Sonic Mania, the classic-style 2D Sonic the Hedgehog platformer developed by SEGA and Lab42 in 2017, is coming to the Epic Games Store.
The critically-acclaimed base game will be free to download on the Epic Games website until July 1 at 11 a.m., after which it will be available to purchase for $19.99. Originally developed in 2017 by Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest Games in collaboration with SEGA of America, Sonic Mania was well-received by fans due to its classic art style and gameplay combined with its polished mechanics and innovative design. While this game was previously available on Steam, Epic Games users can now join the 16-bit speedster on his newest adventure. The Epic Games Store notes the game’s “retro fast-paced platforming” and “pixel perfect 2D graphics running at 60FPS.”
In true retro fashion, Sonic Mania‘s base game allows you to play as not only Sonic, but as Knuckles and Tails as well to take on Dr. Eggman and his nefarious crew of “Hard-Boiled Heavies.” Furthermore, these classic characters can speed through traditional and new stages alike, fighting both new bosses and recreations of old favorites, such as an incarnation of 1994’s Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine from the SEGA Genesis era. Since its release, Sonic Mania has garnered widespread critical praise for being “the ultimate celebration of past and future,” blending old and beloved aesthetics with exciting new ideas almost seamlessly.
In addition to the base game, Sonic Mania Plus, the Encore DLC pack, will be available to purchase for an extra $4.99. Developed by Hyperkinetic Studios in collaboration with Sonic Team, Sonic Mania Plus adds two classic characters to its roster: Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. It also includes a four-player competition mode, as well as “an Encore mode that provides a fresh look to familiar zones with new challenges and layouts for new and veteran players alike.”
While Epic Games players can look forward to the chance to play a game that was previously unavailable to them, it is worth noting that the call for a sequel to Sonic Mania is very real, and fans may be hoping for a more substantial announcement in the wake of the Sonic’s 30th Anniversary. That being said, any chance for players to gain access to a previously unavailable game is good news, and the added benefit of free downloads until July may be enticing to fans.
Sonic Mania is free to download now on the Epic Games Store, a curated digital storefront for PC and Mac users, operated by Epic Games.
Source: Epic Games
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