While other platformers were offering arduous experiences,Sonic the Hedgehogwas made more accessible for the average gamer. Whether you were a casual or hardcore player,Sonic the Hedgehogwas enticing. You move exceedingly fast through the game’s perplexing level designs, somehow making it to the end eventually.
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NewSonic the Hedgehoggames and lookalikes are still relevant in this gaming era. How could a game that was released in 1990 show little age?Sonic the Hedgehogis one of the most impactful platformer games of all time. Here are some games that attempt to capture the original game’s essence.
Updated July 12th, 2022 by Russ Boswell:Sonic the Hedgehog fans are anxiously awaiting the release of Sonic Frontiers, an open-world take on the blue blur’s iconic adventures, with the iconic Sega character seeing many changes throughout the years. Players that enjoy the original Sonic the Hedgehog formula, or his upgraded 3D-styled adventures, will find a lot of amazing games that draw influence from or are similar to the series. Those that are anxiously awaiting the release of Sonic Frontiers can sift through hours upon hours of content in other like-minded releases, both Indie and AAA. To better show some of thebest games like Sonic the Hedgehog, the following list has been updated with more entries.
11Mega Man X
The Mega Man series hasn’t seen many entries in the modern age, but there are still so many iconic games for players to enjoy. Although all of the retro Mega Man releases are great in their own right, Mega Man X is perhaps the closest to those looking for something similar to Sonic the Hedgehog. The SNES classic is fast-paced, and features some amazing music, beautiful pixelated visuals, an engrossing story, and a lot of side content to uncover.
Those looking for an entry point to the Mega Man series can use Mega Man X as a good jumping-off point.
10Ori and the Blind Forest
Players that enjoy the fast-paced action of Sonic the Hedgehog will definitely want to check out Ori and the Blind Forest. A beautifully-designed platformer, Ori and the Blind Forest features some incredible music, gorgeous art, and a stellar world, all underlined by some truly engrossing and challenging gameplay. Ori and the Blind Forest may be a bit of a step up in difficult compared to some Sonic the Hedgehog games, but it’s a supremely rewarding experience.
Players will find themselves conquering a dangerous wilderness and overcoming some truly imposing obstacles on their journey through Ori and the Blind Forest’s exciting and moving storyline.
9Kaze and the Wild Masks
At its core, Sonic the Hedgehog is a fantastic platforming experience that features colorful worlds and enemies. Players that are looking for a similar experience in the modern age should check out Kaze and the Wild Masks, a platformer inspired by retro releases of the past and meant to look similar to titles on iconic consoles like the Super NES and Sega Genesis. Kaze and the Wild Masks is visually stunning, featuring its own unique character that must run their way through a variety of levels, avoiding enemies and collecting powerful masks that allow them to gain new abilities and skills.
Kaze and the Wild Masks feels like a retro platformer and that should definitely appeal to retro Sonic the Hedgehog fans.
8Ecco The Dolphin
TheSega Genesis contained an abundance of side-scrolling games,but few compare to the exploration seen inEcco the Dolphin.This game released in the same generation as the firstSonic the Hedgehogand likely drew inspiration from it.
InEcco the Dolphin, the player controls Ecco, a dolphin that fights threats to the world and sea.Ecco the Dolphinposes a greater challenge thanSonic the Hedgehogbecause of the game’s secret paths. Expect to backtrack multiple times while beating this game, but fall in love with its atmospheric ocean setting.
7Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
TheCrash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogycontains a blend of platforming and combat blending for one seamless adventure. The trilogy was compared toSonic the Hedgehogwhen it was initially released, and the remake follows suit. This is a game with side-scrolling and behind the camera view gameplay. Consistent withCrash Bandicoot N. Sane TrilogyandSonic the Hedgehogis an amiablemascot who carries the game on his shoulders.
6Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Years of innovation in side-scrolling video games have brought us toOri and the Will of the Wisps.This sequel includes improved visual fidelity and is awe-inspiring from beginning to end. The pacing is slower than aSonic the Hedgehoggame, but that won’t stop many from delving into this memorable adventure.It’s a Metroidvaniadeveloped using the Unity engine.Ori and the Will of the Wispsearned acclaim across the board, and we are eagerly waiting for another sequel.
5Aladdin
Released on theSuper Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)and Sega Genesis,Aladdinis a phenomenal side-scrolling game. The game has ahigher difficulty levelthanSonic the Hedgehog,even if its difficulty level was average for its platforms' games. The different environments and levels of detail were good for the time. Those searching for aretro platformerwith slower pacing thanSonic the Hedgehogshould consider playingAladdin.
4Celeste
On an expedition to the top of Celeste Mountain, players become immersed in the game’s platforming.Celesteis widely available on most last-generation platforms, including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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It’s a bump-up in difficulty when compared to the originalSonic the Hedgehog,but it’s not overly arduous to the point of frustration. The game contains an Assist Mode, but the recommended way to play it is without assists. Celeste Mountain has mysteries and challenges that add to the adventure.
3Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair
The era of games like classicSonic the Hedgehogisn’t over as long asdevelopers continue to produce platformerslike the hit franchise.Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lairtook the world by storm with its stunning 2D and 2.5D levels. The pacing is not as fast asSonic the Hedgehog(few games are), yetYooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lairis too memorable.It’s a hidden gemcontaining puzzles, platforming, and vibrant visuals.
2Cuphead
While the trend is heading towards more leisurely, more accessible games for players,Cupheadis anything but progressive. Theart style is reminiscent of cartoon shows from the 1930s,and the gameplay follows a challenging run and gun style seen in games of theSonic the Hedgehogera. It goes to show that retro games are still relevant in the modern gaming world.
