Research-backed game lineage

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog is included in the Series Atlas after independent recognition and an authoritative game-by-game roster audit. Editions, simple ports, DLC, bundles, canceled projects, and cameo-only appearances are excluded.

59 curated games 1991–2025 release span 0 connected branches
Sonic the Hedgehog coverSonic the Hedgehog 2 coverSegaSonic the Hedgehog coverSonic CD coverSonic the Hedgehog Chaos cover

Genre profile

Primary-root profile.

The researched entries keep a consistent primary-root profile.

Observed shapePlatformer → Action59 researched entries
Frameworks

Subgenres representedCharacter Action 62D Platformer 42D Fighter 13D Platformer 1Arcade Racing 1

Entry points

Starting points.

Use the researched chronology, ratings, and remake relationships to select a starting title.

Chronological startSonic the HedgehogMainline · 1991Highest ratedSonic the Hedgehog 2Mainline · 1992Most recent mainlineSonic Rumble PartyMainline · 2025Remake routeDr. Robotnik's Mean Bean MachineRemake · 1993

Release chronology

All researched entries.

Ordered by researched series position, then original release date. Ports, DLC, and duplicate editions are intentionally excluded.

Primary root

59 games in this lineage

01 Sonic the Hedgehog cover
Mainline1991

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2D side-scrolling platformer developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Genesis/Mega Drive. Players control Sonic the Hedgehog, who can run at near supersonic speeds and sets out on a quest to defeat Dr. Robotnik, a scientist who has imprisoned animals in robots and seeks the powerful Chaos Emeralds.

Jun 23, 199183/100
02 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 cover
Mainline1992

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a side-scrolling platform game and the sequel to the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Players control Sonic as he traverses larger, faster-paced levels across West Side Island, collecting rings, defeating robot enemies, and pursuing Doctor Robotnik. The game introduces Sonic's sidekick Miles "Tails" Prower, a two-tailed fox who can be controlled by a second player. It also adds the spin dash move, a competitive split-screen multiplayer mode, and pseudo-3D special stages in which players collect rings to earn Chaos Emeralds.

Nov 1, 199288/100
03 SegaSonic the Hedgehog cover
Mainline1993

SegaSonic the Hedgehog

SegaSonic the Hedgehog is an isometric platforming game with three characters who shares identical controls and abilities. The characters are controlled with one action button which lets the player perform a spin jump, and a trackball which is used to move the characters around. Each trackball and corresponding action button are color-coded, meaning the blue ones are for Sonic, red ones are for Mighty and yellow ones are for Ray. The premise of the game is to reach the end of an isometric course without dying. This objective is similar to other video games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Yet, it is also different in the sense that instead of a typical platforming game, the game is centered entirely around running as fast as possible on a linear course from a never-ending barrage of threats, including giant boulders, lava flows, rogue gears, falling stalactites, and other traps. When the player is hit by a dangerous obstacle or hazard, they lose health from the Health Gauge, which can be refilled by collecting Rings that found around the arena. Upon completing each level, the game tallies up how many Rings were grabbed. Extra points are also received if over half of the level's Rings were found. The game only has a few enemies and one boss that appears midway through the game. At the end of the final level, the player is given twenty seconds to escape from the self-destructing tower. Failure results in an instant Game Over.

Jun 1, 199359/100
04 Sonic CD cover
Mainline1993

Sonic CD

A fast-paced platformer that follows Sonic as he races through time-traveling zones to rescue past and future versions of stages and stop Dr. Robotnik’s time-altering plans. Combining classic Sonic speed and precision with CD-quality music, animated cutscenes, and branching time-based routes, it rewards quick reflexes and exploration to unlock true endings.

Sep 23, 199380/100
05 Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos cover
Mainline1993

Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos

Dr. Robotnik has stolen the Red Chaos Emerald, causing the other five to "lose balance" and scatter themselves into a parallel universe. As a result of the instability, South Island is now sinking into the ocean. It is up to Sonic and Tails to find the Chaos Emeralds and restore harmony to the universe, or else the innocent residents of South Island will find themselves taking a long swim.

Oct 25, 199386/100
06 Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball cover
Mainline1993

Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball

Dr. Eggman (AKA Dr. Robotnik) is once again turning the animals of Mobius into robots using his monstrous contraption, the Veg-O-Fortress. Only Sonic can penetrate the Pinball Defense System to free the animals, retrieve the Chaos Emeralds, and put a stop to Dr. Eggman’s fiendish plans!

Nov 23, 199368/100
07 Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine cover
Remake1993

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine

Dr. Robotnik is changing the jolly folk of Beanville into devious little robots that will help rid Planet Mobius of music and fun forever. Group the beans together to help them escape, and compete against Robotnik’s wily henchbots!

Nov 26, 199363/100
08 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cover
Mainline1994

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The game is a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the same system and follows on directly from the end of the game, in which Sonic defeated his enemy, Dr. Robotnik; crash-landing on a floating island, Sonic encounters new character Knuckles the Echidna, and must once more retrieve the Chaos Emeralds while also working to stop Dr. Robotnik from relaunching his ship, the Death Egg.

Feb 2, 199483/100
09 Sonic Drift cover
Mainline1994

Sonic Drift

Sonic Drift is a racing game whose gameplay style and controls are heavily based on Sega's arcade game Out Run. Here, the players race around a race course against the other three characters for a top position in the race. The game's single player mode is Chaos GP, where the player's goal is to win three different circuits (green, yellow and red). Each circuit is made of six different race courses that the player is taken through in succession. Each race course is composed of a circuit which needs to be completed thrice. The playable characters have rather simple controls, their basic actions being accelerating to move forward, breaking, and moving left or right on the tracks. In tight corners, the player can break while turning in a specific direction, allowing them to drift through the corners. If the player overuses this method though, the playable character starts spinning out of control. Should the player move outside the race tracks, the racer's acceleration will decreases noticeably on the rough terrain. The race track's sidelines also have obstacles that will stop the player altogether if the playable characters crash into them. The player can as well collect Rings along the race tracks to perform special moves unique to each character.

Apr 18, 199436/100
10 Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble cover
Mainline1994

Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble

Sonic and Tails are back with three times the fun and three times the trouble! Dr. Robotnik is building the ultimate super-weapon with the help of Knuckles, but you can stop him by getting the Chaos Emeralds first. Rip across snow and water on Sonic's new jet skateboard or zip underwater in Tails' "Sea Fox". But look out - Nack the Weasel is after the Emeralds, too!

Nov 11, 199479/100
11 Knuckles' Chaotix cover
Mainline1995

Knuckles' Chaotix

A mysterious island rose from the sea shortly after the events of Sonic & Knuckles. Dr. Robotnik discovered the island, and found a mysterious ring inscribed with descriptions of the Chaos Rings, ancient Rings infused with Chaos Emerald energy. In order to find these Rings, Robotnik built his base, the Newtrogic High Zone, on the island. Mighty the Armadillo, Espio the Chameleon, Vector the Crocodile, and Charmy Bee also arrived at the island, and ended up being captured by Robotnik and Metal Sonic, and placed in Robotnik's Combi Catcher machine. Knuckles, curious about the strange island, goes there as well, and manages to rescue Espio. The two then go on to stop Robotnik from getting the Chaos Rings.

Apr 20, 199566/100
12 Tails Adventure cover
Mainline1995

Tails Adventure

Tails must stop the Battle Fortress bird army from taking control of Tails Island to rule over the animals. On land, in the air, and at sea, Tails battles some pretty tough birds! Depending on the Japanese and international version of the game, Tails Adventure is either a prequel or continuation of the Sonic the Hedgehog games for the Sega Genesis. The game mixes traditional platforming and role-playing elements, as Tails is using different items and abilities, as well piloting his creations Remote Robot and Sea Fox, to travel across Cocoa Island to liberate it from the Battle Kukku Empire. Like many Sonic games for the Game Gear, Tails Adventure has been ported onto numerous compilation titles and other games as an unlockable game. It later received a re-release on the Nintendo 3DS in 2013.

Sep 22, 199565/100
13 Sonic Labyrinth cover
Mainline1995

Sonic Labyrinth

Dr. Robotnik has created a world of 3D mazes, into which he has thrown Sonic and added a whole new dimension to his life! Now the Dude with Attitude can spin dash in every direction - collecting keys to access hidden levels and bonus rooms as he never could before. Can you help guide Sonic through the maze and past the all-new clan of evil Bosses to defeat the damnable Doctor? It is also playable on Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut and in the PC, Nintendo 3DS, and on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions of Sonic Mega Collection Plus. The game features isometric 3D gameplay similar to Sonic 3D. Sonic and Robotnik are the only characters in this game. Sonic Labyrinth was also released on the Nintendo e-Shop for the Nintendo 3DS's Virtual Console on 28 June 2013.

Nov 17, 199557/100
14 Sonic Blast cover
Mainline1996

Sonic Blast

Fully rendered graphics thrust Sonic into an exciting 3D playing environment. An all new gameplay perspective puts you in the middle of Sonic's 3D adventure! The evil genius Robotnik is after the Chaos Emeralds and it's up to Sonic to stop him. Rescue the innocent Flickies before Robotnik turns them into part of his evil plan! Sonic Blast was the last Sonic game for the Game Gear. The game was also ported to the Sega Master System in Brazil by TecToy and released in December 1997, making it the last game ever made for that system. While this game was released at the end of 1996 in conjunction with the similarly named Sonic 3D Blast, it is worth noting that the two games have little in common. No enemies, levels, or bosses, are shared between the games. The story is also completely different. Sonic and Knuckles join together to collect five of a Chaos Emerald's pieces and confront Dr. Robotnik at Silver Castle.

Nov 1, 199652/100
15 Sonic 3D Blast cover
Remaster1996

Sonic 3D Blast

The Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast has enhanced visuals and a new style of bonus stages.

Nov 30, 199655/100
16 Sonic R cover
Mainline1997

Sonic R

Originally released for the Sega Saturn, Sonic R is a racing game featuring characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Sonic and Tails came across an announcement one day about a competition called the "World Grand Prix" to determine the fastest in the world. Sonic initially showed no interest, but upon seeing Dr. Eggman's name among the participants, he decided to join. Knuckles wanted to settle the score with Sonic, Amy had unwavering belief that Sonic would definitely show up, and Eggman secretly prepared a few secret weapons. Who will claim the glory of the World Grand Prix?

Nov 18, 199772/100
17 Sonic R cover
Remaster1998

Sonic R

Originally released for the Sega Saturn, Sonic R is a racing game featuring characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. This version has graphics updated from the Saturn release, including more detailed 3D models and random weather events.

Nov 11, 199856/100
18 Sonic Adventure cover
Mainline1998

Sonic Adventure

Sonic Adventure is a 3D platformer video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The player can control six characters from the Sonic universe, each with their own gameplay and point of view of the story. The game is divided up into two types of levels: Action Stages and Adventure Fields. The division of Action Stages and Adventure Fields are a serious departure from all previous Sonic games. Adventure Fields are non-linear game stages that contain very few items, generally designed for puzzle solving, exploration and plot advancement. Action Stages are more speed based and have Rings scattered in them. Sonic Adventure was the top-selling Dreamcast game and received a sequel in 2001, marking the 10th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Dec 23, 199861/100
19 Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure cover
Mainline1999

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure

Help Sonic rescue his forest friends from the evil Dr. Robotnik. Grab those golden rings and collect all the chaos emeralds for special bonuses. Rush through multiple bonus levels and challenge the high score record. Collect puzzle pieces and complete the mystery photo. Play against a friend in a 2-player Vs. battle. The action is gonna be super SONIC!

Dec 4, 199979/100
20 Sonic Shuffle cover
Mainline2000

Sonic Shuffle

Sonic Shuffle is a party game developed by Sonic Team and Hudson Soft and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. The game is based on the prospect of advancing characters around a board game while playing mini-games in between turns, much in the same vein as Nintendo's Mario Party. Sonic Shuffle is the first Sonic the Hedgehog game in the party genre. The game's story centers on Sonic and his friends as they attempt to restore a dream world by gathering the shards of a powerful object dubbed the Master Precioustone. Sonic Shuffle received mixed reviews upon its release.

Dec 14, 200064/100
22 Sonic Advance cover
Mainline2001

Sonic Advance

Sonic Advance is notable for being the first Sonic game released on a Nintendo console, despite both Sega and Nintendo being well-known rivals on the console market throught the 1990s. Sonic Advance features four playable characters and marks the first playable appearance of Amy Rose on a 2D title. The game borrows elements from the original Sonic the Hedgehog titles for the Sega Genesis, but with the post-Dreamcast artstyle for the characters which was introduced in Sonic Adventure. The game also includes multiplayer features and mini-games. The title was also ported to the Nokia N-Gage under the title "SonicN".

Dec 20, 200175/100
23 Sonic Advance 2 cover
Mainline2002

Sonic Advance 2

Sonic returns for a second outing on the Game Boy Advance. Once again, Sonic is called upon to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman. On this occasion, Sonic is joined by friends Tails, Knuckles and Cream the Rabbit, the latest addition to the Sonic team. Each comes with a set of unique moves, allowing you to reach certain areas through-out the levels. However, unlike Sonic Advance, you must complete the game as Sonic to unlock the other characters. Chaos Emeralds and Special Rings litter the stages. To collect the emeralds (transforming Sonic into Super Sonic for the final battle with Dr. Eggman), you must find the special rings hidden in each stage to unlock the bonus stage. Complete the bonus stage and the emerald is yours. You'll also get the chance to collect and raise chaos, and trade them over to Sonic Adventure 2: Battle on GameCube, through the use of the GBA/GC link cable.

Dec 19, 200279/100
24 Sonic Pinball Party cover
Mainline2003

Sonic Pinball Party

It's time to get the party started right with "Sonic Pinball Party" for the Game Boy Advance. Sonic The Hedgehog returns to the Game Boy Advance, with the ultimate handheld pinball experience, delivering fresh pinball boards filled with SONICTEAM characters and a huge assortment of multiplayer party games. With SONICTEAM characters from "Sonic The Hedgehog," "Samba de Amigo" and "Nights," "Sonic Pinball Party" challenges players to shoot, tilt, and flip their way through a slew of pinball boards, lightning fast mini-games and party games that promise to give gamers the pinball fix they've been craving!

Jun 1, 200372/100
25 Sonic Battle cover
Mainline2003

Sonic Battle

Sonic and pals are gearing up for some brawling action! Fight as one of nine characters including Sonic, Tails and Shadow! Knock 'em dead with special attacks and team-based assaults. Create and train fighting partner for 2-on-2 battles. Duke it out with your friends in 4 player battles. It is the second fighting game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, the first being Sonic the Fighters. It is also the first Sonic fighting game to be on a handheld.

Dec 4, 200370/100
26 Sonic Heroes cover
Mainline2003

Sonic Heroes

Sonic Heroes is an adventure and multiplatform video game in the Sonic The Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA for the Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox and Microsoft Windows PCs. The player races a team of series characters through levels to amass rings, defeat robots, and collect the seven Chaos Emeralds needed to defeat Doctor Eggman. This game differs from other Sonic games by allowing the player to take control of one of four teams, each with three characters, who each have unique abilities to use. The game received mixed reviews from critics but it performed commercially well, becoming a million-seller and making the best-selling lists for all three of its original platforms. Join Team Sonic, Team Dark, Team Rose and Team Chaotix in a multiplatform adventure! Run, Fly, use your Power, grind, swing through 7 different levels with unique paths, fighting evil and solving puzzles for each team.

Dec 30, 200364/100
27 Sonic Advance 3 cover
Mainline2004

Sonic Advance 3

Sonic is back, and this time, he needs the help of all of his friends to defeat the evil Dr. Eggman. In Sonic Advance 3, Sonic and Tails must reunite with their friends Cream, Knuckles, and Amy. Team up with any of the five characters to gain special attack moves: Sonic increases your speed, Tails increases your jump power, Knuckles increases your attack power, Amy offers the Piko Piko hammer attack, and Cream lets you perform a homing attack. With a Game Boy Advance link, you and three of your friends can battle it out in multiplayer modes.

Jun 7, 200472/100
28 Shadow the Hedgehog cover
Mainline2005

Shadow the Hedgehog

The world is in peril as forces, both good and evil, make a play for the powerful Chaos Emeralds. In Shadow the Hedgehog, you can control Shadow and choose which side to fight for. This 3D platformer lets you use weapons, vehicles, environmental objects, and time and space manipulation to combat your foes. Although it is a 3D platform game as with the more recent Sonic Adventure games, the game's levels each feature up to three different missions (Hero, Dark, Normal) that the player may choose to complete. The game's plot depends on which mission is completed as well as subsequent playable levels. The game stars Shadow the Hedgehog and his quest to recover his memory, a goal he has been pursuing since his debut in Sonic Adventure 2, while an evil alien race known as the Black Arms is invading the planet.

Nov 15, 200548/100
29 Sonic Rush cover
Mainline2005

Sonic Rush

Sonic the Hedgehog has a new partner, Blaze the Cat, in this fast-paced platformer, Sonic Rush. You can play as either Sonic or Blaze as you try to track down powerful Sol emeralds. Sonic Rush displays the level over both screens, allowing for screen-spanning jumps and dives. Some gameplay modes include stylus support as well. Designed as a 2.5D side-scroller, Sonic Rush is the first game in the Sonic series to explore both 2D and 3D venues by combining two-dimensional environments with three-dimensional models. In 2007, the game received a sequel, Sonic Rush Adventure.

Nov 15, 200576/100
30 Sonic Riders cover
Mainline2006

Sonic Riders

Sonic Riders was a port of Sonic Riders to the Game Boy Advance. It was in development at the same time as the other Sonic Riders ports. The game used a Out-Run style game engine. When Sega of Japan insisted on adding more 3D to the game it was cancelled by Sega of USA as it could not be completed within the tight production schedule. Info on the game was discovered on Keith Erickson’s portfolio and Arvin Bautista’s resume.

Feb 21, 20063.8/5
32 Sonic Rivals cover
Mainline2006

Sonic Rivals

The game begins with Doctor Eggman turning Tails, Amy Rose, Rouge, and the Master Emerald into cards with his new device. Sonic and Knuckles arrive on the scene, and find out what has happened. Knuckles, bent on saving the Master Emerald, tells Sonic that teamwork is out of the question and that he needs to get to Eggman first. Sonic snickers and says that he likes a good challenge. Meanwhile, Shadow the Hedgehog receives a distress signal from Eggman. Suddenly, a mysterious hedgehog named Silver appears from the future. Silver is then pursued by Shadow. When they encounter each other, Silver tells Shadow he needs to get to Eggman, first. After numerous conflicts, it is revealed that Dr. Eggman is in fact Eggman Nega and that the real Doctor Eggman is captured into a card prior to the story. After one final battle with Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow and Silver, Nega is defeated, everyone is reverted to their original forms, and Silver returns to the future with Eggman Nega who is trapped inside a card.

Nov 24, 200664/100
33 Sonic and the Secret Rings cover
Mainline2007

Sonic and the Secret Rings

Sonic and the Secret Rings is a three-dimensional platform and action game featuring an on-rails style of movement. Sonic the Hedgehog, the series' main character, is the game's only player character. He is controlled exclusively with the Wii Remote, which is held horizontally like a traditional gamepad.

Feb 20, 200771/100
34 Sonic Rush Adventure cover
Mainline2007

Sonic Rush Adventure

Sonic returns to the DS with all the classic 2D dual screen action of "Sonic Rush," as well as a new high-seas adventure where he clashes with ruthless pirates. As Sonic, set off from Windmill Village to explore seven islands for action-packed adventures spread across a large map. As you venture, you'll uncover valuable items and materials that will help Tails build new ships so that Sonic can track down the villainous pirates in a variety of ways.

Sep 14, 200775/100
35 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games cover
Mainline2007

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

Mario & Sonic on the Wii is a collection of twenty-four events based on the Olympic Games. Players can assume the role of a Nintendo or Sega character while competing against the others in these events. Players use the Wii Remote to mimic actions performed in real life sports, such as swinging a paddle.

Nov 6, 200765/100
36 Sonic Rivals 2 cover
Mainline2007

Sonic Rivals 2

The Chao have disappeared and Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles "Tails" Prower immediately get on the case to find them. It turns out that Eggman Nega (once again masquerading as Doctor Eggman) has stolen the Chao and concealed them inside a haunted mansion. His plan is to feed them to an inter-dimensional beast called the "Ifrit" who needs to eat them to become invincible . After that, he plans to release the Ifrit into the world in order to destroy it. However, to open the portal to the Ifrit's world, the seven Chaos Emeralds are required. Eggman Nega secretly hires Rouge the Bat to collect the Chaos Emeralds. The Master Emerald has also gone missing (again) and Knuckles the Echidna teams up with Rouge to find it. Meanwhile, Silver the Hedgehog has returned from a now ruined future caused by the Ifrit. In order to make a happier future, he searches for and steals the Chao that are left in order to hide them. Espio first thought that Silver was hiding Chao for a cause of evil, but Espio finds out that Silver was trying to save the world. Then, they work together to save the world. The real Dr. Eggman sends Metal Sonic to find Shadow, and tells him of Nega's plans. Nega has learned of the Ifrit by accessing Professor Gerald Robotnik's journals, and Shadow and Metal Sonic set out to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds before he does. Eggman uses Metal Sonic as a communication device to aid Shadow along the way. All of the teams meet up at the Mystic Haunt Zone where the portal to the Ifrit's world is. Despite Rouge only collecting six of the Emeralds, the portal opens anyway and Nega dispatches his newly copy of Metal Sonic, Metal Sonic 3.0 to awaken the Ifrit. Despite possessing the minds of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Rouge (depending on who the player plays as), the Ifrit is defeated by the other teams. Shadow and Metal Sonic defeat the Ifrit and close the portal but they and Eggman Nega are trapped in the Ifrit's dimension. However, Metal Sonic tears his chassis open, revealing the 7th Chaos Emerald. Shadow uses the Emerald to teleport back with Metal Sonic. Nega is left trapped under some rubble. Sonic and Tails save all the Chao and bring them to a Chao Garden and relax there while Knuckles finds the Master Emerald in the Emerald Detector that he and Rouge stole from Eggman Nega. Rouge steals the Master Emerald and runs, and Silver returns to what he hopes is a happy future. Espio has to answer to Vector the Crocodile who has spent their client's advanced payment on late rental fees.

Nov 13, 200755/100
37 Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood cover
Mainline2008

Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

The game initially focuses on the events surrounding the kidnapping of Knuckles and the disappearance of the Chaos Emeralds after the defeat of Doctor Eggman, before moving on to follow the cast of characters across two dimensions as they encounter a new ally, Shade the Echidna, and seek to stop the invasion of their world by Ix, the leader of Shade's tribe, the Nocturnus.

Sep 25, 200866/100
38 Sonic Unleashed cover
Mainline2008

Sonic Unleashed

Gameplay in Sonic Unleashed focuses on two modes of platforming play: fast-paced levels that take place during daytime, showcasing Sonic's trademark speed as seen in previous games in the series, and slower, night-time levels, during which Sonic's Werehog form emerges, and gameplay switches to an action-based, brawler style of play, in which Sonic battles Gaia enemies

Nov 20, 200862/100
39 Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing cover
Mainline2010

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing

Explore stunning new circuits including Sonic Seaside Hill, Curien Mansion and Blizzard Castle as you zip around medieval castle ramparts, hurtle under lush rain forest canopies and tear through bustling city scapes in a frantic race to the finish line. Jostle against a selection of 20 challengers including Super Monkey Ball’s Ai Ai, Amigo from Samba and the evil Dr. Eggman in your unique character vehicle. Stay ahead of the pack by dodging traps and launching outrageous character moves such as the invincible Super Sonic, Banana Blitz assault of monkey balls or Tails wild Tornado - set to throw any vehicle clean in the air! But if you’ve been battered, beaten and broken, it’s not over yet! Super-charge your vehicle with power-ups to get back in the race and be sure to stay alert for the secret short-cuts that will give you the edge to victory. Party Racing Fun - Battle it out in single player, challenge your friends in 4 player split-screen for the ultimate track racing showdown! All Your Favorite Racers - Choose from 20 different characters from the Sonic & SEGA universe including Sonic, Tails, Aiai and Amigo. High Velocity Vehicles - Every character drives their own unique vehicle including sports cars, bikes, planes and even a giant banana to perform bespoke special man-oeuvres! All-Star Moves - Need to get by a competitor? Can’t overtake a racer? Then take them out with a pick-up weapon (missiles, mines and other obstacles) or one of the 20 unique character moves that allows the recipient to know who just hit them! Stunning Visuals - Race over medieval castle ramparts, under lush rain forest canopies and through bustling city scapes as you battle through 27 challenging tracks from the Sonic and Sega Universe.

Feb 23, 201074/100
40 Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I cover
Mainline2010

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I

The sequel fans have waited 16 years for is finally here - Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I! Featuring enhanced gameplay elements, including the classic Sonic Spin Dash, and the versatile Homing Attack, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I picks up right where Sonic and Knuckles left off. Dr. Eggman’s back, and in an effort to finally rid himself of Sonic, he revisits – and improves – the very best of his creations. Get ready for the next chapter in an all new epic 2D saga built for old and new fans alike.

Oct 11, 201067/100
41 Sonic Colors cover
Mainline2010

Sonic Colors

Sonic Colors, titled Sonic Colours in European and Australian markets, is a platforming game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega in 2010. The game was released worldwide for the Wii in November 2010. Another version featuring different gameplay was also released on the Nintendo DS at the same time.

Nov 11, 201072/100
42 Sonic Generations cover
Mainline2011

Sonic Generations

In the 3DS version of Sonic Generations, Modern Sonic's gameplay is similar to that of Sonic Rush and the DS version of Sonic Colors. He has the Boost, the ability to slide under obstacles, jump off walls, and the Homing Attack. After the second era, Modern Sonic learns the Stomp. Modern Sonic's levels use the 3D effect of depth on the 3DS version more actively as well as to giving a better view for when Modern Sonic jumps into the background, although the console versions are 3D-TV compatible. In the HD version, Modern Sonic is only able to wall jump off certain panels (similar to the DS version of Sonic Colors), but in the 3DS version, he is able to wall jump on any wall (much like Sonic Unleashed and the Wii version of Sonic Colors).

Nov 24, 201170/100
43 Sonic CD cover
Remaster2011

Sonic CD

Sonic CD (also known as Sonic CD 2011) is a remaster of the original game, adding many new features like widescreen support, improved controls, access to both American and Japanese soundtracks and Tails as an unlockable playable character.

Dec 14, 201182/100
44 Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II cover
Mainline2012

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

The Sonic 4 Saga continues in Episode II with the return of a beloved side kick and fan-favorite villains! Following the events of Episode I, Metal Sonic has returned to form an alliance with Dr. Eggman! To face this new evil, Sonic will have to call upon an old friend to help him save the day!

May 15, 201256/100
45 Sonic Adventure 2 cover
Remaster2012

Sonic Adventure 2

Sonic Adventure 2, even though it has the same name, it is actually a remaster for the original Sonic Adventure 2, with updated graphics and the assets from Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.

Oct 2, 201272/100
46 Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed cover
Mainline2012

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Race as Sonic and a host of legendary All-Stars and prepare to transform! Speed across land, sea and air in a high velocity battle to the finish line, as your amazing transformable vehicle changes from car to boat to plane mid-race. Racing on mobile will never be the same again!

Nov 15, 201280/100
47 Sonic the Fighters cover
Remaster2012

Sonic the Fighters

Sonic The Fighters is an arcade fighting game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. This digital high-definition port of was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on November 2012. As of April 2016, the Xbox 360 version of Sonic the Fighters is compatible with Xbox One

Nov 27, 201246/100
48 Sonic Dash cover
Mainline2013

Sonic Dash

Sonic Dash is an endless runner platformer video game developed by Hardlight and published by Sega. It was released exclusively on mobile phones, and is the second game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Hardlight for the platform, the first being the remake of Sonic Jump in 2012. The game was released on March 7, 2013, for iOS, November 26, 2013, for Android, and December 3, 2014, for Windows.

Mar 7, 201365/100
50 Sonic Lost World cover
Mainline2013

Sonic Lost World

When the Deadly Six threaten to destroy his world, Sonic’s new moves & power-ups are the only way to defeat them before it’s too late! This is the first out of the three titles of Sega and Nintendo's exclusive collaboration, the others being Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric/Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal.

Oct 18, 201355/100
52 Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric cover
Mainline2014

Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric

Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric delivers a completely new action-adventure gameplay experience for Sonic fans. The detailed levels and emphasis on each character’s unique abilities give players more choice in exploration as they work as a team to stop the deadly snake-like ancient villain, Lyric, before he can power up his army. Players will be challenged by over-the-top speed runs, but the heart of the game is focused on intense combat and brand-new abilities including the Enerbeam. This energy-charged cord can be used by characters to navigate the world like never before. Swing or zip-line across gaps, grab and throw enemies, take away their shields in combat, and explore alternate paths filled with lush environments and landscapes.

Nov 11, 201427/100
53 Sonic Mania cover
Mainline2017

Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania is a side-scrolling platformer that pays homage to the original Sega Genesis Sonic the Hedgehog games. Players choose from Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles, each with unique abilities, and speed through 13 zones that include redesigned stages from past games alongside original levels. The game features special stages for collecting Chaos Emeralds, time attack with online leaderboards, and split-screen competitive multiplayer.

Aug 15, 201784/100
54 Sonic Forces cover
Mainline2017

Sonic Forces

Fight through a world destroyed by Dr. Eggman and a powerful new villain in Sonic Forces, the new fast-paced action platformer from the team that brought you Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations. Sonic Forces lets you speed through rolling ruined landscapes as Modern Sonic, catapult past perilous platforms as Classic Sonic, and use powerful new gadgets as your own Custom Hero Character.

Nov 7, 201756/100
55 Team Sonic Racing cover
Mainline2019

Team Sonic Racing

Team Sonic Racing combines the best elements of arcade and fast-paced competitive style racing as you face-off with friends in intense multiplayer racing.

May 21, 201971/100
56 Sonic Colors: Ultimate cover
Remaster2021

Sonic Colors: Ultimate

Join Sonic in the high-speed adventure of a lifetime across a colorful interstellar amusement park. Color the Universe in Sonic Colors: Ultimate!

Sep 7, 202173/100
57 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles cover
Remaster2022

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles was remastered and released as part of the Sonic Origins compilation, alongside the remasters of Sonic 1, 2 and CD. It has improvements over the original version, such as widescreen support and higher resolution, due to running in a different engine from the original game. Such as the other ports in the compilation, this remaster also adds the Drop Dash ability which starred in Sonic Mania. Part of the soundtrack had to be changed to the songs of the PC port of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which are based on the beta soundtrack of the game.

Jun 23, 2022
58 Sonic Frontiers cover
Mainline2022

Sonic Frontiers

Worlds will collide in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest adventure. An experience like never before, accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high velocity open-zone freedom. Battle powerful enemies as you speed through the Starfall Islands - landscapes brimming with dense forests, overflowing waterfalls, sizzling deserts and more!

Nov 7, 202272/100
59 The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog cover
Mainline2023

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog

A brand new Sonic experience from the minds of the Sonic Social team: The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a visual novel, point-and-click adventure! It's Amy Rose's birthday and she's hosting a murder mystery party on the Mirage Express. When Sonic becomes the game's victim, everyone is off to get to the bottom of things. However, something feels a bit off - is this really an innocent game or something more sinister afoot?

Mar 31, 202370/100
60 Sonic Superstars cover
Mainline2023

Sonic Superstars

Adventure through the mystical Northstar Islands in this all-new take on classic 2D Sonic high-speed action platforming. Play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose and harness all-new Emerald powers to move and attack in dynamic new ways. Navigate gorgeous, never-before-seen environments solo or with up to 3 other players and stop Dr. Eggman, Fang, and a mysterious new adversary from converting the islands' giant animals into Badniks before it's too late!

Oct 17, 202374/100
61 Sonic Dream Team cover
Mainline2023

Sonic Dream Team

In this all-new Sonic adventure, the evil Dr. Eggman has discovered The Reverie, an ancient device with the power to manifest dreams in the real world. Navigate twisted dreamscapes, rescue your friends, and put a stop to Dr. Eggman’s nightmarish dreams of world domination!

Dec 5, 202370/100
62 Shadow Generations cover
Mainline2024

Shadow Generations

Play as Shadow in a brand-new story campaign featuring never-before-seen abilities that prove why he's known as the Ultimate Life Form! Speed through iconic stages from Shadow's history, discover hidden secrets in an expansive hub world, and unlock new powers to take on Black Doom and save the world.

Oct 25, 202475/100
64 Sonic Rumble Party cover
Mainline2025

Sonic Rumble Party

Ready, Set, Rumble! Join Sonic in this intense arcade royale game set in Dr. Eggman's diabolical Toy World. Collect legendary skins, all-new emotes, and build skills as you progress through this action-packed game! Mayhem is best with friends!

Nov 5, 202570/100

Sources and method

Built from the public record.

Membership is researched from external official and independent sources. Mainline games, direct spin-offs, remakes, remasters, and standalone expansions are included; DLC, simple ports, duplicate editions, compilation-only duplicates, rumors, cancellations, and cameo-only crossovers are excluded.

  1. database Sonic the Hedgehog collection — IGDB

    IGDB maintains a distinct collection record for Sonic the Hedgehog and supplies the authoritative roster used for membership verification.

  2. reference List of best-selling video game franchises

    The independent catalog recognizes Sonic the Hedgehog as a multi-game franchise and supports its inclusion in this major-series research sweep.