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''Sonic Mania'' is a 2017 platform game published by Sega for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. Produced in commemoration of the '' Sonic the Hedgehog'' series' 25th anniversary, ''Sonic Mania'' pays homage to the original Sega Genesis ''Sonic'' games, featuring speedy side-scrolling gameplay. It takes place over 13 levels, including several redesigned from past games. The story follows Sonic, Tails and Knuckles as they venture to defeat their nemesis Doctor Eggman and his robotic henchmen, the Hard-Boiled Heavies.

The development team was composed of members known for their work in the ''Sonic'' fangame and ROM hacking community. Development began after lead developer, director and programmer Christian "Taxman" Whitehead, who was previously contracted by Sega to develop enhanced mobile ports of Genesis ''Sonic'' games, presented a playable prototype to Sonic Team producer Takashi Iizuka. Art, level design, audio, and additional programming were provided by independent studios PagodaWest Games and Headcannon. The team used Whitehead's Retro Engine and aimed for a graphical quality between Genesis and Sega Saturn games.

''Sonic Mania'' was released in August 2017 and became the highest-rated ''Sonic'' game in fifteen years. Many reviewers saw it as a return to form for the ''Sonic'' series following a number of poorly received games released after the 1990s. Its presentation, level design, music, and faithfulness to the early ''Sonic'' games were praised, but its lack of originality was criticized. Several described it as one of the best ''Sonic'' games and one of the best games of 2017. Within a year, it had sold over one million copies worldwide. ''Sonic Mania Plus'', an enhanced version with additional content, was released in July 2018.

Gameplay

''Sonic Mania'' is a side-scrolling platformer similar to the early '' Sonic the Hedgehog'' games released for the Sega Genesis. Players select one of 3 playable characters, each with their own unique abilities: Sonic can perform a "drop dash" which sends him rolling in a dash after a jump, Tails can fly and swim, and Knuckles can glide and climb walls. As with ''Sonic 2'' (1992), players can play as Sonic and Tails simultaneously, or a second player can control Tails independently. Unlockable options include Sonic's abilities from ''Sonic CD'' (1993) and '' Sonic 3 & Knuckles'' (1994) in place of the drop dash and "& Knuckles" mode, which allows simultaneous control of any character and Knuckles, including himself.

''Sonic Mania'' takes place over 13 levels, called zones; the game features eight "remixed" zones, such as Green Hill Zone from the first '' Sonic'' game (1991), alongside five original ones. Remixed stages consist of both new elements and recycled gimmicks and ideas from other past ''Sonic'' games. Each zone is divided into 2 acts, in which the player must guide their character past various enemies and obstacles to reach the end. At the end of each act, the player takes part in a boss battle against Doctor Eggman, also known as Dr. Robotnik, or one of his robots, including the Hard-Boiled Heavies, elite henchmen based on the EggRobo enemies from ''Sonic 3 & Knuckles''. The player collects golden rings, which serve as a form of health; players survive hits as long as they have at least one ring, but, if hit, their rings scatter and disappear after a short time. Television monitors containing rings, elemental shields, or power-ups such as invincibility

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