This is the absolute peak of Sonic in my eyes. Many call this game too short but I'd say it's the most fun-packed lineup of levels in any of the classic Sonic games. There is not a single bad act in the whole set, each level is so expansive and fun to explore that it elevates the entirety of this game above even the best of Sonic 1 and 2. It also has the best special stages yet in Blue Spheres, an all-time favorite minigame of mine that I could play for hours at a time.
The game controls mostly the same as Sonic 2, but with the absolute genius addition of the insta-shield. Mania's drop dash is nice of course, but the insta-shield is a GAME CHANGER when it comes to bosses and enemies that otherwise would have been much like the worst of Metropolis Zone. I didn't appreciate the move playing as a kid, but I sure do now. Other than that, everything there is tight, no complaints.
This is, along with Sonic 1, one of the least speed-focused Sonic games on the platform, and I personally feel it's all the better for it. The focus is almost entirely on engaging platforming challenges, and on that front it's absolutely the best in the series. Though, there are still moments the game will show off the physics and remind you that it's still Sonic, though there's no level-wide physics showcases like the ramps in Chemical Plant.
Bosses here are the best in the series so far. Visuals are a treat (I am personally 100% in favor of Mickey Mouse Sonic) and the music is untouchable. If you've never played any Sonic in your life, this is the one you won't want to miss.
The game controls mostly the same as Sonic 2, but with the absolute genius addition of the insta-shield. Mania's drop dash is nice of course, but the insta-shield is a GAME CHANGER when it comes to bosses and enemies that otherwise would have been much like the worst of Metropolis Zone. I didn't appreciate the move playing as a kid, but I sure do now. Other than that, everything there is tight, no complaints.
This is, along with Sonic 1, one of the least speed-focused Sonic games on the platform, and I personally feel it's all the better for it. The focus is almost entirely on engaging platforming challenges, and on that front it's absolutely the best in the series. Though, there are still moments the game will show off the physics and remind you that it's still Sonic, though there's no level-wide physics showcases like the ramps in Chemical Plant.
Bosses here are the best in the series so far. Visuals are a treat (I am personally 100% in favor of Mickey Mouse Sonic) and the music is untouchable. If you've never played any Sonic in your life, this is the one you won't want to miss.