List of games

This is a list of games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

List of games

Chronological

• Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive; 1991)

Sonic the Hedgehog establishes the series' foundation. It introduces protagonist Sonic the Hedgehog, a speedy blue hedgehog who values freedom above all else, and antagonist Dr. Ivo Robotnik, a malevolent human scientist who would later take the moniker Dr. Eggman. When Sonic realizes that his animal friends are in danger, he embarks on a quest to stop Robotnik. Basic gameplay elements introduced in this game such as video monitors, Rings, Badniks and Chaos Emeralds have since become a staple of the series.

• Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System, Game Gear; 1991)

The 8-bit incarnation of Sonic the Hedgehog follows the same basic storyline, although it was released later. While the manual takes a modified excerpt from the 16-bit storyline, it is usually considered a separate title.

• Sonic Eraser (Mega Drive; 1991)

Sonic Eraser is a Japanese-only puzzle game that was distributed digitally through Meganet. There is no known exact release date, so it may or may not predate Sonic's debut.

• Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car (Arcade; 1991)

Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car is a children's Arcade machine that shows Sonic as a hero cop that chases down Eggman, who is now a common thief.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System, Game Gear; 1992)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 marks Sonic's second appearance on South Island after having adventures away. In this game, Sonic returns to the island to find it invaded once again by Dr. Robotnik. Miles "Tails" Prower, a close friend of Sonic's, is kidnapped by Dr. Robotnik and used as a bargaining chip in order to make his nemesis collect the six Chaos Emeralds for him.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Mega Drive; 1992)

The 16-bit incarnation of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduces a playable version of Tails, as well as the trademark maneuver known as the Spin Dash. Dr. Robotnik follows Sonic's plane, the Tornado, to West Side Island on a hunch. While there, he gets a reading that the six Chaos Emeralds have relocated themselves within the island's depths, along with a lost seventh Chaos Emerald spoken of in the island's legend. He launches his space station, the Death Egg, and sets his eyes on the seven Chaos Emeralds to fuel its weapons. Sonic and Tails set out to find the Emeralds and stop the Death Egg from threatening the world. While this game was released after the 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog 2, this game is considered the formal introduction of Miles "Tails" Prower and is thus usually considered to take place sometime beforehand, as the original manual details how Tails met Sonic supposedly shortly before the events of the game. As all the Chaos Emeralds may be collected for the first time, Super Sonic makes his first appearance.

• SegaSonic the Hedgehog (Arcade; 1993)

SegaSonic the Hedgehog is an Arcade coin-op which uses a trackball to control Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as less well known cohorts Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. It is a side-story in which Eggman specifically targets Sonic.

• Sonic the Hedgehog CD (Mega CD; 1993)

Sonic the Hedgehog CD is the first to feature time travel, as Sonic the Hedgehog may travel to the past in order to ensure a good future for the planet. The mysterious Little Planet appears over Never Lake for approximately one month every year. Dr. Robotnik knows that Little Planet contains time-displacing qualities (including the fabled seven Time Stones), so he chains the planet to a mountain in an artificial metallic sphere resembling the Death Egg and sets robot generators to manufacture Badniks out of the planet's miracle seeds. Sonic sets off on a time-traveling adventure to set things right, pursued by Robotnik's latest creation Metal Sonic and a star-crossed hedgehog girl named Amy Rose, who came to Little Planet to follow her destiny. The actual placement of this game's events is much debated, as there is no clear spot for it in the official timeline outside the fact that it takes place sometime before Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and keeping it between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is slightly improbable.^[1]

• Sonic Chaos (Master System, Game Gear; 1993)

Sonic Chaos is the first 8-bit title in the series to have a unique name, having an identity separate from the 16-bit titles. It is also the first time in the series that the player can control Tails' flight. Dr. Robotnik managed to get the Red Chaos Emerald without Sonic knowing, but this caused a chain reaction of chaos energy, resulting in South Island slowly sinking into the ocean. Sonic and Tails must gather the Emeralds on the island to prevent it from being destroyed.

• Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball (Mega Drive; 1993)

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball is a pinball-centric title created by STI without the creative input of Sonic Team. Dr. Robotnik takes control of Mt. Mobius, turning it into his new Veg-O-Fortress which transforms helpless animals into robot slaves at an alarming rate. Sonic storms the mountain to put a stop to his schemes, retrieving the Chaos Emeralds in the process. The original game contains cameos of characters from the contemporary cartoons and Archie comics during the bonus rounds, and the game even takes place on Planet Mobius.

• SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter (Arcade; 1993)

SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter is another children's Arcade machine that features Sonic and Tails as galactic officers hunting down the space scoundrel Eggman.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Genesis; 1994)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 greatly expands the 16-bit cartridge limitations of the time, containing a bigger world than Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and recycling its game engine. It takes place sometime shortly after the events of the prequel, and it is revealed that the Death Egg crash-landed on the aptly-named Floating Island (later renamed Angel Island), making it land in the ocean below. Dr. Robotnik begins to repair the Death Egg and intends to steal the Chaos Emeralds as an energy source by tricking Knuckles the Echidna, the guardian of the island, into believing Sonic and Tails are his enemies. Knuckles believes the scientist and supports his base of operations on his island, initiating the fued between hedgehog and echidna.

• Sonic Drift (Game Gear; 1994)

Sonic Drift is a racing game that includes Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles “Tails” Prower, Amy Rose, and Dr. Eggman. Seeing as how this game apparently does not include any story, it can be seen as pure filler. It was also released between Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, with a noticeable lack of Knuckles.

• Wacky Worlds Creativity Studio (Genesis; 1994)

Wacky Worlds Creativity Studio is a Mario Paint-esque title that features Sega characters such as Sonic and ToeJam & Earl.

• Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble (Game Gear; 1994)

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble is an 8-bit title which follows the formula of Sonic Chaos. Dr. Robotnik has captured six of the Chaos Emeralds; unfortunately for him, an accident during the testing phase of his weapons scatters the Emeralds across the island again. While Sonic and Tails are out to retrieve them, they are repeatedly cut short by Knuckles the Echidna; Robotnik has already reclaimed the yellow Emerald, and he's once again duped the guardian into believing Sonic and Tails are out to steal the stones. Meanwhile, a sneaky treasure hunter named Fang the Sniper is taking advantage of the commotion in the hopes of getting his own mitts on the Emeralds.

• Tails and the Music Maker (Pico; 1994)

Tails and the Music Maker is an edutainment title and Tails' first starring role. It is the first game in the series to focus on a character other than Sonic.

• Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld (Pico; 1994)

Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld is an edutainment sort of game in which Dr. Robotnik appears to have constructed an amusement center ("Gameworld") in his own image. There are Chaos Emeralds hidden on each floor, so Sonic, Tails and Amy set out to clear the building's minigames and find the Emeralds.

• Sonic & Knuckles (Mega Drive; 1994)

Sonic & Knuckles is a direct expansion of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and even boasts a lock-on system to directly connect with it. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles is considered the full third entry in the main series, but it may also lock-on to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to create Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as well as other games such as Sonic the Hedgehog for the Blue Sphere bonus game. The completed game carries over save files from the standalone first half so players did not have to start from the beginning, and it also features the first playable appearance of Knuckles the Echidna. When the launch of the Death Egg ends in failure, Dr. Robotnik sets his sights on the Master Emerald, which would keep the island afloat if the Death Egg weren't weighing it down. Within the game, Sonic and Tails' story seems to happen as the Floating Island is in the ocean and Knuckles is their enemy; in Knuckles' story, the Floating Island is floating in the sky and Sonic appears to be missing. However, some later supplemental sources state that they occur at the same time (despite some complications).^[2]

• Sonic Drift 2 (Game Gear; 1995)

Sonic Drift is another racing game that is most likely pure filler due to the lack of a story. It added three new playable characters: Knuckles the Echidna, Fang the Sniper and Metal Sonic. The only thing that resembles a story is the fact that, once again, Chaos Emeralds are awarded for winning races.

• Knuckles' Chaotix (32X; 1995)

Knuckles' Chaotix takes place on an carnival-themed island that Dr. Robotnik dubs Newtrogic High Zone, and introduces Vector the Crocodile, Charmy Bee and Espio the Chameleon to the game series, as well as returning Mighty the Armadillo. It also introduces the concept of tethering two characters together for combo-style gameplay, which was reused in Sonic Advance 3. Takashi Iizuka has stated that he considers the characters of Chaotix to be re-imagined as of Sonic Heroes,^[3] although he did not go into detail whether he meant they were entirely rebooted characters or just in terms of design and personality.

• Tails' Skypatrol (Game Gear; 1995)

Tails' Skypatrol is Tails' first side-scrolling solo title, taking advantage of his flight capabilities to offer gameplay unique from the rest of the series. While flying, Tails spots a solitary island which he initially believes is a new base of Dr. Eggman, but it instead belongs to Witchcart. Wanting to be the hero, he propels into action.

• Tails Adventure (Game Gear; 1995)

Tails Adventure is a Tails solo adventure with RPG elements. The Battle Bird Armada invades Tails' home, Cocoa Island, in search of the six known Chaos Emeralds. Tails has not yet met Sonic in this game despite power-ups named after Sonic, Knuckles and even Fang, firmly placing the storyline of this game sometime before the backstory of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It is also stated in the original manual that it is thought that these Chaos Emeralds have been resting on the island since ancient times; if true, it must also predate other appearances of the Emeralds, which would take the event further back than even the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

• Sonic Labyrinth (Game Gear; 1995)

Sonic Labyrinth is an isometric title in which Sonic is robbed of his running speed and must navigate several labyrinths while finding keys to the exit. Dr. Robotnik finally realizes that Sonic's speed is key to his failures, so he creates the Speed Down Boots with chaos energy to replace his trademark sneakers. While imprisoned within his artificial labyrinth on South Island, Sonic discovers that he can still Spin Dash, so he uses that to his advantage to stop the bad doctor once again.

• Sonic the Fighters (Arcade; 1996)

Sonic the Fighters is a 3D fighting title for Arcades based on the gameplay of Virtua Fighter. It establishes certain elements seen later in Sonic Adventure, such as Amy Rose's Piko Piko Hammer, Tails' Workshop and his tail whip attack. Dr. Robotnik has built the Death Egg II, and the only thing that can reach it, Tails' Lunar Fox, is a single-seater. Therefore, the heroes hold a tournament to see who is worthy of going to space to foil Robotnik's plans. This game also introduces Bark the Polar Bear and Bean the Dynamite, as well as Tails' reconnaissance robot Mecha Sonic Model No.29. It should be noted that this game features eight Chaos Emeralds; this can be explained by one of them being the Master Emerald, as it was described as a large Chaos Emerald in earlier material and can also change size in later games.

• Sonic 3D Blast (Mega Drive, Saturn; 1996)

Sonic 3D Blast is another isometric title loosely based on the gameplay of the Arcade game Flicky. Dr. Robotnik discovers that the Flickies of Flicky Island can travel between dimensions via large rings. He theorizes that he can use their abilities to locate the Chaos Emeralds, so he turns them into robots to resume his search for the Emeralds. Sonic travels through the island, freeing every single Flicky he comes across. Along the way, Tails and Knuckles help him find the Chaos Emeralds.

• Sonic Blast (Game Gear; 1996)

Sonic Blast is the first and only appearance of a playable Knuckles the Echidna in an 8-bit platformer, replacing Tails from previous titles. Sonic and Knuckles join together to investigate the mysterious floating platform which appeared near South Island, and stop him from collecting five Chaos Emeralds. While this game was released at the end of 1996 in conjunction with the similarly named Sonic 3D Blast, it should be noted that both games have little in common.

• Sonic's Schoolhouse (PC; 1996)

Sonic's Schoolhouse is an edutainment title using Sonic's sprite asset from the cancelled Sonic X-treme.

• Sonic R (Saturn; 1997)

Sonic R is a 3D racing game and the sole original title for the Sega Saturn. Sonic joins the World Grand Prix in a race for the seven Chaos Emeralds. Knuckles and Amy, knowing of Robotnik's plans, join in as well. The game featured a few new characters to the series: Metal Knuckles and Tails Doll. These two never made another appearance, except as look-alike target practice dummies in Sonic Adventure. Additionally, Eggrobo, a robotic version of Dr. Robotnik from Sonic & Knuckles, is a playable character as well.

• Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast; 1998)

Sonic Adventure marks the first of the "evolved" fully 3D Sonic games, and a grand total of six unique playable characters with their own gameplay and storyline perspective. Like Tails Adventure, permanent power-ups and upgrades can be discovered and acquired by the player character. It also introduces 3D hub worlds ("Adventure Fields"), where players can interact with NPCs and accomplish goals to reach the next area. Dr. Robotnik (or Eggman) tries to use Chaos, a water creature he released from the Master Emerald, to conquer Station Square. Along with the return of supporting characters Tails, Amy and Knuckles, the game also introduces Big the Cat, E-102 Gamma and Tikal, and is closely connected to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, as seen by the expanded lore of Angel Island. It also makes several references to earlier games - Sonic making jokes at Knuckles' expense about his history with Robotnik; Tails' dream of the time he first met Sonic; Amy's fantasy of Sonic rescuing her from Metal Sonic; icons of their original designs in places like slot machines; etc.

• Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure (Neo Geo Pocket Color; 1999)

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure is a 2D platformer using level themes similar to Sonic 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles.

• Sonic Shuffle (Dreamcast; 2000)

Sonic Shuffle is a party game by Hudson Soft which shares a similar design to their other board-based game, Mario Party. It involves Sonic and company getting caught up in a mess in a realm called Maginaryworld, which they inadvertently stumble upon one day. A villain named Void has shattered the Precioustone into many pieces, resulting in chaos in every part of the world. Lumina Flowlight and the rest of Maginaryworld are counting on Sonic to restore it and bring Illumina back, who mysteriously disappeared at the time of the crisis.

• Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast; 2001)

Sonic Adventure 2 introduces Shadow the Hedgehog, a 'look-alike' of Sonic, Rouge the Bat, a rival treasure hunter for Knuckles, and a playable Dr. Eggman, whose genius is now up against Tails. Hero begins with Sonic wrongly captured by the GUN military and making his escape, while Dark begins with Dr. Eggman's assault on one of their facilities on Prison Island and unraveling the mystery of his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. While the storyline has little in common with its predecessor, it clearly follows the events of its prequel due to a key mention that Tails was awarded a Chaos Emerald to celebrate his heroism. In addition, three of the gameplay styles have returned from the previous entry, now split between two characters each. It also introduces grinding, which at this point can only be done with Sonic's Hi-Speed Shoes and Shadow's Air Shoes.

• Sonic Advance (GBA; 2001)

Sonic Advance is a handheld platformer, and the first original title to be released for a Nintendo format. Dr. Eggman goes back to his roots and concocts the same old scheme: keep Sonic distracted with his robots while he tracks down the Chaos Emeralds. This time, Sonic is joined by his friends Tails, Knuckles and even Amy.

• Sonic Advance 2 (GBA; 2002)

Sonic Advance 2 shows that Eggman's strategy is essentially unchanged from the prequel, but this time he tries kidnapping Sonic's friends (or in the case of Knuckles, tricking him to join his cause). This marks the official introduction of Cream the Rabbit, her Chao Cheese and mother.

• Sonic Pinball Party (GBA; 2003)

Sonic Pinball Party is a pinball-centric title created by the Sonic Team of the time. The main mode is set in Casinopolis, where Dr. Eggman turns the gamblers into robots and brainwashes Miles "Tails" Prower and Amy Rose. Sonic must save his friends by winning a pinball tournament called the "Egg Cup Tournament."

• Sonic Battle (GBA; 2003)

Sonic Battle is a fighting title which introduces the Gizoid, a robotic artifact of an ancient civilization that Sonic dubs "Emerl". It can be customized to any of the playable characters' fighting styles. It also shows that Shadow the Hedgehog returns from certain doom after the events of Sonic Adventure 2.

• Sonic Heroes (GCN, Xbox, PS2, PC; 2003)

Sonic Heroes is the first title in the series that was released on all the major consoles, and has team-based gameplay with a speed, flight and power character at once. It continues sometime after the storyline of Sonic Adventure 2, formally reintroducing Shadow the Hedgehog since his fall from the ARK, as well as three Chaotix characters who have formed a detective team. Even though this game was originally released after Sonic Battle, it takes place beforehand as Shadow is first revealed to be alive here (albeit without his memory), and Rouge makes a reference to E-123 Omega in that game.

• Sonic Advance 3 (GBA; 2004)

Sonic Advance 3 returns and expands upon the team-based gameplay of Knuckles' Chaotix, giving each character unique abilities depending on the pair. Eggman has torn the planet into separate dimensional zones, and Sonic and Tails must reunite with their allies and use teamwork to fight off Eggman and reform the world. While this game is the last in the Sonic Advance trilogy, its storyline closely follows Sonic Battle, as it features the look-alike G-merl.

• Sega Superstars (PS2; 2004)

Sega Superstars is a video game designed for the EyeToy that features characters from multiple Sega franchises.

• Shadow the Hedgehog (GCN, Xbox, PS2; 2005)

Shadow the Hedgehog is an eponymous solo title which features gun-based gameplay and multiple storyline paths dependent on the player's actions. This game takes place at some point between Sonic Heroes and Sonic Battle, showing a Shadow who is reawakened from his fall but devoid of most of his memories.

• Sonic Rush (DS; 2005)

Sonic Rush is the successor of the Dimps-developed Advance series, pushing the handheld series to the third dimension. Blaze the Cat, a princess from another dimension and the guardian of the Sol Emeralds, is introduced. It also introduces Eggman Nega, who claims to be a counterpart of Eggman from that same dimension.

• Sonic X (Leapster; 2005)

Sonic X is an edutainment title loosely based on both the Sonic X anime and the 16-bit games.

• Sonic Riders (GCN, Xbox, PS2, PC; 2006)

Sonic Riders is a multiplatform racing game which introduces the Extreme Gear and the Babylon Rogues - Jet the Hawk, Wave the Swallow and Storm the Albatross - who share a rivalry with the main heroes as they compete in Eggman's EX World Grand Prix.

• Sonic the Hedgehog (360, PS3; 2006)

Sonic the Hedgehog is the controversial "next-generation" title of the series which strove for Sonic Adventure gameplay in a more realistic world. It introduces a version of Silver the Hedgehog, a psychic hedgehog from the future who believes Sonic is the one who ruined his world. There is confusion regarding the characterization of Blaze the Cat; she shows up in Silver's future without explanation, seemingly recognizes Sonic (apparently not vice versa), and is last seen sealing herself in another dimension with Iblis (which fails). It has been confirmed that Blaze has always been from another dimension rather than the future of Sonic's world,^[4] which also reflects the official profile she was given in this game's website,^[5] leaving how and why she was ever in Silver's future a mystery. However, given that some official profiles state she can manipulate the spacetime properties of the Sol Emeralds,^[6] it can easily be assumed she appears in this game and later titles via her Sol Emeralds.

• Sonic Rivals (PSP; 2006)

Sonic Rivals is the first side-scrolling racing platformer title. It also features a collectible card system, showing character and enemy artwork throughout the series. Silver the Hedgehog is reintroduced - this time, from a different future.

• Sonic and the Secret Rings (Wii; 2007)

Sonic and the Secret Rings is the first exclusive Wii title, developed as a contrast to SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. Sonic journeys to save the world of Arabian Nights, as well as his own life and his new friend, Shahra, from the evil genie, Erazor Djinn, from the story of Aladdin.

• Sonic Rush Adventure (DS; 2007)

Sonic Rush Adventure is a follow-up to Sonic Rush, and shows Blaze's world for the first time. Journeying with Tails, Blaze and headstrong newcomer Marine the Raccoon, Sonic fends off robots that have appeared in Blaze's territory for unknown reasons.

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii; 2007) (DS; 2008)

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is the first crossover between Mario and Sonic. It is officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee through exclusive licensee International Sports Multimedia.

• Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP; 2007)

Sonic Rivals 2 is a follow-up to Sonic Rivals, and features similar gameplay with more variation. Each playable character has their own storyline, forming unlikely alliances while also competing with each other

• Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (Wii, PS2; 2008)

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity continues the tale of the Babylon Rogues. The major focus of the game is the Arks of the Cosmos.

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii; 2008)

Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the third entry in Nintendo's popular fighting series. After the announcement of Solid Snake, Sonic is the second and last playable third-party character. He also uses the seven Chaos Emeralds to turn into Super Sonic for his Final Smash, and both his Super State and normal form have collectible trophies. Shadow serves as an Assist Trophy, while he and Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Dr. Eggman, Chao, Cream, Silver, Blaze, and Jet are all collectible Trophies. In the story, Sonic appears at the end of The Subspace Emissary to incapacitate the final boss and give everyone a fighting chance.

• Sega Superstars Tennis (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, DS; 2008)

Sega Superstars Tennis is a follow-up to Sega Superstars, and takes on a tennis sports theme.

• Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (DS; 2008)

An RPG title made by BioWare that introduced a number of new characters as well as explained certain mysteries from previous titles. It is set after Dr. Eggman's seemingly last defeat, which is an event briefly seen in the game's opening (this also led some people to believe it took place at the end of the series, although this assumption has never been officially stated by the developers). The story revolves around the Twilight Cage, a realm where powerful beings/races who threaten the peace of the world are sealed away by the god figure Argus. The game was supposedly meant to have a sequel which was never developed. As a result, the cliffhanger at the end of the game is never mentioned again, although the next released title incidentally starts at the end of an unseen adventure. According to Ian Flynn, head writer on Archie Comics, the game takes place a few years after the main timeline;^[7] however, former Sega Europe community manager Kevin Eva states that fans should consider the game an alternate universe due to its troubled production, but notes that the canon is essentially in constant flux at any given time for Sega's convenience.^[8]

• Sonic Unleashed (Wii, PS2, 360, PS3; 2008)

Sonic Unleashed is the first main series title in a while to solely star the main character (albeit with two play styles as different as night and day). Before he can stop Dr. Eggman's evil plans once again, Super Sonic is engulfed by the dark energy of Dark Gaia, a creature that prematurely awakens from the center of the Sonic's world and rips it into several pieces. As a result, when the day turns to night, Sonic undergoes a transformation in which he becomes a Werehog. He and his new friend Chip (who broke Sonic's fall and thus has amnesia) have an adventure around the world. The game also introduces Orbot, the then-unnamed sarcastic robot helper to Eggman who became a recurring lackey. It is also the first modern title to be released in totally different versions around the same time, which is a practice still in use.

• Sonic and the Black Knight (Wii; 2009)

Sonic and the Black Knight is a follow-up to Sonic and the Secret Rings featuring sword-based gameplay. Sonic is magically summoned by Merlina and armed with Caliburn to save her Arthurian world from the reign of King Arthur, the Black Knight. Along the way, he meets fictional characters all with an uncanny resemblance Sonic's real friends (just like the previous storybook adventure).

• Sonic Unleashed (mobile phones; 2009)

Sonic Unleashed is a 2D side-scrolling platformer for mobile devices by Gameloft. It is unrelated to the 3D console game of the same name other than loosely borrowing gameplay and plot aspects such as the Werehog.

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii, DS; 2009)

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the second title of the Olympic-themed crossover series which now features winter themed events, as well as a Mission Mode for the Wii version, and an Adventure Mode for the DS version.

• Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (360, PS3, Wii, DS; 2010)

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is a kart racing game in which notable SEGA characters race against each other. The Xbox 360 version was released as Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing with Banjo-Kazooie.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (iOS, Wii, PS3, 360; 2010)

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I is the much-anticipated direct follow-up to the classic 16-bit trilogy. Dr. Eggman recreates some of his prized older inventions to have revenge on Sonic. While the game was said to take place after Dr. Eggman lost the Master Emerald during his last encounter with Sonic,^[9] this game uses "modern" rather than "classic" designs, which are later very strongly implied in Sonic Generations to show an age difference in the characters rather than a mere art style change.

• Sonic Free Riders (360; 2010)

Sonic Free Riders takes place during the next World Grand Prix, which was hinted at the end of Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity.^[10]

• Sonic Colors (Wii, DS; 2010)

Sonic Colors is a high speed action-adventure in which Sonic races through theme park-inspired worlds to rescue a colorful alien race known as the Wisps, who have a unique colorful energy. An extraordinary amusement park built by the apparently reformed Dr. Eggman is orbiting around the home planet of Sonic the Hedgehog. Naturally, Sonic and Tails investigate and quickly find Eggman's claims to be bogus. The game introduces Cubot, Orbot's clumsy companion.

• Sonic Generations (360, PS3, PC, 3DS; 2011)

Sonic Generations is the 20th anniversary Sonic title the celebrates the old and the new aspects of the series. In the past, Sonic is astonished to see Green Hill wiped out shortly after his adventure begins, whereas the present Sonic celebrates his birthday until his universe is thrown into chaos. A mysterious power creates "time holes", displacing Sonic and friends though time. As a result, some surprises are encountered, including the younger and older forms of Sonic and Tails eventually meeting face to face. After finding out everything is chalk white and losing color, they team up to defeat this strange new enemy and find out who is really behind this diabolical deed.

• Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii; 2011) (3DS; 2012)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is the third title of the Olympic-themed crossover series, which expands on the summer-themed events seen in the first Olympic Games entry.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (PC, PS3, 360, Android, iOS; 2012)

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II is a direct sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, and includes Tails in combo-style gameplay. It picks up a few months directly after Episode I and reveals Eggman's true plot. When "locked-on" to Episode I of the same platform, it opens the Episode Metal scenario, which takes place shortly before Episode II and shows why Eggman was investigating Lost Labyrinth and why he built Mad Gear. It also reveals that Metal Sonic had remained defunct on Little Planet since his crushing defeat in Sonic the Hedgehog CD, concluding that the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 series takes place sometime after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog CD and Sonic & Knuckles, but likely before Sonic Adventure. It is unknown if any appearances of Metal Sonic between those games are chalked up as time travel shenanigans or outside the overall storyline.

• Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (360, PS3, Wii U, Vita; 2012) (PC, 3DS; 2013)

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a follow-up to to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. Similar to its predecessor, certain releases contain exclusive characters.

• Sonic Athletics (Arcade; 2013)

Sonic Athletics is a treadmill-powered game with a screen depicting a Sonic character as the avatar.

• Sonic Ghost Shooting (Arcade; 2013)

Sonic Ghost Shooting is an Arcade game based on the haunting segments of Sonic Adventure 2.

• Sonic Lost World (Wii U, 3DS; 2013)

Sonic Lost World takes a more methodical approach to Sonic's platforming as of recent years. Sonic and Tails take to the skies and chased after Dr. Eggman and his robots (whose latest misdeed is capturing animals as Badnik fuel), but the chase leads them to encounter a mythical floating island known as “Lost Hex,” where they run across the Deadly Six - Zeti united under Eggman, who enslaved them using the Cacophonic Conch for his own misdeeds.

• Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (Wii U; 2013)

Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games is the fourth title of the Olympic-themed crossover series.

• Sonic Jump Fever (iOS, Android; 2014)

• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U (3DS, Wii U; 2014)

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U are two closely-related games in the Smash Bros. series. Both versions feature Sonic as a playable character in a similar role as Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

• Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric / Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal (Wii U, 3DS; 2014)

A pair of games that take place in the newly-launched Sonic Boom series. Both games feature connectivity, but are otherwise unrelated besides introducing Lyric.

• Sonic Runners (iOS, Android; 2015)

Sonic Team's first smartphone exclusive Sonic game, a side-scrolling endless runner.

• Sega 3D Classics Collection (Nintendo 3DS; 2016)

A compilation of Sega games, including the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

• Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice (Nintendo 3DS; 2016)

A sequel to Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal that revolves around the use of fire and ice.

• Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS, Wii U; 2016)

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is the fifth title of the Olympic-themed crossover series.

• Sega 3D Classics Collection (Nintendo 3DS; 2016)

A compilation of Sega games, including Sonic the Hedgehog.

• Sonic Runners Adventure (Android, Java ME; 2017)

The follow-up to Sonic Runners, Sonic Runners Adventure is the fourth endless runner game in the series.

• Sonic Mania (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC; 2017)

Sonic Mania features a return to the gameplay style and visuals that characterized the Sonic games for the Sega Mega Drive. In this game which takes place after Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles join forces as they seek to stop Dr. Eggman from abusing the Phantom Ruby with the aid of his Hard Boiled Heavies.

• Sonic Forces: Speed Battle (Android, iOS; 2017)^[11]

• Sonic Forces (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch; 2017)

This game features three unique styles of gameplay: 3D with Modern Sonic, 2D with Classic Sonic, and a Tag Team mode with Sonic and a customizable avatar, who also has their own levels. When Modern Sonic is defeated and Eggman's army conquer 99% of the world, Sonic and his friends must band together to stop the invasion.

• Sonic Mania Plus (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC; 2018)

Sonic Mania Plus is an expanded version of Sonic Mania that features Mighty and Ray as playable characters after two decades.

• SEGA Heroes (Android, iOS; 2018)

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch; 2018)

• Team Sonic Racing (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC; 2019)

A spin on the traditional kart racer with team based gameplay.

• Sonic Racing (iOS (Apple Arcade); 2019)

A mobile racing game based on Team Sonic Racing.

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (Nintendo Switch; 2019)

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is the sixth title of the Olympic-themed crossover series.

List by Genre

2D Platformer

• Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
• Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) (1991)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit) (1992)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit) (1992)
• Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball (1993)
• Sonic the Hedgehog CD (1993)
• Sonic Chaos (1993)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994)
• Sonic & Knuckles (1994)
• Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble (1994)
• Knuckles' Chaotix (1995)
• Tails' Skypatrol (1995)
• Tails Adventure (1995)
• Sonic Labyrinth (1995)
• Sonic Blast (1996)
• Sonic Advance (2001)
• Sonic Advance 2 (2002)
• Sonic Advance 3 (2004)
• Sonic Rush (2005)
• Sonic Rivals (2006)
• Sonic Rush Adventure (2007)
• Sonic Rivals 2 (2007)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (2010)
• Sonic Colors (2010)
• Sonic Generations (2011)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (2012)
• Sonic Jump (2012)
• Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal (2014)
• Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice (2016)
• Sonic Mania (2017)
• Sonic Mania Plus (2018)

3D Action-Adventure

• SegaSonic the Hedgehog (1993)
• Sonic 3D Blast (1996)
• Sonic Adventure (1998)
• Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)
• Sonic Heroes (2003)
• Shadow the Hedgehog (2005)
• Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
• Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007)
• Sonic Unleashed (2008)
• Sonic and the Black Knight (2009)
• Sonic Colors (2010)
• Sonic Generations (2011)
• Sonic Lost World (2013)
• Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (2014)
• Sonic Forces (2017)

Puzzle, Sporting and Party Games

• Sonic Eraser (1991)
• Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (1993)
• Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld (1994)
• Sonic Labyrinth (1995)
• Sonic Shuffle (2000)
• Sonic Pinball Party (2003)
• Sega Superstars (2004)
• Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007)
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (2007)
• Sega Superstars Tennis (2008)
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (2009)
• Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (2011)
• Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (2013)
• Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (2016)
• SEGA Heroes (2018)
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (2019)
• Sonic at the Olympic Games (2020)

Racing Games and Vehicle Simulators

• Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car (1991)
• SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter (1993)
• Sonic Drift (1994)
• Sonic Drift 2 (1995)
• Sonic R (1997)
• Sonic Riders (2006)
• Sonic Rivals (2006)
• Sonic Rivals 2 (2007)
• Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (2008)
• Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (2010)
• Sonic Free Riders (2010)
• Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (2012)
• Sonic Forces: Speed Battle (2017)^[11]
• Team Sonic Racing (2019)
• Sonic Racing (2019)

Entertainment and Creative

• Wacky Worlds Creativity Studio (1994)
• Tails and the Music Maker (1994)
• Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld (1994)
• Sonic's Schoolhouse (1996)
• Sonic X (2005)
• Sonic the Hedgehog (2008)

Fighting Games

• Sonic the Fighters (1996)
• Sonic Battle (2003)
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)
• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (2014)
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)

Adventure/RPG Games

• Sonic Battle (2003)
• Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (2008)
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (2009)
• Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (2011)
• SEGA Heroes (2018)

Endless Runner

• Sonic Dash (2013)
• Sonic Runners (2015)
• Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom (2015)
• Sonic Runners Adventure (2017)

Board Games

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3D Chess (2010)
• Monopoly: Sonic the Hedgehog Collector's Edition (2012)
• Sonic Boom Monopoly (2015)

Re-Releases

• Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball (Game Gear; 1993) (Master System; 1994)
• Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (Mega Drive, Game Gear; 1993) (Master System; 1994)
• Sonic 2 in 1 (Game Gear; 1995)
• Sonic Compilation (Genesis; 1995)
• Sonic CD (PC; 1996) (Android, 360, PS3, iOS; 2011) (PC, Windows Phone 7; 2012)
• Sonic 3D Blast: Flickies' Island (PC; 1997)
• Sonic Blast (Master System; 1997)
• Sonic & Knuckles Collection (PC; 1997)
• Sonic Jam (Saturn; 1997) (Game.com; 1998)
• Sonic R (PC; 1998)
• Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure (1999)
• Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GCN; 2001) (360, PS3, PC; 2012)
• Sonic Mega Collection (GCN; 2002) / Sonic Mega Collection Plus (PS2, Xbox; 2004) (PC; 2006)
• Sonic N (N-Gage; 2003)
• Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (GCN, PC; 2003) (360, PS3; 2010)
• Sonic Heroes (PC; 2004)
• Sonic Gems Collection (GCN, PS2; 2005)
• Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis (GBA; 2006)
• Sonic Riders (PC; 2006)
• Sega Genesis Collection (PS2, PSP; 2007)
• Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (PS3, 360; 2009)
• Sonic Classic Collection (DS; 2010)
• Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Arcade (Arcade; 2011)
• Sonic the Fighters (PS3, 360; 2012)
• 3D Sonic the Hedgehog (3DS; 2013)
• Sonic the Hedgehog (iOS, Android; 2013)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Android, iOS; 2013)
• 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (3DS; 2015)
• Sega 3D Classics Collection (3DS; 2016)
• Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 3: Final Stage (3DS; 2016)
• Sega Mega Drive Classics (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch; 2018)
• Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog (Nintendo Switch; 2018)
• Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Nintendo Switch; 2020)

Upcoming

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - Arcade Edition

Cancelled

• Sonic the Hedgehog (Amiga)

A version of Sonic the Hedgehog for the Amiga computer. It is unknown if it would have been a port or an original title like the 8-bit game.

• Sonic's Edusoft (Master System)

An edutainment title starring Sonic and actually using some graphics from the 16-bit game. According to the programmer, it was already on the thin line between official and unlicensed during development, having been recognized by Sega but never approved.

• Sister Sonic (Sega CD)

Sister Sonic was a localization attempt of Popful Mail. Much like Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, it would have been a dolled-up installment of the series. However, disapproving mail prevented it from happening, resulting in the game being translated for overseas audiences with minimal changes besides the humor.

• Sonic the Hedgehog Jr. (Pico)

Another edutainment title that may have been inspired by Ecco Jr.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Limited Edition (Genesis/Mega Drive)

The complete form of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles in one cartridge, but it is rendered obsolete now due to compilations and digital re-releases.

• Sonic Crackers (Genesis/Mega Drive)

Sonic and Tails are joined together with a band of rings. The concept was reused as Knuckles' Chaotix, with Sonic replaced by Mighty and Tails removed. It supposedly began development as a true sequel to Sonic & Knuckles.^[12]

• Sonic Sports (32X)

A cancelled title for the Sega 32X which would have featured Sega characters such as Sonic and Ristar in sporting events.

• Sonic X-treme (Saturn, PC)

Possibly the most well-known canned Sonic game, as it was intended to be a main game for Sega Saturn and its killer app. It went through several development phases, and went through many different gameplay concepts and systems before settling on the Saturn and subsequently PC. Many storylines were also considered for this game, including the introduction of a new love interest called Tiara Boobowski or one featuring heavy SatAM influences. Chris Senn attempted an unofficial revival in the mid-2000's, but it was also abandoned - although there is at least one fan-project to recreate the game as closely as possible using the leaked development assets.

• Sonic Saturn (Saturn)

Another Saturn project which was cancelled. Less is known about it, but it was apparently unrelated to the development cycle of Sonic X-treme and contained a pool bonus game that was also considered for the Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast.

• Sonic the Hedgehog Extreme (Xbox)

A boarding demo using some Sonic Adventure 2 assets that was likely a proof of concept for what became Sonic Riders.

• Sonic DS (DS)

A Nintendo DS tech demo that used the Touch Screen. It was replaced by Sonic Rush.

• Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) (PC, Wii)

Planned ports of the Xbox 360 title for PC and Wii. They were ultimately sacked in favor of the PlayStation 3 version and Sonic and the Secret Rings, respectively.

Trivia

• On April Fools Day of 2016, "Big's Big Fishing Adventure 3, a flash game made by fans; which was commissioned by Sega and revealed on the official Sonic the Hedgehog twitter account, was released.^[13]

Notes and references