The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise just doesn’t get enough love, in my opinion. Critics are jerks, the fanbase is full of maniacs, and because of this, people are afraid to become Sonic fans. I asked a couple of people if they have ever played Sonic games, and the majority said no. To all of you Sonic fanboys out there, Sonic is AWESOME! His character is awesome, what he does is awesome, most of his games are awesome, and he MORE than deserves to be Super Mario’s number one rival. In fact, it was actually kind of HARD knocking it down to just TEN Sonic games. I had to say, “̈Nothing except main-series platformers.” That’s right. No racing games, no RPGs, no fighting games, just the main-series platformers. And if you can keep your attention span up long enough to get through this list, you‘ll learn that the classic 2D games AREN’T the only good ones in the series. But, if you´re not a fanboy, then I´m sorry you had to read that. You´re an awesome human being, and you can change the world. And maybe someone you can help is Sonic the Hedgehog. This franchise, just so you know, is more of a pick-and-choose-type franchise. You can choose which games you like, and which ones you don´t. You could say this about video games in general, but I think it applies more for Sonic than for any other franchise because the fanbase is almost completely divided. What I mean is that the fanbase members can’t seem to agree on which games are the best, or even which ones are good. This is probably because of the variety there is in Sonic games. You have classic 2D Platformers, fast-paced 3D Platformers with just Sonic, 3D Platformers with multiple characters, 3D/2D Platformer hybrids, and the list goes on and on and on. This means that there will be few, if any, Top 10 Best/Worst Sonic Games lists that are exactly the same as others. Some people say the 2D games are the best, some say the 3D games are the best. Others say the comics are the best, and some say the TV shows are the best. Some people consider some of the games so bad they’re good (Lover of Green thinks this way about Sonic 06, Lockstin thinks this way about Shadow the Hedgehog) And, hey, I wouldn’t doubt people say the best Sonic games are on a certain system, like the Wii, DS, etc. This means that a Top 10 Sonic Games list is the most subjective list out of a list of any other video game franchise out there. This means your list will have a VERY small chance of being exactly the same as mine. On the other hand, there are some people who just make the whole Sonic franchise into a big joke, like Darxx Mane. But, hey, enough talk. Without further ado, here is my list, with 6 honorable mentions, of the Top 10 Sonic the Hedgehog games.

10. Sonic: Lost World (Available for Wii U, PC and 3DS) – You know how every 3D Sonic game is the worst, right? WRONG! Now, this is technically a Mario game (sort of), so I was a little hesitant to put it on the list. But at the end of the day, it’s probably the 2nd or 3rd best Mario game for Wii U. Yep, that ́s right. Now, don’t worry. It’s not the best, but it’s far from the worst. The run button is a little weird, but, come on. You have more control over Sonic now, and you can make 90-degree turns without much trouble. The story ́s OK, and you ́re sure to laugh, but the only good villain in the game was Zavok, but that’s alright. My friend told me he thinks Zavok should get his own spinoff game where he ́s the main villain, not Eggman. I, personally, would welcome that, mainly because I HATE EGGMAN!!! I´m in a clear minority there, though. Anywhose, let’s talk about the game ́s accolades 9 out of 10 Nintendo World Report, 4 out of 5 stars on GamesRadar, 7.3 user score metacritic, with more positive reviews than mixed and negative reviews combined, and Famitsu magazine gave it 36/40, and ONM gave it an 80%. The Lover of Green praised its tubular levels. A lot of Youtubers (including Cobanermani456, Jack the Lightning Ripper, and PressStar) think it’s underrated, and DANG, are they right! It may have ripped Mario off, but that’s not to say it´s not as GOOD as any Mario games. I consider it better than quite a few Mario games, including but not limited to: Super Mario 3D Land, Super Mario Sunshine, and New Super Mario Bros. 2 & U. Only one of those games is really bad, and that’s New Super Mario Bros. 2. And guys, know that just because this doesn ́t play like a regular Sonic game DOESN’T MEAN IT’S BAD! In fact, the level design is awesome, and I can definitely recommend it, especially to casual players. My rating: 98/100

9. Sonic 2 (Available on various consoles) – Ah, yes. The game many consider the best in the series such as usgamer.net, gamesradar.com, and pastemagazine.com. This is very understandable, given the simplicity of it. This game improved on the original so much. It’s faster, levels are bigger, and you have Tails. Plus, it has better visuals, and you ́ve got a greatly rewarding (and rewarding because it’s so frickin ́ hard) final boss battle. This was also the game that introduced to Super Sonic. The only downside? Metropolis Zone. Yeah, that’s just a big old trigger fest. As for accolades, though, it has a 94% from CVG, 197/200 from GameFan, and the Wii version got an 8.5 out of 10 from IGN and a 94% from ONM

8. Every Sonic Rush-styled game (Available on DS) – There are 4 games with the Sonic Rush style: Sonic Rush, Sonic Rush Adventure, Sonic Colors (the DS version, more on the Wii version later), and Sonic Generations (the 3DS version, more on the console version later). Sonic Rush is the game that started the whole thing, with 2D Platforming, boosting, and a ton of fast-paced action. As for the 3DS version of Sonic Generations, this one still utilizes both Sonics, with still-awesome music (but with different pieces), but this time Modern Sonic ́s levels are styled like one of the Sonic Rush games. They´re fun nonetheless, though. This time, the levels and bosses are taken from Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic Adventure 1 & 2, Sonic Rush, and Sonic Colors. With the exception of Green Hill from Sonic 1, all the chosen levels and bosses are different between the two styles. A Youtuber I watch, called GamerGuyd,said he would have done the 3DS version differently, but I won’t complain about what we got. You can play 3D sonic levels in Rush-form, so I ́m satisfied. Just because the 3DS version of Sonic Generations (which PressStar and I both consider underrated) isn’t as good as the console version doesn’t mean I don’t recommend it, because I recommend all the versions of Sonic Generations. Then, you have the DS version of Sonic Colors. This one still has the Rush formula, but it has the Wisps (aliens Eggman has enslaved) now, and you can utilize their powers. Last, but not least, we have Sonic Rush Adventure, which is, arguably, better than the original Sonic Rush. I´m not alone on this, either. Shadsilvson11, Cobanermani456, usgamer.net, and TrueBlue all say the same thing. There ́s better music, better graphics, hubs, cool levels, good graphics and even four ships you can build and use in the game. All of them, except the waterbike, can shoot stuff. Of course, I had to sell my copy of the game a few years ago because I showed the shooting to my mom as a kid, and she thought it was too violent. I ́ve tried to get her to change her mind, but this was to no avail. Fortunately, if you have the same problem I do, you can always go on Youtube and watch Cobanermani456 play it. Otherwise, play it yourself. The game has a 9/10 from Nintendo Power, 8/10 from IGN, and is considered one of the top 100 DS games by Joseph J.Y.A. The rest of the games are still good, but if I had to choose one to play, it´d be Sonic Rush Adventure. By the way, if I say that another game on this list is ̈another Rush game,̈ I mean it has the same style as Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure.

7. Sonic Unleashed (Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2 and PC) – Talk about an underrated classic! This game was pegged by critics because the werehog beat them up and sections were ̈too slow ̈ and detached from the game as a whole. However, Youtuber Premydaremy speculated that the REAL reason people didn’t like this was because it was something different. Man, and when Mario tries something different, the crowd goes crazy! Talk about injustice! Guys, if anyone tells you this game sucks, DO NOT LISTEN!!! For everyone’s information, the werehog sections aren’t just mindless, slow-moving beat ́em up sections. If you want to go faster, move the joystick up quickly, then do the same again, but this time, hold it. Also, you have to use combo moves, which build your Unleashed meter, in which your attacks become more powerful. AND you have to time THAT right, as well. As for the daytime stages, they´re fun-filled, and you move very fast. The story ́s pretty good, too. Going on an adventure around the world is AWESOME! So, for accolades: It´s the Speedster´s 6th favorite game ever, and Brandon Nel ́s all-time favorite game. Kelly Paoli of Top 10 Gaming calls it the 9th worst Sonic game, but Ron McKenzie-Lefurgey of the same company calls it the 3rd most underrated Sonic game. Who do I agree with? Ron McKenzie-Lefurgey. He’s right! The werehog sections are awesome! The only good rating it got was 8/10 from Nintendo Power, and people on Youtube have actually started defending it! However, I can’t recommend it to just anyone. This game boots a real difficulty, especially with Eggmanland. Finally, Eggman seems to be freaking TRYING!!! Also, if you do not like beat- ́em ups, THIS GAME IS NOT FOR YOU!!! However, as long as you´re good at video games and like beat- ́em ups, go ahead.

6. Sonic Mania (Available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC) – Heck yeah! This game is awesome! The graphics are amazing, and you can play as 3 characters, 5 if you buy the Plus edition): Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, as well as Mighty and Ray if you buy the Plus edition. That’s right! This game has a plus edition, in which you can play Encore Mode, in which you can swap between characters! Aside from that, the levels are so fun and fast-paced, and there are 12 of them, some old, some new. As for the music, it is truly amazing, as Sonic music usually is. In fact, a Youtuber called Chi-Chi made a lyrical adaptation of its main theme, ̈Friends,̈ and it actually works really well. She did a good job. As for accolades: Drayle88 Entertainment gave it a 10 out of 10, EGM a 9/10, and IGN 8.7/10. It’s one of the Top 30 games of 2017 according to Entertainment Weekly, Polygon, Eurogamer, EGMNow, and The Verge. So, yeah, this game is recommended to all.

5. Sonic Heroes (Available for Gamecube, PS2, Xbox, and PC) – Believe it or not, this is the best-selling 3D Sonic game to date. In my opinion, it is very deserving of the title. I consider it the most innovative 3D platformer I ́ve ever played. You can play as 3 characters at the same time. There are 4 teams: Team Sonic (consisting of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles), Team Dark (consisting of Shadow, Rouge and Omega), Team Rose (consisting of Amy, Cream and Big), and Team Chaotix (consisting of Espio, Charmy and Vector). While the level design is similar for all 4, it’s still fun nonetheless. Plus, you get 4 different stories, and the characters talk to each other. Also, the levels are long, so try taking different paths each time. And it all leads up to one awesome boss fight. We also have the 6th best Sonic boss fight according to Top 10 Gaming. I don’t get why there are people out there who hate the game. It´s a ton of fun. This is mirrored by Drayle88 Entertainment, who gave it an 8 out of 10, as did IGN. It’s also the winner of Premydaremy ́s award for his favorite game of all time. So, go ahead and play it.

4. Sonic Generations (Available for Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and 3DS) – That’s right. Probably the best anniversary game to ever grace the earth, this takes levels and bosses from Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, Sonic Heroes, Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 (yes, really, and this time it’s actually fun, and not broken), Sonic Unleashed, and Sonic Colors (remember I mentioned that). Plus, you can play as two Sonics: Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic. Classic Sonic ́s levels are 2D platforming levels, while Modern Sonic ́s are 3D platforming levels. The levels are really cool, and you can play as either Sonic, meaning you can play City Escape from Sonic Adventure 2 with Classic Sonic, and you can play Chemical Plant from Sonic 2 with Modern Sonic. Not to mention that the level design for both are different. The Modern Sonic levels are better, of course, but the Classic Sonic levels are still nice to have. The music´s awesome, as well. This game has an 8/10 from GameSpot. It’s also the Speedster ́s 24th favorite game ever. However, I ́m talking about the console version. There is a Nintendo 3DS version.

3. Sonic 3 & Knuckles (Available on various consoles) – The best of the 2D Sonic Games in my opinion, this is made up of 2 games, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. Before you go accusing me of cheating, though, let me explain. The two were originally going to be just one game, but because of deadlines, it was split into two games. They released Sonic 3, then did everything else they were going to do but couldn ́t with Sonic & Knuckles. The two can be combined via Sonic & Knuckles ́ lock-on technology. However, the two games are still awesome, and they have great level design. The levels also have multiple paths, which increases replay value. Plus, you get a new character. Much like Sonic 2 introduced Tails, Sonic 3 & Knuckles introduced Knuckles. Knuckles can glide and break rocks, and you can play as him in Sonic 2 via Sonic & Knuckles ́ aforementioned lock-on technology. The graphics are also better than either Sonic 1 ́s or Sonic 2 ́s visuals. It also introduced us to Hyper Sonic. This is by far the best 2D platformer made, in my opinion. Accolades? GamePro gives it 5 stars out of 5, and it is the favorite game ever of Sonictoast, TheKazeBlade, and Daniel from the Slope Game Room.

2. Sonic Adventure 2 (Available on Dreamcast and Gamecube) – Oh, yeah! This is what I’m talking about! This one’s got the music, the retro visuals, the story, the gameplay, the level design, the Chao Garden, and the presentation! It´s a ton of fun, and very fast-paced. There are actually two teams, Hero and Dark, each with three characters. Hero has Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, while Dark has Shadow, Eggman and Rouge. The two teams play pretty much the same way, but they’re still fun. Need I mention the CITY ESCAPE?!?!? Man, this game is SO much fun, and I can easily recommend it. We also have the 8th best Sonic boss fight according to Top 10 Gaming. As far as accolades go, it got a 9 out of 10 from Drayle88 Entertainment, 4.5 out of 5 stars from GamePro, and 9.4/10 from IGN.

Before we speed to number one, I have some Honorable Mentions:

Sonic Forces (Available on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One), the most recent installment in the Sonic series, and the one I consider perfect for beginners. But, by the time I realized that, combined with everything else good about the game, could get it on the list, I didn’t have time to change it. But, even so, it’s the Sonic game to buy before you buy any other Sonic games. This is the perfect place to begin with the Sonic franchise. Advice: Don’t buy any of these other games until you have bought and played Forces. Sonic Adventure (Available on Dreamcast, PC and Gamecube), the one everyone thought might save the struggling Sega Dreamcast. I haven’t been able to get my hands on it, and it hasn’t aged too well, so I left it off the list. The Sonic Advance trilogy (Available on Game Boy Advance). These 3 games share the spot for the Speedster ́s #79 favorite game of all time, according to his Top 100 Favorite Games of All Time list on Youtube. The bosses are pretty cool, and so are the levels. Sonic CD (Available on various consoles), the apparent best game on the not-as-great Sega CD.Sonic 1 (Available on various consoles), the game that started it all. I had to at least mention it! LOOK AT ITS LEGACY! and Sonic and the Black Knight (Available on Wii). OOOOOOOH! Sword gameplay! What fun!

1. Sonic Colors (Available on Wii, DS and PC) – YES!!! BRAVO, SEGA!!! THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!! Other than the fact that there’s too much 2D, there’s not much this game did wrong. Let ́s list what it did right. Level design? Linearity, but awesomeness. Music? Only the most high-class performers and writers. Story? Maybe not the best, but sure to get you some laughs. Gameplay? Sonic is tight! Gimmicks? Wisps, buttons and tricks, oh my! DS version? It’s just another Rush game, but if I didn’t make it clear enough by now, I LIKE THE RUSH GAMES! And I ain’t alone on my love for the game, either. Jack the Lightning Ripper calls it his 6th favorite game ever, JonTron gives it an A/5, and The Completionist says, ¨COMPLETE IT!¨ It has a 9/10 from Nintendo Power AND 9 stars out of 10 from Nintendo Life. I know this game kinda copied Super Mario Galaxy in some ways, but A) It was on the Wii, and B) Am I the only one who kinda feels like it ́s, well, I don’t know, better than Super Mario Galaxy? Actually, believe it or not, the answer to that question is, ¨No.¨ GEEKFOREVER agrees. If this game is not in your Wii game collection, GET IT!!! And for these reasons, I call Sonic Colors the best Sonic game to date, and one of my 3 favorite games of all time. Not bad for a game released in 2010 for the Wii.

But, to be honest, these are just SOME of the awesome Sonic games we’ve gotten over the years. Critics and fans may disagree, but I would have to say that most Sonic games we get are at least decent, especially coming from a third-party developer. They ́re a ton of fun and fast-paced. Do you agree with my list? Do you think I missed a particularly good Sonic game? Let me know via email. My email address is [email protected]. By the way, don’t ́t trust negative reviews when it comes to Sonic. I had to look really hard to find good review scores for the games, guys! PLEASE! GIVE THE BLUE BLUR MORE LOVE! PLEASE!!!  With that said, thanks for reading my article, and stay awesome!