Sonic Mania 2

Sonic Mania 2 is the long awaited sequel to the first Sonic Mania. It introduces four new characters to the classic universe and promotes Amy Rose and Fang the Sniper to playable roles. It also goes a step further than its predecessor in being a Saturn-styled game, with 2.5D levels and low poly models instead of pixel art.
== Story ==
Dr Eggman hasn't been seen since he was trapped in the Phantom Ruby, but he had four lieutenants who are running the Egg Empire in his place. When they invade Elysium Island, it's up to Sonic and his friends to drive them out!
If the player has all the Chaos Emeralds at the end of the game, the emeralds interact with the Phantom Ruby and release Dr Eggman, who is the game's secret final boss. Otherwise the player is encouraged to collect all the Chaos Emeralds.
== Gameplay ==
Sonic Mania 2 plays similarly to its predecessor. The player travels through a variety of 2.5D zones using their jump, spin dash and unique air action to fight the Egg Empire's robots.
Options are available that can augment the player's experience. These include giving players unlimited lives, turning off the ten-minute time limit and overhauling the ring system so rings act like health instead of a buffer.
There are seven Special Stages accessed by entering giant rings scattered throughout the zones. Each Special Stage holds a Chaos Emerald, and unlike previous games they play more like regular zones. Collecting all the Chaos Emeralds allows the player to activate their character's super form.
== Main Characters ==
=== Playable ===
Character	Info
 	Sonic the Hedgehog
The world's fastest hedgehog is ready to save Elysium Island! His Drop Dash lets him spin forward after landing on the ground.
 	Miles "Tails" Prower
Tails is here to assist Sonic in his mission. He's able to fly by spinning his tails, and he's the only character who can swim.
 	Knuckles the Echidna
Knuckles has ventured off of Angel Island for another adventure! He can glide through the air and climb on walls.
 	Amy Rose
Amy wants to impress Sonic by saving Elysium Island for him! Her Hammer Whirl ability allows her to slow her descent and hit aerial foes.
 	Mighty the Armadillo
Mighty's travels have taken him to Elysium Island as well. His shell can deflect projectiles, and he can slam into the ground to attack.
 	Ray the Flying Squirrel
Ray was traveling with Mighty when he came to Elysium Island. His Air Glide ability lets him glide even further than Knuckles!
 	Fang the Sniper
Fang has joined the adventure too in search of treasure. His Popgun Jump gives him some extra height while attacking anything below him.
=== Other ===
Character	Info
 	Queen the Fennec
The leader of the four lieutenants. Queen is a skilled engineer with intellect on par with Tails. She's been designing new robots in Eggman's absence.
 	Knight the Ferret
The Egg Empire's other ninja. With agility rivaling Sonic's and a seemingly endless supply of smoke bombs and shurikens, he makes for a tricky opponent.
 	Bishop the Skunk
A skilled magician with a variety of offensive spells. It's in the player's best interest to equip an elemental shield before tangling with him.
 	Rook the Wolf
The strongest organic member of the Egg Empire. What he lacks in agility he makes up for with raw power. He's easily the toughest of the lieutenants.
== Zones ==
=== Main Zones ===
Unlike its predecessor, Sonic Mania 2 contains a full set of new zones.
Zone 	Info
Magenta Valley 	A beautiful meadow region filled with pink and purple flowers. Most of Act 2 takes place underground.
Peaceful Inlet 	A sunny beach on the island's coast. The zone starts in a small village before traveling onto some nearby islets.
Elysium City 	The largest city on Elysium Island. Act 1 is on a highway amid tall buildings, while Act 2 is in a theme park.
Aquatic Palace 	An old set of ruins belonging to an ancient civilization. Parts of the zone (mainly the lower routes) are flooded.
Frozen Summit 	The snow-covered slopes of Elysium Island's tallest mountain. Act 1 is partly set in a snowy village and ski resort.
Gear Fortress 	A robot production plant established by the Egg Empire. This zone is full of dangerous traps and robots.
Knothole Woods 	A large wooded area. Act 1 takes place on the forest's floor, while Act 2 is set in a village in the treetops.
Rugged Sands 	A vast desert with lots of sand, cacti and some ruins. The player ventures inside the ruin complex in Act 2.
Nocturne Manor 	An old, abandoned mansion. The ghosts that live there won't hurt you, but the Egg Empire robots will.
Infernal Chasm 	A cavern filled with hot lava. Many Egg Empire machines are here, taking advantage of the volcano's power.
Blossom Temple 	An East Asian styled village and shrine. The zone features cherry blossom trees and a giant Japanese garden.
Sky Engine 	The Egg Empire's mobile fortress. This is the toughest level in the game, with all kinds of dangerous machinery.
Eggman's Return	The secret final boss. It's similar to the Doomsday Zone from Sonic 3, but is located outside the EE airship.
=== Extra Zones ===
These zones aren't part of the story, but can be accessed from the level selection screen. They are unlocked by clearing Eggman's Return with any character.
Zone 	Info
South Island 	A whirlwind tour of the island from Sonic 1! Each act takes the player through three of the game's iconic zones.
Honey Forest 	A zone taking place in a giant bee hive. It is full of sticky honey, colorful flowers and variations on the Buzz Bomber.
Midday Express	A zone inspired by Act 3 of Triple Trouble's Sunset Park. The player must fight and platform their way to the engine.
== Trivia ==
* The Hammer Whirl and Popgun Jump are originally from the Amy Mania mod and Sonic Galactic respectively.
* Eggman's lieutenants were originally named after playing card suits before the decision was made to name them after chess pieces instead.
* Knothole Woods is named after (and partly inspired by) a prominent location in the Archie and SatAM universes.
Category:Sonic (series)
Category:Sonic Games
Category:2D Platforming Games
Category:Nintendo Switch Games
Category:PlayStation 5 Games
Category:Xbox Series X Games
Category:Steam Games