Sonic Mania Plus

Sonic Mania Plus is the definitive edition of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania, released in 2018 and developed by Sega in collaboration with Headcannon and PagodaWest Games. It pays homage to the classic Mega Drive Sonic titles, blending retro pixel-art visuals with modern design sensibilities. The game retains the core elements of high-speed running, spin attacks, and ring collection while introducing brand-new stages and remixed classic zones. The standout additions are two new playable characters: Mighty the Armadillo, who can wall-jump and perform a ground pound, and Ray the Flying Squirrel, who can glide and air-dash. Each character boasts unique abilities and alternate level paths. The package also includes a competitive 2-4 player local split-screen Encore Mode, which remixes stages with new enemy placements and a faster pace, and a new "Encore DLC" that adds the Angel Island Zone and more. Upon release, Sonic Mania Plus received universal acclaim, praised as the best 2D Sonic game in decades and a perfect celebration of the 1990s platforming golden age.

Sonic Mania Plus is a side-scrolling 2D platformer built on speed and momentum. Players control Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Mighty, or Ray, dashing through vibrant stages, jumping between platforms, and using spin attacks to defeat enemies. Rings serve as health; getting hit scatters them, and touching an enemy with zero rings costs a life. Reaching the end-of-level signpost completes the stage. Hidden throughout are giant rings that transport the player to pseudo-3D Special Stages where Chaos Emeralds can be collected; gathering all seven unlocks a super transformation. Mighty can bounce off walls and slam into the ground, while Ray can glide and perform aerial dashes. The competitive Encore Mode pits up to four players in a race to the finish, and the Encore DLC provides remixed challenges with fewer rings and tougher foes. Exploration is rewarded with secrets, alternate pathways, and bonus stages, making each run feel fresh.