Top 7 3D Sonic Games
By Sonic the Hedgehog has a deep 30-year history in the video game industry, and as that has passed, many great 3D Sonic games have been released. The classic 2D titles are more appreciated by the community, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t find quality within these 3D platformers. From the exciting Sonic Generations to all of Team Sonic joining forces in Sonic Heroes, here are the Top 7 3D Sonic Games.
7 – Sonic Forces
The most recent of this list is also the most contested. Sonic Forces is a 2017 title in the franchise that disappointed many with its basic platforming and excessive quick-time events. However, it does present some exciting environments to speed through, and you can play as your own custom character for the first time in the series. The marketing for the game teased a darker storyline, but Sega, unfortunately, didn’t match expectations.
6 – Sonic and the Black Knight
Did you know Sonic the Hedgehog wielded a sword in the past? Well, on the Wii’s Sonic and the Black Knight, he was the knight of the wind. In these medieval-themed levels, you’re speeding through castles and England-inspired fields. With Sonic’s new sword, you can spin in the air and slash foes beneath him. There are also some cool boss battles against characters you may know from the series, such as Knuckles and Shadow.
5 – Sonic Heroes
Sonic Heroes is a historic entry in the platforming series as this was Sega’s first foray on all three systems, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and the Nintendo GameCube. It also resulted in a great game that was hampered by a few issues. In Sonic Heroes, you can play with four different groups: Team Sonic (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles), Team Dark (Shadow, Rouge, E-123 Omega), Team Chaotix (Vector, Espio, Charmy), and Team Rose (Rose, Cream, and Big the Cat).
4 – Sonic Adventure series
The Sonic Adventure series succeeded in delivering a compelling 3D platforming experience while its competition Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine thrived on the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube. It has an engrossing story with many playable characters, levels with spectacle, and decent controls that could certainly be improved by a remake if Sega ever decides to.
3 – Sonic Colors: Ultimate
With strong theming, a Sonic the Hedgehog game can go a long way, and this is the case with Sonic Colors: Ultimate. There are distinct environments like a theme park and forests that truly look stunning. Originally released on the Wii, it’s recently been remastered for 4K screens in 60 frames per second in the Ultimate version on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
2 – Sonic Unleashed
In 2008, Sonic Unleashed debuted the exciting boost formula to the Sonic the Hedgehog series. We were treated to a bunch of 3D levels that showcase the speed of the blue blur on the screen. Pressing the shoulder buttons while running forward would move to the left or the right for you, and it’s a rush to avoid obstacles in this manner. In 2022, the game still looks great with a gorgeous art style and top-of-the-line graphics for the time. It’s recently been upgraded on the Xbox Series X/S, adding higher-resolution visuals and 60 frames-per-second gameplay.
1 – Sonic Generations
Celebrating 20 years of the blue hedgehog, Sega created a new game called Sonic Generations that combines fan-favorite levels of the 2D and 3D eras of the series. Sonic Team cleverly remade classic stages like Green Hill Zone into 3D and turned Sonic Adventure 2’s City Escape into a 2D level as Sonic Generations crosses over both iterations of the character into one journey. It’s a clear love letter to fans with exceptional levels inspired by the character’s historic adventures.
