Sonic Mania Plus Review: Celebrating Classic Sonic on Nintendo Switch

Sonic Mania Plus Review: Celebrating Classic Sonic on Nintendo Switch Since its original release in 2017, Sonic Mania has been recognized as a triumphant return to form for Sega’s legendary blue hedgehog.

Developed by Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and PagodaWest Games, Sonic Mania captured the speed, style, and pixel-perfect platforming that defined the Genesis era of Sonic the Hedgehog.

In 2018, Sega followed up with Sonic Mania Plus, an expanded and physically released version for platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

With new modes, playable characters, and refined features, Sonic Mania Plus continues to delight fans of both classic and contemporary Sonic games. A Nostalgic Journey with Sonic Mania Plus Sonic Mania Plus builds on the original’s foundation, featuring meticulously crafted zones that could easily have graced the Sega Genesis library.

Veterans and newcomers alike will find themselves immersed in both reimagined classic levels and inventive new stages.

Notably, Press Garden Zone stands out as a highlight: its wintry, East Asian-inspired backgrounds and atmospheric design are both visually striking and faithful to Sonic’s retro roots.

The boss encounters are inventive, paying homage to classic Sonic titles while introducing fresh concepts, and the bonus stages at checkpoints and giant rings evoke nostalgia with their nods to past games, including echoes of Sonic R’s graphical style. Expanded Character Roster: Mighty and Ray Join the Race A major addition in Sonic Mania Plus is the inclusion of two beloved characters from Sonic’s deep history: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel.

Each brings unique abilities that enhance gameplay variety.

Mighty can shield himself from enemy attacks and spikes when curled up, as well as execute a powerful ground slam.

Ray glides gracefully through the air, using a slow parachute descent.

While Ray’s controls offer a different—sometimes challenging—experience, Mighty’s defensive capabilities are a welcome addition for players seeking strategic options.

Of the extended cast, Knuckles remains a favorite for many, thanks to his signature gliding and climbing skills. Encore Mode: A Dynamic New Challenge Sonic Mania Plus introduces Encore Mode, offering a fresh twist on the traditional gameplay experience.

Starting with Sonic and then choosing to add Mighty or Ray, players traverse revamped levels with the option to switch between characters at will.

Notably, players can encounter item boxes that swap the active character, allowing for strategic flexibility and adding replay value.

In Encore Mode, character management is key: instead of traditional extra lives, each character represents a life, and once lost, must be re-unlocked through bonus stages, which take the form of skill crane mini-games.

This innovative approach adds both challenge and excitement to the Sonic formula. Physical Extras for Collectors Purchasing the physical edition of Sonic Mania Plus on Nintendo Switch grants fans a quality package: a mini art book featuring character and level artwork, plus a reversible cover that evokes the classic Sega Genesis box art style, making it a standout in any collection. Conclusion: A Fitting Tribute to Sonic's Legacy Sonic Mania Plus expertly balances reverence for Sonic’s 16-bit heritage with intelligent gameplay enhancements for modern platforms.

Its blend of meticulously designed stages, expanded character roster, and innovative new modes makes it one of the best Sonic experiences available today, especially for those playing on Nintendo Switch.

For fans of the franchise or retro platformers in general, Sonic Mania Plus is highly recommended—a worthy homage to Sega’s enduring mascot.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Sega Switch Sonic Sonic Mania Classic Sonic Sonic Mania Plus Mighty the Armadillo Ray the Flying Squirrel Tails Knuckles Press Garden Zone Nintendo eShop