Sonic Mania Plus is a remastered version of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania game, which originally released in 2017. The game features a nostalgic throwback to the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games of the 1990s, with updated graphics and new content. If you’re a fan of the classic Sonic games or are just looking for a new platformer to play, Sonic Mania Plus is definitely worth checking out.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know to master Sonic Mania Plus, including the game’s levels, characters, and secrets.
Story
The story of Sonic Mania Plus takes place after the events of the original Sonic the Hedgehog game. Dr. Eggman, the main antagonist, has once again unleashed a new set of evil robots on the world, and it’s up to Sonic and his friends to stop him. Along the way, they’ll encounter new zones and old favorites, each with their own unique challenges and obstacles.
Characters
Sonic Mania Plus features a total of four playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and a new addition, Mighty the Armadillo. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyle.
- Sonic is the fastest character and is able to perform the Spin Dash and Homing Attack.
- Tails can fly and swim, and can also carry Sonic in co-op play.
- Knuckles can climb walls and glide through the air.
- Mighty the Armadillo has a powerful ground pound attack and can destroy certain walls.
Levels
Sonic Mania Plus features a total of 12 zones, each with two acts. The zones are a mix of new and remixed levels from previous Sonic games. Some of the highlights include:
- Green Hill Zone: A classic level from the original Sonic the Hedgehog game.
- Chemical Plant Zone: A fan-favorite level from Sonic 2 with new twists and turns.
- Mirage Saloon Zone: A new level with a Wild West theme.
- Studiopolis Zone: A new level that takes place in a movie studio.
Each level is filled with obstacles and enemies, as well as hidden paths and secrets to discover. The game also features special stages, which are similar to the ones in Sonic CD, where players have to collect rings and avoid obstacles in a 3D environment.
Tips and Tricks
- Make use of the characters’ unique abilities. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to use them to your advantage.
- Explore the levels. Each level is filled with hidden paths and secrets, so be sure to take your time and explore.
- Use the drop dash. This new move allows you to perform a Spin Dash immediately after jumping, allowing you to quickly navigate through levels.
- Collect rings. Rings act as a shield, so be sure to collect as many as you can. If you lose all your rings, you’ll lose a life.
- Be on the lookout for sign posts. These will point you in the direction of the next act.
- Utilize the rewind feature. If you make a mistake, you can use the rewind feature to go back a few seconds and try again.
- Try to find all the red rings. Each level features a set of red rings that are well-hidden. Finding all of them will unlock a special stage.
Secrets
Sonic Mania Plus is filled with secrets and Easter eggs for players to discover. Some of the highlights include:
- Hidden paths: Each level is filled with hidden paths and secrets. Keep an eye out for alternate routes and secret areas.
- Debug mode: By entering a specific button combination at the title screen, players can access debug mode, which allows them to place objects and enemies in the levels, as well as play as different characters.
- Blue sphere stages: These stages, which are based on the ones in Sonic 3 & Knuckles, are accessed by finding all the blue spheres in the levels.
- Super Peel Out: By holding down the jump button, players can access a new move called the Super Peel Out, which allows Sonic to move at an even faster speed.
- Hidden characters: In addition to the four playable characters, there are also hidden characters that can be unlocked by meeting certain requirements.
- Time Attack mode: Players can compete against the clock in Time Attack mode, which is accessed by clearing all the acts in a zone with a certain character.
- Sound test: By accessing the sound test, players can listen to all the music and sound effects in the game.
Boss Battles
One of the highlights of Sonic Mania Plus are the boss battles. Each level concludes with a boss battle against one of Eggman’s robots. These battles can be challenging, but with the right strategy, they can be defeated. Here are a few tips for taking on the bosses:
- Learn the pattern: Each boss has a specific pattern of attacks that they follow. By learning the pattern, you’ll be able to predict their next move and dodge accordingly.
- Use the environment: Each boss battle takes place in a unique environment, and you can use the environment to your advantage. For example, some bosses can be damaged by throwing objects at them, or by hitting them with certain attacks.
- Play as the right character: Each character has their own unique abilities, so be sure to play as the character that best suits the boss battle.
Challenge Modes
Sonic Mania Plus also features a number of challenge modes that offer a different type of gameplay experience. These include:
- Competitive Mode: This mode allows players to race against each other in split-screen mode, as they compete to get the fastest time on a level.
- Time Attack mode: As mentioned before, players can compete against the clock in Time Attack mode, which is accessed by clearing all the acts in a zone with a certain character.
- Blue sphere stages: These stages are accessed by finding all the blue spheres in the levels. They offer a unique gameplay experience, as players must navigate through a series of challenging platforming stages.
Additional Content
Sonic Mania Plus also includes a number of additional contents that adds to the overall gaming experience. These include:
- Encore Mode: This mode is a remixed version of the original game, with new layouts, enemies, and challenges.
- Boss Attack Mode: In this mode, players can replay boss battles from the game in a new way.
- Ring Keep Mode: This mode allows players to keep all the rings they collect during a level, even if they die.
All these new content and features make Sonic Mania Plus a complete package for the fans of the series as well as the new comers. It offers a nostalgia trip down the memory lane while introducing new content, challenges, and gameplay experiences to the players.
More Tips and Tricks
Sonic Mania Plus can be challenging at times, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make your journey through the game a bit easier. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Collect rings: Rings are essential for survival in Sonic Mania Plus. They act as a shield, protecting you from one hit of damage. Be sure to collect as many rings as possible, as they’ll come in handy during boss battles and other challenging sections of the game.
- Use the Super Peel Out: As mentioned before, the Super Peel Out move allows Sonic to move at an even faster speed. This move is particularly useful for navigating through tricky platforming sections of the game.
- Explore the levels: The levels in Sonic Mania Plus are filled with secrets and hidden areas. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny, as you never know what you might find.
- Take advantage of the characters’ abilities: Each character has their own unique abilities, so be sure to take advantage of them. For example, Knuckles can glide and climb walls, while Tails can fly.
- Use debug mode: By inputting a specific button combination at the title screen, you can access debug mode, which allows you to place objects and enemies in the levels, as well as play as different characters. This can be useful for experimenting with different strategies and finding new ways to complete the levels.
Accessing the Secret Levels
Sonic Mania Plus features a number of secret levels that can be accessed by meeting certain requirements. These include:
- Special Stages: By collecting a certain number of rings in a level, players can access special stages, which are based on the ones in Sonic 3 & Knuckles. These stages task players with collecting rings while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
- Blue Sphere stages: As mentioned before, These stages are accessed by finding all the blue spheres in the levels. They offer a unique gameplay experience, as players must navigate through a series of challenging platforming stages.
- Hidden Palace: This level is accessible by finding a hidden entrance in the Chemical Plant Zone. It features a challenging boss battle against Knuckles.
- Wing Fortress: This level is accessible by finding a hidden entrance in the Flying Battery Zone. It features a challenging boss battle against Tails.
Sonic Mania Plus is filled with secrets and hidden levels that add to the overall gaming experience. By following the above tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to discovering all the game has to offer.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind while playing Sonic Mania Plus:
- Take advantage of the save system: Sonic Mania Plus allows you to save your progress at any point in the game, so be sure to use this feature to your advantage. You can save your progress before attempting a particularly challenging section of a level, or before a boss battle, so that you can pick up where you left off if you die.
- Use the Time Attack mode: This mode allows you to replay levels with the goal of completing them as quickly as possible. It can be a great way to practice and improve your skills, as well as to compete with friends and other players.
- Play with friends: Sonic Mania Plus features a local co-op mode, which allows you to play through the game with a friend. This can make the game more fun and less challenging, as you’ll have someone to help you out if you get stuck.
- Try out the different characters: Each character in Sonic Mania Plus has their own unique abilities and playstyle, so be sure to try them all out. You may find that you prefer playing as one character over another, or that certain characters are better suited for certain levels.
- Pay attention to the music: The music in Sonic Mania Plus is fantastic, and it can be a great way to get into the zone while playing. Pay attention to the music while you’re playing, and try to move to the beat. This can help you to stay focused and to react quickly to obstacles and enemies.
In addition, there are also a few notable features in Sonic Mania Plus:
- Encore Mode: This mode offers a new twist on the game by allowing players to play through the levels with new layouts, and new enemy placements.
- Competition Mode: Allows players to race against each other in split-screen multiplayer.
- The Soundtrack: The Soundtrack of Sonic Mania Plus is one of the most praised aspect of the game, with remastered version of classic songs, and new tracks composed by Tee Lopes.
Overall, Sonic Mania Plus offers a lot of replay value and content for players, with new features and modes, and the ability to play with friends. The game is challenging, but also rewarding, and with a little practice and patience, players can master it and discover all of its secrets.
In conclusion, Sonic Mania Plus is a great game that offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the classic Sonic games, while also introducing new content and features for fans of the series. With its challenging levels, diverse cast of characters, and plethora of secrets to discover, this is a must-play for platformer fans. By following the guide and tips you will be able to access the secret levels, and make your journey in the game more fun and easier.