Not having played any games related to the Sonic franchise before, I picked up The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog and played through it in one sitting after having read about it in a post here on Lemmy. Safe to say, I absolutely loved every second of it. The art style, the characters and their dynamics, the murder mystery setting and the music. God, the music is bloody amazing, I’ve been listening to the OST nonstop. Anyway, the whole experience got me interested in the franchise the game is based on. I understand that TMOSTH was released as an April fools joke, making it quite different from the other games. Nevertheless I assume that especially the characters and music are of similar quality in the other entries. The issue I now have at hand is that due to my lack of knowledge about these games I’m unsure which ones to begin with and which ones to prefer or even avoid. Lists that I found online have been rather inconclusive and partially confusing to me. For this reason I’m looking for advice through this post. What’s a good starting point based on the aspects important to me and the experience I described? I suppose it is also important to note that my only gaming platform is a PC. I appreciate you reading through this post and thanks for any advice! <3
Wow, thank you all so much for the advice and insights you’ve shared! Your answers helped me tremendously in gaining a better understanding and it’s been super fun to read them all! I think I’ll pick up Sonic x Shadow Generations first and work my way through the other titles if I enjoy it, which I’m sure I will. Can’t wait to properly dive into the franchise! Oh, and I’ll definitely read those comics that were mentioned, they sound like a lot of fun. Thanks again, I’m really grateful :D
Sonic 2 for the Genesis is my favorite game of all time. So I’d suggest starting with that one, personally. First Sonic was good too, but the second game refined the controls and made some small quality of life improvements. Then Sonic 3 + Knuckles and Sonic Mania are also excellent.
The 3D Sonics have been pretty hit or miss though. The controls are dumbed down and not nearly as tight as the classic 2D ones, although Frontiers was a step in the right direction.
Sonic fan for more than two decades here! It’s always great to see more people interested in the franchise!
I would say that maybe it would be good to start with Sonic Generations (or Sonic x Shadow Generations if you can afford it, which is the same but with the Shadow The Hedgehog story as an extra), so you get familiar with the gameplay of both classic and modern games, have a sense of where it’s going and decide whether to go ahead or not.
I see that your interest is more focused on the characters and their dynamics, fantastic! the best part of the franchise in my opinion!. In that sense I would say that your best option to go deeper after Sonic Generations would be the mythical Adventure saga (Adventure 1 and Adventure 2). They are the games in which much more emphasis was put on the characters and the story.
Already after this and if you are hooked is that I recommend that you play the classics. You can play Sonic 1, Sonic CD, Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles in Sonic Origins (although you can also emulate the Mega Drive games), and then there is Sonic Mania. Why not start with the classics? Because they are very much of their time: pure gameplay, simple and not so deep story, but very fun to play!
You talk about games, but let me recommend you to read the IDW Comics in a complementary way. They are REALLY good! If I remember correctly, one of the artists on the comics, Evan Stanley, worked on The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, and the story of the game plays out very similar to how the Comics read. It’s also where you’ll find the most depth in the characters (and you’ll encounter the best story arc EVER written for the franchise, EVER).
To sum up:
Sonic Generations (Or Sonic x Shadow Generations)
Sonic Adventure 1 and 2
Sonic Origins (Which are Sonic 1, CD, 2, 3 & Knuckles)
If you really liked the interactions between the characters, honestly I think The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog did that better than any of the other games did. If that’s the main appeal for you, you’ve already played the best one. I haven’t read the comics myself, but like others have mentioned, that’s probably what you’re looking for.
Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 feature many of the same characters as The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, but the dialog isn’t really as polished. It’s an English translation of a Japanese game at a time when they were still trying to figure out how to do cutscenes in 3D Sonic games. But based on your criteria, I’d say those are a good starting point, though. They’re both on Steam. (The first game is called Sonic Adventure DX because it has the “upgraded” graphics that many fans think is actually a downgrade in art style. There are mods to change things back to their original look. I think this SADX mod installer installs all of them for you.)
Sonic X Shadow Generations has many of the levels from Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, but lacks the same cutscenes and characters. The gameplay is great, though.
And if you liked the OST, then you’ll definitely like the music in the 2D games, especially Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic Mania.
I’d recommend Sonic Generations (or Sonic X Shadow Generations), which is kind of a best-of of previous Sonic games’ levels, tied together with a new story.
Sonic mania is also a great game, reminiscent of the first few 2d Sonic games. But, just like those games, it doesn’t really have much of a story or character interactions.
Well, you could play the original Sega Genesis games, since that’s where it all started. You can either download the roms to play on an emulator, or you could probably buy an official release too.
The first one is skippable since the sequels basically improve on it in every way. I would at least recommend Sonic 3 and knuckles (it’s a combination of sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles, they were originally going to be one game but got split into 2 games, but through some weird lock on cartridge technology at the time, they could be combined back into one game).
I don’t know if it’s something that only happened in digital re-releases of Sonic 3 & Knuckles, or if it always did this back in the day, since I no longer have a Genesis, but the music is different in the official modern releases of Sonic 3 & Knuckles compared to original Sonic 3. It’s better in 3.
Yeah only way to get the original soundtrack is via emulator or an actual cartridge. I think it only pertains to Sonic 3 though. I don’t think part 2 (Sonic & Knuckles) had the same issues
If I recall correctly it’s related to licensing issues with the person who composed the original music in Sonic 3. Some people see it as evidence of the rumor that Michael Jackson was involved in the Sonic 3 music development.
The franchise is very much split in gameplay style between the 2D and 3D entries. Generally the 2D games are much more highly rated, but there are good 3D games (and not-so-good 2D games) too. Here’s a list of what’s worth checking out of each:
2D
The original trilogy from the Genesis (found in various Genesis collections and Sonic Origins)
Sonic Advance trilogy (GBA)
Sonic Rush (DS)
Sonic Mania (any modern console and PC)
3D
Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 (Steam, modern consoles MAY have digital copies)
Sonic Colors (most easily accessible through recent remaster on PC and modern consoles)
Sonic (X Shadow) Generations (just remade everywhere)
Sonic Frontiers (haven’t tried it myself but heard it’s alright)
To be clear, the early 2D series of Sonic was relatively story-light, the detailed stories and characters didn’t really arrive until Sonic Adventure. Some of these you will need emulators on your PC to play. Make sure you have a good gamepad, either an Xbox controller or PS4/PS5 controller or a knockoff in the same style are ideal.
Best 2D Sonic (light on story, heavy on gameplay): Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Close 2nd 2D Sonic: Sonic 3 + Sonic & Knuckles
Best 3D Sonic (heavy on story and gameplay): Sonic Adventure
Close 2nd 3D Sonic: Sonic Adventure 2
3D “Sonic” with a cult following: Shadow the Hedgehog
Honorable Mention because it’s so fun in terms of gameplay and story: Sonic Generations and/or Shadow Generations
I think it depends strongly on your taste for getting into a series (do you want to play the best game first, or work up to it? Etc)
However, if you enjoyed the Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog you probably want to look into the IDW Sonic comics, which are being adapted for mobile formats on webtoons for free right now once a week.
Mind you, thats the IDW comics, not the old archie ones, which… Have a certain appeal but are so unhinged.
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Wow, thank you all so much for the advice and insights you’ve shared! Your answers helped me tremendously in gaining a better understanding and it’s been super fun to read them all! I think I’ll pick up Sonic x Shadow Generations first and work my way through the other titles if I enjoy it, which I’m sure I will. Can’t wait to properly dive into the franchise! Oh, and I’ll definitely read those comics that were mentioned, they sound like a lot of fun. Thanks again, I’m really grateful :D
Sonic mania is the only really good one since Sega made consoles.
And go figure, it wasn’t made by Sonic team
I recommend these old school sonic games. They are by far the best.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 3/Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic Adventure 1
Sonic 2 for the Genesis is my favorite game of all time. So I’d suggest starting with that one, personally. First Sonic was good too, but the second game refined the controls and made some small quality of life improvements. Then Sonic 3 + Knuckles and Sonic Mania are also excellent.
The 3D Sonics have been pretty hit or miss though. The controls are dumbed down and not nearly as tight as the classic 2D ones, although Frontiers was a step in the right direction.
Sonic fan for more than two decades here! It’s always great to see more people interested in the franchise!
I would say that maybe it would be good to start with Sonic Generations (or Sonic x Shadow Generations if you can afford it, which is the same but with the Shadow The Hedgehog story as an extra), so you get familiar with the gameplay of both classic and modern games, have a sense of where it’s going and decide whether to go ahead or not.
I see that your interest is more focused on the characters and their dynamics, fantastic! the best part of the franchise in my opinion!. In that sense I would say that your best option to go deeper after Sonic Generations would be the mythical Adventure saga (Adventure 1 and Adventure 2). They are the games in which much more emphasis was put on the characters and the story.
Already after this and if you are hooked is that I recommend that you play the classics. You can play Sonic 1, Sonic CD, Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles in Sonic Origins (although you can also emulate the Mega Drive games), and then there is Sonic Mania. Why not start with the classics? Because they are very much of their time: pure gameplay, simple and not so deep story, but very fun to play!
You talk about games, but let me recommend you to read the IDW Comics in a complementary way. They are REALLY good! If I remember correctly, one of the artists on the comics, Evan Stanley, worked on The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, and the story of the game plays out very similar to how the Comics read. It’s also where you’ll find the most depth in the characters (and you’ll encounter the best story arc EVER written for the franchise, EVER).
To sum up:
Good luck and have fun!
If you really liked the interactions between the characters, honestly I think The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog did that better than any of the other games did. If that’s the main appeal for you, you’ve already played the best one. I haven’t read the comics myself, but like others have mentioned, that’s probably what you’re looking for.
Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 feature many of the same characters as The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, but the dialog isn’t really as polished. It’s an English translation of a Japanese game at a time when they were still trying to figure out how to do cutscenes in 3D Sonic games. But based on your criteria, I’d say those are a good starting point, though. They’re both on Steam. (The first game is called Sonic Adventure DX because it has the “upgraded” graphics that many fans think is actually a downgrade in art style. There are mods to change things back to their original look. I think this SADX mod installer installs all of them for you.)
Sonic X Shadow Generations has many of the levels from Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, but lacks the same cutscenes and characters. The gameplay is great, though.
And if you liked the OST, then you’ll definitely like the music in the 2D games, especially Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic Mania.
I’d recommend Sonic Generations (or Sonic X Shadow Generations), which is kind of a best-of of previous Sonic games’ levels, tied together with a new story.
Sonic mania is also a great game, reminiscent of the first few 2d Sonic games. But, just like those games, it doesn’t really have much of a story or character interactions.
Make sure you check out Sonic Robo Blast 2, it’s a great fan game
Well, you could play the original Sega Genesis games, since that’s where it all started. You can either download the roms to play on an emulator, or you could probably buy an official release too. The first one is skippable since the sequels basically improve on it in every way. I would at least recommend Sonic 3 and knuckles (it’s a combination of sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles, they were originally going to be one game but got split into 2 games, but through some weird lock on cartridge technology at the time, they could be combined back into one game).
I don’t know if it’s something that only happened in digital re-releases of Sonic 3 & Knuckles, or if it always did this back in the day, since I no longer have a Genesis, but the music is different in the official modern releases of Sonic 3 & Knuckles compared to original Sonic 3. It’s better in 3.
Yeah only way to get the original soundtrack is via emulator or an actual cartridge. I think it only pertains to Sonic 3 though. I don’t think part 2 (Sonic & Knuckles) had the same issues
If I recall correctly it’s related to licensing issues with the person who composed the original music in Sonic 3. Some people see it as evidence of the rumor that Michael Jackson was involved in the Sonic 3 music development.
His producer was. We got that answer in the past few years.
The franchise is very much split in gameplay style between the 2D and 3D entries. Generally the 2D games are much more highly rated, but there are good 3D games (and not-so-good 2D games) too. Here’s a list of what’s worth checking out of each:
2D The original trilogy from the Genesis (found in various Genesis collections and Sonic Origins) Sonic Advance trilogy (GBA) Sonic Rush (DS) Sonic Mania (any modern console and PC)
3D Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 (Steam, modern consoles MAY have digital copies) Sonic Colors (most easily accessible through recent remaster on PC and modern consoles) Sonic (X Shadow) Generations (just remade everywhere) Sonic Frontiers (haven’t tried it myself but heard it’s alright)
To be clear, the early 2D series of Sonic was relatively story-light, the detailed stories and characters didn’t really arrive until Sonic Adventure. Some of these you will need emulators on your PC to play. Make sure you have a good gamepad, either an Xbox controller or PS4/PS5 controller or a knockoff in the same style are ideal.
Best 2D Sonic (light on story, heavy on gameplay): Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Close 2nd 2D Sonic: Sonic 3 + Sonic & Knuckles
Best 3D Sonic (heavy on story and gameplay): Sonic Adventure
Close 2nd 3D Sonic: Sonic Adventure 2
3D “Sonic” with a cult following: Shadow the Hedgehog
Honorable Mention because it’s so fun in terms of gameplay and story: Sonic Generations and/or Shadow Generations
I think it depends strongly on your taste for getting into a series (do you want to play the best game first, or work up to it? Etc) However, if you enjoyed the Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog you probably want to look into the IDW Sonic comics, which are being adapted for mobile formats on webtoons for free right now once a week.
Mind you, thats the IDW comics, not the old archie ones, which… Have a certain appeal but are so unhinged.