Sonic Mania Review for Nintendo Switch

Still a Case of Misplaced Identity

Sonic and Mario at the Olympics games are blasphemous, unlike Sonic Mania. Nintendo and Sega ruled the 1980s and 1990s. Nintendo and Sega had their best first and other party titles on store shelves. Even more, customers spent without remorse on both companies’ software. In the final analysis, the best console won. Sonic Mania is the brainchild of Sega. Furthermore, credit goes to Christian Whitehead, Headconnon, and PagodaWest Games. Clearly, Sonic Mania brings the essence of Sega’s past rivalry to Nintendo Switch.

However, Sonic Mania is odd. For people who remember Sega’s consoles, think for a moment. Ultimately, Sonic Mania needs a six-button controller. Whether it is a Joycon, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or Switch’s portable mode, this is a new game on different hardware. With that in mind, Sonic Mania plays… well, read below.

Sonic Tale           

Without a doubt, Sonic Mania lives in the two-dimensional past. Sega’s game takes inspiration from multiple Sonic the Hedgehog titles. Additionally, it manages to combine the character’s history into a massive compilation. The high definition, retro, graphics at 60 frames per second familiarizes players.

Sonic Mania allows you to play the fleet Sonic with Tails. In other modes, play as Sonic, the brutal Knuckles or the aerial Tails. Of course, take on Doctor Eggman. Moreover, prepare for a new set of maniacal bosses. Furthermore, Sonic Mania twists classic Sonic the Hedgehog levels and stages into a new game experience.  

Sonic Movements

Control Sonic, or any character, with the left analog stick or cross pad. Additionally, Sonic the Hedgehog jumps in the air with the B. A or Y buttons. Even more, tap the jump button to access each character’s special abilities.

Moreover, hold down the analog stick or cross pad with a jump button.  This movement allows each character to rev up before they run. Additionally, use the same button combinations to access the tag team moves with two characters on-screen.

Speed Mode

Sonic Mania’s menu screen has multiple options. For example, Mania Mode allows you to play remade classic levels. Again, this is the single-player mode. Time Attack mode allows you to replay and improve on the time of previous levels.

Moreover, Competition Mode permits local multiplayer competition. For example, play as Tails, Sonic, or Knuckles, on separate or split screens. The game also has downloadable content for purchase.  

Feel the Speed 

Sonic Mania works at a breakneck pace. For example, rush through each lengthy and continuous level. Special stages pop up in an instant. There are many corners to discover. Green Hill Zone, for example, is the equivalent of a two-dimensional sandbox type level, in my opinion.

Sonic Mania gets to rerun nostalgia. It manages to immerse today’s players. As an example, A boss level ends in homage to Doctor Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine. In short, this keeps players aware of nostalgia around every corner.

 Nostalgic Touch

The biggest issue, in my opinion, is the game’s reaction time. Sonic the Hedgehog is the Sega Genesis, in my opinion. It plays on a cathode ray television. The Switch is a high definition console, with hyper-responsive controls. This delivers sensitive reactions to the gameplay. On the Sega Genesis, Sonic the Hedgehog had a specific rhythm and cadence.

Sonic Mania plays wells, on Nintendo Switch, but requires precise movement. This can, at times, be overactive. For example, Sonic runs fast. Any shift, not in harmony with the controls, stops your momentum suddenly. This is a minor issue.

That Wistful Look

The look of this game is ambiguous, in my opinion. Moreover, Sonic Mania mimics what was on a Sega Genesis. In portable or television modes, the pixel- heavy appearance does not work. The call for nostalgia is apparent. A glossier look seems like it could work better for this game. This can work in tandem with a high definition control scheme. 

Conclusion

Sonic Mania is a fascination. It took a while for me to get this game. Without question, it is the main Sonic title on the Nintendo Switch. Play this game and Luigi’s Mansion back-to-back. Try Super Mario Odyssey and this game. It fits in the Nintendo Switch library. Like any non-Nintendo game, it adds a dimension to the system. Contemplation and quick reaction must work together. Think and act quickly, or die. 

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