The classic Sonic throwback Sonic Mania will release August 15 this year for the PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. Digital versions and the physical Collector’s Edition are available to preorder. The Collector’s Edition includes a twelve-inch Sonic statue, a Sega cartridge with a gold ring on it, and a metallic collector’s card with a download key for the game.
Sonic Mania recaptures the style of the classic Genesis-era Sonic the Hedgehog side-scrollers, with Zones and Acts, bosses, a reminiscent soundtrack, and Tails and Knuckles as playable characters. The game will run at 60 frames per second with “pixel perfect” graphics and will include new levels and “reimagined” old ones. Each character will have a new special ability that will change the gameplay in classic acts.
Sonic Mania won’t be the only classic-platformer throwback to release this summer. Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy, a remake of the first three Crash Bandicoot games, launches June 30, though this one has a complete visual revamp instead of Sonic Mania’s faithful look. Yooka-Laylee, a spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie, launched in April to solid success. May’s Strafe also attempted to recapture a classic game style, 90s first-person shooters, though its success as a throwback is questionable.
These throwbacks are welcome and fun, but sometimes they fall flat if they don’t offer enough that’s fresh. Let’s hope Sonic Mania stays fizzy.
Sonic Mania is developed by Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and PagodaWest Games in association with Sega of America.
