Sonic the Hedgehog games place an emphasis on speed and collecting rings. The Sega series introduced boss fights as we've never seen before. You could sit a mere few feet from the television screen and fixate for hours while playing a Sonic the Hedgehog game.
Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game, manga, television series, and a movie. In the spirit of the approaching Sonic the Hedgehog movie, now is the perfect time to compile this listicle. Like the movie, even some of Sonic's games are in pressing need of a redesign. These are the 5 best Sonic the Hedgehog games (and the 5 worst).
10 WORST: Sonic the Fighters
Sure, Sonic the Hedgehog is a highly recognizable face in gaming. His caricature gives us the impression of someone valiant with tremendous willpower. Does this mean that he would be well-suited for a fighting game? Released for the Nintendo GameCube, Sonic the Fighters is The Simpsons Wrestling equivalent of a Sonic game.
The execution was poor, and the game is filled with bugs. Sonic the Hedgehog is a runner and not a fighter. He can't reach the speeds necessary to inflict damage while constrained by a boxing ring. The concept of Sonic the Fighters is nonsensical, and it doesn't work.
9 BEST: Sonic Mania
After Sega's string of unsuccessful three-dimensional games, it was time for them to go back to their roots. With the ability to play as characters such as Tails, Knuckles, and of course, Sonic the Hedgehog, 2017's Sonic Mania may be the best Sonic game in existence.
The creation of Sonic Mania involved the pooling of ideas from fans and developers. Sonic Mania is a fan's dream come to fruition. Sega has proven they can still release addictive and enjoyable Sonic games. Now, where's that Sonic Mania 2?
8 WORST: Sonic Forces
Released a mere few months after Sonic Mania, Sonic Forces appeared to be the intrepid three-dimensional Sonic game we were waiting for. To fans dismay, Sonic Forces disappointed because of its lackluster gameplay that at times seemed shallow. Graphically, it could be the most impressive Sonic game.
There was a ton of potential for this release, but the potential was squandered. The game is at its best when it's 2.5 dimensional, which is something Sega could have built on. It certainly didn't have the same effect as Sonic Adventure 2.
7 BEST: Sonic Adventure 2
As the final game to be released for the Sega Dreamcast before its discontinuation, Sonic Adventure 2 is Sonic at its best. This sublime game proves that Sonic can work in 3D. Racing alongside Shadow the Hedgehog was a nice shift for the franchise.
Future Sonic games can learn from Sonic Adventure 2's varying gameplay, engrossing story, and top-notch visuals. Furthermore, the enemy variety and immersive levels kept the game engaging. As long as Sega continues to innovate, Sonic the Hedgehog games can work in 3D.
6 WORST: Shadow the Hedgehog
The premise of Shadow the Hedgehog seemed promising. The ability to play as Sonic the Hedgehog's darker and more dangerous doppelganger had a ton of potential. Motion blur was a significant reason for why the game didn't work. The game causes eyestrain because of how poor the visuals are.
It wouldn't be out of the ordinary to rage quit before finishing Shadow the Hedgehog. It doesn't do the Sonic the Hedgehog series justice, and it just doesn't work.
5 BEST: Sonic Generations
The twentieth anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog was commemorated with a new game release. Sonic Generations takes some of the best level designs from over the years and revamps them into enjoyable platforming. The audio, visuals, and gameplay all hit the mark, and Sonic Generations works on so many levels.
It gives you the option to play as retro Sonic or new Sonic, which is a nice feature of the game. For its masterful level designs, Sonic the Generations works. This 2011 game is a must-play for fans of Sonic the Hedgehog.
4 WORST: Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric
There are a plethora of reasons to explain why Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric doesn't work. Sega's attempt to break new ground by adding puzzles and exploration to a Sonic game could have worked, but the game falls flat.
Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is comparable to a series like Ratchet and Clank, but with choppy gameplay and less exciting puzzle-solving. The frame rate isn't steady, which ruins the immersiveness of the game. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is one of the worst Sonic the Hedgehog games despite Sega taking chances with the series.
3 BEST: Sonic the Hedgehog- Genesis
The original Sonic the Hedgehog game is one of the most divisive in history. Despite being almost thirty years old, it is still relevant in this day and age. Sega has tried to innovate with their franchise, and although they've been successful in some respects, the original formula remains.
The most recent Sonic games are still inspired by this original game. Stages like Green Hill Zone and Marble Zone are the foundation for current level designs. For the aforementioned reasons, Sonic the Hedgehog is a "Best" and not a "Worst."
2 WORST: Sonic the Hedgehog- 2006
Not to be confused with the original Sonic the Hedgehog (please don't), Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) is a failed reboot of the series. This spiritual successor attempted to bring Sonic to three-dimensions, but ultimately, fails miserably. Sure, the game has HD graphics and a compelling narrative, but the gameplay disappoints.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) has difficult to track movements, causing eye fatigue. Plus, numerous bugs keeps the game from reaching its potential. The character Knuckles is virtually unplayable, given his glitchy wall climbing.
1 BEST: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
And so we come to the finale. Almost thirty years later, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 remains the best Sonic game ever made. It improved on its predecessor in nearly every way. The idea to increase Sonic's speed gave the game better flow. The story isn't convoluted or dull; the game is just fun.
Levels like Chemical Plant, Casino Night Zone, Death Egg Zone, and every level in the game you can name are masterpieces. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is not only the best Sonic game, but it's also a top contender for the best video game of all time.