17 Best Sonic Games of All Time

Since its initial release on the Sega Genesis, Sonic has become one of the most popular video game mascots to date. From the 16-bit era all the way to 3D and next-gen period sonic defined the platforming genre with its high-speed sequence and beautiful animations. Following this huge success in later years developers took the opportunity to add more spin-offs covering more genres including racing, puzzles, and even beat-them-ups.

Today, we present a list of the best Sonic games of all time, spanning more than thirteen years of gaming history and including both popular and obscure titles. So, without further ado, put on your running shoes, and let’s get started!

Sonic™ CD 1993

About
	Release Date September 23, 1993
	Developer SEGA
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Sonic CD was initially launched as a Sega CD exclusive, utilizing the newly developed CD technology at the time. The plot follows our beloved hero Sonic as he attempts to thwart Dr. Robotnik’s latest grand plan to unleash an army of Robots and take over the world. Dr. Robotnik releases his new robot Metal Sonic, kidnapping Sonic’s young companion Amy Rose and wreaking havoc as Sonic races to investigate.

For the most part, Sonic CD is a classic sonic game to the core, you run, boost, jump, and attack incoming enemies while going full speed from one side of the screen to the other. While the prequels favor open areas, this sequel offers more closed levels with additional details and challenges. The game also offers smoother framerates, fluid animation, and a higher sense of speed. While owning a Sega CD is practically impossible for casual gamers, you can get the game for a fair price on the current gen console (Sonic Origins), or you can look up an old copy of Sonic Gems Collection on both Nintendo GameCube and the PlayStation 2.

Sonic™ the Hedgehog 1991

About
	Release Date June 23, 1991
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Sonic the Hedgehog was the first game in the series, and it honestly aged well, with a stunning 16-bit visual style and gameplay that served as the foundation for the subsequent releases all the way up to the conclusion of the 2D sonic period. The story revolves around Dr.Robotnik as he imprisons innocent animals into his newly designed robots, Sonic takes on the duty to free the trapped animals and eventually confronts the evil, Dr.Robotnik.

The game features Sonic the Hedgehog in a basic 2D side scroller platformer game where the aim is to go from point A to point B at rapid speed while avoiding spikes and pits and using springs and slopes to gain momentum and move flawlessly to the finish line. The game also provides golden rings to gather, which serve as health for the player; however, colliding with opponents or spikes may result in the loss of some of the acquired rings and eventually a game over screen.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 1992

About
	Release Date November 21, 1992
	Developer SEGA
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

The first game’s huge success paved the way for a sequel in just one year with refined controls and some minor tweaks here and there. Similar to the prequel Sonic takes on another adventure to stop Dr.Robotnik from collecting the Chaos Emeralds to empower his new space station. While the gameplay is almost identical to the original game, this sequel offers some new elements such as the ability to boost sonic speed using the speed dash signature move, and the new 3D special stage with offer the iconic 16-bit 3d look of Sonic collecting rings. In addition, a new character is also introduced, our beloved Tail appears for the first time in this game as Sonic’s sidekick and the second player in co-op mode.

Aside from the original hardware, this sequel can be played on almost any late Nintendo device and even on mobile phones including both Android and iOS users.

Sonic the Hedgehog™ 3 1994

About
	Release Date February 02, 1994
	Developer Sega Technical Institute
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Available On

The third entry was a near masterpiece by all means, perfecting the 2D sonic genre and offering the best of both worlds compared to the first two games. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues Sonic and his companions’ quest to prevent Dr. Eggman from gathering the seven Chaos Emeralds and utilizing them to fuel his ultimate weapon. 

While the game retains the charm of the first two 16-bit games, it adds new powerups and some outstanding level designs to the table. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 introduces new platforming tactics such as ziplines, swinging ropes, and a plethora of additional platforms. The powerups have also been vastly improved, with three distinct shields: the flame shield, which offers fire protection as well as a flaming dash attack, the water shield, which allows you to breathe underwater and bounce when falling from a higher platform, and finally, the lightning shield, which offers lightning protection as well as the unique ability to double jump.

The levels, on the other hand, are extremely detailed, with an entirely new island to explore and much larger levels than in prior games. Special stages are also available for those looking for a challenge. The first special stage offers an almost 3D-like view with the goal of collecting blue orbs while avoiding touching red orbs until gaining a chaos emerald. The other special stage has a similar feel and look to the original game, with you collecting gumballs to get additional power-ups, rings, and even lives.

Sonic & Knuckles™ 1994

About
	Release Date October 18, 1994
	Developer Sega Technical Institute
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Available On

Holding the same premise as the first games, Sonic & Knuckles is a direct sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 3, following the defeat of Dr.Robotnik Sonic travels to Angel Island to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds and defeat Dr.Robotnik once and for all. To his surprise, Sonic meets his fellow rival Knuckles the Echidna who think Sonic is trying to take the Emeralds for himself.

As always we have the same formula with two playable characters Sonic and Knuckles, while sonic represents the classic gameplay, Knuckles offer a fresh view with new abilities and different control mechanics. The game offers 6 full-blown levels divided into two acts each, adding 3D bonus stages and several power-ups including the ultimate Super Sonic transformation and the all-new Super Knuckles transformation.

Sonic™ Advance / Sonic™ Advance 2 / Sonic™ Advance 3 2001 / 2002 / 2004

About
	Full Name Sonic™ Advance
	Release Date December 20, 2001
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

About
	Full Name Sonic Advance 2™
	Release Date December 19, 2002
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

About
	Full Name Sonic Advance 3™
	Release Date June 07, 2004
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Dimps stunned Sonic fans in the early 2000s with three unique Sonic games that retained the feel and nostalgia of the original titles while also contributing to the genre with the gorgeous graphic style and incredible accessibility of the beloved Game Boy Advance. Seen from a 2d perspective the three games offer a modern take on the classic titles while adding some minor elements from the newly at the time 3D sonic games.

The player can choose from a fair selection of playable characters depending on the game. The goal is to move at high speed exploding robots and of course, collecting rings. While many levels might look straightforward at first glance developers took the time to offer some more obscure and fun ways to complete the levels, especially for experienced players. Unfortunately, these 3d little gems didn’t get the attention that the other classic took so your only choice to play these titles is on their respected original hardware.

Sonic™ Mania 2017

About
	Release Date August 15, 2017
	Developer Headcannon
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Remakes
Sonic™ Mania (2017 Original Release)
Sonic™ Mania Plus (2018 Content Update)

Sonic Mania was the latest attempt to bring back the classic feel to the new hardware and oh boy did the developers succeed. To my surprise the game was developed by a talented team who has been known for their work on fan games and some Rom hacks, Sega gave these young fella the chance to make their own official game resulting in one of the greatest video game reboots. The game follows the story of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they investigate a powerful energy reading coming from Angel Island.

Players choose one of three playable characters and embark into a 2D side-scrolling world. The aim is simple: collect as many rings as possible while defeating robots along the way. Sonic, with his astounding speed and dash attack, Tail, with the ability to fly and swim, and Knuckles, with the ability to climb walls and dive ahead, are all available characters. The super transformation is also present, enabling the player to assume a new form with increased speed and power. The game is available on all current-gen consoles including Playstation, Nintendo, PC, and Xbox.

Sonic™ Adventure / Sonic™ Adventure 2 1998 / 2001

About
	Full Name Sonic™ Adventure
	Release Date December 23, 1998
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Remakes
Sonic™ Adventure (1998 Original Release)
Sonic Adventure DX™ (2003 Content Update)

About
	Full Name Sonic Adventure 2
	Release Date June 19, 2001
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Remakes
Sonic Adventure 2 (2001 Original Release)
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (2001 Enhanced Port)

Sonic Team waited seven years to carry the franchise to the next step taking advantage of the newly Dreamcast hardware. Sonic Adventure marked the first successful 3D sonic game with huge triumph in and outside Japan, two years later the game received a direct sequel celebrating the same success of the first game and marking a whole new era for the Sonic series. The story follows the tale of Sonic and his beloved friends s they try to stop Dr.Eggman one more time from collecting the seven chaos emeralds, which holds an immense power that could destroy the whole planet.

Both games heralded a new era, offering a full-fledged 3D platformer with a high sense of speed, the ability to perform acrobatic moves, and outstanding open world-like levels. The game adds new characters to the Sonic universe, like Big the Cat, E-102 Gamma, Shadow the Hedgehog, and many more, while expanding the playable cast with old favorites like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. While the first game established the new 3D system with a small cast and simple gameplay, the sequel improved on its foundation with enhanced gameplay and camera angles, as well as a new storyline that covered both the good and the evil sides.

Sonic™ Colors: Ultimate 2021 Remaster

About
	Release Date September 07, 2021 Initial Release: November 11, 2010
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Remakes
Sonic™ Colors (2010 Original Release)
Sonic™ Colors: Ultimate (2021 Remaster)

Sonic Colors Ultimate is an enhanced port of a successful Wii video game that almost revived the Sonic hype during a time of fairly decent to mediocre Sonic games. I chose the enhanced port over the original game since it’s available on almost any current device and the the controls are way more convenient compared to the old clunky motion controls on the Nintendo Wii. The story follows the iconic duo of Sonic and Tails as they visit Dr. Eggman’s new amusement park to investigate any criminal activities. To their surprise, Dr.Eggman is indeed having an evil plan where he enslaves a new alien species known as the wisp to execute his malicious plan.

With the goal of freeing the enslaved Wisps and defeating Dr.Eggman, Sonic embark on a new high-speed adventure defeating robots and of course collecting golden rings. While the game is fully 3D, developers made sure to offer two styles of gameplay, the classic 2.5 side-scrolling view, and the 3D platforming levels. While the 3D levels emphasize speed and reward players for quick reflexes, the 2D section does the opposite, with slower gameplay and a risky environment in which you must plan each and every move ahead. Overall, the game offers a sweet break from the typical classic 3D and 2D with mixed gameplay and a relatively short campaign that can be finished in under 6 hours.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed 2012

About
	Release Date November 16, 2012
	Developer Sumo Digital
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™, Sega All-Stars
	Genre Arcade Racing
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Available On

Okay, I’ll say it: Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is my all-time favorite kart racing game. This game has a particular place in my heart since it is a fantastic spin-off of the Sonic series and a love letter to every Sega fan on the planet. As a sequel to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the game follows the same formula, with you selecting from a variety of Sonic and Sega mascot racers to compete in a series of kart racing events. Like any other Kart racer, the aim will change with each level, but you’ll largely be racing to the finish line while collecting various power-ups, traps, and attacks to use against Ai adversaries and seize the lead.

The ability to modify the shape of your vehicle based on the environment is unique to this sequel. For example, when the tracks change to water, your vehicle can turn into a boat, or even an aircraft when you get to race in the skies. The drifting controls are perfected, with a smooth feel and amazing execution. The game adds more to the table with an outstanding cast including many Sonic, Amy, Shadow, Tails, Knuckles, and many more Sega stars such as  Amigo, Alex Kid, Joe Musashi, AiAi, and more.

Sonic Generations 2011

About
	Release Date November 01, 2011
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Sonic Generations deliver a unique perspective on both classic and 3D sonic games. The story of Sonic Generations begins with the appearance of a mysterious entity known as the Time Eater, which causes time and space to become twisted, resulting in classic and current Sonic being merged in the same timeline. The two Sonics must work together to rewind time and save their pals who have become stranded at various moments in Sonic’s history.

The game offers a beautiful mix of both classic and modern sonic gameplay taking advantage of the seventh-generation hardware and delivering an amazing reboot for new players who want to experience the franchise for the first time. Divided into two sections, the player controls two types of Sonic, the 2d realm Sonic, and the 3D realm Sonic.

The 2D sections feature a 2.5D experience that is similar to the early Sonic games in that you get to control Sonic as he runs through each level collecting rings, bumping in speeders, and breaking robots. The 3D levels provide a third-person perspective with the same basic principle but with a different feel and a more free view and movements.

Honorable Mentions

Sonic™ Unleashed 2008

About
	Release Date December 09, 2008
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Sonic Unleashed was a decent attempt to revamp the Sonic franchise, offering a few new ideas and a whole new transformation. The story presents a new villain named Gaia who has divided the planet into several pieces known as the Gaia temple. Sonic together with his new friend Chip must stop the evil villain and restore the planet to its previous state.

Sonic Unleashed may appear to be your regular 3D Sonic at first glance. The game is played in third-person view, and you can boost at full speed through each level, killing robots and gliding on pipes and such. But that’s not all; the game also has some new features, such as the ability to do a high-speed dash, which gives you more speed and power to shatter things, and my favorite new transformation, which turns Sonic into a werewolf-like beast capable of tearing foes apart and climbing walls.

Daytime gameplay is where the game really shines, as you control Sonic going into high-speed chases, bumping into adversaries, and hopping around. Sonic morphs into a new shape throughout the night, delivering a whole different gameplay experience. The game transforms into a 3D brawler in which you fight your way around in third-person view, defeating various robots and foes. While the game is far from perfect, it can be enjoyed for what it is: a strange mix of beat ’em ups and 3D platformers. If you’re willing to be more forgiving and open to the concept, I’m confident Sonic Unleashed is well worth your time.

Sonic Rush™ 2005

About
	Release Date November 15, 2005
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Following the success of Sonic Advance, Dimps seized the opportunity to create another Sonic game, this time for the Gameboy Advance’s successor, the mighty Nintendo DS. While the game retained the same look as its predecessors, offering a 2D platformer game, the gameplay was vastly different, providing a completely new experience for long-time fans. The gameplay emphasizes speed and style, with an intense focus on the new boost feature.

The player can fill the tension bar by beating enemies and doing various acrobatic skills; when full, the tension bar provides a short boost that can propel you through the level at ultra-sonic speed while performing obnoxious feats and stunts. The game also makes clever use of the DS dual screen; offering a wide view here you can jump back and forth between the two screens. While the game is a bit harsh towards newcomers, with some tricky parts old fans will find themselves right at home with this outstanding underrated little gem.

Sonic Lost World™ 2013

About
	Release Date October 18, 2013
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Sonic Lost World is one of the most underrated Sonic titles on this list, the game offers a new perspective with 3D levels similar to titles like Super Mario Galaxy, stunning graphics, and excellent controls. Sonic and his buddies get together to stop Dr. Eggman from harnessing the power of the Lost Hex, a mysterious floating continent, to conquer the world. Along the journey, they come across the Deadly Six, a gang of criminals who have taken control of Eggman’s army and intend to use them to take over the globe.

While the story is nothing special, the gameplay is where things shine, the level designs are very unique compared to the previous game offering a 3D feel with spherical-shaped platforms. Sonic can navigate the levels while performing various parkour skills such as wall runs, slides, and acrobatic moves.

The levels design changes from time to time offering the classic 2D view with some of the best level design I have ever seen. On the whole, while the game is very different from your typical 3D Sonic game, different doesn’t always mean bad, sometimes a change is what we all need, if you’re willing to be more open-minded about the changes in this game, this game is well worth your time and money.

Tails Adventure™ 1995

About
	Release Date September 22, 1995
	Developer Aspect
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 8-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Tails Adventure took the series into a whole different path, offering a decent spin-off starring our beloved Sonic sidekick Tails! The game follows Tails as he sets out to stop the Battle Kukku Army, a gang of birds commanded by the villainous Great Battle Kukku, from invading his home on Cocoa Island. Tails must traverse the island’s many zones, fight the army’s leaders, and finally face Great Battle Kukku.

Unlike previous Sonic games, Tails Adventure offers a slow-paced action platformer where you get to explore the level at ease while solving various puzzles and defeating enemies using tails bombs, yeah you get to use bombs in this game. Aside from the bombs, tails can also use a submarine to navigate the doused areas. The submarine can be equipped with various weapons, including a rocket launcher, which can clear the path ahead of you and open up new routes to explore on foot.

Tails can also employ a little robot to scout the terrain or even get into tight spaces. New weapons and abilities are also available later in the game, providing a nonlinear experience similar to some early Metroidvania games.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4™ Episode I / Sonic the Hedgehog 4™ Episode II 2010 / 2012

About
	Full Name Sonic the Hedgehog 4™ Episode I
	Release Date October 07, 2010
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

About
	Full Name Sonic the Hedgehog 4™ Episode II
	Release Date May 15, 2012
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

After years of experimenting with new ideas and gameplay mechanics, Sega decided to play it safe and offer fans what they wanted, a new sequel to the original Sonic the Hedgehog games. As a direct sequel to the original trilogy both episodes offer a classic feel with a 3D look, Sonic can run, dash, jump and collect rings across four main zones.

While both games maintain the feel of the classic games, minor changes have been noticed such as the lock-on feature, some light puzzle elements like the ability to hold on to a torch, and exploring mazes. The level design is likewise highly influenced by the original games, and even the boss encounters are nearly identical, giving both episodes a remaster-like feel. Overall, if you want to enjoy the classic games with today’s updated visuals, both episodes are quite solid. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is nearly a complete replica of the two original Sega Genesis games.

Sonic Heroes 2003 ソニック ヒーローズ (Sonikku Hīrōzu)

About
	Release Date December 30, 2003
	Developer Sonic Team
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Available On

Sonic Heroes retains its predecessor’s 3D platforming charm while adding a whole new concept. Instead of going solo, the game presents team play, no not co-op play but you control a team of three characters at the same time. The story mode is divided into four different tales depending on the team you choose. We have Team Sonic, Team Dark, Team Rose, and Team Chaotix.

From a third-person perspective, the player races through numerous levels, collecting rings and emeralds while destroying the nefarious Dr. Eggman’s robots. While the gameplay is similar to Sonic Adventure, the levels follow a more linear path where you move from point A to point B to complete your objective. Depending on the squad you choose, you can easily switch between teammates using their unique abilities to access different paths and collect various treasures. On the whole, this game is not going to win any prize but it sure is fun, and that’s what I’m looking for as long as I’m grabbing the controller and enjoying it from start to finish that’s all I need, and you may do!