Sonic Games are among the best selling video games in the world. With a long list of titles and many spin-offs, Sonic is arguably one of the most recognizable names in video games. As Sonic, players run through levels trying to stop the villainous Dr. Eggman, also known as Eggman or Dr. Robotnik depending on your age.
As one of the most well-known video game characters of all time the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise was first introduced to the world on June 23, 1991, when Sega launched Sonic The Hedgehog for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis console. Since then, Sonic has starred in dozens of his own games and has appeared alongside Mario and other big-name characters in various Super Smash Bros. titles.
Sonic Adventure – 4.5 Million Sales
Availability: Dreamcast, GameCube, Windows, Xbox 360,PlayStation 3
Sonic Adventure is the video game that started it all. Released in 1999, SEGA’s first 3D Sonic title introduced the world to a story of action and adventure unlike any other. With five playable characters (including Sonic) and an impressive list of features and options, Sonic Adventure remains one of the most celebrated videogames in history!
Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles – 8.9 Million Sales
Availability: Mega Drive/Genisis, Saturn, GameCube, PS2, Xbox 360
Split into two games – Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic and Knuckles – in the third outing for Sonic, the evil doctor continues his quest to rid the world of all sentient animal life, this time through the power of the master emeralds.
Players must help Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in their struggle against the mad doctor. This time around, you can play as all three characters as they use their abilities to escape from Dr. Robotnik’s deadly creations.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – 15 Million Sales
Availability: Sega Genesis, Arcade, Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a platform game in which players control Sonic as he attempts to recover the powerful Chaos Emeralds; doing so will enable him to defeat his nemesis Doctor Eggman and free his animal friends. The environments have various obstacles such as evil badniks and spikes to avoid, with the player being penalized for touching them. The gameplay centers around Sonic’s ability to run, jump and roll into a ball in order to attack enemies or avoid obstacles.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also marks the introduction of the fan-favourite spin dash attack that went on to revolutionise the series.
Sonic the Hedgehog – 44 Million Sales
Availability: Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, Master System, Game Boy Advance, Wii Virtual Console, iOS, Android, Xbox Live Arcade, Nintendo 3DS
Sonic’s first outing, Sonic the Hedgehog, is a video game released for the Sega Genesis console in June 1991. It was developed in Japan by Sonic Team and published by Sega.
Sonic the Hedgehog went on to receive critical acclaim, with high ratings from numerous gaming sites, including IGN, who gave the game a solid 8/10.
Sonic Dash – 200 Million Downloads
Availability: Android, iOS
Released for mobile devices, Sonic Dash sees players break the sound barrier as you race at lightning speeds through exciting levels in a world full of loop-de-loops, ramps, and tunnels. Collect rings as you go to unlock new outfits and gadgets for your favorite hedgehog hero. Join Sonic on his epic quest to stop Dr. Eggman and save the world from chaos.
While not anywhere near as interesting as the main home console games, Sonic Dash is a money-maker for Sega and has proven to be a hit with mobile gamers around the world.
