the sonic the hedgehog The series has had its ups and downs, especially when looking at its 3D platformer titles. Over the past 25+ years, the Sonic team has developed many great 3D rigs and many lesser ones. But curiously, even the badly received Sonic games have their fair share of hardcore fans. The discussion on which Sonic the games are the best never seem to end. Hot takes and heated debates have become a central part of the series’ fandom, and as long as we keep getting new games, that’s likely not going to change. So, to add to the conversation, here’s our list of the best Sonic 3D rigs.

13. Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

There is not much to say about Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) it has not yet been said. It’s considered the worst Sonic game ever, and for a few good reasons. It’s plagued with game-breaking bugs, camera issues, terrible lag, and confusing aesthetic choices. The game pairs Sonic cartoon characters with more realistic humans who look completely out of place. The kiss between Princess Elise (a human) and a lifeless Sonic the Hedgehog is probably the best example of this game’s weirdness.

Many consider Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) to be one of the worst games ever made. And while it’s certainly not good, it’s not completely irremediable. The game has a solid soundtrack and introduces a new recurring character, Silver the Hedgehog. The game’s main theme was even sampled on Duckthe song “KMT”. A little sympathy for the team behind sonic ’06 is also due. The game’s development was handled by an unusually small team, was plagued with issues, and had a rushed deadline.

12. Sonic and the Dark Knight (2009)

Sonic and the Dark Knight was released in 2009 as a Nintendo Wii exclusive. It was the second entry in the “Sonic Storybook” series, which places the titular hedgehog in different folk story contexts. In the case of Sonic and the Dark Knight, Sonic is in the world of King Arthur. In this game, Sonic wields the talking sword “Caliburn” and fights against sinister medieval enemies. The game controls were frustrating and the gameplay was seriously disappointing. There really isn’t much to say about Sonic and the Dark Knight. It’s one of the most forgettable Sonic 3D platformers.

11. Shadow the Hedgehog (2005)

While shadow the hedgehog is not a great game, it is an extremely entertaining game. There’s something special about watching an angry cartoon hedgehog swear and shoot people. The gameplay is humorous but lackluster, and the execution of the “more mature” story was poor. Like most Sonic games, music is the standout aspect. shadow the hedgehog features branching stories and multiple endings, so there’s a certain uniqueness to the experience. But that’s not enough for the game to be good. shadow the hedgehog will always be remembered as a ridiculous experience. But at least we will remember it.

10. Sonic Forces (2017)

In Sonic forces, Sonic Team has embraced the love of fans for creating Sonic OC (Original Characters). The game allows players to create their own character, with whom they will play Sonic. Beyond character customization, Sonic forces does not offer anything exceptionally new. This is a standard plug on the Sonic formula that can be easily beaten in a few hours. Overall, the game was massively overshadowed by Sonic Mania which published earlier in the same year.

9. Lost World of Sonic (2013)

sonic lost world has the reputation of being Sonic Team’s attempt to recreate super mario galaxy. Calling the game a scam is a bit too much, but ultimately some similarities are still there. sonic lost world introduces parkour mechanics and focuses on 3D spherical/cylindrical worlds. The game isn’t bad, but it isn’t great either. The controls can cause issues, some levels are tedious, and Sonic doesn’t feel fast enough, but if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll probably enjoy this game.

8. Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007)

Sonic and the Secret Rings was the first game in the previously mentioned “Sonic Storybook” series. This time the game is themed Thousand and one Night. It was the first Sonic game released for the Wii and follows Sonic as he battles Erazor Djinn, an evil genius. The game features on-rails movements that seem restrictive for a Sonic game, but it’s not so bad after all. The gameplay is decent, the settings and music are enjoyable, and leveling up Sonic’s skills is rewarding. After years of massively disappointing releases, Sonic and the Secret Rings was a welcome entry in the series.

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7. Sonic Unleashed (2008)

Sonic strange games and decisions go hand in hand. raging decibells is another testimony to this fact. In raging decibells, Sonic must save the world from Doctor Eggman while facing a curse that turns him into a bestial “Werehog”. The game alternates between the daytime stages of Sonic and the nighttime stages of Werehog. Daytime levels play like a traditional Sonic game focused on platform and speed. Night scenes are slower, button mashing, beat-em-ups. Ultimately, Unleashed only survives on its stellar Sonic stages. The Werehog gimmick was no fun and seriously drags the game down.

6. 3D Sonic Blast (1996)

3D Sonic Blast was the first 3D platform game Sonic Game. It was released in 1996 and was the last Sonic game to be released on Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. The game follows Sonic as he attempts to rescue birds called “Flickies” who have been enslaved by Doctor Eggman. The game uses an isometric perspective but is largely similar to the previous game Sonic securities. Opinion on 3D Sonic Blast are mixed. The gameplay was generally criticized for being too slow and repetitive, but the graphics were impressive for a game released on Genesis. If you are looking to play 3D Sonic Blast today, check out the unofficial director’s version created by Jon Burton, the lead programmer of the Genesis game. The director’s cut improves both gameplay and controls from the original version.

5. Sonic Heroes (2003)

sonic heroes was released in 2003 on GameCube, Playstation 2, Xbox and PC. The game embraced Sonic’s Genesis roots and brought back old characters and gameplay elements. The levels were more linear than those of the Sonic Adventure series, and the story was more basic. One of the best things about sonic heroes is the number of playable characters. In total, you can control 12 characters divided into four teams of three. The game’s graphics and music are solid, and the gameplay is good enough to keep you engaged. Like many other 3D Sonic games, camera and controls are causing issues. But overall, sonic heroes is a solid entry in the series.

4. Sonic Adventure (1998)

While 3D Sonic Blast came out first, Sonic Adventurecould be considered the first true 3D Sonic platform game. Sonic Adventure isn’t perfect, but it was still a big hit that had a huge impact on the direction of the show. The game lets you control six different characters who each have unique skills. The levels are great fun to play and, of course, the music is great. Sonic Adventure has the perfect amount of goofy Sonic charm, while presenting a story that keeps you in suspense. The game also introduced the fan-favorite Chao Garden, where players can play games with and raise little creatures called Chao.

3. Sonic Colors (2010)

Sonic colors is one of the finest examples of a 3D Sonic platform game. There’s even a significant number of fans who consider it the best in the series, and it’s easy to see why. When Sonic colors released, it’s been a long time since fans had a great Sonic game. Fortunately, Sonic colors came through. The game is beautifully presented, has great music and a fun story. Sonic colors also introduced Wisps, which became a staple in future Sonic games. If you are looking to discover 3D Sonic formula well done, you have to play this game.

2. Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)

Sonic Adventure 2 is a strong contender for the best 3D Sonic Game. It builds on what its predecessor did well and adds a lot of new fun. Sonic Adventure 2 features two story paths that allow players to control three different characters for each path. When you play Hero’s story, you play as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. And Dark History introduces the new Shadow and Rouge, as well as Doctor Eggman. Gameplay varies depending on which character stage you’re on, but as expected, the highlights are the Sonic and Shadow levels. Sonic Adventure 2The settings are stunning and the music is one of the most memorable in the series. The Chao Garden has also returned and is much more fleshed out compared to its first iteration. There’s so much to love Sonic Adventure 2 how easy it is to forgive and forget one’s faults.

1. Sound Generations (2011)

There are arguments to be made for one of the best games on this list to take the top spot, but we’re going with it. Sound Generations. Sound Generations is a love letter to the history of Sonic, both 2D and 3D, good and bad games. The game is a compilation of old Sonic scenes that have been beautifully redone. The game is split between the “classic” side-scrolling Sonic Stages and the “modern” 3D Sonic Stages. The levels are all great fun and immensely nostalgic for longtime fans. All in Generations looks and sounds stellar. This is the finest 3D platformer Sonic Team has developed to date. The game is a short but sweet adventure that will satisfy any Sonic fan.

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