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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video game

Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania is a 2017 2D platform game in Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog series.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sonic Mania is a 2017 2D platform game in Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was developed by Christian Whitehead, PagodaWest Games, and Headcannon, and published by Sega as part of the franchise’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The game recreates and expands the style of the classic Sega Genesis Sonic games while adding new stages and modern features.

Gameplay

Sonic Mania is a side-scrolling platform game built around fast movement, ring collection, and stage traversal. It combines familiar mechanics from early Sonic games with new level designs and modern presentation.

Development and release

The game was developed by a team including Christian Whitehead, PagodaWest Games, and Headcannon, and released by Sega in 2017. It launched on multiple platforms, including Windows and major consoles.

Story and characters

The plot is set after Sonic 3 & Knuckles and centres on Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles battling Doctor Eggman and the Hard-Boiled Heavies. The Phantom Ruby is a major element in the story.

Reception and legacy

Sonic Mania was widely viewed as a return to the classic 2D style associated with the earliest Sonic games. It later received an expanded edition, Sonic Mania Plus, which added new playable characters and extra content.

Key facts

  • It was produced to commemorate the Sonic the Hedgehog series’ 25th anniversary.
  • The game features Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters.
  • The gameplay is modelled on the classic 2D Sonic titles from the Sega Genesis era.
  • It includes a mix of redesigned classic zones and original stages.
  • An expanded version, Sonic Mania Plus, was released later with additional content.
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Canadian context

Sonic Mania was released in Canada on the same major platforms as in other regions and is relevant to Canadian players as part of the long-running Sonic franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Sonic Mania?
It is a 2D side-scrolling platform game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Who developed Sonic Mania?
It was developed by Christian Whitehead, PagodaWest Games, and Headcannon.
When was Sonic Mania released?
It was released in 2017 for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Which characters are playable in Sonic Mania?
The main playable characters are Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.
Is Sonic Mania connected to earlier Sonic games?
Yes. Its story is set after Sonic 3 & Knuckles and its stage design draws heavily on classic Sonic titles.
What is Sonic Mania Plus?
Sonic Mania Plus is an expanded version released later with additional content, including new characters.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Mania
    Supports: Release year, developers, publisher, platforms, genre, modes, and general premise.
  2. Sonic Wiki Zone (Fandom) — https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_Mania
    Supports: Story setting, playable characters, villains, and connection to Sonic 3 & Knuckles and the Phantom Ruby.
  3. Nintendo — https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/sonic-mania-switch/
    Supports: Official description of Sonic Mania as a 2D Sonic adventure and celebration of the series.
  4. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/584400/Sonic_Mania/
    Supports: Official store description, genre framing, and playable characters.