Sonic Mania Plus - PlayStation 4

"Sonic Mania Plus" is an upgraded version of the previously released "Sonic Mania". The main difference here is the addition of 2 new characters (Mighty & Ray) and Encore Mode, which is essentially the same as Mania Mode but tweaks a few things. Encore features a new pinball bonus stage (which allows you to earn power-ups, rings, and continues), palette-swapped levels, and the ability to switch between all 5 characters. For those unacquainted with the original "Sonic Mania", it's basically an HD remix of the first few Sonic games previously released for the Sega Genesis/Sega CD in the early 90s. Think of it as a "best of" of sorts...plus there's new bosses and level elements abound, and a few entirely new zones to boot: Studiopolis, Mirage Saloon, Press Garden, and Titanic Monarch. And did I mention an entirely new music score as well? That's always nice. So is it worth it? For veterans and initiates alike, the answer is YES! While the majority of what's offered here is reused assets, there's enough new paint to warrant a purchase for the asking price. It's the most refined, most balanced incarnation of a classic Sonic game to date!

This is how you bring a franchise back to its roots. Sonic Mania has classic gameplay similar to Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic 3, and Sonic 2 for the Genesis. Some memorable zones from those classics are brought back and "remixed" in Mania. The entire game is presented in classic sprite visuals along with modernized music and responsive controls. Levels can move fast, or the player can spend ample time exploring and looking for extra challenges. The game does little to break from classic Sonic, but there a few new ideas such as the scrolling plane section in one zone and jumping between the foreground and background in another. Encore mode, new with the Plus edition, has an interesting character switching and stock mechanic that significantly improves on the classic Sonic and Tails experience. Overall, a solid classic Sonic game. Hopefully Sega produces more games like this, and hopefully they give the developers more business in the future -- they clearly get the Sonic formula.

Sonic Mania has classic gameplay similar to Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic 3, and Sonic 2 for the Genesis. Some memorable zones from those classics are brought back and "remixed" in Mania. The entire game is presented in classic sprite visuals along with modernized music and responsive controls. Levels can move fast, or the player can spend ample time exploring and looking for extra challenges. The game does little to break from classic Sonic, but there a few new ideas such as the scrolling plane section in one zone and jumping between the foreground and background in another. Encore mode, new with the Plus edition, has an interesting character switching and stock mechanic that significantly improves on the classic Sonic and Tails experience. Overall, a solid classic Sonic game. Hopefully Sega produces more games like this, and hopefully they give the developers more business in the future -- they clearly get the Sonic formula.

When Sonic Mania came out in 2017, I could not tell you my excitement for it. It ended up being one of my favorite Sonic games of all time & reminds me what I love of this franchise. Hearing that were not only adding DLC but also producing a Physical Release of this game made me excited once again. Its a fantastic Physical Release, too, especially for Day-1 buyers, who get not only the game+the Encore DLC on-disc in a complete package (For those worried about Digital Loss) but a snazzy Art Book for collectors & fans alike to look over & love. Not to mention, a fun reversible cover to fit right in with the Genesis collections! If you haven't bought this game due to various reasons that don't involve money or not liking Sonic, now is the best time to pick up the greatest 2-D Sonic Game ever made.

I was a teen in the 90's and a lot of my time was spent playing home consoles and arcades. I didn't care what it was on, only if I enjoyed the game. This 100% gives the original Sonic feel and offers even more. While this series hasn't had the best run with a lot of releases, this is definitely the best that's come out since Generations. I've not played Colors, but have heard that one was good as well. This is the same as the regular Sonic Mania with the $5 Encore DLC already prepackaged into one. I still prefer to buy physical, so this was also a huge influence. So yeah, if you love Sonic, want this game with the DLC already included, this one won't let you down. It was made by others that grew up with the series and you can tell they really pumped their heart into it.

I grew up playing the old Sonic games on the Sega Genesis. Sonic games after the Genesis/Sega CD have been lack luster. Then, Sonic Mania came around. I bought Sonic Mania when it came out on digital download. Even though I love the game I wish it had a physical release. Then, about a year later Sonic Mania Plus came out with bonus levels and new characters. Plus, there's a physical copy. And to make it even better, the Sonic Mania Plus slip cover is reversible with a Sega Genesis log on it. I would highly recommend this product for the PS4. I have the digital version for the Xbox One and it lags when the achievement notification pops up. This is great if you loved the original Sonic the Hedgehog games or just want to see what they were all about.

I grew up as a Sega kid amongst my Nintendo peers. That said, I never felt out of place...Sonic was the game to have. Having loosely followed the series though the years, the last title to really capture my interest was Sonic Generations; a game that has rightfully earned its place with the other Sonic greats. This game aspires to just as much. Sonic Mania Plus is the only version to purchase...it comes with the original Sonic Mania, plus all additional content as of this publication. This is my personal new bar that all new Sonic content will be judged against. My childhood is back in full force!

Taken as a full package this is arguably the best Sonic game there is. Mania mode is fun as ever, the cast is fuller, and the bonus challenges, unlockables, Encore mode and multiplayer makes for a game that earns its spot on the retail shelf. Some existing owners might wonder whether two extra characters, remixed singleplayer and revamped splitscreen is worth the upgrade given there's no substantially new levels to speak of, but I think it's a fine way to extend the experience.