Classic Sonic is the titular character from the main-line series from Sonic The Hedgehog (1991). In a franchise where canon can be more than a little tricky to follow, it is largely understood that classic Sonic is the younger version of modern Sonic. He travels through time in order to stop series antagonist Doctor Eggman in modern Sonic’s time.
The two Sonics are largely similar, with one notable difference: classic Sonic is non-verbal. The classic Sonic character is understood to have no verbal ability due to the lack of voice-acting in the original games. Modern depictions have also tended to give our classic hero a more rounded look, shorter limbs and all-black eyes.
Without classic Sonic, modern Sonic would have no place within our collective gaming consciousness. With that in mind, let’s take a look back over at the best Sonic games featuring Classic Sonic.
1. Sonic CD
Sonic CD feels like a more refined and confident version of Sonic The Hedgehog 2. Amy Rose receives her introduction in this title and allows us to explore the concept of time-travel which would later come into its own. It also unfortunately introduced us to Metal Sonic, I am sorry for even mentioning that, let’s move on?
The time travel start boost component when combined with trying to maintain your speed to ensure that you land in the right era is nail biting and exhilarating. Sonic CD didn’t really need to include the time-travel component but benefits greatly from it.
2. Sonic 3 and Knuckles
The Sonic Genesis-era represents peak Sonic in most gamers’ minds, and especially so in this list. Sonic 3 thunders ahead of its competition on the platform, with the introduction of new playable characters and revolutionary mechanics. Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles are arguably worth returning to as individual experiences but it has to be said, combining the two games completes the experience. The experience feeling completed most likely falls down to the fact that the two titles were initially planned to be a single game.
Feeling purpose-built for newcomer Knuckles, the levels still manage to incorporate old design formulas and never feel awkward to play as either.
3. Sonic Mania
One of the best 2D Sonic games available, Sonic Mania was a strictly third-party offering. It offered a fresh perspective on Sonic’s impact on the gaming world. The classic formula receives a polish and rework and a fantastic pixel art upgrade.
Studiopolis and Mirage Saloon Zone are added to the iconic ranks of classic Sonic level design and manage to extend replayability, this is largely due to the collectible and rewards which are scattered throughout the levels.
Sonic Mania is one of the best 2D Sonic games out there and quickly becomes a fan-favourite for anyone lucky enough to experience it.
3. Sonic Generations
Generations is the best mixture of modern and classic Sonic gameplay. There are 14 levels which are all spiritually inspired by previous Sonic games. While the levels are merely just rehashes of old Sonic levels, they never feel over-done or exhausted.
Generations shows what a Sonic game can be by innovating for the newer generations, while also paying homage to the older generation of gamers.
Easily the best Classic Sonic game due to its ability to show love and respect for where it comes from. It manages to carve a path out for itself. If this is the direction of travel for the Sonic series going forwards, then as a person whose first console was a Sega Genesis, I have to say, I am one-hundred percent on board!
