Sonic Mania is the first game I’ve ever played where I had no idea I was at the last level until I completed it. Every level is so meticulously crafted and well put-together that each one presents their own challenges and degree of variety, even if they have the tendency to blend together towards the latter half of the game. Couple that with the incredible soundtrack, and this game is both a love letter to series veterans and an open invitation to new fans. Sonic Mania is an example of nostalgia done right; I think that developers should take note.