Part 4 of 5 of Sonic Mania Adventures has hit YouTube today – with this episode chronicling Ray’s search for Mighty! But watch out Ray – someone is in hot pursuit!
Catch the latest episode above.
Sonic Mania Adventures features character art from Tyson Hesse, music from Tee Lopes, and animation from Neko Productions.
The third episode of Sonic Mania Adventures just dropped today, and as teased at the end of the last episode, it stars everyone’s favorite red, bipedal, gem-guarding echidna, Knuckles.
Will Knuckles fall for another one of Eggman’s ruses? Will he fail at his one job, again? Will he indeed not chuckle, as the news headline implies? I don’t know, because I haven’t actually watched the episode yet. Check out the video below to find out, and be sure to stick around after the credits for a little tease of what’s to come!
Sonic Mania Adventures features character art from Tyson Hesse, music from Tee Lopes, and animation from Neko Productions.
Whoops. When SEGA accidentally pushed version 1.04 of Sonic Mania on PlayStation Network last month, it enabled the ‘Plus’ expansion for free. But, it was assumed that most of the new content was still locked away until its official July release. Well, one fan mistakenly discovered a way to access the entire ‘Encore’ remixed stages in the game, and managed to stream the whole thing too. Continue reading Sonic Mania Plus’ Encore Mode Accidentally Streamed in its Entirety
Ray the Squirrel and Mighty the Armadillo are two fine additions to Sonic Mania Plus, but if the upcoming Japanese soundtrack release is anything to go by there may be more callbacks to the game these two characters debuted in – SEGASonic the Hedgehog – than we thought. Continue reading SEGASonic the Hedgehog Stage ‘Trap Tower’ Revealed in Sonic Mania Plus OST
If you’ve always wanted to blast the Sonic Mania Soundtrack from your car stereo, you’re going to want to look into investing in the Japanese release of Sonic Mania Plus, which along with all of the perks of the western release will be packaged with a double CD album!
The Japanese Sonic Mania website details the full 54 track double CD, which not only includes all of the songs that appeared on the Data Discs’ Sonic Mania album release (which contained all of the original tracks in the game and will be back in stock for the launch of Plus), it also holds all of the “re-imagined” classic stage songs [EDIT: Nearly all!]. If that wasn’t enough,there are four Sonic Mania Plus bonus tracks included, along side all three Hyper Potions tracks constituting Friends and both versions of Time Trails including the version with Crush 40’s Jun Senoue on guitar.
While most will be pleased that the game is seeing an OST release on CD, it is not packaged with the western releases of Sonic Mania Plus. The special edition is available from Amazon Japan for about the same price as the western releases, however buyers will likely have to play extra for shipping and import fees in order to get their mittens on a copy. If you’re feeling even more flush, Ebten Japan are offering another edition which includes a limited edition T-Shirt, canvas purse and art cards, but these extras will set you back more than ¥8000.
Stay tuned to TSS for more Sonic Mania Plus news!
In a new interview with Famitsu, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka revealed some interesting details about how long-lost Sonic characters Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Squirrel managed to make their way into Sonic Mania Plus. While he was happy and excited to be able to bring the two heroes back, he was certain that the door on their return to the series was otherwise closed. Continue reading Takashi Iizuka: Without Sonic Mania, Ray and Mighty “Would Never See Light of Day” Again
SEGA have announced today that the release date of Sonic Mania Plus is Tuesday July 17th 2018 for both Europe and North America.
Along with the announcement comes a new animated trailer featuring the two new protagonists, Mighty and Ray, animated once again by Tyson Hesse.
The trailer and the images in the gallery show more of the gameplay fans can expect in Mania Plus, including Mighty’s ability to destroy obsticles, and Ray’s ability to glide. In addition to this, the new “Encore mode” provides fresh looks and challenges in already established zones in the games, alonside a 4-player competition mode.
Those looking to get a glimpse of the physical release can also check out images of the reversable cover art (including a retro Genesis cover) and the artbook to be packaged in a holographic cover.
For those who already own the digital version of Sonic Mania, the Encore DLC pack will be available via stores for £3.99 to upgrade the game to Plus.
As always, stay tuned to TSS for more information on Sonic Mania Plus as it comes!
The world of Sonic fan game development never rests. What with annual Hacking Contests, Amateur Game Expos (plus Really Amateur Game Expos), and the odd flash of brilliance catching the Internet’s attention, these games not only help us pass the time between the major official releases from SEGA, some even push the boundaries of the unwritten rulebook of Sonic game design in ways we can only dream of.
Such is the case with a trio of ambitious passion projects in the works, as these three have gained significant notoriety lately for striking a significant chord with the wider Sonic community. In order, we have a large scale mod upending Sonic Mania with a whole new game, an easy-to-use tool to test the limits of your imagination, and something someone’s been working on that may have redefined Modern 3D Sonic gameplay as we know it – check them out below!
Continue reading A Trio of Fan Works to Look Out For: Sonic Gaiden, Sonic Studio & Project Hero
Live from SXSW, SEGA has revealed a new series of Sonic Mania-themed animated shorts. The series will comprise 5 episodes which will be shown on YouTube, created by the same team that created the Sonic Mania opening short, headed by the one-and-only Tyson Hesse, and soundtracked by Mania composer Tee Lopes.
The short series will take place after Sonic Forces, and will cover what happened to classic Sonic after he returned to his world after the events of Sonic Forces.
The first episode of Sonic Mania Adventures will debut in the next 30 days.
UPDATE: The Sonic the Hedgehog Youtube has released a 30 second sample of the series:
Check out the array of concept art for the series shown at SXSW in the gallery below!
SEGA has announced a physical version of Sonic Mania will be released later this year. The game, dubbed ‘Sonic Mania Plus’, will also be something of a ‘micro-update’ as it will essentially be the same game with the added bonus of two new playable characters. And, for fans of SEGASonic the Hedgehog Arcade… you’d better be sitting down. Continue reading ‘Sonic Mania Plus’ Physical Game Release Announced, Comes With Two New Characters
Among the bevy of VGM cover artists I follow on the web, one standout artist in particular shines with his rock/metal arrangements of classic gaming themes in the form of “GaMetal.”
Week by week, Jonny Atma wows the scene with all sorts of fantastic VGM covers featuring his trademark solos, covering nearly every song under the sun from the popular to the obscure, and fan-favourites from the Sonic series is no exception. While he has covered a handful of tracks from the franchise in the past, Atma wrapped up the month of February with not just one, but two remixes of some of the best boss tracks Sonic the Hedgehog has to offer.
Continue reading GaMetal Unleashes a Double Whammy of Sonic Boss Theme Covers
As of today, Sonic Mania’s soundtrack is no longer a vinyl exclusive, as it has finally hit digital music platforms as Sonic Mania Selected Edition. This version of the soundtrack is more comprehensive than the vinyl, containing all forty-seven music tracks created for the game. The soundtrack can be downloaded for $15.99 on iTunes, $14.49 on Google Play, and $18.99 on Amazon. Individual tracks can be had for $1.29, $0.99 and $1.29 on each service respectively.
While the soundtrack is pretty comprehensive, there is a reason why it is called the “Selected Edition”. The album lacks the tracks that were originally composed for Sonic 1 and 2.
Sonic Forces has come and gone and the Sonic Talk crew of Jason, Alex, GX and special guest (and occasional header artist) Cory Holmes weigh in on the game. We go in and critique every detail of this new 3-D outing from Sonic Team. Is it as good as we’d hoped or as bad as we feared? Listen in to find out.
By the way, sorry this one is so late,, but I had a ton of computer problems after I had this originally set up, so the audio in this month’s episode is done by our own GX Echidna.
What do you think the legendary horror movie director John Carpenter does to unwind and relax? Well, as it turns out, the visionary behind Halloween, The Thing and They Live has one major vice that he’s been unable to shake off for twenty years straight – Sonic the Hedgehog games. Continue reading It’s Official: John Carpenter is a Sonic the Hedgehog Fan
Growing up in the early 90’s it was impossible to avoid the music scene pervading daily life; seductive R&B tones danced through ear-worm melodies, from songs that would https://www.sonicstadium.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=50098&action=edithang at the top of the charts for weeks. From this musical era came the Sonic CD soundtrack, of which I speak specifically the Japanese/European version, which for many forms the epitome of the classic Sonic the Hedgehog sound. Twenty-something years later, we see the classic series revived through Sonic Mania – complete with a brand new soundtrack. But how does this compare to it’s 1990’s predecessors?
Well let me tell ya somethin’ brother!! I was at Venice beach pumpin’ iron when I heard someone listenin’ to a podcast! It had these three nerds, Jason, Alex and GX, all talking about that new Sonic game, Sonic Mania and heapin’ a bunch of praise on it! Jason was reviewing that new Sega game, Yakuza Kiwami and giving his hands on impressions about Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. They also talked a bunch about all the news on Sonic Forces and reviewed some of the latest episodes of Sonic Boom! Continue reading Sonic Talk 47: Sonic Mania is Runnin’ Wild!
If you’re heading to Japan this year for Tokyo Game Show, then you’ll be happy to know that SEGA has prepared a metric tonne of incredible merchandise for you to buy on the show floor. Not only will there be interesting new Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces-themed items on sale, but a number of fresh items in a brand new ‘With Sonic’ range. Continue reading Amazing Sonic Merchandise Up For Grabs at Tokyo Game Show
The PC version of Sonic Mania hit Steam last week, and it didn’t take long for the Sonic hacking community to construct tools to unpack, data mine and mod the game. We’ve assembled a list of the seven most interesting things the community have found lurking inside the game’s source code! Continue reading 7 Amazing Things That Went Unused In Sonic Mania
It was only a matter of time before someone managed to completely misread the sprites in Sonic Mania and create a brand new character out of it. We just didn’t think it would happen so soon! One player in particular has captured the hearts and minds of the Sonic community by epically misinterpreting one of the bosses. Introducing ‘Omelette’ / ‘Eggette’ / ‘Ovoid Robotnik’! Continue reading Meet Omelette, Sonic Mania’s Accidental New Boss Character
After a two-week delay, Sonic Mania finally sees its PC release today on Steam. As a reward for their wait, PC gamers can expect a version of the game that includes several bug fixes that are still present in the console versions, in addition to the Super Sonic transformation that can now be activated via a dedicated button (and allowing continued use of the drop dash once the player has collected more than 50 rings with all Chaos emeralds in their possession). Continue reading Sonic Mania Arrives on Steam With Bug Fixes And DRM
While Sonic Mania is taking many gamers back in time to the nineties, much about the Sonic hype experience is very different to that enjoyed some twenty-plus years ago. One of the biggest changes to the gaming experience has been the emergence of social media, which allows developers, critics and fans to react and interact in a way that simply did not exist back when Sonic was rocking in 16-bit. Continue reading Sonic Mania: The Twitter Experience
[This article will contain some spoilers for Sonic Mania, so if you’re waiting for the PC version, see you next week]
You know how some people have these phrases that they use to try and articulate their feelings? Especially when it comes to Sonic games? Well today we’re going to look at one of them; this one:
“I want the villain to be ‘a true threat to Sonic”
Continue reading The Spin: The Notion of ‘A True Threat To Sonic’
Sonic Mania has officially released on a number of home consoles, but perhaps the most interesting release has to be on Nintendo’s newly-launched Switch platform. With its home-portable hybrid design, it makes it relatively easy to play the latest Sonic platformer on the move. So, a couple of our TSS reporters went walkies with their Switches to see if the experience was any good. Some of them found a pretty blurry line between the real world and the Sonic world… be careful out there, Switch users. Continue reading Sonic On The Road: Playing Mania on Nintendo Switch
A twitter user by the name of Jojo has discovered that if you open up the Genesis/Mega Drive stand of the Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition statue, there is an actual LED light in the display! (NOTE: Doing so would void any warranty you might have on it.) What’s more, you can make it work! The tiny circuit board for the “SEGAAA!” sound includes two holes marked “LED”. All you need is a bit of copper wiring and a screwdriver. You can check how he did it on Jojo’s Twitter page, but man! What an easy mod! It makes you wonder though. Sega seemed to back out of the LED light working at the last minute. Why?
As you all know, Sonic Mania officially (ahem) released on consoles back on August 15th, 2017, and it turns out a lot of people are just lapping it up on Nintendo’s latest system. Continue reading Sonic Mania Tops the Switch Download Charts
A Facebook user by the name of Devin Super Tramp who describes himself as a ‘stuntman’ has uploaded a rather amazing video to show his excitement for Sonic Mania, dressed Sonic, he runs through the countryside and performs a number of Sonic inspired stunts and acrobatics through trees, walls and even some old ruins, as he rushes to rescue his Amy Rose. Continue reading Sonic Stuntman In Parkour Panic Rescue Act 1!
Following the release (and in the run up to it’s release) of Sonic Mania, a number of people have been asking the question ‘will there be DLC or additional content of some kind released at a later date?’ Continue reading “No DLC Planned for Sonic Mania”
So you’ve gathered all of the Chaos Emeralds. You’ve defeated Egg Reverie. You have screamed your way through 32 taxing Blue Sphere levels, and collected a gold medal from each of them. You’ve beaten the game with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles… and you’ve honed your speed-running skills in Time Attack…
You might be thinking you’ve seen all that Sonic Mania has to offer…but think again! Continue reading Sonic Mania’s Secret Ending! [SPOILERS]
So Sonic Mania is out and available to download on home consoles. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, there are a range of Achievements and Trophies to collect and challenge yourself with. If you’re having trouble getting some of them, why not look through our Game Guide for some pointers?
NB: Spoilers inside, obviously. Continue reading Sonic Mania Achievement / Trophy Guide
“Porta Vista,” “Checkpoint,” and “Time Trials.” Hyper Potions have become synonymous with promotional Sonic music over the past year, and their contributions to the brand have finally reached a head with Sonic Mania‘s release tomorrow on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
The opening animation to the highly anticipated throwback to the classics (of which you can read our TSS review with Svend and Adam here) was accompanied by Ian and Kevin’s newest nostalgia-inducing single: “Friends.” The full version of the track made its debut alongside the opening’s unveiling, and today, it is now up for grabs on digital markets such as iTunes and Google Play.
Continue reading You Can Now Download Hyper Potions’ “Friends” from the Sonic Mania Opening
WOW! Last week, we asked you all to ‘draw like a 90s kid’ to celebrate Sonic Mania’s launch tomorrow, and boy have we been bowled over by the humungous response (and amazing talent)! It seems like everyone’s nostalgia-bone has been well and truly tickled. Let’s take a look at the winners – and some honourable mentions – below! Continue reading Sonic Mania ‘Drawn Back to the 90s’ Competition: THE WINNERS
Note: This review qualifies as ‘spoiler free’, but it does contain information on stages, gameplay elements and story concepts that have already been made public by official SEGA marketing channels. Be aware, if you’ve been on a total media blackout.
In the middle of Sonic Mania’s main adventure mode, Sonic is warped to the Little Planet and finds himself in a spectacularly familiar place. Golden speakers line a series of curvy narrow chutes that catapult our blue hero into the sky, against a starlit backdrop. Continue reading TSS REVIEW: Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is out now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and set to release on Tuesday 29th August on Windows PC. Here’s all you need to know about getting a hold of the game on your system of choice, and all the merch we know of!
Continue reading Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition & vinyl soundtrack back in stock; new t-shirts
We’re just one last, impossible weekend away to Sonic Mania, so I feel it’s only appropriate to highlight one celebrated aspect of the game: its music! The news of Tee Lopes’ hiring as Mania‘s composer was met with widespread acclaim across the Sonic community, and over the past year, we were gifted with a number of his contributions to the soundtrack.
For the occasion, I am bringing back Sound Test Saturday and have catalogued one remix for every Zone confirmed by SEGA in Sonic Mania, as well as a few bonuses! Don’t forget to support and follow these artists in the links provided below. Now, enjoy!
Continue reading Sound Test Saturday: Pre-Mania Launch Edition!
It’s the final weekend before Sonic Mania is released, and boy has this been a game that a lot of fans have been waiting a long time for. A pure sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles is what a lot of people have asked for, and this collaborative effort between Christian Whitehead, HeadCannon, PagodaWest Games and SEGA aims to fulfil just that. So, with that in mind, what does our Sonic Stadium team think of the project, and what are our collective hopes and expectations for the game? Take a look, below. Continue reading TSS Roundtable: Our Hopes and Expectations for Sonic Mania
Aaron Webber has announced via a Sonic Official youtube livestream that the PC version of Sonic Mania will be delayed ‘for further optimization,’ to ensure it runs on all variations of PC hardware. As an apology, anyone who’s pre-ordered the PC version of Sonic Mania will be receiving a free copy of Sonic 1 on PC. Continue reading Sonic Mania’s PC version delayed
![Sonic Mania’s Secret Ending! [SPOILERS]](https://www.sonicstadium.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017-mania-ending-hero.png)
