They really captured the best parts of the original series then added more modern features. It would have beet so nice to have spin dash in the original series. The graphics have the look and feel of the original but with improved added colors and modern resolution lacking in the original.

There are parts of the original stages, bosses, and bonus levels. However, the new content blends in with the original material flawlessly. It’s hard to believe this wasn’t part of the original series, it’s that good!

Because it’s everything great about the original Sonic series minus he drawbacks of old hardware. It feels like playing an old game on a high end system, like all the advertising was back then. The commercial for the game always looked better than actually playing anything on a Genesis, Atari, Intellivision, Commodore, and yes, even the original NES!

If you like side scrollers and quick action then this game is for you. Plus it has a competition mode for 4 players. That’s something missing from the original. Sure, you could have someone join in as Tails, but honestly it kinda sucked trying to keep up with Sonic. It was more of an afterthought than a feature of the original.

Not so with Sonic Mania. This should appeal to anyone who enjoys 4 player games. Each player gets their own screen. Plus you can choose features like item boxes that switch players. Definitely one of the most hilarious features I’ve seen in a 4 player game.

Big surprise, Sonic Mania is comparable to most Sonic games. It’s so much like the original it’s hard to believe it wasn’t released in the late 1990’s or early 2000’s. Llike most side scrollers there are stages followed by a boss battle. Plus bonus rounds. A formula that’s been around since Mario Bros.

The 4 player head to head action in Sonic Mania stands out since many side scrollers are single player. It’s our favorite mode when we play Sonic Mania. It’s a good blend of the best parts of the old with upgraded features and gameplay.

The graphics and soundtrack are an advantage of Sonic Mania. It doesn’t lag or look low resolution like most games back then.

Th 4 player mode is one of the best benefits. Being able to play side by side with each other in a fast moving game just wasn’t possible on the old hardware.

The bonus levels and content are so good it’s hard to believe it wasn’t part of the original. Item boxes with different power ups, hidden paths, new characters, and new bonus levels fit seamlessly with the original.

I can’t forget to mention the shrinking levels. A personal favorite and totally awesome! I really can’t think of any negative things to say. We’re huge Sonic fans around here.

Our review of Sonic Mania gives it 10 stars out of 10. We loved it that much and play it all the time. It’s that good!

Sonic Mania – Review brought to you by: David M.

I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.

The Sonic Colors series has been one of the most beloved modern Sonic titles. Originally released in 2010 for the Wii and DS, and later remastered as Sonic Colors: Ultimate for modern consoles in 2021, each version offers a different take on the fast-paced adventure. But what exactly are the differences between these versions, and which one is worth your time? In my post you’ll find out.

Sonic Colors DS

Sonic Colors DS (or just DS to save time) rather than a simple port, the DS version was a completely different game. Built by the team behind Sonic Rush, it’s a pure side-scroller.

Gameplay: Fast 2D action similar to Sonic Rush.

Unique Content: Different levels, bosses, and story dialogue compared to the Wii version.

Characters: Features cameos and missions from Knuckles, Blaze, and others.

Style: Dialogue-heavy storytelling instead of full cutscenes.

• Pros
  • Exclusive stages and bosses.
  • Fun Sonic Rush–style speed and tricks.
  • Great for handheld play.
• Cons
  • No 3D gameplay at all.
  • Story feels less cinematic (lots of text, fewer cutscenes).
  • Some missions can feel like filler.

Sonic Colors Wii

Sonic Colors Wii (or Wii for short) version was the main release and the first to bring Sonic into the colorful world of Dr. Eggman’s interstellar amusement park.

Gameplay: A hybrid of 3D platforming and 2D side-scrolling.

Wisps: Introduced the power-up system, letting Sonic transform with abilities like Laser, Drill, and Rocket.

Story: Full voice acting and animated cutscenes with plenty of Sonic-style humor.

Extras: Local co-op “Sonic Simulator” stages.

• Pros
  • Original experience with balanced 2D/3D gameplay.
  • Full story and cinematic presentation.
  • Wisps feel fresh and fun.
• Cons
  • Wii graphics look dated now.
  • Controls can feel a bit stiff compared to newer Sonic games.

Sonic Colors Ultimate Switch

Sonic Colors Ultimate (AKA Switch) is a remaster of the Wii version, Sonic Colors: Ultimate modernized the game for new players and longtime fans alike.

Gameplay: Same as Wii but polished up.

New Features:

Jade Ghost Wisp (new power-up).

Customization for Sonic (shoes, gloves, boost effects).

Remixed music and updated UI.

Tails tokens for extra help.

Performance: Runs at 30fps on Switch (other platforms can hit 60fps).

• Pros
  • Best-looking version with HD graphics.
  • Extra customization and the new Jade Ghost Wisp.
  • Quality-of-life improvements make it easier for new players.
• Cons
  • Switch version only runs at 30fps.
  • Some players prefer the original Wii soundtrack over the remixes.
  • Lacks the DS version’s exclusive levels.

Summary

Overall, Wii and Switch are the same but the Switch has a few updates to the Wii. While the DS is 100% unique. So if you have Switch don’t bother getting Wii but you could still get DS.

DS: A completely different take, leaning into fast 2D action with unique content.

Wii: The classic hybrid that started it all—best for experiencing the game as it was meant to be.

Switch: The modern upgrade—great visuals, more features, but slightly limited on Switch performance compared to other consoles.

• If you want the pure, original experience, go for the Wii version.
• If you prefer fast-paced 2D gameplay, the DS version is worth tracking down.
• If you want the modern, most accessible version, the Switch (or other Ultimate releases) is the way to go.

What’s the difference between Sonic Colors for DS, Wii and Switch? brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island.

The game is meant to be like New Super Mario Bros. series in gameplay, style and so on. I think it’s like it but greatly improved for co-op gameplay. It also reminds us of Super Mario Bros. 3D World.

The story in Super Mario Bros Wonder is Mario and his friend have be invited to the Flower Kingdom by Prince Florian but Bowser comes in and ruins everything like he always does and Mario and his friends must help Prince Florian save the Kingdom.

There’s a wide variety of characters with the usual Mario, Luigi, Toad and Toadette but with added Peach, Daisy and Yoshi. In the Nintendo Switch 2 version you can even play as Rosalina!

The levels are well designed and fun to play through. The Talking Flower are hilarious along with the singing piranha plants.

The game’s biggest new feature is the Wonder Flower. These special flowers can completely change what is happening in a level. When a Wonder Flower is activated, the level can transform in surprising ways. Pipes might come alive, enemies can behave differently, the environment can change, or the player can find themselves participating in a completely unexpected event. Because you never know exactly what will happen when you activate one, exploring levels becomes incredibly exciting.

I especially like how the Wonder Flowers encourage players to experiment. Instead of simply running from the beginning of a level to the end, you want to investigate everything and find out what secrets might be hiding. This gives the game a wonderful sense of discovery (get it? wonderful, Mario Wonder, lol).

The game also introduces Wonder Effects, which are connected to the Wonder Flowers and can make each level feel completely different. One level might suddenly become chaotic and strange, while another can turn into a completely different kind of challenge. This variety is one of the biggest reasons the game stays entertaining.

Another highlight is the collection of Badges. Badges allow players to customize certain aspects of their abilities or gameplay. Some can make movement easier, while others provide new ways to approach levels. This adds a little bit of strategy because players can choose badges that fit their preferred play style.

The playable character selection is another great feature. Players can choose from several familiar Mario characters, giving everyone the opportunity to pick someone they enjoy. Different characters can also make the experience feel more personal, which is especially nice when playing multiplayer.

Speaking of multiplayer, this is one of my favorite things about Super Mario Bros. Wonder. We have so much fun playing it together. Multiplayer can turn even a normal level into a hilarious experience. Everyone is running around, jumping, collecting items, helping each other, and occasionally getting in each other’s way. There can be moments where someone makes a difficult jump perfectly, followed by another player accidentally causing complete chaos.

The multiplayer features also make the game feel cooperative rather than simply competitive. Players can help one another through difficult sections, and being able to work together makes the game welcoming for different skill levels.

The levels themselves are another major strength. There is a fantastic amount of variety, with different environments, enemies, obstacles, and secrets. Levels don’t simply feel like slightly different versions of the same course. The developers constantly introduce new ideas, keeping players curious about what they’ll encounter next.

The power-ups are also fun. In addition to familiar transformations, the game introduces new abilities that give Mario and his friends different ways to interact with the environment. These power-ups add variety and make discovering a new item exciting. My personal favorite is the Bubble Power up.

Of course, Super Mario Bros. Wonder isn’t perfect. One possible downside is that the game’s creativity can occasionally make some levels feel chaotic. While this is often part of the fun, players who prefer straightforward platforming may sometimes find the unusual Wonder Effects distracting.

Another drawback is that some players may find the game less challenging than older Mario games, particularly during the easier portions. However, there are more difficult levels and optional challenges for players who want something harder.

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 4-players on one Nintendo Switch.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is similar in the sense of side scroller and some of the characters and power ups. However it definitely does not work for those who like co-op like we do. It works much better for solo players or those who like versus.

Sonic Superstars is the most similar in my opinion. They are both side scroller games with well designed levels, colorful graphics and are great for co-op players. Also, a funny thing is that they released only a few days apart!

Super Mario Bros. 3D World is another similar game, however its a 3D Platformer instead of side scroller. They both have a variety of power ups, levels etc. I like Wonder better but Fox Gamer prefers 3D World but both are really great games.

For more about all these games I mentioned, check out my post: Games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder!

• Excellent co-op multiplayer
• The graphics and visuals are amazing
• Variety in characters and power ups
• Well designed levels with cute, quirky designs
• Wonder Flowers and Wonder Effects make levels unpredictable
• Huge variety of gameplay ideas
• Fun and memorable power-ups
• Badges provide additional gameplay options
• Great game for playing with family and friends
• We have so much fun playing it together
• Lots of secrets and collectibles to discover
• Welcoming for players with different skill levels
• Wonderful sense of humor and personality

• Turning into a ghost and having to catch up to join back in and it’s a little annoying. The bubbling system in other Mario games works better in my opinion
• Some Wonder Effects can feel chaotic
• Easier sections may not challenge experienced players
• Certain collectibles and challenges can become difficult to complete

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an amazing Mario game that takes a familiar formula and fills it with creativity and surprises. The Wonder Flowers are a fantastic addition because they make every level feel unpredictable. You never know what is going to happen when you activate one, which encourages you to explore and experiment.

For me, though, the biggest reason this game stands out is simply how much fun it is. It is my favorite Mario game, and we have so much fun playing it together. Multiplayer makes the experience even better because the game creates so many funny and memorable moments. Whether we’re helping each other through a difficult section, discovering a strange Wonder Effect, or laughing when something completely unexpected happens, there always seems to be something enjoyable happening.

While there are a few small drawbacks, they don’t take away from the overall experience. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is colorful, creative, charming, and packed with surprises. It successfully shows that the classic 2D Mario formula can still feel fresh and exciting.

Overall, Mario Wonder delivers on the fun factor. We had a great time playing through to the end and I look forward to many more hours playing this game. If you enjoy other Mario Brothers games then Super Mario Bros Wonder is definitely worth getting in my opinion.

LEGO Party – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.