle Mode feels extremely shallow and added– however this is the very first initial 2D Sonic video game that feels genuinely genuine to the Genesis titles without affecting the traditional pixel-art design, and for a great deal of long time fans, that’s honestly an outright wonder.

Zipping through the 12 zones in the exceptional project made us seem like kids once again, however it will likewise show a fantastic very first Sonic video game for brand-new gamers seeking to see what all the hassle has to do with. Designer Arzest’s credibility has actually taken a whipping recently, however this is a victorious effort from the studio and a fantastic return for ‘2D’ Sonic.

19. Sonic the Hedgehog (SMS)

This is among the very best examples of a platformer on the Master System and quickly the match of Alex Kidd in Miracle World

Going ‘in reverse’ may be disconcerting if you began with Sonic on the Mega Drive, however handled its own benefits Sonic the Hedgehog on the Master System (and Game Gear) was a reasonable approximation of the slicker 16-bit video game with bespoke levels and some terrific audio to boot.

18. Sonic Generations (3DS)

Sonic Generations has a lot going all out: it looks excellent and uses lots of material, and when it’s on type it is successful in integrating gratifying platforming and the ‘hog’s hallmark speed in a single plan.

Some style options fizzle however, and it’s unquestionably brief and unambitious compared to something like Super Mario 3D LandIt never ever rather regains the initial video games’ dynamic spirit that made them stick out all those years back, however this is a reasonable effort.

17. Sonic X Shadow Generations (Switch 2)

Whether you need to take a punt on Sonic X Shadow Generations for the Switch 2 will depend upon whether you currently own it on Switch 1 or not. If you do not, it’s maybe Sonic’s finest 3D video game, and this is unquestionably the very best method to play it on Nintendo systems.

If you do, nevertheless, you must hesitate about double-dipping. It’s currently a remarkable video game on Switch 1, and without any upgrade course or brand-new material, you’re losing out on really little if you avoid it. Personally, we ‘d wait on a sale if you definitely can not live without those 60 frames per second.

16. Sonic Rush Adventure (DS)

Sonic Rush Adventure revived Blaze the Cat from the previous video game and provides you the choice to play as the feline or Sonic himself (certainly).

While still a side-on 2D platformer, this video game integrated 3D areas and broadened on the standard Sonic gameplay with experience video game aspects that fit the design template rather well as Sonic and Tails did their finest to leave Blaze’s island and return home.

15. Sonic Advance 3 (GBA)

Another strong 2D entry in the Advance series that showed there were still excellent 2D Sonic video games being made in the 2000s if you searched portable systems.

Sonic Advance 3 starred all your preferred characters, plus Cream the Rabbit, and supplied a fitting last part to a trilogy of winning platformers on the Game Boy Advance.

14. Sonic Origins (Switch eShop)

Sonic Origins is, on one hand, a near-definitive method to experience 4 stone-cold classics that represent a few of the greatest peaks of Sonic’s profession. On the other, the majority of these video games are currently easily offered and there aren’t numerous brand-new functions or additions to validate purchasing them yet once again.

For gamers prepared to play these classics for the time, Sonic Origins is the go-to method to experience Sonic’s 16-bit prime time. Die-hard 2D Sonic veterans might have difficulty with the little however obvious distinctions in between the Classic Modes provided here and the video games in their real initial setups.

The cutscenes, museum aspects, and objectives are all extremely enjoyable however they’re likewise the minimum you would anticipate for a series this prominent and popular – playable Amy and a lots Game Gear titles are unique to the frustrating Plus DLC/VersionRegardless, it’s sure great to have Sonic CD readily available in a practical kind on the most practical of consoles.

Not best, then, however excellent comfort-food video gaming.

13. Sonic Colours (DS)

Whilst most of the gameplay will feel familiar to Sonic veterans, especially those who enjoyed his previous DS getaways, the Wisps really revitalize Sonic Coloursgameplay by including brand-new paths to enliven each phase.

It’s quick, loud, brilliant, and vibrant, and a suggested piece of high-speed action that uses something various from its larger sibling on Wii (and Switch in Ultimate type).

12. Sonic Advance 2 (GBA)

Structure on the great structure put down in the previous entry, this middle video game in the Sonic Advance trilogy upped the trouble to a level that put some gamers off, however Sonic Advance 2 kept the aspects that made the very first video game such a great translation of the 2D Sonic formula to the GBA platform: fantastic music, charming visuals, smart level style, and– above all– that correct Sonic ‘feel’.

You have not got to go quickly, however it’s extremely motivated.

11. Sonic Adventure DX: Director’s Cut (GCN)

Seeing the DX variation of this on GameCube was, for numerous, very odd at the time as we could not picture seeing SEGA’s mascot on a Nintendo home console. The Dreamcast initial wowed anyone old sufficient to keep in mind seeing Sonic in appropriate 3D for the very first time, so having it on GameCube was something unique, if weird.

Time hasn’t been as kind to Sonic Adventure as some other video games from the age, however there’s something about the guarantee of its opening phase which offers it an unique location in our love.

10. Sonic Advance (GBA)

In the years given that the stunning very first look of Sega’s mascot on a Nintendo portable, not every group that’s dealt with a 2D Sonic video game has actually nailed the fragile sense of inertia and tight physics that characterise the initial 16-bit titles.

Sonic Advance is one such example that simply gets itDesigner Dimps maintains the traditional feel and course style that made the originals unique while including fresh components that avoid it from seeming like a re-tread of old concepts.

Dynamic visuals, lovely animation, exceptional audio; include multiplayer into the mix– along with the Tiny Chao Garden that connected to the Gamecube– and Sonic Advance is a platforming reward up there with hedgehog’s finest.

9. Sonic Rush (DS)

Sonic Rush brought 2D Sonic into the 21st century in design for anybody who played a Sonic video game in the 16-bit age and possibly felt pull down by all those that followed.

Offering you control of either Sonic or beginner Blaze the Cat, Rush nailed the essentials while presenting mechanics that made good sense in 2D Sonic terms, and likewise splitting the action throughout the DS’ twin screens in a manner that felt fresh and interesting.

8. Sonic Colours (Wii)

Among the absolute best 3D Sonic video games in our books, Sonic Colors handled to equate the timeless 2D gameplay and present a trick that matched instead of interrupted that gameplay.

The Wisp power-ups offered Sonic brand-new capabilities which incorporated perfectly to some strong level style and provided the very best Sonic experience we had actually ever had in 3 measurements. Offered in Ultimate type on Switch.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog (MD)

Ported in one type or another to virtually every system that’s introduced because the Genesis (in some cases numerous times), Sonic the Hedgehog is a bonafide classic.

It’s tough to value nowadays, however back in 1991 the smooth gameplay, streaming level style, lively worlds, and sweet-sounding audio of Sega’s mascot platformer felt interesting like couple of other computer game before or because.

On Switch it’s readily available as part of the SEGA Mega Drive Classics collection, as a SEGA AGES standaloneor in the Origins collection– you can’t fail with either if you’re after the supreme 16-bit fond memories hit.

6. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GCN)

5. Sonic X Shadow Generations (Switch)

In what can just be referred to as a huge recover for both hedgehogs, Sonic X Shadow Generations combines 2 exceptional projects to produce what simply may be the best 3D Sonic video game up until now.

The remastered Generations material stays a pleasure, taking you through a few of the series’ most renowned phases, however Shadow’s brand-new chapter represents the franchise’s 3D gameplay at its absolute best. It presents a lot of incredible brand-new capabilities while showcasing a few of the most innovative phases we’ve ever seen.

Sadly, there’s still no Chao Garden, however we’ll keep hoping and wishing its addition in the future. Based upon this, however, the future of 3D Sonic looks intense.

4. Sonic Mania (Switch eShop)

Sonic Mania was a real return for the mascot’s 2D ‘Classic’ guise. It commemorates the splendor days of the initial video games while likewise boosting their qualities and handling originalities. From brand-new locations, creative 2nd acts, and some wonderful manager encounters, the advancement group put a great deal of enthusiasm and skill into this retro-styled job.

With brand-new characters and modes included the ‘Plus’ retail variation (likewise readily available as DLC), some cool tweaks straighten out a few of the kinks present in the initial release. Despite the variation you get, Mania is among the very best 2D platformers in current memory.

3. Sonic & & Knuckles (MD)

Otherwise referred to as the 2nd half of Sonic 3, Sonic & & Knuckleslock-on cartridge connected with the previous video game to provide the ‘complete’ experience. It’s testimony to the quality of the video game you do not seem like Sega is benefiting from you splitting the initial task in 2 and charging once again for the 2nd half.

This one’s got whatever you might desire from a 2D Sonic video game. And Knuckles.

2. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (MD)

Anybody Sonic fan alive at the time will keep in mind Sonic 2sday, the November launch day of Sega’s greatest follow up. If you had a Genesis/ Mega Drive in your family throughout Holiday Season 1992, it likely had a copy of Sonic 2 in the cart slot.

Including everybody’s preferred two-tailed fox into the mix, this follow up upped the ante with slicker visuals, more concepts, more different Zones to check out, and a clever split-screen two-player mode, also– a genuine novelty and technical accomplishment at the time.

In addition to becoming part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack offering, it’s offered on Switch in the SEGA Mega Drive Classics collection, as part of the SEGA AGES series, or revamped in Sonic OriginsYou play, Sonic 2 still stands as one of the finest follows up ever made.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (MD)

The worst thing we can state about Sonic 3 is that, personally, we didn’t much take care of his redrawn sprite in this 3rd getaway. That’s simply us, however otherwise this is a gorgeous-looking and sweet-sounding piece of 16-bit Sonic and we’re not opposed to it being identified the very best 2D Sonic video game ever.

Arguments will rave permanently about whether 2 or 3 is finest– it alters depending upon the day, however we tend towards the previous. Regardless, both deal exceptionally smart level style and an apparent ‘circulation’ to their motion that make them must-plays for any platforming fan, whether you played them in the past or are capturing up on your Sonic fundamentals.