5 Best Sonic Games: Exploring the Blue Speedy Dash

A quick guess to kick-start this article: You see a furry character in two legs, and with a dash of blue speeding past you, surrounded by lightning. Which character do you think it might be? Many might guess it as Sonic the Hedgehog.

Quite a few video game characters are as iconic as Sonic, the speedy blue blur that has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape for more than 30 years, influencing various facets of pop culture, including games, comics, television, and even blockbuster video game movies. However, with so many franchises of Sonic available, our focus remains on raising the best Sonic games as we highlight five of the finest titles.

5 Best Sonic Games to Explore the Blue Speedy Blur

1. Sonic Advance

Rocking in the list of the best Sonic games is Sonic Advance. Sonic Adventure marked the hedgehog’s 10th anniversary in 2001, but it was also the year when Sonic made his debut on a Nintendo platform with Sonic Advance for the GBA.

This release retained the essence of Classic Sonic while introducing updated sprites and abilities more aligned with modern Sonic design. Sonic gained new moves like rail grinding, and the inclusion of the Tiny Chao Garden added depth to the gameplay. Sonic Advance showcased a level of expressiveness previously unseen in 2D Sonic games, setting a high standard for the series on the GBA.

Despite the entire Sonic Advance trilogy offering exceptional 2D experiences post-Genesis, Sonic Advance stands out for its consistency and diverse level design. Unfortunately, these games have yet to be re-released beyond the Game Boy Advance platform.

In addition, it is available on other game platforms and is a multiplayer video game where you get to share the gaming fun with friends. In addition, if you like games with multiplayer modes, be sure to check out this article.

Developers: Dimps, Sonic Team, Jupiter Corporation

Release Date: December 20, 2001

Platforms: Android, Game Boy Advance, N-Gage, Wii U

2. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle

Moving on next on the list of the best Sonic games is Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle for the GameCube enhanced the original game by introducing improved textures, multiplayer modes, new upgrades, and exclusive characters.

Despite the already impressive quality of the base version of Sonic Adventure 2, the Battle edition remains highly esteemed as one of the most cherished 3D Sonic games. While Sonic and Shadow stages steal the spotlight with their high-speed action-packed gameplay, the game offers a diverse range of gameplay styles across various playable characters.

Additionally, Battle introduced new features like foot races featuring characters like Metal Sonic and Amy Rose, Kart Races for challenging friends who like racing games, and competitive Chaos battles. The inclusion of the beloved Chao Garden and the unforgettable soundtrack further solidify its place in the hearts of Sonic fans.

Developers: Sonic Team

Release Date: December 20, 2001

Platforms: Windows PC, GameCube, Dreamcast, PS3, Xbox 360

3. Sonic Colors

Sonic Colors stands out among the best Sonic games for its imaginative and exhilarating level designs. From the captivating Aquarium Park, often hailed as one of the series’ finest water levels, to the stellar Asteroid Coaster, each level offers a unique and thrilling experience. Despite its heavily on-rails nature, Starlight Carnival dazzles players with its breathtaking spectacle.

Sonic Colors seamlessly blends high-speed boost-centric gameplay with methodical platforming and puzzle segments, ensuring every level is filled with multiple paths to explore. Boasting impressive visuals, an outstanding soundtrack, and smooth gameplay that remains enjoyable even today, Sonic Colors ticks all the boxes for an exceptional gaming experience. It’s a great game for players who focus on the exploration of maps in games, for example, games like Genshin Impact that highlight the exploration experience for gamers.

Developers: Sonic Team, Dimps

Release Date: November 11, 2010

Platforms: Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Wii, Nintendo DS

4. Sonic Generations

Sonic Generations has its mark as one of the best Sonic games. Even in 2022, Sonic Generations stands out as the ultimate tribute to Sonic’s rich history, seamlessly blending classic and modern gameplay styles.

@foulta_gaming Should I take a break?#xyzbca #fyp #gaming #foryou #xbox #sonicthehedgehog #sonicgenerations #rooftoprun ♬ original sound – Foulta

While designed to evoke nostalgia, the game avoids relying solely on past sentiments. Its 14 levels, inspired by iconic Sonic zones, cleverly incorporate elements from the past while infusing them with freshness and uniqueness. This approach results in an unforgettable Sonic experience that simultaneously pays homage to the past, offers a glimpse into the future, and earns its place as one of the best Sonic games to date.

Developers: Sonic Team, Dimps

Release Date: November 1, 2011

Platforms: Windows PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo 3DS

Also Read: Top 5 Family Games for Quality Time Together

5. Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania stands out as one of the 2D best Sonic games since Sega’s transition to a third-party developer. Crafted by fans for fans, Sonic Mania serves as a heartfelt homage to the iconic blue hedgehog. It revitalises the classic formula with its fast-paced gameplay, and impeccable level design, and is also a stunning pixel art game.

Can we get that cool and threatening Metal again like they did in those Sonic Mania Shorts? He needs to be an important character again. pic.twitter.com/mA4jeFTgwn

— Efe 🌊 (@BigBlueAxolotl) March 13, 2024

While Sonic Mania could have succeeded solely with remastered and new versions of existing Sonic zones, its original stages elevate the experience. Levels like Studiopolis and Mirage Saloon Zone offer fresh and captivating gameplay, complementing the familiar zones. Moreover, its high replay value, thanks to numerous collectables and hidden rewards, sets it apart from other 2D Sonic titles.

For these reasons, Sonic Mania is one of the top recommendations for the best Sonic games available, representing a must-play experience for every fan of the franchise.

Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games, Tantalus Media, Hyperkinetic Studios

Release Date: August 30, 2017

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Welcoming the Iconic Blue Blur

This list of the best Sonic games is sure to provide you with a great experience in understanding and enjoying the fun brought by the little blue hedgehog. One common thing that these best Sonic games share is they all offer multiplayer modes, where we get to multiple the dash gaming fun with friends, just like how quickly Sonic runs. It’s another blue dash for some Sonic fun, so gather your friends and team up for a battle with Sonic and his friends!

Speaking of Sonic, it might remind you of another also very famous character — Mario, and you might want to discover more or reminisce about the loving red character and his best buddies in this list of the best Super Mario games. Or, you might also want to check out the in-development Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 which was announced back then on Sunday, Mario Day.