Nostalgia has hit the shelves for people who are sick of playing the same 8-bit game in order to feel like a kid again. “Sonic Mania” is the newest game for the blue hedgehog, but it has the look and feel of the past.

The gameplay has a smoother and tighter feel than its predecessors. Any movement feels more precise to the player’s needs. While still keeping its side-scrolling 2D platformer style and catchy music, playing the game now, compared to playing as a kid, is an upgraded experience. It truly is a manifestation of a little gamer kid’s dream. Besides still having the features of the old games, “Sonic Mania” has given all the original zones more obstacles and enemies. The game also has prototype zones that were cut from the original game’s development in the ‘90s with unlockable abilities and cutscenes. Players can even share the joy with friends and play in multiplayer mode as well, while playing as Sonic, Knuckles and Tails in this melting pot of past games put into new eyes.

Going back in time has been the answer for the franchise’s ascent back into the world of gaming. Even loyal fans have been waiting for this blast-to-the-past of a game. The quality of the game from the design to the story was executed unbelievably well. Even for the people who did not grow up on any of the Sonic titles, saying this game is completely worth the purchase and playthrough would be an understatement. With its initial release, the game has satisfied long-time fans, created new ones who missed out back in the day and has shown that the Sonic franchise has improved astronomically with the recreation of all the iconic games into one.