When the first Sonic the Hedgehog game was released in 1991, it became a smash hit, turning SEGA into one of the world's biggest video game companies. Throughout the years, the blue hedgehog has had numerous games, all of which have been met with wildly different reviews.
But in recent years, thanks to hit games like Sonic Mania and the new Sonic the Hedgehog movies, he's emerged as a true cultural icon that's able to rival even the most famous Nintendo mascots. Better yet, many classic Sonic games are available to play on new consoles like the Xbox Series X/S.
Sonic Forces (2017)
One of Sonic's most recent games to be released is Sonic Forces. The game was launched to mixed reviews, with some critics saying that it felt stale and didn't add anything new to the franchise. But for fans, this means it's more of what they love. Even cooler is that Sonic Forces featured different types of gameplay modes.
There are sidescrolling platform levels (as an homage to classic Sonic games), there are modern 3D platform levels (similar to the newer games) and there is even a mode where gamers can play as their own Sonic character. Despite the tepid reviews, it's a game that true fans will love.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode I (2010)
In 2010, long before retro gaming became mainstream, SEGA published Sonic the Hedgehog 4. The game was designed to be a continuation of the Genesis/Mega Drive games and returned Sonic to his sidescrolling roots.
However, thanks to vast improvements in technology since the early '90s, Sonic 4 was lush with vibrant colors and 3D surroundings, helping to bridge the gap between the classic and the modern. The game proved to be a hit and is an excellent way for fans of platformers to try out a truly unique entry in the Sonic franchise.
Sonic Adventure (1999)
After the cancellation of Sonic X-treme for the Saturn, SEGA knew their new masterpiece console, the Dreamcast, needed an awesome Sonic game that was fully 3D, colorful, exciting, and immersive. It was the company's final chance to help rival Nintendo's Super Mario 64 and PlayStation's Crash Bandicoot.
Upon release, Sonic Adventure proved to be everything the company hoped for. It was fun, exciting, fast-paced, and for the time, its graphics were incredible. It continues to be a fun (though somewhat dated) game that's perfect for SEGA fans and retro gamers.
Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)
By 2001, SEGA's Dreamcast was one of the consoles that was in trouble. The PS2 had just been released and the Xbox was on the way. While the Dreamcast was a fantastic console, it was very much a '90s one and couldn't compete with the other 6th Gen. machines. Sonic Adventure 2 was seen as the Dreamcast's last potentially life-saving game.
In IGN's review, they even stated, "Sonic Adventure 2 might very well be the last time we see old blue on the Dreamcast..." Sadly, they were right. But Sonic Adventure 2 was a great conclusion for SEGA's swan song, as it was critically praised, allowing gamers to play as numerous characters (both heroes and villains), and had a fantastic soundtrack. Luckily, with the rise of retro gaming, Sonic Adventure 2 has been able to live on.
Sonic Mania (2017)
In 2017, Sonic returned to his 2D platforming roots with Sonic Mania. Unlike Sonic 4, which used modern graphics, Sonic Mania set out to reproduce the look, feel, and sound of Sonic's 16-bit heyday. The result was one of the best-reviewed Sonic games in decades.
Critics and players loved virtually everything about the game; its remixed versions of classic levels and soundtracks, its brand new levels filled with new challenges, and its crisp, solid, and enjoyable controls. An updated version, Sonic Mania Plus was also released and had more playable characters, as well as an Encore Mode, which offered new and challenging variations to certain levels.
Team Sonic Racing (2019)
Sonic's answer to Mario Kart is Team Sonic Racing. With 15 playable characters (including Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Shadow, and more), the game is a unique and fun competitive experience. Online matches can be played with up to 12 gamers and Team Sonic Racing has a special focus on working together.
The 'Team' in the title comes from the fact that players aren't just racing to win, but instead are part of a team of racers, with scores based on group performance. It's up to racers to help each other out, share power-ups, and leave no teammates behind.
Sonic CD (1993)
Released for the Genesis/Mega Drive's peripheral, the SEGA CD, Sonic CD is actually one of the most critically acclaimed Sonic games ever made. Sadly, because it came out on a relatively obscure console, not many gamers had the chance to play it.
Fortunately, the game is now available for Xbox and is renowned for its great soundtrack, improved graphics (for the 16-bit era), and massive game size. Sonic CD centers around a unique time travel theme, allowing gamers to play the same level numerous times, from the past to the present, and two options for the future...both good and bad.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate (2021)
2010's Nintendo-exclusive Sonic Colors is considered one of the best Sonic games from the 2000's-era. In 2021 it was remastered and re-released as Sonic Colors: Ultimate for all consoles, including Xbox. Interestingly, the game takes place at an amusement park that just happens to be floating in outer space.
Sonic discovers the park is owned by Dr. Eggman (Robotnik) and that he's using it to enslave an alien race known as the Wisps. The game plays out through various platforming levels and features unique power-ups obtained by saving Wisps. It's an odd concept with a bonkers plot that somehow worked perfectly and resulted in an excellent and thrilling game.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
It's been argued by many that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is actually superior to the original. The game introduced the world to Miles "Tails" Prower, who could be controlled by a second player. The levels were longer, more in-depth, and more challenging, helping gain Sonic further credit as a video game series for grown-ups as well as kids.
Furthermore, the game was hailed for its groundbreaking 3D-looking bonus stages, which pushed the Genesis/Mega Drive to its graphical limits. Also, if inserted into the Sonic & Knuckles game cartridge, players could also play through Sonic 2 as Knuckles, using his ability to glide and climb walls.
SEGA Genesis Classics (2018)
For a great deal on numerous games, SEGA Genesis Classics is a must. For starters, it includes the original Sonic the Hedgehog, which completely revolutionized gaming. Platforming games up until that point were all very slow...largely because Nintendo wanted their games to be kid-friendly. But in Sonic, players were zooming through levels, doing spin attacks, and even getting power-ups like a shield and invincibility. Sonic the Hedgehog was a groundbreaking game that quite literally built SEGA's empire.
On top of the original game, the Genesis Classics collection also includes Sonic 2, Sonic Spinball, Sonic 3D Blast, and around 50 other hits from the Genesis/Mega Drive.