Sonic Mania

Game images by RAWG

Sonic Mania

Christian Whitehead; Headcannon; PagodaWest Games. citeturn3search12turn2search0

Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 4; Xbox One; Windows PC (Steam/Epic); (backwards compatible on newer consoles in some cases). citeturn3search12turn2search0turn2search1Paid (one-time purchase; paid DLC/expanded 'Plus' edition available). citeturn2search1turn3search12

Health Score

DECENT

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Sonic Mania is a fast-paced 2D side-scrolling platformer that recreates and remixes classic Genesis-era Sonic zones with modern pixel-perfect visuals and 60 FPS performance. Players control Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles to run, jump, and race through hazards, fight boss robots, collect rings, and optionally play cooperatively or in local competitive modes. Tone is bright, energetic, and family-friendly with cartoonish, non-graphic action. citeturn3search12turn2search0

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

0/5

Creativity

0/5

Pro-Social

2/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

0/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

2/5

Social Risk

1/5

Content Intensity

2/5

Negatives

•Not designed as an educational title
•precision platforming can frustrate very young players and encourages repeated retries/time investment
•limited online social features and occasional DLC/expanded editions sold separately.

Positives

•Faithful
•polished retro gameplay that encourages quick reflexes and pattern recognition
•bright
•non-graphic cartoon presentation and local co-op for shared family play.

Gameplay Videos

Sonic Mania Plus playthrough ~Longplay~

FCPlaythroughs

1 of 3

Other Recommended Games

LEGO Harry Potter Collection

TT Games; Double Eleven (remaster)

70/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

TT Games / Traveller's Tales (TT Fusion). citeturn3search12

70/100

Same platform, Higher health score

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Bandai Namco Studios / Sora Ltd.

44/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

Absolum

Guard Crush Games; Supamonks; Dotemu

45/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

Official Ratings

E (Everyone). citeturn1search8

ESRB

Mild Cartoon Violence. citeturn1search8

ESRB listing: No interactive elements noted (no gambling mechanics, no mature online chat descriptors). citeturn1search8

7. citeturn1search4

PEGI

Mild violence / suitable for young children with parental guidance (PEGI 7). citeturn1search4

Age Recommendations

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not recommended for independent play — the fast pace and precise platforming are likely too challenging; suitable only with close parental assistance and co-play.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Playable with supervision or co-play. Younger children may need help with timing and tricky bosses; good to play together with an adult or older sibling.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Recommended. Age-appropriate content and challenge level; ideal for kids who enjoy platformers and retro-style games.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Recommended. Suitable difficulty and family-friendly tone; competitive/local multiplayer adds replay value.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Recommended. Fine for older teens and adults; same-family multiplayer and challenge modes provide continued enjoyment.