Sonic Franchise Ranking: Mainline Games Ranked from Best to Worst

The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has been a staple of gaming culture for decades, with a diverse array of games that have captivated audiences worldwide. From the classic 2D platformers to the more recent 3D adventures, the series has seen its fair share of highs and lows.

Top Tier: The Best Sonic Games

Sonic Mania Plus

Sonic Mania Plus stands out as one of the best mainline Sonic games, praised for its meticulous attention to detail and its return to the classic gameplay that defined the series. Developed by a team known for their passion and understanding of Sonic, this game includes revamped classic levels and new zones, such as Mirage Saloon and Studiopolis Zone. The addition of new playable characters like Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel further enhances the experience.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles

This game is often cited as one of the best in the series due to its well-designed levels, engaging gameplay, and the introduction of new mechanics like the Super Peel-Out and the Insta-Shield. The combination of Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles creates a seamless and expansive gaming experience that many fans consider the pinnacle of 2D Sonic games.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic 2 is renowned for its improved speed and level design compared to the first game. It introduced the Spin Dash, which became a staple of Sonic's moveset, and featured iconic levels like Chemical Plant Zone and Casino Night Zone. The game's pacing and music are also highly praised, making it a favorite among fans.

Mid-Tier: Solid but Flawed Games

Sonic Adventure 2

While not perfect, Sonic Adventure 2 is notable for its solid gameplay variety, particularly in the Hero and Dark campaigns. The game's story is also one of the best in the series, introducing popular characters like Shadow and Rouge. However, the game is marred by too much repetition in its alternate level styles, which can become tiresome.

Sonic Colors

Sonic Colors is a hit-and-miss game that attempted to revitalize the series after several disappointing releases. It features some of the franchise's best 3D stages, but it also suffers from similar issues as Sonic Adventure 2, with too much repetition and a lack of consistent speed-based gameplay.

Lower Tier: Games with Significant Issues

Sonic Heroes

Sonic Heroes is criticized for its over-reliance on gimmicks and the lack of variety in its gameplay. With 12 playable characters and each team playing the same levels with slightly different objectives, the game quickly becomes repetitive and tiresome. The switching mechanic, while fun initially, loses its appeal as the game progresses.

Sonic Forces

Sonic Forces is often described as the most bog-standard 3D Sonic game, lacking any standout features or significant improvements. It exists without being particularly good or bad, making it a forgettable entry in the series.

Bottom Tier: The Worst Sonic Games

Sonic Adventure

Sonic Adventure is remembered for its poor transition to 3D, with problematic controls and camera issues. The game's platforming sections are often frustrating due to the camera's tendency to change angles unexpectedly, causing Sonic to veer off course.

Sonic and the Secret Rings

This game is an on-rails Sonic experience, where Sonic's movement is automated, and the player only controls his left and right movements. This concept is widely criticized for being too restrictive and not in line with the traditional Sonic gameplay.

Shadow the Hedgehog

Shadow the Hedgehog is known for its attempt to introduce a more mature and edgy tone to the series, but it was met with negative reception. The game's shift in tone and the inclusion of gunfighting mechanics did not resonate well with fans, resulting in a low Metascore.

Game Length and Replay Value

The length of Sonic games can vary significantly, with some games offering much more content than others. For example, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) is one of the longest mainline Sonic games, taking around 16 hours to complete, despite its numerous technical issues and poor reception. On the other hand, classic games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic CD are much shorter, typically taking around 2 hours to complete.

Community and Legacy

The Sonic franchise has a dedicated fan base that has endured despite the series' ups and downs. Fans often rank their favorite games based on personal preferences, with many considering the classic 2D games to be the best. The community's passion for the series is evident in fan-made games and the continued support for new releases, even when they do not meet expectations.

Impact on Gaming Culture

Sonic's impact on gaming culture extends beyond the games themselves. The character has become an icon, inspiring countless pieces of merchandise, music, and even Hollywood adaptations. The series' influence can be seen in other platformers and speed-based games, and it continues to be a benchmark for fast-paced platforming.

Technical Issues and Criticisms

Many Sonic games have been criticized for their technical issues, such as poor camera controls, awkward level design, and repetitive gameplay mechanics. Games like Sonic Adventure and Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) are notorious for their technical problems, which have detracted from the overall gaming experience.

Future of the Franchise

Despite the mixed reception of recent games, the Sonic franchise remains vibrant and active. New releases, such as Sonic Frontiers, aim to revitalize the series by introducing new gameplay mechanics and improving upon past mistakes. The community's continued support and the developers' efforts to understand and address fan feedback suggest a promising future for the Blue Blur.