Mighty flexes in celebration after a boss fight, and Ray is a radical dude. Their personas even shine through their sprites, since they're not clones of other characters. Only having read about these characters, I found them a welcome addition to the game since they had their own personalities that complement the main cast. Mighty's tough exterior makes him almost invulnerable to most attacks, with bullets ricocheting off him as he spins by enemies. His "flying" is not exactly like Tails' it has its own acrobatic utility, so Ray is a nimble character. Ray can glide to reach high places or stall the speed of falling. Playing with them also means utilizing their own special skills. There are various mechanics within Sonic Mania that are reminiscent of previous installments, and the reintroduction of these characters continues that trend.īoth Mighty and Ray are not just flat characters, though. It was a welcome surprise to see connections to other Sonic games. Now Ray and Mighty are back from their Japan-only release to assist Sonic in defeating Dr. These two obscure compatriots first made an appearance on SegaSonic the Hedgehog in 1993. It's also where Mania Plus introduces two lesser-known Sonic characters: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. Essentially, it's a continuation of Mania mode. Having already played the original Mania mode, I decided to dig into the Encore mode since that's the major selling point for this add-on.
Being able to look through the game packaging creates a memorable experience. A vibrant opening clip gives the game some Saturday morning cartoon vibes that are reminiscent of the original Sonic animated series. The art book provides a look at the animation process for the game and its opening cut scene. Colorful character models and bright scenes speak volumes about the attention to detail in the game. The goodies don't stop there, as the package also includes a 32-page book with animation stills, concept art and sketches.
The packaging features a holographic cardboard sleeve and gorgeous reversible cover art made to look like a Sega Genesis package. Initially, Sonic Mania Plus' packaging catches the eye. Regardless of whether fans have picked up the base game, Sonic Mania Plus promises new ways to play a modern classic. New multiplayer experiences allow players to compete against their friends. Hardcore Sonic fans looking for a new challenge will enjoy the Encore mode. In an unexpected surprise, Mania Plus brings even more content to an already well-rounded game. With the base game receiving so much support, Sega decided to release a more complete Sonic experience with new modes, new characters, and special physical packaging. After years of semi-disappointing Sonic titles, Sonic Mania received critical acclaim and delivered exactly what was promised. Using the Retro Engine, which was created by game director Christian Whitehead, the new title promised a return to Sonic's Golden Age on the Sega Genesis and Sega Saturn. Sonic Mania had garnered the attention of every old-school fan with its retro throwback look and feel. In 2017, Sega released the most anticipated Sonic game in decades.