SONIC RANK: Is Sonic Mania the Best 2D Sonic Game?

[@NIKMOE]

A huge thank you to everyone who's supported my channel these past few months! This video took me a little longer than most, but I had a great time making it, and I have a BUNCH of new videos in the pipeline!! 😌 Once again, my subs are the best!

[@fernicusmaximus9282]

Why skip Sonic CD? It is one of the best Sonic games and it's part of mania.

[@Dangerous2099]

Where's Sonic CD in this list you idiot?

[@Acedoesthings]

NIKMOE my favorite Sonic title has to be Sonic Mania what makes it the best is and I mean every big that makes it the best game ever because everybody will love it everybody loves everybody loves it because of the Rapids everything graphics graphics music art style story and most importantly the final boss

[@septimus5202]

ERMAGERD NIKMOE, My opnion is the Only One that cAn b e RilGHT out dere, and SAniC cD is beSt game! You Moran!

[@septimus5202]

Seriously though Danger, shut up

[@KrowsGraveyard]

I like where you placed Sonic CD.

[@Moonie130]

Yeah i think he placed it well

[@EuanHenry]

he did not put sonic cd.

[@Helperbot-2000]

@@EuanHenry good observation sherlock

[@danewa2008]

Euan Henry WOW NO WAY!!!!!

[@BitchChill]

It was so good he couldn't even place it

[@just2good]

>Put Sonic 3 and Knuckles as a seperate game >Skips Sonic CD What's the point of this video?

[@samza9233]

100% agree with you.

[@CarlosSolsonaAlvarez]

Agree

[@l30S3UX]

just2good skips sonic advance trilogy as well

[@cin2110]

Yup

[@XDROID_]

OMG ITS JUST TO GOOD!!!! I love your lego videos!!!😄😄😄😄😎

[@snailymitch]

Hmm it's strange that you didnt take sonic cd considering that sonic mania takes quite a bunch of inspiration from that game

[@NIKMOE]

Sonic CD is a great game and it's clear Sonic Mania takes direct inspiration from it. I left if off this list for 2 reasons: 1) I tried focusing on the Genesis era for this video because that is what I believe most players (and myself) are familiar with. 2) Sonic Mania bills itself as a follow-up to Sonic & Knuckles both in game and in external media, so I chose to keep it limited to that "arc" of games, if you will. Also, if I'm being honest here, Sonic CD kind of breaks this list. The Sega CD version is visually impressive, but lacks some features that Sonic 3 & Knuckles had, making it hard to find a spot on my list. Oh well, maybe in version 2 of this video I will include the modern remakes of Sonic CD, and Remastered Sonic 1 etc.

[@GimmeTOKYO]

NIKMOE you say Genesis-era, but Sonic CD WAS part of the Genesis era. I personally did not have the Sega CD add-on, (despite my incessant pleadings to my parents at the time,) but I had a friend that had it, and was always excited to be able to play it at his house. I personally didn’t get to get the game until I found it for PC in a $5 bargain bin at Toys-R-Us. Now with the remake for consoles, PC and mobile, it is now one of my favorite Sonic titles from the Genesis era.

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

NIKMOE Ofc CD lacks features from Sonic 3. It came a year before

[@ryry8533]

GimmeTOKYO what he is trying to say is the game is overrated trash and should never even be mentioned on any list.

[@GimmeTOKYO]

fusionfrost 9358 cool story bro

[@EnnZedder]

Personally, while Mania is more consistently designed for the modern age, I feel Sonic 3 & Knuckles does a better job of telling the story through the zone transitions that Mania drops the ball with. I entirely agree with your list however. Great video once again NIKMOE!

[@NIKMOE]

+EnnZedder Thanks for watching! I agree, the zone changes and cutscenes flow better in Sonic 3 & Knuckles, where as Sonic Mania just kind of warps around. I think that's because Sonic Mania is supposed to be a "greatest hits" of zones, but it changes the flow for sure. Anyhow, both are great games.

[@Conellossus]

Actually there are some zone transitions such as when the Flying Battery appears at Studiopolis or when you get blasted from a cannon to Oil Ocean.

[@EnnZedder]

I know that, but it sucks that transitions from Flying Battery to Press Garden or Stardust Speedway to Hydrocity are nonexistent. Yes, I could assume that Sonic jumps off the airship or that the airship lands in Press Garden Zone. I can guess that Sonic leaves Little Planet's orbit and drops into Hydrocity, working his way backwards to get the Tornado from Angel Island Zone. The fact that the transitions showing this are missing - while Sonic 3K is fully inclusive of them, which is the main issue - implicates that these were last minute features unable to be implemented by the team.

[@Gnidel]

NIKMOE Not only Mania fails at transitions, it does a horrible job with exposition. Mostly about Phantom Ruby and Little Planet. Everyone thought it's a Time Stone before reading a manual. Nobody knows what it does - teleports, transports through dimensions, wrecks timer, redesigns Egg Robots into HBH and Titanic Monarch... I have no idea what it does and why Mania Team/Iizuka thought giving another magical stone thingy after real and fake Chaos Emeralds, Sol Emeralds, Master Emerald, Jeweled Scepter, Time Stones, World Rings, Chaos Rings... and possibly I missed something. And what Little Planet has in common with that? Angel Island falling once again? How Sonic and Knuckles met again? Story in Mania is just harmful, even considering how little of it there is. If the story was "Eggman bad, kick is ass and Knuckles is there for no reason" it would be improved thousandfold. The only good part about the story is a single scene where Knuckles faces his PSD and does his job.

[@shupasopni]

I think the reason the story feels that way is *spoilers* There's a very good chance it's a lead up to Forces and that questions will be answered there.

[@flavioalves9663]

Seriously, man? You skipped the "Sonic Cd", one of the greatest hits of the Sega by using the name of Sonic!

[@brady.widlake]

Yeah it's a great game, but it's pretty random aswell

[@magnumd-pad5138]

I really hope Sega takes a hint and commissions more of these. I'd buy a new 2D Sonic if made with the same love every year for $50. It would be amazing. Keep making 3D Sonic if you want but let these guys keep remixing zones and adding whatever features they can think of. Drop Dash was an incredible addition. Only complaint I have at all is that the bonus rounds from the goal posts felt disconnected from the main game aside from the points gained from completion and it would have been nice to see something else else in their place with the blue spheres maybe only accessible from the menu directly. 2D Sonic still has plenty of room to grow and there will always be room for new zone ideas and gimmicks. Don't be stupid, Sega.

[@KesterStudios]

why did you leave out sonic cd

[@harryharyadi449]

maybe because its not in the genesis?

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

Harry Haryadi Still should not have left it out. Still a classic sonic 16 bit 2D platformer game released in the 90's. I can't be more specific than that. That is the reason why it should considered a part of the mega drive titles despise not being on it

[@harryharyadi449]

when nikmoe not counting cd in this list. i just guess because its not in the genesis.

[@rynobehnke8289]

+Harry Haryadi But the Video is called the best 2d Sonic game not Is it better than the genesis games so excluding everything but the Genesis games makes the titel a lie.

[@willow_fgc]

Why not CD? That's pretty easy. CD was NOTHING like Sonic 1, 2 or 3. The level design was completely different and the levels were very vertical, wich makes it not really comparable to S1,2,3,K and Mania

[@UltraTien]

How the fuck you gonna skip Sonic CD? Its just as much part of Mania as the other games.

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

UltraTien Exactly. lol

[@ryry8533]

UltraTien cuz its shit

[@pylonade2785]

+fusionfrost 9358 Nice b8

[@sageky]

UltraTien lol, I thought you were Meik ruse back then.

[@ryry8533]

Binyot co. Its not bait i dont like the game.

[@premydaremy]

Title says "Best 2D Sonic Game" but yet there's no Advance or Rush games in this video, the title should've said "Is Sonic Mania the Best Classic Sonic Game"

[@NIKMOE]

+premydaremy you're totally correct. That was a mistake on my end and unfortunately you can't change titles on KZbin without creating all sorts of problems. Thanks for watching though.

[@jaredtherock5692]

Even so, I don't think the Advance series can compare to the classics, my dude. They're nice, but not great.

[@orrange8345]

premydaremy yooooo cool seeing you here

[@kwokmelati6138]

Oh no

[@TheKnightyFox]

Jared Burk, I think that Advance triligy has cooler atmosphere than Classic Sonic trilogy (I mean, 1, 2 and 3). The exception is Sonic CD- I love this game

[@mcrib2electricboogaloo]

Didn't Sonic CD come before Sonic 3 ? Stages, characters and mechanics were heavily inspired for Sonic Mania so...

[@mrbanks456]

Meme Bakery The Mania team are huge fans of CD, they would not approve this video, lmbo

[@mcrib2electricboogaloo]

JoJo Banks I know CD clearly has a big impact on the game

[@septimus5202]

Yeah, only Sonic Mania was good.

[@mcrib2electricboogaloo]

Septimus not really...If Sonic 1, 2, 3, CD, or & Knuckles never existed we wouldnt have Mania

[@septimus5202]

What's that got to do with Sonic Mania being a good Sonic game where Sonic CD was more of a spin off title based on exploration instead of game flow?

[@MakoMusicYT]

The addition of tails in Sonic 2 didn't have any impact on level design. He's just a sonic clone in that game :P

[@farmerwithshotgun5166]

Omabroodje He can't fly in Sonic 2?

[@MakoMusicYT]

Nope, if he's offscreen his AI flies in, but you can't control his flying as in Sonic 3

[@kwokmelati6138]

Farmer With Shotgun um did you play the remake on moblie? It adds tails flying

[@voxelbugged]

Kwok Melati He was talking about the original.

[@user-fy1nq3nf1q]

Yeah it does Tails cant grab a single row of rings in wing fortress And he doesnt get crushed in the block climbing section of chemical plant zone Also no super form Okay but yeah hes just a worse sonic

[@Dare1C]

Sonic CD should have counted in the comparision. They took HUGE influence from that game and it plays a part in the original collection of games.

[@truearea53]

Tell that to forces

[@wawatooki]

5:59 Tails couldn't fly in the original sonic 2 (he could only fly in the 2013 re-release). He had the same move-set as sonic, so how did he contribute to more vertical stage design?

[@waypastcoolkid]

Agreed! With this little fact plus the lack of CD, I think this video should be remade.

[@throwbackcat]

Why'd you count Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles as two separate games? They're not. They were always intended to be one game, and locked on together as Sonic 3 & Knuckles is both how it's available on steam, and the only way you should ever play it.

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

Good Night Here is the comment that a guy predicted would show up ^ 😂

[@FoneyBone1]

Well they where intended to be one game, but they weren't sold that way. Not everyone who had & Knuckles had 3 and vice versa. I agree 3&K is the only way someone should play them, but it's only fair to judge them separately as well as together.

[@GameDimensionFusion]

Dreamcast Dazia-ForNeverBound its true tho. There's no point in playing them separate because they both feel incomplete

[@shupasopni]

Judging them s both seems like a fair compromise. Which is what he did in the end.

[@mrbanks456]

Good Night Sonic 3 Complete but ok

[@davisboy4225]

A quick note: it is possible to return to previous stages after clearing the game in sonic 3 (& knuckles) just as it is in mania.

[@Helperbot-2000]

Yeah, and i dont like how he counted them separately when the whole experience is both together

[@septimus5202]

1.) Sonic 3&Knuckles 2.) Sonic Mania 3.) Sonic 2 4.) Sonic 1 5.) Sonic CD

[@Alianger]

Sonic 2 S3&K Mania Sonic 1 (w/ spindash) Metal Sonic Hyperdrive Sonic 1 SMS Triple Trouble Sonic CD Sonic Chaos Sonic 2 SMS

[@Rationalific]

Sonic Chaos was certainly a great game. It is by far the best Game Gear Sonic in my opinion!

[@SuperAfroK]

Solid list

[@SolidSnake684]

How the list in the video should've been imo. Leaving out CD is puzzling, and I never understand why people split up 3 & Knuckles like they're two games

[@TheBrolymega]

You can combine sonic 2 and knuckles as well, that's why. What it was intended to be and what it is are 2 different things.

[@Number_27]

My rankings 1. Sonic 3 & Knuckles. This game is my favorite Sonic game, and for good reason. Great story, excellent zones, and Hyper Sonic! Also, The Doomsday Zone is one of my favorite final bosses in ANY video game. 2. Sonic Mania. This game is so much fun! It has awesome bosses, characters, and extra modes (looking at you, &Knuckles mode). The only part of this game that dissapointed me was the lack of new zones. But that is made up for by the remade zones, which actually feel like new zones in the style of their older counterparts. 3. Sonic CD. This may come as a surprise, but I like Sonic CD more than Sonic 2. I think CD's zones were interesting, and the different time zones led to a lot of creativity from the level designers. Sure, there's only 7 zones, but that just makes them more memorable. Stardust Speedway is even one of my favorite Sonic levels of all time. This game's soundtracks are both awesome (but I think Japan's is a little better) and this game truly shows you that fun is infinite. 4. Sonic 2. Don't get me wrong, I like Sonic 2. I just felt the zones were long and not very memorable (besides Carnival Night and Wing Fortress). The bosses were pretty good, and the Death Egg Robot is just spectacular. I just feel the game can be a bit tedious at times. 5. Sonic 1. This game is just kind of meh for me. The zones I like are Green Hill, Spring Yard, and Star Light; and I just can't stand the rest. The levels in this game were somewhat slow, and 3 acts for a zone felt way too long.

[@cliffturbo2146]

Number 27 I like you!

[@jjc4924]

I agree.

[@Helperbot-2000]

And the end of S3&K, first one boss, then another, then another, then another, before Robotnik finally go down!

[@HoboraMax]

7. Sonic 4: Episode I - Nope. 6. Sonic 1 - (Every level past Green Hill -- which was immediately topped in the next game with Emerald Hill -- including Star Light) Nope. 5. Sonic 4: Episode II - Not as nope as the first, music, level design and animations were improved, but still has plenty of nope for itself. 4. Sonic 2 - Up there with Red Dead Redemption for one of the biggest improvements in video game history, in my eyes. 3. Sonic 3 & Knuckles - The most nostalgic for me, and without a doubt a very good game. But I've never gotten past my distaste for Carnival Night and Marble Garden. Tails is best boy. 1. Sonic CD - Tied for first only because I'm not quite ready to relinquish it's holding as my favorite. 1. Sonic Mania - The GOAT.

[@animatorbroman3710]

Am I the only one who ranks Sonic 1 above Sonic 2 and CD?

[@ketepunzelmank4701]

@@animatorbroman3710 no because cd sucks lol

[@animatorbroman3710]

@@ketepunzelmank4701 Is it wierd that I rank Sonic 1 over Sonic 2.

[@ketepunzelmank4701]

@@animatorbroman3710 Kinda

[@animatorbroman3710]

@@ketepunzelmank4701 I think Sonic 1 just has: -Overall Better level design -Better enemy placement -Better Camera/Visibility -Better Special Stages -Less inta kill BS -Not as bad difficulty balancing

[@blewrei1366]

"We have the added ability to return to level-" wait, what?! You could return to early levels after beating Sonic 3....

[@Helperbot-2000]

This guy aint played the games it seem XD

[@thesmellofadventure5370]

5: Sonic the Hedgehog (I love Green Hill zone but somethings are not so great like Labyrinth Zone) 4: Sonic and Knuckles (I do love this game a lot, Knuckles is one of my favorite Sonic characters ever!) 3: Sonic the Hedgehog III (The biggest and most ambitious of the three classic Sonic games) 2: Sonic Mania (I understand all the love for this masterpiece, it’s crazy fun and crazy good!) 1: Sonic the Hedgehog II (The stylistic icon that shaped the formula for all Sonic games going forward)

[@WildTonyAppears]

This video was perfect. Then you revealed the S3&K bonus round, and this video became PERFECT +.

[@thegooseinator9614]

I just recently played Sonic 1 on iPhone with the spin dash and a save feature. They make a world of difference. As a matter of fact, it's probably the most well-designed platformer of the original three once those safeguards and stipulations are added.

[@luisramirez-or5vg]

*Do people just forget about CD or something*

[@Gibrandon-X]

1:33 hitting Eggman's Box :v 2:45 This makes me laugh XD

[@septimus5202]

If I didn't have the entirety of Sonic 3&K memorized, I'd appreciate the widescreen more. Sonic 3&K is still #1 for me.

[@gustavrsh]

Widescreen makes such a difference for Sonic it's unreal. Revisiting stages in widescreen felt sooooo good

[@scrimblocoded]

My list: 5: Sonic The Hedgehog 4. Sonic & Knuckles 3. Sonic 3 2. Sonic 2 1: A tie between S3&K and Mania. Would put CD between 3 and 2.

[@S3onicHed3ehog]

My list 1: Sonic Mania (Never played) 2:Sonic 3 & Knuckes 3:Sonic 2 4:Sonic 1 5:Sonic cd

[@katt-the-pig]

I personally didn't like the level design in Sonic 3. It seemed to get overcomplicated at times, and I encountered various glitches that hindered the experience. Things got better in & Knuckles, but personally, I prefer Sonic 2. That said, I haven't played Mania, yet. And I expect it to be a very enjoyable experience.

[@thirdocean3784]

yes because the same linear hold right to win pattern is much more easier to remember and there was no "glitches" that made the game unplayable its the same made up crap i hear with so much sonic games

[@marx4538]

@Thirdocean I can't say much, since i have a Japanese REV00 of Sonic 3, but i've encountered a lot of glitches, and one of them cost me a 1-up - HydroCity's Act 2 boss simply didn't lock in one place, resulting in capsule never loading after i've beat the boss. I've had to move really slowly to not get in that glitch, so it wasn't intentional. And "hold right to win" is not a valid criticism - better explaination/criticism or GTFO.

[@alexespinoza7543]

Aquatic ruin zone is all i have to say

[@RyanMallegniherooftime]

Excellent review! I would agree with this list 100%. Sonic 3 was the first one I beat purely because the save state made the game less frustrating and more fun.

[@SirLamington]

1:18 DAT SYNC THO

[@bobbovine]

My favorite is Sonic Mania Plus. My reason for this is that, like Sonic 3, Sonic Mania was a good game on its own, but when you add more characters to the game, in this case being Mighty and Ray, as well as more game features, such as Encore and Competition Mode, it just feels more complete.

[@gaspardc.1427]

I personnaly think that the big problem with the game is his difficulty . There are absolutely no danger in sonic mania except for the last level and oil ocean zone . Sonic 3 was more difficult

[@septimus5202]

I agree

[@supermanboy1255]

flashstorm 46 *Sonic 3 was harder.

[@brandonvinall]

WHY DOES EVERYONE ALWAYS FORGET ABOUT "SONIC CD" WHEN IT HAS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE BOSS?!!!

[@baddest_of_dongs]

I can sum all this up in three words: *_HELL FRICKIN' YEAH!!!_*

[@atimholt]

This is a great video! I’ve played a couple Sonic games a little (Sonic Rush was the one I played most), and I got most of the Sonic games available on Steam from a sale (Humble Bundle?) once. Putting the games in a modern context is important, I’d say, for people trying to get into Sonic now. I was already playing Sonic Mania (and man is it fun!), so I’m pretty grateful for the tip on Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

[@mr.whimsic6902]

I bet people coming across this video will get mad at how you seperated sonic 3 and knuckles.

[@NIKMOE]

You're probably right, but that's why I made sure to include S3&K as a single game in the "Bonus Round" at "12:28" in the video!

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

Windows U Some one did below your comment lmao

[@ianloree2784]

Sonic 1 on the 3DS, with save states and the spin dash, is a very fun experience. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you're turned off by the Genesis version!

[@user-dl2ou5wv6f]

Video starts at 3:03

[@lemadokahasarrived]

Actually the video starts at 0:00 but whatever.

[@lukerp1581]

mikudoll, Smart ass.

[@thecoolbroscoolman4672]

I hate these comments, also I know this is 7 years old

[@210marcus]

@NIkmoe you did an outstanding job, exactly how I rank them personally is how you did. Sonic 3 and Knuckles was an epic experience for it time and still is a great adventure in stage transition and story telling without words. You knew what was happening every time the game progressed and..... HYPER SONIC and HYPER KNUCKLES!

[@HyperSonic777]

My rating of the classics.' 1. Sonic CD 2. Sonic 3 and Knuckles 3. Sonic 1 4. Sonic 2 5. Sonic Mania The reason Mania is the lowest is because I haven't played it yet, but it is weird that a 2002 kid played all the other classics to the end (except for Sonic 2).

[@Ore0219]

Sonic Mania, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 1. Mania was amazing and brought me back to such nostalgia. I played the hell out of 2 when I was a kid and barely scratched the surface of 3 and knuckles. I never owned Sonic 1 and only played it when I became an adult. Even without the save system, I love Sonic 2 over Sonic 3. Nostalgia Glasses

[@gogeta_ssj4_supersaiyan4_y16]

1- Sonic Mania 2- Sonic 3 & Knuckles 3- Sonic The Hedgehog 2 4- Sonic CD 5- Sonic The Hedgehog • This list looks like a timeline tho

[@gonk446]

Gogeta_SSJ4_(Super Saiyan 4)_YT Oh yeah...

[@lightyagami419]

To many people taking this ranking to seriously and getting really annoying. You guys don't have to write paragraphs on why he didn't put sonic CD or why he put sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles separate. It's his own opinion, this video is a ranking of how HE sees the games in present time. For anyone writing bibles arguing for or about a sonic game, remember your arguing about a game and this guy's opinion. Go play outside kids.

[@vandyckaldo]

you skiped Sonic CD, Knuckles chaotix, Sonic advance 1, 2 and 3, Sonic rush and rush adventure, Sonic rivals 1 & 2, 8-bit Sonic 1 & 8-bit Sonic 2, Sonic Chaos, Sonic triple trouble, Sonic pocket adventure, Sonic 4 episodes 1, 2 and metal, and also you placed sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles as a separate game.

[@NeoKokoro20]

Including Sonic CD, here's my ranking from best to worst: Sonic Mania Sonic 3 & Knuckles (which is also a very close second for me) Sonic 2 Sonic CD Sonic 1

[@edenh.2576]

1sonic mania 2 sonic 1 3 sonic 2 4 sonic and knuckles 5 sonic 3

[@mikesully110]

I like the colours in Sonic Mania, I think it is one of the most vibrant and colourful games I have on the PC

[@rusty3818]

The best 2D Sonic adventure is... SONIC LABYRINTH

[@damnmyusernameisgone]

An interesting review, thanks for sharing. I too echo that Sonic 3 and Knuckles should be consider 1 game and that Sonic CD should have been included (IMHO, its your list after all). I would add that Sonic Mania isn't so much a Genesis game with the hardware limits removed as much as its what 2D Sonic on the Saturn would be like.

[@RM2011ish]

1. Sonic Mania 2. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 3. Sonic CD 4. Sonic 3 & Knuckles 5. Sonic the Hedgehog

[@xNeroGamerPL]

Same xdd

[@camm8642]

My list as well

[@trmispingus2018]

Ehh, disagreed. I'd say it goes like this: 1. Sonic Mania 2. Sonic 3 & Knuckles 3. Sonic 1 4. Sonic CD 5. Sonic 2

[@RandomGuy-zl5sp]

I can't choose between CD, 1, 2, 3&K, or Mania, they're all great games that hold a special place deep inside my heart

[@blackdot105]

My list - Sonic 3 *AND* Knuckles - Sonic Mania - Sonic 2 - Sonic 1 - Sonic CD

[@septimus5202]

Love how Sonic CD has massive gap because of how bad it was lol (my opinion)

[@blackdot105]

Septimus Same here. I found the level design to be cluttered and unintuitive.

[@septimus5202]

Yeah, it had a focus on exploring rather than steady game flow which makes it more of a spin off than a main series game (Which is why i think its not on this list)

[@grammarpolice2138]

So it's a new Vegas in the sonic franchise?

[@graysonl1231]

IMO, you should've added Sonic: CD in and made 3/Knuckles one entry

[@iregretsomeofmypreviouscom3284]

Really Bad you left Sonic CD out of the list, considering Sonic Mania takes a lot of inspiration of that game and its still a really important game in the Sonic franchise.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Sonic Mania is like Sonic Cd, but with good level design.

[@ninjacon7299]

no it isn't sonic mania is a mix of sonic 2 mixing in with sonic 3&k, having sonic cd mechanics. christian did a really good job at mashing up all those games together and making something really from it all. he could left out the old sonic 1 final boss, he could have left out the old from sonic 1 that old beta of metal sonic rolling around in spring yard zone.

[@megamanj2004X]

You forgot that if you lock Sonic 2 onto the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge, you can play as Knuckles in Sonic 2 and he had his own zones to explore a bit too.

[@CatGoomba64]

I'm still not exactly sure why CD was left off the list, given how much mania takes from it. It's still classic sonic no matter how you look at it. Hell, it had a save feature BEFORE Sonic 3 thanks to the Sega CD. It's got beautiful graphics for 1993, and has some of the most iconic tracks from the series as well (Stardust Speedway for example). Not a CD fanboy by any means (personally perfer Sonic 2) but you can't have classic Sonic without CD no matter how you put it

[@septimus5202]

Mania takes from all of the Genesis era games, but in the case of CD it takes only a few gimmicks and 1 stage. Stardust speedway is iconic which is why its in Mania, but I can't remember any other tracks from that game. As for why its not on this list, well its because its so different. Sonic CD sacrifices a lot of game flow to emphasize exploration, something none of the other Sonic titles do making it play very differently, almost like an entirely different game which would make it hard to rank against the others. (as for beautiful graphics, that's debatable, I personally couldn't stand them. It hurt my eyes. Only Sonic game I couldn't bring myself to finish.)

[@johnadderley5251]

+Septimus Metallic Madness is another Sonic CD level

[@yurick]

Metallic Madness is in the game too, you know.

[@carlz3673]

Septimus I know it was said but there's 2 stages taken from CD (stardust speedway and metallic madness)

[@purplechip8020]

hii hehe um stardust speed way? metallic madness?

[@cecilnewbold1221]

One thing I ask of you please keep up the awesome work!!! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@sonicfan8376]

Fav games Sonic mania Sonic the hedgehog 3 Sonic the hedgehog 2 Sonic the hedgehog 4 episode 2 Sonic the hedgehog CD Sonic the hedgehog 4 episode 1 I haven’t played the advance series like sonic advance 1, 2, and 3 And haven’t played sonic chaos and poket adventure

[@dingbat3440]

I've concluded it's my 4th favorite Sonic game. Behind Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Sonic 2 and Sonic: Heroes.

[@riadjaber1707]

My List: 1. Sonic 3 and Knuckles 2. Sonic 2 3. Sonic Mania 4. Sonic The Hedgehog (1991) 5. Sonic CD

[@kwokmelati6138]

666.Sobic 06

[@Snacko0]

1) Sonic Mania: a joyous celebration of everything great about Sonic. It's my favorite game of 2017 and a game I don't see ever leaving my gaming rotation. It has the best level design, most features, best special stages, best bosses...the only place it lags behind any of the others is that it doesn't feel like as cohesive an adventure as 3 & Knuckles but everything else makes up for it. 2) Sonic the Hedgehog 2: some of the best levels in the series, both in terms of gimmicks and in terms of game design. The spindash feels like a vital part of the Sonic formula, and gives much greater control over Sonic's speed and jump height. This is my favorite of the Genesis Sonics to play time trials on, but just as important is the addition of Super Sonic, which is a great reward for fully exploring those elaborate levels. The only issue is the bonus stages themselves, which I consider the worst in the series, and it drags the rest of the game down a bit but isn't a dealbreaker. 3) Sonic 3 & Knuckles: I'm counting these as one because, in a modern context, there's no reason to play them separately. This is the Sonic game that feels the most like an epic adventure to me, with a tangible sense of place and of drama that is still impressive today. The actual levels are bursting with creativity, making each zone feel exciting and distinct, but I do think that the actual level design is a bit of a step down from 2 in terms of pure playability. It has a bad habit of forcing Sonic down lengthy sections of levels that virtually play themselves and occasionally throws blind instant death traps in the player's way (notably in Marble Garden Zone), both things that the series would later become infamous for. The special stages, however, are a massive step up from 1's and 2's and are fun little action-puzzles in their own right. This almost unseats 2 for that reason alone: having actually fun bonus levels makes exploring much more enjoyable, and the larger levels make that exploration a joy, occasionally feeling more in line with CD's sandboxy playgrounds than 2's speedy obstacle courses. The two upgrade tiers, inspired by Dragon Ball's Cell Saga, which was serialized during 3 and & Knuckles' development, keep the exploration exciting and rewarding even if you're able to quickly transform during the first half, something that Mania struggles with. 3) Sonic CD: I'm including because it is a mainline Sonic game on the Genesis, because Mania takes more from it than perhaps from any other game and because it's simply a fantastic game. It has a different flow from the others, asking the player to move at top speed uninterrupted for a few seconds after fulfilling certain conditions in order to travel through time. In the past they can destroy Robotnik's production line, creating a good future. Though the requirements for the good future are met at that point, if the player is able to travel into the future twice after destroying the generator they will find that the level is now a Utopic vision where technology and nature live in harmony, putting the series' environmentalist overtones into even greater focus. The sandboxy levels feel maybe a bit less confident than the other games' speedier levels but are a blast to explore and master. 4) Sonic the Hedgehog: Much like Super Mario World, released the same year, Sonic 1 suffers from too many cycle-based challenges which sort of puts a damper on how much fun it is to build up and maintain speed. I think that a lot of the levels are still fantastic (and Green Hill Zone is nothing short of astounding) but the reliance on cycles and lack of the spindash hold Sonic 1 back. Also the special stages are terrible, but without Super Sonic or a true ending the rewards for getting all 6 chaos emeralds make that almost a moot point: lives and continues are the only reason to explore.

[@TheFleeingPhoenix]

I think your video was good, but I have some constructive criticism for you. I think you have too much variety in the video clips you use to demonstrate your points. Sometimes while listening to you I would notice that I had not seen what you were showing me before. You could probably save time and effort if you just reused the same clips a few times. I'm sure no one would notice if you reused one clip even 3 or 4 times for the same point in rapid succession. Just some friendly advice from a more experienced video editor. ;)

[@bellbrack4628]

Sonic 1 was my first videogame back in 1998... Sonic Mania it's amazing, just amazing... i really hope it has a secuel

[@marekcn]

Gameplay: 1. S3&K 2. Mania 3. S2 4. S1 5. CD Soundtrack: 1. S2 2. S3&K 3. Mania 4. CD 5. S1

[@gamecubeking]

Ranking Sonic 3 and Knuckles separately was a cool choice, especially since you brought up the full S3&K package's place later in the video. However, the video not having Sonic CD felt like an oversight. Sonic Mania has 2 levels returning from Sonic CD, more than what Sonic 1 and 3 got, and the same amount as Sonic 2 and S&K. Even if it's level design can be considered quite a departure from the other games, I still think it contributed to the classic Sonic formula. I don't have the image on hand, but there was an image of a triangle with the classic Sonic games. Sonic 1 was in the Platforming Corner, Sonic 2 was in the Speed corner, Sonic CD was in the exploration corner, and Sonic 3&K was right in the middle. It's possible, if not for Sonic CD, that Sonic 3, S&K, and Sonic Mania wouldn't have that exploration aspect to them. Still a great video though! I'll be watching you others after this.

[@lilspritah]

You should have done cd and sonic 3 and sonic 3&k as one technically because cd came after 2 and before 3 and 3 and 3&k was designed as one game.

[@sethteenweed7938]

Cd came before 2

[@ToasterNinja]

I was really dissapointed that Sonic mania didn't have Ice cap zone. That is my favorite level in a 2d Platformer.

[@cypherkuma56]

ToasterNinja most likely because of the music

[@lancecryor]

I love Sonic Mania. However it doesn't top Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Mania is up there with the best though.

[@NIKMOE]

+FREE1UP I had a real tough time deciding on how to the end the list. I didn't want to call it a tie, but S3&K really stands the test of time, and in many ways is better than Mania. It's crazy how well Sonic 3 and Knuckles has aged if it can stand up to a sharp modern title like Sonic Mania. In the end they're both fantastic games!

[@NIKMOE]

+FREE1UP That's been the take away. S3&K is hard to beat but Mania can really hang with it. Both are my go to recommendations for anyone new to classic Sonic.

[@lancecryor]

This is true. I wanna see Sonic Mania 2 in the future with my favorite stage, Star Light Zone :)

[@happyspaceinvader508]

Nailed it. I can't disagree with your choices at all, and they must have been tough choices in some cases.

[@dgmsstuff]

The only "problem" with Sonic Mania, in my opinion, is the old stages. It would have been better with all new levels.

[@Xanphros]

I know it's not in the main line series, but I still feel that Sonic Advance 2 is the smoothest, tightest controlling Sonic game. It just flows so well and you FEEL faster than in any other Sonic game I have played. That being said, Sonic Mania is definitely the best of the classic era games.

[@maforo85]

My list ( I haven't played Mania because of Steam launch problems) Sonic 2 Sonic Cd Sonic 1 Sonic & Knuckles Sonic 3 Sonic 2 was a great game in level design, bosses, fun bonus game. Great speed and platforming. Every level in the game is a classic along with the soundtrack. The final boss fight wit no rings is legendary. Casino night is the funnest stage ever (Carnival Night barrel is a disgrace). Sonic 1 is third for me because it was the only Sonic game that balances speed with platforming perfectly than any other Sonic game. Like 2, the levels and music is iconic and memorable in the franchise. Just like 2, the levels design were well made. Sonic 1 is so simple is actually great. Sonic 3 is my least favorite of the series. Sonic 3 changed things like sprites, for example I prefer the tvs in Sonic 1 and 2 than 3. The level design is awful, its the worst level design in the classic "2d games" , they are not fun to play you just want to get it over with compared to the earlier games. None of the stages are memorable in the franchise. The same for the music, some tracks are ok, but still not like the earlier ones. With multiple artist doing the songs tracks (like MJ) ,in context, all the songs dont agree together, its like they belong in different games. They were not memorable for me like the earlier games. Its my least favorite game and I seldom go back to it. Some people calling that one the best is beyond me. It also has the worst ending in all of the 90s video games. Knuckles is good and Sonic CD is amazing. I don't understand your reason for not including Sonic CD. Its a Sonic game, its a platformer game, its not a spinoff, its the same thing like the genesis games. Just like Mania is on next gen but its a Sonic game.

[@septimus5202]

Holy mother of text that I'll never read.

[@mtoad]

+maforo85 Great list. Good taste.

[@kero232]

Technically, it is. It gots the charms and everything that made the oldies the gems they are and more, PLUS moderm technology (higher capacity, quality, etc) and full of nods to us players

[@CybernikTheHedgehog]

Guess what is more interresting than Sonic Mania? People arguing about Sonic Mania's DRM.

[@noahhall2302]

Counting Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles as seperate games really holds this video back in my opinion. They were designed to be a single game, big game, it is _not_ 2 games put together.

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

*For 2D Sonic games only* *My opinion* 1: Sonic Mania 2: Sonic 3 & Knuckles 3: Sonic Advanced 3 4: Sonic Chaos 5: Sonic 2 6: Chaotix 7: Sonic Rivals 2 8: Sonic Rush 9: Sonic CD 10: Sonic Advance 2 11: Sonic Rush Adventure 12: Sonic Triple Trouble 13: Sonic Rivals 14: Sonic Colours DS 15: Sonic Advance 1 16: Sonic 4 ep 2 17: Sonic 4 ep 1 18: Sonic Pocket Adventure 19: Sonic Blast 20: Sonic 1 21: Sonic X 22: Sonic Jam Game.com Version (This game is ACTUALLY bad ^)

[@literallyn01imp0rtant]

Of the two Genesis add-on games, I'm surprised you picked Chaotix over CD. Why is that?

[@stonefaceBRC]

The advance games are what really got me into sonic but I always thought SA2 was better than SA3. It was just more fun to me and 3 forced the tag team feature too much for me

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

Unoriginal Channel Name I just came back to rewatch the video and saw your reply. I prefer chaotix because when I was younger I had more of a blast with it that I did with CD. And still today I prefer game with a lot of characters. I didn't have an issue with the tether ring...thing. I controlled it really well and I always found it worked to my advantage. That's normally what put off people from chaotix but that's why I loved it. lol

[@HurricaneSparky]

Sonic 3 & Knuckles is my all time favorite Sonic game. I, sadly, didn't quite understand Sonic CD when I played, so I missed a lot of stuff. That game was utterly gorgeous for its time, though.

[@davidzepeda5461]

And Sonic CD?

[@septimus5202]

Is garbage.

[@MixxC]

Zir Yuri You're just bad at grammar.

[@badcatalex]

Is the best (to me).

[@Torthrodhel]

Everyone always just ignores the Master System titles. I know they don't play as well, but it would've been fun to see them discussed in a ranking nevertheless. They were, after all, two completely seperate main entries in the series with mostly entirely different zones in them. People ignore the 2nd one especially much, which had some very memorable moments!

[@nova_archive]

Yes. There I just saved you over 13 minutes.

[@Gold_Bug]

Kind of weird choice to split Sonic 3 and Knuckles as well as not including Sonic CD but hey its your list. Personally my favourite is Sonic 2 but havent had time to try Mania yet. Nice vid man.

[@marche800]

Well I guess Sonic CD doesn't count.

[@saatchi7889]

1. Sonic Mania (take off your nostalgia goggles bois and gals) 2. Sonic 2 (whitehead port makes it even better) 3. Sonic 3 and Knuckles (close af to Sonic 2) 4. Sonic CD (whitehead port) 5. Sonic the Hedgehog (no spindash, but some of the most memorable zones. Also birthed our beloved blue blur) The goggles were a joke people. Please don't come at me with pitchforks and fire hahaha. Also, who tf plays Sonic 3 separate from Sonic and Knuckles?

[@captainbonesoup1686]

Why didn't you mention hypersonic that was one of my fav parts

[@shupasopni]

He did. He mentioned all the collectables in S3K and showed the Super Emeralds when he said it.

[@Shoes4876]

He also showed Hyper Sonic in the Death Egg :P

[@HyperSonic777]

IKR

[@TheRockJ82]

Sonic Jam on Sega Saturn is the best way to play the classic Genesis Sonic games (1, 2, 3 & Knuckles). You get the spin-dash in Sonic 1, slightly improved color palette, much better sound and music, zero slow-down, S&K Lock-on for 1-3, and game saves for ALL games (if you exit Sonic 1,2 or S&K before beating the game, you can continue at the last level you played). For me, Sonic Jam and Sonic Mania are on par. They're even the same price ($20 for the JP version of Jam). It just depends what I'm in the mood for: classic or modern.

[@newmelocity4968]

Wow dude Mania will age the best? Damn it's not like its the latest Sonic game or anything. Thanks for the nonblatant information!

[@Berschkaka]

GaryNC Just because its the newest game doesnt mean it is the best. Pretty sure that sonic 1-3 will age better then sonic 4 for example.

[@TheBrolymega]

Sonic 4 has aged far worse than those older titles, so your complaint is irrelevant

[@newmelocity4968]

wait but who said anything about Sonic 4? Didn't know Sonic 4 was on his list damn you guys must have a third eye or something!

[@Berschkaka]

GaryNC your argument was it will age better because its the newest

[@newmelocity4968]

Yeah the latest of the games he has shown.

[@gazclarke3618]

5. Sonic CD 4. Sonic 1 3. Sonic Mania 2. Sonic 2 1. Sonic 3&K My list is based off of how much time I spent playing each game back in the day, and put Sonic mania based on how much I enjoyed it and expect to play it in the future. Sonic CD was a good game but really just felt unpolished and a bit janky even way back then so falls a bit behind even the classic Sonic 1. And I've played through Sonic 2 and Sonic 3&K so many countless times that Sonic Mania can't quite make the cut against them. Best part of sonic mania is the throwbacks to old stages, even from the 8 bit games like Aqua Lake Zone and Sky Base Zone. Biggest negative of the game would be the final boss not living up to the final bosses of previous games, and a couple of the act 1 bosses being way too easy. Having said that the rest of the bosses are pretty amazing and I love the way they play with your expectations. Great game overall.

[@nan0smm647]

My rant (Best to Worst) 1. Sonic Mania 2. Sonic 3 & Knuckles 3. Sonic CD (Christian Whitehead port) 4. Sonic 2 5. Sonic 1 Worst Game ever: Sonic 4 Episode 1. (I really liked Episode 2 and Metal but is not superior to the Classics).

[@shadowboofgaming9097]

Sonic 3 & Knuckles will always be the best Sonic game ever imo, i wish there was a behind the scenes for Sonic Mania.

[@badcatalex]

WHY SKIP SONIC CD?

[@GAM3RBAY]

SONIC RANK: Is Sonic Mania the Best 2D Sonic Game?

[@NeedMoreMushrooms]

Question from someone who liked the Boost Formula: Does Sonic Mania punish you for going too fast? I've had that problem with all of the classic Sonic games, when platforming Sonic is just sluggish for me in those games and going too fast will just get you hit.

[@ieatdragonz]

As a person who also loves the boost formula, widescreen in Mania makes it much better at dodging and avoiding traps. The creators did a good job at avoiding these hurdles. It also has much less bottomless pits and janky enemy placement. Crushing is a little off though and is most likely to be most of your deaths :/ Also if you didnt like the classic traps the ios and android ports widescreen fixes it a ton. Up to you if you want to play mobile or not. CD was also improved but has the most natural traps of the classics. CD remake is available on 360 ps3 Xbone and mobile.

[@equinoxo8813]

Sonic Mania gets sonic's level design right by segmenting between platforming sections and speed sections, and then a little in between (In which you need to just have skill in play to get through them very fast). It does all this while transitioning between the two very easily so it doesn't just feel like you entered another room and now it's platform time. The only other game in the classic sonic series that actually punishes you for going too fast is the first, since it was mostly built around platforming, with speed just being a tack on to show off the Genesis' hardware. All the others can easily be beaten with speed as long as you practice and actually play well.

[@septimus5202]

Sonic Mania doesn't punish you for going fast nearly as much because its a widescreen game, allowing you a lot more time to see in front of you.

[@AdvancePlays]

Personally, I'd say Mania is just as rife with punishment as the previous games, even as a wide-screen experience. Enemies still don't have obvious distinctions between hitboxes and hurtboxes, still many sections that rely on halting you in your tracks, still many on-rail spectacle sections, still springs that throw you backwards, still many instant death traps, still many mistimed enemy and hazard placements, and so on. I think this is largely fine because the whole point is to get by these, by memorisation and not simply by "going fast", but it doesn't feel any better when you get crushed by one of those ridiculous green lids in oil ocean.

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

AdvancePlays Dude, with most enemies you can just roll into them.

[@doom0666]

Loved the classic Sonic games. 1 was the hardest due to Labyrinth Zone. Sonic 2 was really difficult due to having no rings and you had two bosses at the end. Mecha Sonic and then the Egg Robot which was tough to beat. the bot of course due to no rings and tough hit boxes. I still love playing Sonic 3& Knuckles due to its fast pace movement, soundtrack and gameplay. So if Mania was on a 16-bit cartridge it would play just like Sonic 3& K and have Knuckles as a good guy opposed to a bad guy. I do enjoy the Classics all together.

[@RyanBrown2K5]

*SPOILER* Yes, he considers Mania to be the best...just like EVERYONE ELSE does. What a shocker. 😞

[@dreamcastdazia4753]

So?

[@shupasopni]

Just predictable is all I figure. Though he does say S3K is about on par. Which is also a common opinion from what I see actually.

[@sovietninja6865]

I'm sorry but mania isn't the best 2d sonic game. The game is mostly old levels from previous games. I would say it is the best if it did have all new levels and some throwback levels. But it seems that majority of the levels are from other games..

[@navigabor]

Soviet Ninja I don't think that that fact really lessens the experience

[@sovietninja6865]

Navigabor 461 it does because it's levels you have already seen or played before. No originality at all.

[@JCheamus]

My favorite Sonic 2D game is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 for a few reasons. The first reason is the gameplay is top notch, from the flow of the levels to the bosses. The second reason is that many things are fixed from previous games. In Sonic 2, for example, you didn't have a choice to transform into Super Sonic or not if you jumped as Sonic with the seven Chaos Emeralds and 50 rings. This made platforming in later zones, like Wing Fortress, almost impossible. Sonic 3 intelligently required you to press jump in midair to change into Super Sonic, and since Tails couldn't change into a Super form (in just Sonic 3 that is), this wasn't a problem. Beginning with Sonic & Knuckles, Tails' and Knuckles' flying and gliding abilities provided a problem if you didn't want to change into their Super forms. Fortunately, it seems that Sonic Mania is going to nap the Super transformation to a new button with a patch. Another thing Sonic 3 did best was introducing Tails' flying ability. This was the first game where you could control Tails' flying ability, and you could do it with a second player. To me, this makes Sonic 3 the most complete Sonic game, although Sonic & Knuckles compliments it well. Sonic Mania is my second favorite 2D Sonic game. The level design removes a lot of the frustrating moments of the originals while still being challenging. However, I felt that the game feels like it's torn between being too many different Sonic games with all the classic zones, enemies, and other references. Sonic & Knuckles is my third favorite 2D Sonic game, mostly because I love playing as Knuckles (he's my favorite character). However, not featuring a safe feature hurts, and I feel like some of the zones near the end where just slapped together. However, it has some of my favorite zones, like Flying Battery, Sandopolis (yes, I love this even though it's difficult), Death Egg, and Doomsday Zone. To me, this is the most difficult Sonic game, and not frustratingly so, so it makes it my favorite to play (when there's a save feature). Sonic CD is my fourth favorite 2D Sonic game. To be fair, I haven't played this game all the way through but a couple of times, and my memory of it isn't the best, but I enjoy the zones, the music (both soundtracks), and the exhilaration. Sonic 2 is my fifth favorite. I love being able to play with Tails, although it's disappointing not to be able to fly with him. The zones are fine, although I love Metropolis Zone precisely because it's hard (this is a recurring theme). Sonic 1 is my sixth and least favorite 2D Sonic game. I think the game holds up fairly well, and I used to consider it my favorite back when I had a disdain for any title that was a sequel, but over time, it simply doesn't hold up. The harder zones, Marble, Labyrinth, and Scrap Brain Zone are not as frustrating for me as much as challenging. I enjoy playing them more than most other Sonic fans. In summary: Sonic 3 > Sonic Mania > Sonic & Knuckles >> Sonic CD > Sonic 2 > Sonic 1

[@smilerpunk922]

This video was made when I got this game!!

[@paletapayasofan]

Samoxide Jensen wtf is your profile picture

[@smilerpunk922]

ZaSonikku It is godly.

[@blainealexander5091]

Sonic Mania is not the only game where you could go back to playing levels in the level select menu. Sonic 3 did this as well.