The 10 Best Games Like Sonic | Screen Rant
There’s always renewed interest in a video game series whenever a movie based on the franchise arrives. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 returns Ben Schwartz as the title character and Jim Carrey as the evil Dr. Robotnik to the delight of moviegoers. However, fans of the series will be looking for similar experiences when they’ve finished their playthroughs of the Sonic games.
Fortunately, there are a lot of options to choose from since Sonic gameplay elements like platforming, speed-based mechanics, anthropomorphic characters, and fast-paced action can all be found in numerous games. It’s worth looking into how alike these are to Sonic while also bringing in something unique of their own.
An easy choice as a video game for a younger audience, this title also appeals to fans that love platforming. Considered among the greatest games ever, Super Mario Odyssey’s similarity with Sonic comes from the type of foes the hero has to overcome and the 2D levels that take a page out of classic Sonic installments.
Super Mario Odyssey is a throwback to earlier games back when simplistic features were the norm. It doesn’t take itself seriously by any means and the easy gameplay enables Super Mario Odyssey to please just about anyone that chooses to play.
The current perception of Insomniac Games has to do with their development of Spider-Man, but the developer started things off with Spyro. The platformer is reminiscent of Sonic due to both protagonists being anthropomorphic animals with special powers.
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is perfect for Sonic fans since it delivers three games in one. The main purpose is to collect items needed for Spyro to keep peace across different worlds, with the level design comprising dangerous environments that have to be navigated around.
There have been more than several Ratchet & Clank games by now and Sonic fans will like Rift Apart because it’s the latest and polished experience. As in Sonic, players have to battle mechanical enemies or foes that are genetically altered in such a way that they require different approaches to combat.
Rift Apart’s instantaneous travel feature will remind fans of Sonic’s speed that enables him to travel landscapes with ease. The game’s premise is about the titular heroic duo learning more about Ratchet’s lineage when they come across a female member of his species.
It’s difficult to find too many unpopular opinions about Crash Bandicoot because the character is so beloved. In terms of his resemblance to Sonic, Crash’s status as a speedy anthropomorphic animal that runs and climbs leaves little to distinguish the two characters.
In terms of gameplay, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy will please players because of the creative level design. Players have to steer Crash across various areas filled with enemies in a fast-paced experience that has the first three games for fans to enjoy.
Although are some common tropes from the average Sonic game present here, it’s otherwise distinct from installments in the franchise. The main reason comes down to Mario’s presence, as he and Sonic headline the Olympics stretching from 2008 to present-day events.
It’s not a standard Sonic feature, but the protagonist’s availability for the players is good enough for connections to be made to its flagship series. The games don’t have any story to indulge in, as Mario and Sonic are to be used in sports-based challenges that can be found in the Olympics.
Sonic’s heyday was when side-scrolling games were the norm and this style was brought back in recent times by Celeste. It’s a platformer where players have to navigate protagonist Madaline through a series of obstacles that become harder in terms of complexity the more Mount Celeste is scaled.
Sonic fans are aware of how difficult their favorite game can get, but Celeste is a challenge that will truly test their worth. Another point in Celeste’s advantage is how deep the story goes, which is practically unheard of for 2D side-scrollers. The game won a slew of awards upon release and it’s easy to see why considering how immersive it is.
In some ways, Ori And The Will Of The Wisps can be seen as a modern-day equivalent to the classic Sonic games. It’s a side-scroller that has massively upgraded visuals and an environment that encourages deep exploration to enhance the player character’s skills.
Gameplay is similar to Sonic but with a focus on things like swimming, climbing, and puzzle-solving. The most appealing aspect of the game has to be its gorgeous visuals that are presented in such a way that players will be inclined to think of Ori And The Will Of The Wisps as a work of art.
Fans can be forgiven for thinking that Freedom Planet is essentially a clone of the Sonic games because there’s little to separate one from the other. It started out as a fangame devoted to Sonic before Freedom Planet was reconceived as an original IP that is heavily influenced by Sonic.
The premise is just about the same, with the evil Lord Brevon being a Dr. Eggman-like figure while dragon protagonist Lilac is close to Sonic in style. The similarities don’t mean Freedom Planet isn’t fun, as the game has a charm of its own. Sonic fans will love the general aesthetic and fast-paced gameplay here, with the likable characters making the story worth following.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing has a dedicated fanbase of its own and these players will get a kick out of Rocket League. The game takes a spin on football by having race cars play the sport, with multiple players getting in on the action for massive playthrough sessions.
Speed is a primary factor here, as racers need to go in full throttle to gain possession of the ball. Much as in Sonic, control is also of the utmost importance and players have to navigate the ball correctly in order to evade their opponents to score goals.
Back in the day, the Mario games had quite the rivalry with the Sonic series because of how close the two were in style and execution. Super Mario Bros. can be seen as the equivalent of Sonic in its prime, with the former still just as enjoyable and relevant as the classic Sonic games.
Super Mario Bros. is great for light-hearted fun, although it remains just as challenging as ever. The simple level design and music are certain to bring up feelings of nostalgia, both toward the Mario series and Sonic franchise, as they are responsible for ushering in the golden age of gaming.