While other platformers were offering arduous experiences, Sonic the Hedgehog was made more accessible for the average gamer. Whether you were a casual or hardcore player, Sonic the Hedgehog was enticing. You move exceedingly fast through the game's perplexing level designs, somehow making it to the end eventually.
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New Sonic the Hedgehog games and lookalikes are still relevant in this gaming era. How could a game that released in 1990 show little age? Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most impactful platformer games of all time. Here are some games that attempt to capture the original game's essence.
10 Ecco The Dolphin
The Sega Genesis contained an abundance of side-scrolling games, but few compare to the exploration seen in Ecco the Dolphin. This game released in the same generation as the first Sonic the Hedgehog and likely drew inspiration from it.
In Ecco the Dolphin, the player controls Ecco, a dolphin that fights threats to the world and sea. Ecco the Dolphin poses a greater challenge than Sonic the Hedgehog because of the game's secret paths. Expect to backtrack multiple times while beating this game, but fall in love with its atmospheric ocean setting.
9 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy contains a blend of platforming and combat blending for one seamless adventure. The trilogy was compared to Sonic the Hedgehog when it was initially released, and the remake follows suit. This is a game with side-scrolling and behind the camera view gameplay. Consistent with Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Sonic the Hedgehog is an amiable mascot who carries the game on his shoulders.
8 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Years of innovation in side-scrolling video games have brought us to Ori 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 a Sonic the Hedgehog game, but that won't stop many from delving into this memorable adventure. It's a Metroidvania developed using the Unity engine. Ori and the Will of the Wisps earned acclaim across the board, and we are eagerly waiting for another sequel.
7 Sonic Generations
The Sonic Team put together a game that pays homage to the many years of Sonic the Hedgehog. In Sonic Generations, the player can play as retro Sonic or the modern version.
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If you love the original Sonic the Hedgehog or more recent games like Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Generations has you covered. Sonic's games sometimes feature the original classic character, even if the stages differ. Sonic Generations is a must-play for the game's stages that are essentially remakes of classic stages.
6 Aladdin
Released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis, Aladdin is a phenomenal side-scrolling game. The game has a higher difficulty level than Sonic 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 a retro platformer with slower pacing than Sonic the Hedgehog should consider playing Aladdin.
5 Celeste
On an expedition to the top of Celeste Mountain, players become immersed in the game's platforming. Celeste is 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 original Sonic 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.
4 Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair
The era of games like classic Sonic the Hedgehog isn't over as long as developers continue to produce platformers like the hit franchise. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair took the world by storm with its stunning 2D and 2.5D levels. The pacing is not as fast as Sonic the Hedgehog (few games are), yet Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is too memorable. It's a hidden gem containing puzzles, platforming, and vibrant visuals.
3 Cuphead
While the trend is heading towards more leisurely, more accessible games for players, Cuphead is anything but progressive. The art style is reminiscent of cartoon shows from the 1930s, and the gameplay follows a challenging run and gun style seen in games of the Sonic the Hedgehog era. It goes to show that retro games are still relevant in the modern gaming world.
2 Castle Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse is one of the few praiseworthy Disney games. Released initially for the Sega Genesis in 1990, the game uses side-scrolling platforming like Sonic the Hedgehog. Your movements in Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse have to be more precise, but nothing is preventing adept players from speedrunning this game. With 16-bit graphics, Castle of Illusion helped keep the Sega Genesis profitable before Sonic the Hedgehog's 1991 release.
1 Sonic Mania
2017's Sonic Mania was inspired by classic Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay with added content like character selection and lengthier stages. Concerning Sonic the Hedgehog games, Sonic Mania is a masterpiece. It contains years of Sonic the Hedgehog ingenuity put into a retro-inspired game. This game plays in 60 frames per second and has stunning detail. You aren't a diehard Sonic the Hedgehog fan if you haven't played Sonic Mania.
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