10 Best Sonic Games of All Time (2025)

If you are a platformer game fanatic, Sonic the Hedgehog is probably on your top titles list. It’s a long-standing franchise that knows how to capture fans’ attention and keep them hooked on the series through different seasons. The series has over 100 installations from its debut in 1991, with some remade to reminisce or reimagine the earlier releases. For those still looking to try out some Sonic moments, here are the 10 best Sonic games of all time.

10. Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 beats the original game with its 3D graphics, faster gameplay, and larger side-scrolling levels. It also features a multiplayer mode and Sonic’s sidekick, Miles Prower. The game, developed by Sega Technical Institute, dropped in 1992, following the original title released in 1991. The gameplay is, however, very similar to the original entry. Players control Sonic, who moves about at top speeds, gathering rings and fighting off foes, including enemy bosses. Run, hunch over, jump, and curl into a ball in your aggressive effort to stop Doctor Robotnik. 

9. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle

Battle formed a major part of the Sonic Adventure 2 experience, coming to the scene as an enhancement port. The game had already been re-launched for Nintendo in 2001, but was released again in the following year as Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. Sonic Team USA originally developed it, although Sega still dropped a DLC a decade later. Having Sonic and Shadow the Hedgehog, however, makes the game pretty interesting. The military troops mistake Sonic for Shadow, who has unique powers. It’s up to Sonic to uncover the mystery behind the Shadow Hedgehog and, at the same time, counter Eggman’s evil plans. 

8. Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania burst onto the scene in 2017 to mark the 25th anniversary of the beloved Sonic the Hedgehog series, paying homage to the classic Sega Sonic games with an invigorating mix of nostalgia and fast-paced platforming action. Staying true to the iconic side-scrolling style, the game brings 13 thrilling zones, each packed with excitement. Some levels are fresh new designs, while others are updated classics from previous Sonic titles, now enhanced with stunning visuals, unique surprises, and intricate pathways that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

In Sonic Mania, players can take on the roles of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, each character bringing their unique abilities to the table. Sonic can perform the Drop Dash for quick, ground-covering movement; Tails can fly for short distances, making exploration a breeze; Knuckles can glide and climb, reaching hard-to-access areas and giving players different ways to tackle levels. You also have the option to control two characters simultaneously in single-player mode or team up with a friend, where each player independently controls a character, adding a cooperative twist to the adventure.

7. Sonic 3 & Knuckles

You can play Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles as independent games. However, because the titles were originally planned as a single game, the games were made to have cartridges that could be attached and played as one game. Both are platform side-scrolling games featuring the same characters as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Players control two characters as they fight through the zones against Robotnik’s badniks. Tails is not a playable option when playing Sonic & Knuckles aalone.

6. Sonic Origins

Toss yourself in a unique Sonic games adventure with Sonic Origins. Sonic Team and Sega released the game in 2022, revealing a title that remasters four of Sega’s instalments in the Sonic series. From the original Sonic the Hedgehog to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. It’s a great alternative for fans who still fancy the original games’ thrill but want to catch the action on modern hardware. 

5. Sonic Frontiers

Scout the Starfall Islands as Sonic and gather the Chaos Emeralds in Sonic Frontiers. The game’s events follow Sonic’s separation from his friends after they fall through a tunnel. It’s a colourful 3D action-adventure platformer that features multiple biomes from deserts to flowery fields, forests, and ruins. Collect the Chaos Emeralds from each biome and investigate their relationship to the islands. You have Sonic and all his abilities at your disposal. Run at top speed, jump, grind along rails, and collect rings to maintain your health as you crash in on enemies. 

4. Sonic Unleashed

Sonic Team embedded some unique features that make Sonic Unleashed outstanding and exciting. As with other games, Sonic is the main protagonist and your playable character. However, he plays in two different modes: daytime and night. During the day, he is the usual super-fast Sonic. When playing at nighttime levels, Sonic transforms into Werehog and switches to a brawler playstyle. The levels play out on different continents, mimicking real locations where Sonic battles the Dark Gaia minions.

3. Sonic Colors

Sonic Colors launched in 2010 to continue the franchise’s unique style, with Sonic at the centre of the action. The game is, however, set in outer space. As the main protagonist, Sonic is out to save the Wisps, who are under the evil Doctor Eggman’s slavery. Eggman dwells in his incredible amusement park, consisting of interconnected planets. Players will guide Sonic through the small planets, aiming at the central power source to destroy it. He has all his powers to help you destroy enemies with homing attacks, a stomp to smash objects below, and his iconic speed.

2. Sonic Adventure

Enter into this Sonic adventure that will have you hardly believe it’s a 1998 video game release. First, Sonic Adventure was the first game in the franchise to feature full 3D gameplay. Players also have up to six characters from whom to choose who to control. Take the adventure as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Gamma, or Big. The game has most of the elements of the other Sonic games, including the power-ups and health systems based on collected rings. Doctor Robotnik is still the main antagonist, and an army of robots supports his mission to unleash chaos.

1. Sonic Generations

Sonic Team and Sega dropped Sonic Generations in 2011 for the Sonic games series’ twentieth anniversary. The game follows the story of Sonic and his sidekick but has rather unique split gameplay variants. You can play the Classic Sonic Generations variant with Sonic moving in Spin Dash or Attack, much like in the original game. The next variant, Modern, combines side-scrolling and a third-person perspective gameplay with boosts and home attacks. He, however, has all the power-ups and collects rings for health in both variants.