Sonic Mania is finally out to download on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. This retro love letter is developed by Christian Whitehead, who previously helped develop Sonic mobile ports in collaboration with studios Headcannon and PagodaWest Games. Mania is a remix-heavy hodgepodge of Sonic 1-3 & Knuckles.
There is much to be excited about with Sonic Mania, as it has become the highest-rated Sonic game in 15 years, sitting pretty with an 86 on Metacritic. Reviews have been incredibly positive relative to a series that has had its ups and downs over the last decade, with critics praising the game’s return to 16-bit form.
All versions run pretty identically, operating at 1080p resolution and 60 fps across PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. There is one note to be made on the Switch version, however. Some players are complaining that pressing the Home button has a short delay (4-7 seconds). Mr. Whitehead is aware of the issue and more bugs creeping around, and promises a fix in the future.
So there may be a few bugs lurking in Mania, but don't worry – we're on the case! pic.twitter.com/vdarWag5m2
— Christian Whitehead (@CFWhitehead) August 15, 2017
Barring a physical release, Sonic Mania has a collector’s edition sold in retailers for $69.99. It includes a console-specific download code of the game proper, a metallic collector’s card, a replica Genesis cartridge, and a 12 inch statue of Sonic atop the original Genesis model.
There is also PC version of Sonic’s latest, but it will have to wait till August 29th following a delay for technical reasons, according to Sonic community manager Aaron Webb. “The team is working really hard to make sure it works on all platforms and on a lot of things to touch it up,” he said in a post. As compensation to those who pre-ordered on Steam, SEGA is offering a free copy of 1991’s Sonic the Hedgehog. If you already have it in your library, they’ll give you a giftable key to send to another user.
