Full Disclosure: This list does not have any specific order. This is mainly just me listing off my favorite Sonic games.

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

I know what you're thinking- "Josh! Out of all the objectively peak Sonic games you HAD to pick, you chose the very first Sonic game?? That's like saying the original Super Mario Bros. is your favorite Mario game!"

Yeah, true. This was the game that kicked off a two decades long franchise that won the hearts of many. But hear me out! Just because it's the first, doesn't mean it's bad!

Early Sonic games were a vibe; They had vibrant graphics full of color and contrast and a unique soundtrack in part thanks to them being on the Genesis/Mega Drive. If you were skilled enough, you could enter an abstract wonderland of shapes and colors in hopes to obtain a Chaos Emerald. These early games exhibit an almost dream-like feeling that was largely lost as the series went on.

I like Sonic 1 because it's safe and familiar to me. I have finished it many times over the years and it's never gotten old. I still remember the stages fairly well- For example, did you know there's a secret in Labirynth Zone Act 1 that lets you skip a good chunk of the level? The problem with the shortcut is you won't be able to obtain the 50 rings needed for the goalpost, so if you're missing an emerald, you'll have to wait until Act 2.

Sonic Adventure (1998)

There's an endless debate on which Sonic Adventure is better- 1? or 2? My vote goes to 2- It's more focused in its gameplay styles and it gives Sonic a more refined moveset over the first game.

Similar to the original Sonic, I love the aesthetics- It gives off a more bright and colorful vibe with it's setting and has a more lighthearted tone that makes it more inviting for me to come back to. I love the beaches and city streets of Station Square and the lush green polygonal jungles of the Mystic Ruins. The inclusion of a hub world helps with this, as you have all the time in the world to look around.

I also really like how floaty Sonic is in this game- There's a popular move where if you jump right after doing the spin dash, you get sent further and higher than normal. Even without the jump, the spin dash is a lot of fun to use!