On the surface, Sonic Mania might look like a simple attempt to capitalize on fan’s nostalgia for those original Genesis games, but in truth it is what a true sequel to those games should’ve been. Forces, while by no means Sonic’s worst game, again fell victim to Sonic’s troubled history of converting his trademark speed into 3D. Released alongside Sonic Forces, Mania managed to completely steal the spotlight from the “bigger” Sonic title of the year because it gave fans exactly what they’ve been asking for: A classic, fast, and polished 2D Sonic experience. Instead, the hit throwback to the classic 2D Sonic titles, Sonic Mania, was developed by a team of fans lead by Christian Whitehead. There’s something to be said about the fact that possibly the best Sonic game ever made, certainly the best in several years, wasn’t developed by Sonic Team.

The best Sega Genesis games of all timeġ.

Looking back from his debut title all the way up to his latest offering, we’ve compiled a list of the best Sonic games across all genres and platforms. That alone would make it necessary to narrow down his best entries, but when you consider the fact that there are some absolute train wrecks hidden in his catalogue, knowing what to avoid becomes half the battle.

Sonic may not have quite as extensive a library as Mario, but his list of games across three decades now is far from short.

Unlike his Italian rival, this azure marsupial has many, many games that are downright terrible. However, Sonic’s legacy is far from spotless. Ever since 1991, the blue blur has been running, spinning, dashing, grinding, and jumping across just about every console to come out. Sega, looking to compete in the console space, knew it needed a mascot to compete with Nintendo’s beloved plumber, and thus Sonic the Hedgehog was born. It feels like a long forgotten era, but there was once a time when a little blue hedgehog with attitude gave the great Mario a run for his money.

King of speed sonic mania