How Sonic Mania Rekindled My Love of Videogames

Three simple ways an old game can help make today’s games better

via SEGA

Despite what gamers feel about Sonic the Hedgehog, there is no denying that the little blue blur is both a videogame and 1990’s icon. For many of today’s older gamers, Sonic was undoubtedly a huge figure from their childhood that solidified their love of videogames.

Sadly, today Sonic is more of a joke than revered figure like other older gaming characters such as Mario, Link, or even Donkey Kong. You can thank a steady deluge of subpar and rushed games that’s spanned over the past twenty years for the erosion of Sonic’s appeal. Ever since 1996’s Sonic 3, the franchise has struggled to find it’s place on the many different consoles that have come and gone, and even today, still seems unsure of who it’s audience actually is.

However, with the release of Sonic Mania, it’s not just a return to form for the franchise, it’s also a celebration of a series that rightfully belongs on the shortlist of titles that have influenced an entire generation of gamers.

I myself used to be a big Sonic fan when I was a kid but ever since I wasted months of allowances on Sonic Adventure, I made the decision to excommunicate him from my life. This is a sentiment shared by many older gamers so when I heard how positive the reviews were for Sonic Mania, I had to see it for myself- not so much for wanting Sonic back in my life, but out of sheer disbelief a Sonic game can be enjoyable in 2017.

The fact of the matter is that Sonic Mania has been widely praised by videogame critics across the world and may even be a strong contender for game of the year by the time December rolls around. There is no hyperbole here. Sonic Mania is a wildly enjoyable game and it’s well worth the $25 to own it for yourself.

I could write a review detailing how great the game is, or try to prove to you that it’s more than just a nostalgia rush, but you could read any of the hundreds of different reviews for that. For me what Sonic Mania represents is a rekindling of a love of videogames and it’s done that in three ways.

It’s a videogame that actually takes skill to play

Today’s Xbox One/PS4 era just hasn’t excited me like previous ones have. I’m sure a big reason why is simply because I’m getting older and don’t have the time I used to. I also think that it’s because many of the year’s most popular games all seem the same.

Via SEGA

I noticed this recently while playing Ghost Recon:Wildlands and realized I’ve pored in hours into a game where I was essentially moving through the same pattern as every other shooter: pick off guards, clear base, take out boss, rinse then repeat. This pattern isn’t that boring though;it’s just semi-addictive because it gives off a false sense of accomplishment for clearing and not that difficult to do.

In Sonic Mania there isn’t anything monotonous about the game because it actually takes a fair amount of skill to get through. As easy as it sounds, timing jumps onto platforms and figuring out how to disable enemies while keeping close to 100 rings isn’t that easy. It can also be very frustrating but aren’t videogames supposed to be a bit of a challenge?

Very few games today actually take skill to advance through it. Furthermore, for most of today’s games, there aren’t any consequences for dying so the anxiety from the threat of dying felt playing games as kids just isn’t there anymore. In Sonic Mania, the phrase “Game Over”actually means something and harkens back to a time when it mattered how many lives a character had.

The frustration of not being able to get through a level immediately took me back to when I was kid except now I don’t throw the controller across the room in anger as an adult (I save that for Knick games). The way in which many modern day games have taken the need for skill out of the gameplay really is unfortunate but this a game that requires it.

It’s a game I can play with my daughter.

Now that I’m a father, my appetite for death and destruction in games just isn’t what it used to be. Perhaps I’ve gone soft in my early 30’s but when you have child, you really go out of your way to prove to them the world is colorful & joyous place. This is the case for all the media you introduce them to whether it’s books, movies, or videogames.

Via SEGA

With Sonic Mania, I’ll have a game we can play together and give her a glimpse into what it was like to play a videogame during the timewhen I was a child. Considering how fast Nintendo SNES Classics are selling, I’m guessing I’m not the only one that wants to share that experience with others.

Being that the game does take a fair degree of skill to play, largely in timing jumps and boss battles, I don’t feel as if my daughter wouldn’t be using some cognition to get through the puzzle-like stages the game creates. I also think that since Sonic is such a lovable character for children, introducing her to him through the game can open up interest in other media since Sonic can be found in toys, comic books and old cartoons on Netflix.

And to be perfectly honest, I rather watch old Sonic cartoons with her than the unbearable horror of Caillou.

It’s pretty uplifting.

I’m not sure if its Sonic Mania’s bright blue skies, pleasing music, or rush of nostalgia, but whatever it is the game always feels pleasant. Even after getting not being able to get passed the same level 8 times in a row, Sonic Mania seems to keep me smiling. It’s refreshing compared to other popular games and it’s been a great way decompress after a long day at work.

At the root of every videogame is an avenue to escape the monotony of everyday life. Some people can take this overboard but for others a small dose of escapism can be a good thing. Playing a videogame for an hour or so can transport you into different worlds and oftentimes those worlds are worse than the one we live in- and that’s saying a lot.

The world than Sonic Mania brings gamers to is a delightful one where even the biggest threats are essentially cute robots. I don’t know about you, but personally, it feels much better running through the Green Hill Zone than being shot at in whatever Far Cry’s latest warzone is.