Zero Punctuation Season 11 Episode 35 Sonic Mania

In this episode of Zero Punctuation, Yahtzee Croshaw dives into Sonic Mania, the 2D platformer developed by PagodaWest Games and Headcannon and published by Sega. Yahtzee starts off by acknowledging the contentious history of Sonic games, stating that "nobody's really been sure what to do with him since the invention of the third dimension". However, he notes that Sonic Mania takes the franchise back to its roots, with classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay that feels like a return to form.

Yahtzee praises the game's visuals, calling them "effervescently pretty" with a pixel art style that's reminiscent of the Sega Genesis era. He notes that the game's stages are familiar to longtime Sonic fans, but with twists added to keep them fresh and interesting. Additionally, there are new stages that fit right in with the classic ones. Yahtzee is especially impressed with the level design, noting that there's "a real sense of rhythm to the stages that creates a thrilling sense of movement."

One of the game's biggest selling points is its cast of playable characters. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are all present and accounted for, each with their own unique abilities. Yahtzee appreciates the variety, although he does note that Knuckles feels a bit overpowered compared to the other characters. In addition to the main trio, there are other characters that can be unlocked as the game progresses, each of whom has their own unique style of play.

Another aspect of Sonic Mania that Yahtzee appreciates is its attention to detail. He notes that the game is full of hidden secrets and Easter eggs, with nods to past Sonic games and other Sega properties. He also praises the game's music, which he calls "probably the best Sonic soundtrack since the first three games."

That said, Yahtzee does have some critiques of Sonic Mania. He notes that the boss battles feel a bit formulaic, with most of them consisting of hitting an enemy several times while dodging their attacks. He also feels that some of the game's mechanics, such as the blue sphere bonus stages, feel a bit outdated.

Overall, Yahtzee feels that Sonic Mania is a welcome return to form for the Sonic franchise. He notes that the game strikes a good balance between nostalgia and innovation, with plenty of new ideas to keep things interesting while still feeling like a classic Sonic game. He gives the game a strong recommendation for both longtime Sonic fans and newcomers.