8 Greatest Video Game Second Chances

8. Sonic Mania

Ahh Sonic, the franchise that truly encapsulates the phrase "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me the number of times the Sonic games have.....shame. Just endless shame"

Seriously I can't think of another game series with this many misses that have been this passionately defended by the fanbase (outside of Dynasty Warriors but more on that later). From the utter disaster-piece that was Sonic '06 to the Sonic title whose name mirrors the noise you make playing it (Sonic ARRRRRRRGH), the blue blur has indeed unsharpened the lines of what constitutes decent output time and time again.

Yet it's also the series that has the most "phoenix rising from the ashes" moments, and of these Sonic Mania really does stand out ahead of the pack.

If nothing else I'll lavish praise on this game just for the fact that Sonic Team didn't make it and I enjoy the idea that they get annoyed each and every time this is mentioned, but aside from pettiness this game truly is what Sonic should always be about. Well-designed levels, outstanding art direction, and blistering speed.

This game was a veritable love letter to the source material and made by a true and blue fan of the series, and the fact that SEGA actually picked this game up to be released officially is mindblowing. As is the decision not to make a sequel.

Maybe they're saving that for their next Sonic saviour arc.