Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania is a 2D side-scrolling platformer video game developed by Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest Games, and published by Sega. The game was released in 2017 as a celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog's 25th anniversary. It features retro-style graphics and original gameplay mechanics, while also introducing new stages, bosses, and playable characters.

The game takes place in the classic Sonic the Hedgehog universe and follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles on their quest to stop Dr. Eggman from taking over the world with the help of their new ally, a mysterious gemstone named the Phantom Ruby. The players can choose to play as any of these three characters or unlock more characters, including Sonic's friend Mighty the Armadillo.

Sonic Mania offers classic gameplay featuring loop-de-loops, springs, and power-ups while also introducing new abilities, such as the drop dash move which allows the player to gain instant momentum after jumping, and unique stage designs that pay homage to previous Sonic games.

The game features various game modes including the main story mode as well as time attack mode where players can compete for the fastest time on each level. There's also a split-screen multiplayer mode called competition mode where players can race against each other to reach the end of the level first.

Sonic Mania has received numerous positive reviews from critics and fans alike for its nostalgic aesthetics and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game is a must-play for both old-school Sega fans and newcomers alike looking for an exciting platformer experience.