The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is a series of video games based on the classic Sega mascot. The series began in 1991 and has since spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and crossovers. While the core Sonic games have evolved with the times, they remain beloved among fans who recall fond memories from their childhoods. Here we look back at some of the best Sonic games of all time.
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
The game that started it all, Sonic the Hedgehog debuted on Sega’s 16-bit Genesis/Mega Drive console in June 1991. A 2D side-scrolling platformer, it was an immediate hit with gamers thanks to its smooth gameplay, vibrant colors, and iconic theme song. While its visuals have aged somewhat over time, its tight level design and simple yet satisfying gameplay still hold up today.
Sonic Adventure (1998)
Sonic Adventure debuted on Sega’s Dreamcast console in 1998 and was a huge departure from previous games in the series. Now a 3D action-adventure game with full voice acting and cutscenes, it was one of the most ambitious titles ever produced for a home console at the time. Its vast world featured multiple characters to play as — each with their own abilities and storyline — making for an incredibly immersive experience.
Sonic Heroes (2003)
As part of Sega’s push to revitalize their flagship character following 2001’s dismal performance from Sonic Adventure 2: Battle on GameCube, came 2003’s Sonic Heroes for PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and PC. With its four teams comprised of three characters each — boasting respective abilities like Speed , Power or Flight logic — there was something here to satisfy both casual