If you were a Nintendo kid growing up, time to see what the fuss is all about.
Sonic CD
Large-scale game with tons to do.
Awesome time travel mechanic.
Sega
The game might be too involved to Sonic newcomers.
This game is perhaps Sonic’s magnum opus.
This platformer does things with time travel that few games accomplish.
Sega
Do all that, and you could get the best ending possible.
It’s a challenging game, but a great one, and perhaps the pinnacle of the series.
Not many people played this one because it was on Sega CD, the add-on to the Sega Genesis.
Sega
The game is ported over to Android.
This is by far the definitive version of the game.
There’s a cool story to how this game made it to mobile.
Sega
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Fantastic classic game.
Comes with add-ons and extras from the classic.
Touchscreen controls might be jarring for classic gamers.
Sega
They added the ability to have Tails fly, which he couldn’t do inSonic 2.
The big addition to the game was Hidden Palace.
This level is based on cut content from the gameonly available in leaked beta versions of the game.
Sega
Oh, and the game’s art, music, and level design are stellar for the series.
This classic stands the test of time.
Sonic the Hedgehog
The game that started it all.
Sega
Fun and simple gameplay.
Lacking some of the features and additions of later games.
Sonic 4 Episode 2
A modern 2D Sonic game.
Sega
Feels like a classic.
Controls can be clunky.
Only the second part of a two-part game.
And the homing attack is a controversial addition to the 2D games.
Dimps' love of bottomless pits in Sonic game design is well on display, too.
Do play with a gamepad if possible.
Touchscreen controls feel less responsive to classic gamers.
Sonic Dash
Good for fans of the endless runner genre.
Solid game with smooth gameplay.
Feels a bit like Sega’s trying to cash in on a trend.
Nothing really stands over others in the genre.
If you enjoy it, there’s asequel featuring characters from the Sonic Boom games.
Sonic 4 Episode 1
Modern 2D Sonic game.
Physics engine is a disaster.
It’s only the first part of a game.
However, the physics were a disaster.
Sonic shouldn’t be able to stand still on a vertical wall.
Sonic Jump
Can be fun for a while.
Has a free sequel that also has some value.
A mediocre game at best.
Somewhat surprisingly, this one winds up being pretty fun.
Remember, the series has seen great lows.
Emulate the Classics
Play nearly any classic Sonic game you want.
Play even more classic games.
Loads of options and configurations.
Downloading ROMs comes with legal concerns.
Emulators aren’t always perfect.
Sega has yet to bring some games likeSonic Adventureto mobile.
But these games can be emulated.
