For many longtime fans, the best days of the blue blur were during the original era of two-dimensional platform games. This is when the hedgehog was introduced to the world, and became the speedy rival to Nintendo’s Mario. In modern times, new series entries continue the legacy of the classic design. Here is our list of every mainline 2D Sonic game, ranked.
13. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
| Initial Release | October 7, 2010 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – Wii – iOS – Android |
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I was originally intended as a mobile-exclusive title, but somehow received ports to consoles to get more people to play it. While there isn’t necessarily anything to complain about, it doesn’t do anything innovative enough to justify calling it the definitive successor to what was Sonic 3 & Knuckles.
Many of the levels are reskinned from past entries with no design evolution, and it’s so short that you probably won’t even remember playing it.
12. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
| Initial Release | May 15, 2012 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox 360 – iOS – Android |
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II improves on certain aspects of its predecessor, with better visuals and physics, and the ability to play co-op, but does little to elevate the subpar level design and boss fights.
11. Sonic Rush Adventure
| Initial Release | September 13, 2007 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo DS |
Sonic Rush Adventure is the sequel to the first DS title in the hedgehog’s portfolio. While it keeps the level and speed mechanics from the previous entry, its visuals are a downgrade and the excessive touchscreen minigames between the levels damage the pacing.
- Read more: Sonic Rush Adventure – Cheats & Unlockables
You take a ship to get to different stages, which require materials found in levels that demand grinding. Still, the plot involving the mysterious never-before-seen Dr. Eggman Nega is really cool.
10. Sonic Rush
| Initial Release | November 15, 2005 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo DS |
Sonic Rush is the first 2.5D hedgehog experience on a handheld, maintaining quality speed and most of the elements that proved successful in the earlier Advance games that Dimps made.
- Read more: Sonic Rush – Cheats & Unlockables
With the introduction of Blaze the Cat as a second playable character, the gameplay receives new complexity and physics, complete with the outstanding soundtrack by Hideki Naganuma (Jet Set Radio).
This title’s greatest asset, however, is the advent of the boost mechanic, letting Sonic and Blaze blitz past obstacles at astounding speed.
9. Sonic the Hedgehog
| Initial Release | June 23, 1991 |
| Developer | Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – Genesis – Game Boy Advance – PC – 3DS – iOS – Android – Nintendo Switch |
The one that started it all, Sonic the Hedgehog is the blue blur’s debut in gaming and as a brand in general.
Green Hill Zone, the first level, has been cemented in players’ minds as the hedgehog’s most iconic setting, and the fantastic blend of platforming and speed demonstrated proved just how much of a rival Sonic would become to Nintendo’s Italian plumber.
Special stages have you taking on exciting pin-ball style minigames as you navigate through treacherous crevices to acquire the 7 Chaos Emeralds and achieve the “True Ending.”
Still, even with an unforgettable 16-bit soundtrack, a variety of enemies, and boss battles, the game tends to limit Sonic’s speed in ways that break up the pacing a bit too much compared to later entries. Of course, this was all proof of concept at the time, and that is exactly what catapulted the hedgehog to AAA success.
8. Sonic Advance 3
| Initial Release | June 7, 2004 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – Game Boy Advance |
Sonic Advance 3 takes everything you know and love from the first two games but experiments with a partner mechanic, in homage to the duo of Sonic and Tails from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. You can approach the levels with two of five different controllable characters, and the numerous combinations of pairs offer various physics.
- Read more: Sonic Advance 3 – Cheats & Unlockables
Stages are vast and large, with sufficient pacing that encourages deep exploration to find all of the missing Chao.
This game also has some of the best boss fights in the history of the series, making it highly underrated.
7. Sonic Advance
| Initial Release | December 20, 2001 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – Game Boy Advance |
Sonic Advance was Dimps’ initial foray with the hedgehog on the Game Boy Advance and was a refreshing return to form at the time that was a saving grace to the series. It took the speed and platforming of the classic Genesis/Master System games and combined it with elements from the 3D Sonic Adventure series such as rail grinding.
- Read more: Sonic Advance – Cheats & Unlockables
The game has four playable characters, with each exhibiting their own abilities and moves. With a fair level of challenge, loop-de-loops, and the introduction of the Tiny Chao Garden to encourage connectivity with console games, Sonic Advance stands the test of time.
6. Sonic Superstars
| Initial Release | October 17, 2023 |
| Developer | Arzest / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – PC – PlayStation 5 – Xbox Series X|S – Nintendo Switch – PlayStation 4 – Xbox One |
For new and returning fans, Sonic Superstars is the most accessible 2D entry, offering a harmonious balance between fun and challenge, and encouraging heavy replayability to gather collectibles and unlock snazzy costume designs.
- Read more: Sonic Superstars Review – The New Classic
Unlike past entries in the series, acquiring the Chaos Emeralds found across special stages lets the numerous characters use unique abilities that make fighting enemies, beating bosses, and traversing obstacles much easier.
Despite the high difficulty of certain boss battles that hinder the pacing, the 2.5D graphical art style, gorgeous levels, co-op, and excellent soundtrack make this game a modern masterpiece.
5. Sonic Advance 2
| Initial Release | December 19, 2002 |
| Developer | Dimps / Sonic Team |
| Platform(s) | – Game Boy Advance |
Sonic Advance 2 elevates the concepts introduced by the preceding entry, offering up to five playable characters with unique abilities and pathways to overcome various platforming challenges and collect the 7 Chaos Emeralds.
The levels take place across every type of environment, and the boss battles encourage experimentation and exploitation using the different characters.
- Read more: Sonic Advance 2 – Cheats & Unlockables
Speed is more thrilling than ever before thanks to the ability to break the sound barrier and watch your character blur across the screen.
As a reward for replaying the levels and achieving 100% completion, players also get access to the Tiny Chao Garden, which allows you to take care of your bubbly companions while on the go.
4. Sonic CD
| Initial Release | September 23, 1993 |
| Developer | Sega |
| Platform(s) | – Sega CD – PC – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – iOS – Android |
At the time of this game’s release, Sonic CD was considered the greatest achievement in the library of hedgehog titles. It was made for SEGA’s fancy CD console with a greater focus on platforming and exploration yet always maintaining an intense level of speed.
- Read more: Sonic CD – Cheats & Unlockables
Sonic CD introduces a time travel mechanic that allows the blue blur to slip between Past and Future, destroying transporters and gathering stones, all while jamming to some of the best music the series has ever seen. What’s more, it introduces fans to the most deadly rival in the history of the series and Dr. Robotnik’s ultimate creation: Metal Sonic.
3. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
| Initial Release | November 21, 1992 |
| Developer | Sega |
| Platform(s) | – Genesis – Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo Switch – iOS – Android |
Taking lessons from the first game and improving on every single facet of design, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also added self-acceleration with the iconic Spin Dash ability, with levels that reward you for skill with the grace of incredible speed.
- Read more: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Cheats & Unlockables
In addition, this is the game where fans get to meet and play as Sonic’s best friend: Miles “Tails” Prower. The yellow fox companion’s speed combined with unique flight abilities adds wondrous variety to the many stages.
There is more of a learning curve to the level design this time around, but mastering the different paths encourages replayability and speed-runs.
2. Sonic 3 & Knuckles
| Initial Release | November 21, 1992 |
| Developer | Sega |
| Platform(s) | – Genesis – Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo Switch – iOS – Android |
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles were ambitious projects that were always meant to be a unified game, although SEGA had issues with time constraints and cartridge costs that forced separate releases. However, using an adapter, players can experience the combined product. Together, Sonic 3 & Knuckles are a complete, quality experience.
- Read more: Sonic 3 & Knuckles – Cheats & Unlockables
These games introduce brand-new level mechanics, bosses, power-ups, and set pieces that challenge players every step of the way, all while maintaining a healthy sense of speed. This was also when fans got to meet Knuckles the Echidna for the very first time, who sports his own unique physics and mechanics.
Although Sonic 3 & Knuckles was a major risk for SEGA, it paid off with an experience that is considered one of the greatest games on the Sega Genesis.
1. Sonic Mania
| Initial Release | August 15, 2017 |
| Developer | Christian Whitehead PagodaWest Games Headcannon Hyperkinetic Studios (Plus) |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Nintendo Switch |
Sonic Mania is a love letter to fans, by fans. In response to the lack of high-quality 2D Sonic during the years leading up to this title’s release, a development team composed of members famous for their work in the ROM hacking community put together this game.
Made to commemorate Sonic’s 25th anniversary, Mania pays homage to the classic Genesis games, with the absolute highest quality side-scrolling gameplay taking place across 13 immaculate levels, some of which were redesigned from past entries.
With up to five playable characters, an awesome soundtrack inspired by the classics, and tons of extra modes for experimentation, this adventure has it all.
If you’re interested in more hedgehog goodness, check out our list of every mainline 3D Sonic game, ranked and every Sonic TV series ranked.
