The modern levels play similar to any of Sonic's recent console outings, switching back and forth between three-dimensional settings and more traditional 2D platforming areas. ( The mode all but targets the seriesвЂ™s rich fan art community.) Building off Sonic Generations, which offered a mix of both 3D Modern Sonic and 2D Classic Sonic levels, Forces adds a third variation on the gameplay, with levels designed for the custom heroes that are to be a major feature of the upcoming game. Levels feature layered paths from one end to the other, and you get the overall sense that the gameвЂ™s mandate is: the thing fans love but more.Д«ut that familiarity also is a double-edged sword, and ManiaвЂ™s adherence to the style of Sonic games of old doesnвЂ™t seem to leave a lot of wiggle room for big changes in gameplay.Д«ut if Mania is a game meticulously panning Sonic for gold, Sonic Forces is akin to drowning in the Sonic deep end. Gameplay is pure, classic Sonic - if you've played any of the Genesis Sonic games, you'll know exactly how Mania feels to play. Sonic, Tails, and KnucklesвЂ™ sprites are all impressively detailed, and things like SonicвЂ™s ears or TailsвЂ™, er, tails will subtly ripple in the wind when the characters are running.

Sega has melded the original retro style with some smooth animations that give the character just a little more personality. Mania looks like classic Sonic not as it is (low-resolution), but as your remember it (sleek, HD). I got the chance to try the pairing, and it was an odd juxtaposition, like chasing a fine aged wine with Red Bull. The two Sonics were set back-to-back at Sega's booth - stand on one side of a wall, and you can play the re-created ghost of Sonic past walk around to the flip side, and you can gaze upon Sega's vision for the future. And on the other end of the spectrum is Sonic Forces, the latest entry in the ongoing 3D Sonic series. Due to release this summer, itвЂ™s a retro, 16-bit-styled 2D platformer that appears to ignore any Sonic games released after Sonic and Knuckles in 1994. Sega is releasing two new Sonic the Hedgehog games this year that represent polar opposites of the sides of the franchise.

Sonic generations 2d sprites