Sonic Mania has received acclaim from video game critics. Sonic Mania currently holds a Metacritic score of 90/100 which is impressive. Sonic Mania has gone beyond expectations. The amount of praise Sonic Mania is receiving is well deserved.

Eurogamer – Essential

1992 is alive and well. Christian Whitehead and team turn in a beautiful rewrite of the 16-bit Sonic games with all-new stages.

NintendoWorldReport – 9/10

Sonic Mania is a delightful return to the 2D platforming style that first made the hedgehog a star. The love from the development team for 16-bit Sonic is evident in every moment of the game. Fans of classic Sonic must buy this game, but the excellent level design, music, and graphics will please all people who enjoy a well-thought-out sidescroller.

Gamespot – 9/10

Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series’ best with its smart and interpretive design. An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series’ iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made.

IGN – 8.7/10

Sonic Mania is the classic throwback longtime series fans have been clamoring for.

Game Informer – 8.5/10

Sonic Mania succeeds in paying homage to the classic ’90s entries that so many fans remember fondly, and in the process delivers the best Sonic game in decades

Destructoid – 8/10

Sonic Mania is short but sweet. It even functions as a proper Sonic 4 if you don’t count the episodic Sonic 4 (remember that one?).