
From hearing the extra life song play to having a panic attack as Sonic struggles to hold his breath, the game has done an excellent job bringing Sonic back to form. The music is also phenomenal as everything has received a modern overhaul without stripping it of its soul. Level textures pop extremely well and combine the old with the new so well that I was actually grateful when I died sometimes as it gave me a chance to look at the gorgeous backgrounds and enemies closer. Visuals and music: Love letter still is the perfect way to encompass what this game is from the level design to the music, everything has a specific purpose.

New gamers might be inclined to give up especially when making it to more challenging levels from older games. This also means that the game can have a (sometimes literally) crushing learning curve as you get used to threading the needle for very specific jumps. Difficulty: This is why the game does not get a perfect 10 and it is because Sonic Mania is a love letter to retro gamers and was developed by fans of original Sonic. When playing the most difficult decision you will have to make is which character you use and less about what move to use. While this might feel like a step down for newer fans of Sonic, it will become natural as the game does not feel the need to overwhelm you with too many move sets. To further this, all of the original moves are back and the modern moves have been taken away.

Platforming is smooth and speed feels fast without chaotic which given the nature of Sonic is incredibly helpful. Gameplay: Controls are incredibly tight, to the extent that missteps are pretty much your fault and you recognize it. Gameplay: Sonic fans have a lot to be happy about with the Sonic Mania as it hits all of the right notes for retro and new gamers alike. Sonic fans have a lot to be happy about with the Sonic Mania as it hits all of the right notes for retro and new gamers alike.
