Sonic Mania Plus - Xbox One

Sonic Mania was a bit of a surprise hit when it launched last year. Many critics hailed it as the best Sonic the Hedgehog game in years. Drenched in nostalgia, it's a game that really got back to the roots of what made Sonic great, and isn't afraid to show it with retro visuals that hark back to the 16bit era of the Mega Drive.

Basically, the game is a mash-up of remixed classic levels and brand new content, delivered with a sharp eye for what fans love about Sonic's speed-fuelled platforming. It's impressive to see an old zone transformed by the addition of deftly placed new running lines or secret areas. In the mix are zones from Sonic 1, 2, 3, Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic The Hedgehog CD.

This isn't just the original game, though - SEGA's billing it as the definitive edition. New playable characters have entered the fray - previously seen as NPCs in past games, Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel weigh in with unique abilities!

There's also Encore Mode, which remixes levels to the point where they feel almost like a whole new game and then lets you flip between characters on the fly!

With a heap of nostalgia and plenty of new content to boot, Sonic Mania Plus is a perfect opportunity for fans new and old to catch up with the blue blur. more