The return of a classic 2D Sonic the Hedgehog platformer will make its long-awaited debut later this summer and the new trailer from SEGA shows off what we’ve been waiting for. Returning to its roots in 16-bit form, Sonic Mania shows off nostalgic presence for many who (like myself) poured hours into the early Sonic games of the Genesis era.
High demand for the Sonic team to put together a game bringing gamers back to the classic era has been circulating for quite some time, even after the sub-par release of the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 episodes. With HD graphics complimenting the 2D side-scroller, the mechanics never quite met the expectations of the eager fan base.
SEGA listened and now we’re just a couple of months away from what could be the Sonic fans’ answer to the hopeful return to 16-bit form. Excelling through re-imagined familiar levels like Flying Battery Zone from Sonic & Knuckles, Emerald Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the original classic Green Hill Zone from the first title in the series, there’s also new levels to experience as one of the three faces of the franchise – Sonic, Tails or Knuckles. Pushing 60 FPS, Sonic Mania comes with powerful bosses and surprises and an adventure to put a stop to Dr. Eggman’s evil robots.
The new Sonic Mania pre-order trailer gives us a taste of brand new levels mixed with old classics from the games that started it all for the “blue blur”, along with its digital release coming this August 15th to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Releasing later this year is a new 3D Sonic title, Sonic Forces, coming to the same consoles as well.