It’s that time of year again! The decorations are out, the house smells of Christmas thanks to the tree in the living room, presents are sitting under the tree and all the good food is on the table. We do love Christmas at DDNet, and as always, we’re doing an advent calendar of our own on the site. Each day we’re going to list one game that’s just perfect to play over the Christmas season, so be sure to check back each day to get all the gaming suggestions you’ll need for the season.
Most 2D Sonic games go down like a smooth glass of ‘nog at Christmas, especially those with wintry levels like the beloved Ice Cap Zone. My younger self spent Christmas Eve playing Sonic 3 & Knuckles cooperatively with my sister and it made for a grand old time (until the “barrel of doom”, that is). With Sonic Mania, a game that pays tribute to both the franchise’s triumphs and unsung oddities, it has that nostalgia factor going for it. The fact that it’s a cooperative game where the second player is basically invincible means literally anyone can hop in and have a good time helping out with tough boss fights.
If anything makes me emotionally attached to a platformer, though, it’s the music and Mania features the unparalleled aural majesty of Tee Lopes’ soundtrack. Those songs will imprint themselves in your soul forever, creating holiday memories for years to come. Coincidentally, they’ll guarantee a hug from any Sonic fan should you leave the CD under their tree.
– Clark A.
Anime Editor
