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If you want another game after Sonic Origins and Sonic Mania, choose based on what you want next: Sonic Superstars for another classic-style 2D adventure, Sonic Frontiers for 3D action and exploration, or SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS for a package with Sonic Generations stages and a new Shadow campaign. These are different playstyle fits, not a definitive quality ranking.
Which Sonic game should you play next?
| Game | Best fit | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic Superstars | Players who want to stay with side-scrolling Sonic | A new high-speed adventure with classic 2D side-scrolling feel and 3D graphics, according to SEGA’s release announcement. |
| Sonic Frontiers | Players ready for 3D action and exploration | An action-adventure across a vast archipelago, with Action Style and High Speed Style controls, as described in SEGA’s release announcement. |
| SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS | Players interested in multiple campaigns or Shadow | Sonic Generations content featuring Classic and Modern Sonic, combined with a new Shadow Generations story campaign, according to SEGA’s announcement. |
If you have only played the base Sonic Origins, check Sonic Origins Plus before buying another classic collection. Its expansion adds Game Gear games and additional playable characters; the right purchase depends on what edition you already own.
Sonic Superstars: another classic-style 2D adventure
Sonic Superstars is the closest match if what you enjoyed in Sonic Mania and the classic games was running through side-on stages. SEGA presents it as a new high-speed action game that combines the classic 2D side-scrolling feel with 3D graphics. That describes its broad style, rather than guaranteeing that its level design or overall experience will suit every player.
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SEGA announced its release on October 17, 2023, for PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Check the listing for your region and platform before buying, since support can vary by edition.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore 4 classic remastered Sonic titles – Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD in high-definition, with all-new opening and ending animations for each title!
- Spin Dash your way through numerous zones in Classic mode with the game’s original resolution and limited lives, or the new Anniversary Mode with unlimited lives in revamped widescreen HD.
- Includes previously released add-on content: Extreme Missions, Mirror Mode, additional screen borders, new character animations in menus, additional music from other Sonic titles, and more!
- Complete missions and unlock Mirror Mode, new stages, challenges, behind-the-scenes content, music player, animated shorts, special stages, and more!
- Play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD! AND for the first time ever, play as Amy Rose in these legendary classic titles!
Sonic Frontiers: 3D action-adventure and exploration
Choose Sonic Frontiers if you want to move beyond the traditional side-scrolling format. SEGA calls it a “boundless action-adventure game” and describes a setting spread across a vast archipelago. Its scale and structure make it a different kind of follow-up from another classic-style stage-based game.
Choose a control style
- Action Style: SEGA describes this as the more accessible option.
- High Speed Style: Intended for players who prefer traditional high-speed controls.
SEGA announced a November 8, 2022 release for PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Steam. The two control styles are options, not a claim that one is better than the other.
Rank #2
- 16 classic titles, 1 timeless collection
- Premium physical edition
- Classic sonic re-defined in widescreen hd
- Classic and anniversary modes
- New playable characters
SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Sonic stages plus a new Shadow campaign
This package combines Sonic Generations, where players speed-run stages as Classic and Modern Sonic, with a new Shadow Generations story campaign. It is a good fit if you want more than one campaign in the same release or are especially interested in Shadow. SEGA’s official descriptions do not establish that you must play the older Sonic Generations release first.
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SEGA announced the game for October 25, 2024, on PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam, and Epic Games Store. SEGA Sammy Holdings reported worldwide sales above two million units on January 24, 2025; that is a sales milestone, not a measure of which game is best for you.
Rank #3
![Sonic Origins Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51X8vR2grhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Explore the classic Sonic titles in high-resolution, with all-new opening and ending animations for each title!
- Complete various missions to collect coins to unlock new content, challenges, and Special Stages through the Museum.
- Classic and Anniversary Mode.
Check whether you need Sonic Origins Plus
If your starting point was the base Sonic Origins, the Plus expansion may be the most relevant next purchase before another full game. SEGA describes Sonic Origins Plus as a bundle with the base game and expansion. The expansion includes 12 Game Gear titles, Amy as a playable character in Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, plus Knuckles as a playable character in Sonic CD.
The premium physical edition is described as including a 20-page artbook and reversible cover. If you already own Sonic Origins, compare the expansion pack with the bundle rather than buying the collection again without checking what your edition includes. SEGA’s page lists PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and Epic, but current regional availability and edition details should be checked before purchase.
Rank #4
- A new Spin on a Classic: You've never played classic Sonic like this before!
- Multiply, swim up waterfalls, change form, and more with the powers of the Chaos Emeralds.
- lay as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, using their unique abilities to explore and uncover new paths and secrets.
- More Friends, More Fun: Play with up to 3 other players in local Co-op and challenge players from around the world in Battle Mode!
How to choose
- Want more side-scrolling stages? Start with Sonic Superstars.
- Want 3D exploration and a different control approach? Choose Sonic Frontiers.
- Want Sonic and Shadow campaigns in one package? Choose SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS.
- Played only base Sonic Origins? Check whether the Plus expansion fills the gap before buying a collection again.
For all three newer games, SEGA announced releases across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, but the exact platform list differs. Confirm that the specific edition supports your console or storefront.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Product 1: Explore 4 classic remastered Sonic titles – Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD in high-definition, with all-new opening and ending animations for each title!
- Product 1: Spin Dash your way through numerous zones in Classic mode with the game’s original resolution and limited lives, or the new Anniversary Mode with unlimited lives in revamped widescreen HD.
- Product 1: Includes previously released add-on content: Extreme Missions, Mirror Mode, additional screen borders, new character animations in menus, additional music from other Sonic titles, and more!
- Product 1: Complete missions and unlock Mirror Mode, new stages, challenges, behind-the-scenes content, music player, animated shorts, special stages, and more!
- Product 2: Experience two games in one with this Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
