For years the Sonic fan base have been through some tough times. From Sonic 06 up to Sonic Lost World, the fans have seemed to dislike many of the games that have come from Sonic Team (Except for a few exceptions like Generations). Well it seemed that the fans finally got what they wanted with the release of Sonic Mania. Created by Christian Whitehead along with PagodaWest Games and Headcannon, Sonic Mania is a trip down nostalgia lane as it calls back to the old days of the Sega Genesis. Yet, what makes this game into the savior of the Sonic franchise? From the amazing graphics, beautiful soundtrack, old school story, and most importantly the large amount of things the player can unlock and explore, this game has something for everyone. All of this on top of being able to be played by people of all ages. With that being said let's dive onto the blue blur's newest adventure.

Graphics [10/10]: These graphics are some of the most well done have seen in some time. With the large resurgent of the old school sprite style with the popularity of Indy games, these graphics manage to stand out from the rest of the pack. The character sprites look very well done. They are colorful and looked like they where crafted with care. You can tell the creators behind this game knew exactly how to bring back the sonic of the past. This is not to mention the wonderful 3-D models which are featured in some of the games bonus sections. Yet the characters are not the only thing that has given the time and effort needed to great a amazing product. Everything from the backgrounds, both old and new, look great. Each helps create a unique environment for each of the games acts along while looking like they where pulled straight from the Genesis. Each of the games zones feels like a fresh breath of air as the player progresses through the game. The game does a great job of creating these stunning worlds that suck the player into their unique settings. From the lights and glamour of  Studiopolis to the high flying and crazy Ariel action of Flying Battery Zone, each zone will keep the players engaged with their creative designs. I can safely say that any expectations the fans had where blown out of the water by the companies behind this amazing project.  

Sound [11/10]: I wish the rating scale could go higher then 10.I got to say the composer of the music tracks throughout our adventure, Tee Lopes, created some of the best music I have heard in a game in a long time. Every track seems to be crafted with care including the amazing remixes for many of the world's Act 2 stages. Just a Few of my favorite tracks include Studiopolis Act 1 & 2 along with the remixes used in the 2nd Act of both Stardust Speedway and Chemical Plant Zone. Even when I would keep dying on a stage, I would instantly be ready to try again knowing some great music would be waiting for me. On top of the great music, all the sound effects used in the game, from picking up rings to the invincibility power up, all sounded like they came from the original Sonic games. These sounds really helped create the old school atmosphere the game was striving for. Overall the large amount of sounds heard in the game along with the fantastic music are by far the best parts of the game. They really tie the whole experience together. 

Addictiveness [10/10]: Just like the original trilogy of games, Sonic Mania is a very addicting game. The game provides so many different modes, collectibles, and even leaderboards for the player to go after. After beating the game. the player can then try and be the fastest in the world with the Time Trail mode. If beating records isn't for you their is also a competitive mode where you and a friend can compete to see who can beat a stage the fastest. These two modes are on top of a few other modes which can be unlocked through game play. Not to mention that there are tons of blue sphere bonus stages to complete. All of these things give the play plenty to accomplish throughout the game. This creates a very addictive game since many of these modes and stages (especially all of the blue sphere stages) will keep the player busy. 

 Story [10/10] : The story of Sonic Mania is a very simple one. Sonic and friends end up on Angel Island as the Hard Boiled Heavies uncover the Phantom Ruby. This Ruby is then used by Dr. Eggman to send the trio to Green Hill Zone. The trio then traverse through all of the games zones, chasing down the Hard Boiled Heavies and Eggman hoping to stop the doctor's evil scheme. While simple, it fits the classic Sonic formula perfectly. Its the classic chase the bad guy while gathering the chaos emeralds. This decision has definitely a good one as it let all of the other aspects of the game stand out evermore. 

Depth [10/10] : This game is a lot deeper then it looks. Of course this game has 3 different major paths for the player to go along. However, there are all kinds of hidden passages that contain bonus stages, power ups, and other things. On top of this, there are also all the previously mentioned unlockables that can be gained throughout the game. This large amount of content on top of the many stages the player will play through will leave a lot of stuff for the gamer to get through. 

Difficulty [3/10] : This game is pretty easy, especially if you have experience. However, I do not know if from lake of experience with the older games, it did have a small learning curve for me when I first began playing. Yet,within the first 2 acts I quickly adapted to the control style of the game and quick progressed through the game. I must say some of the bosses will take a bit of time, due either to lack of explanation of  how to damage them or just the pure pace at which some of the chases during these fights take place. Some examples I could give are the 2nd act of both Stardust Speedway and Hydrocity. Besides these small things, the game should be pretty easy. 

   I got to give all involved a pat on the back. These people worked their tails off to create a game that the fans have really enjoyed. Many of them came from the fan game scene to create arguably the best Sonic game of the modern age, if not period. I hope this opens the door for other large companies to allow fans of their games the opportunity to create amazing games using a large budget and the series they love. This game has given the Sonic fanbase hope for the future of the series.  Now let's see if Sonic Forces can stand up to this masterpiece.