8 Greatest Video Game Second Chances

We all make mistakes. Trust me on that one.

To err is to be human and I've sure heard the phrase "err sir please put your trousers back on and stop rubbing deli meats over your chest" enough times to know that I need to stop drinking that imported cough syrup. In these moments, where you've been caught out by life or a gamble didn't pay off it's important to take stock of the situation, as it's here in these moments that we learn the type of person we are, and more importantly who we should strive to become.

If you've hurt people, apologise (and bloody mean it), if you've damaged something attempt to repair it, and if you've unfortunately pushed things too far, learn from the mistake and do all you can to never repeat it. These are the ways to build trust back up, to give your words meaning, and to sometimes find out where you need to do some personal improvement. It's as valid for the individual as it is for video game developers around the world, as with oily microtransaction practices and other shady workplace scenarios, often they have a lot to apologize for.

Thankfully, these teams worked hard to right wrongs, repair bridges, and prove they were worth a second chance.

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.