Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality

24 games like Sonic Mania (2026)

Recomputed 19 October 2026 · Ordered by overlap, not by score · Free to read, nothing here is paid for

Every game below overlaps with Sonic Mania on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.

The games like Sonic Mania on a map

Compare the whole catalogue

The same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.

Horizontal

Vertical

Platform

24 games have both

Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.

Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.

Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.

Mobile
Multi-platform
Nintendo
PC
PlayStation

Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.

How positions are decided

No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data

Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.

The short version

Closest match: Metal Slug, which shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller.
Sonic Mania is tagged Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro, Classic, Pixel Graphics, Fast-Paced, Colorful by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.

Why players value Sonic Mania

The five things Steam players tag Sonic Mania with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.

Great Soundtrack
2D
Platformer
Retro
Classic

Sonic Mania at a glance
Reception	Very Positive on Steam (94% of 28,802)
Watch-outs	players report crashes and freezes
Price	$19.99

Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.

How these were matched

Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.

Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.

All 24, closest first

1
Metal Slug
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller.
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!
Metal Slug at a glance
Released 1996 Studio Nazca Corporation
Player sentiment 89% positive of 5,258 Price $7.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 5,258)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 5 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: Action, Arcade, 2D, Shoot 'Em Up, Side Scroller — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $7.99 — $12.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, controller and input, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Sonic Mania:Arcade2DSide ScrollerRetroClassicPixel GraphicsLocal Co-OpPlatformer
Full entry Games like this one Store page
2
Streets of Rage 4
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 9 player tags including 2D, Arcade and Side Scroller; released around the same time (2020).
Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.
Streets of Rage 4 at a glance
Released 2020 Studio Dotemu
Player sentiment 92% positive of 19,668 Price $24.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 19,668)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 4 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: Action, Beat 'em up, Indie, 2D, Fighting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $24.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:2DArcadeSide ScrollerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-OpRetroClassicCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
3
DuckTales
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Platformer, Remake and Retro.
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
DuckTales at a glance
Released 1989 Studio Capcom
Player sentiment 88% positive of 7,930 Price $3.74
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (88% of 7,930)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 5 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: Platformer, Adventure, Remake, Action, Retro — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $3.74 — $16.25 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Sonic Mania:PlatformerRemakeRetroCasualClassicGreat Soundtrack2DFamily Friendly
Full entry Games like this one Store page
4
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Remake, Family Friendly and Classic; released around the same time (2019).
Same sick burns, same smoldering attitude, now all scaled up in stunning HD, Spyro is back in the Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy! Rekindle the fire with remastered versions of the original three games, Spyro™ the Dragon, Spyro™ 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro™: Year of the Dragon.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy at a glance
Released 2019 Studio Toys for Bob
Player sentiment 94% positive of 22,302 Price $39.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 22,302)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, Platformer, Classic
Why players like it: 3D Platformer, Adventure, Remake, Dragons, Family Friendly — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $39.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:RemakeFamily FriendlyClassicPlatformerColorfulCartoonyGreat SoundtrackCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
5
Geometry Dash
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, 2D and Colorful; released around the same time (2013).
Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer!
Geometry Dash at a glance
Released 2013 Studio RobTop Games
Player sentiment 93% positive of 637,714 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 637,714)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: Difficult, Music, Level Editor, Great Soundtrack, Precision Platformer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $4.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Great Soundtrack2DColorfulPlatformerArcadeSide ScrollerFamily FriendlyCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
6
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Arcade, Classic and Side Scroller; released around the same time (2014).
“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
METAL SLUG 3 at a glance
Released 2014 Studio SNK CORPORATION
Player sentiment 90% positive of 9,156 Price $7.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 9,156)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 5 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: Arcade, Classic, Action, Co-op, Side Scroller — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $7.99 — $12.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:ArcadeClassicSide ScrollerRetroLocal Co-Op2DGreat SoundtrackPlatformer
Full entry Games like this one Store page
7
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Retro and Casual.
SEGA’s collection of Mega Drive & Genesis Classics comes to a new generation, now updated with even more features: online multiplayer, achievements, mirror mode, rewind, save states, VR and more! Over 50 classic games in one great package. Get into the classics!
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics at a glance
Released 2010 Studio D3T Limited
Player sentiment 79% positive of 12,207 Price Not listed
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (79% of 12,207)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 5 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: Classic, Action, Adventure, RPG, Retro — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:ClassicRetroCasual2DArcadePixel GraphicsPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
Full entry Games like this one Store page
8
Yooka-Laylee
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Colorful and Family Friendly; released around the same time (2017).
Yooka-Laylee is an all-new open-world platformer from genre veterans Playtonic! Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters and horde a vault-load of collectibles as buddy-duo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure to thwart corporate creep Capital B!
Yooka-Laylee at a glance
Released 2017 Studio Playtonic Games
Player sentiment 75% positive of 5,397 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.6/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (75% of 5,397)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, Platformer, Retro
Why players like it: 3D Platformer, Collectathon, Adventure, Kickstarter, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:PlatformerColorfulFamily FriendlyGreat SoundtrackRetroCasualCartoony
Full entry Games like this one Store page
9
Sonic Forces
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Fast-Paced and Platformer; released around the same time (2017).
The fate of Sonic the Hedgehog’s world is in your hands – Join the Uprising.
Sonic Forces at a glance
Released 2017 Studio Sonic Team
Player sentiment 59% positive of 8,645 Price $39.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.5/10 · Steam: Mixed (59% of 8,645)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: Great Soundtrack, 3D Platformer, Character Customization, Adventure, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $39.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Great SoundtrackFast-PacedPlatformerColorful2DAction-AdventureFamily FriendlyCartoony
Full entry Games like this one Store page
10
Cuphead
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Great Soundtrack and Local Co-Op; released around the same time (2017).
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.
Cuphead at a glance
Released 2017 Studio Studio MDHR
Player sentiment 96% positive of 220,388 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 220,388)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 4 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro
Why players like it: Difficult, Cartoon, Co-op, Platformer, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:PlatformerGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op2DCartoonyRetroSide ScrollerColorful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
11
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Pixel Graphics and Retro; released around the same time (2014).
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at a glance
Released 2014 Studio Yacht Club Games
Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,898 Price $39.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 16,898)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 4 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro
Why players like it: Platformer, Pixel Graphics, Retro, Great Soundtrack, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $39.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:PlatformerPixel GraphicsRetroGreat Soundtrack2DSide ScrollerArcadeLocal Co-Op
Full entry Games like this one Store page
12
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Remake, Platformer and Classic; released around the same time (2018).
Your favorite marsupial, Crash Bandicoot™, is back! He’s enhanced, entranced and ready-to-dance with the N. Sane Trilogy. Relive all your favorite moments in Crash Bandicoot™, Crash Bandicoot™ 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot™ 3: Warped, now in fully-remastered graphical glory!
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy at a glance
Released 2018 Studio Vicarious Visions
Player sentiment 92% positive of 22,128 Price $39.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 22,128)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 4 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, Platformer, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: 3D Platformer, Remake, Platformer, Classic, Difficult — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $39.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:RemakePlatformerClassicGreat SoundtrackCartoonyColorfulFamily FriendlyRetro
Full entry Games like this one Store page
13
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Platformer, 2D and Colorful.
The sequel fans have waited 16 years for is finally here - Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I! Featuring enhanced gameplay elements, including the classic Sonic Spin Dash, and the versatile Homing Attack, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I picks up right where Sonic and Knuckles™ left off. Dr.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I at a glance
Released 2010 Studio Sonic Team
Player sentiment 40% positive of 3,874 Price $9.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 4.1/10 · Steam: Mixed (40% of 3,874)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 4 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro
Why players like it: Platformer, 2D, Action, Adventure, Colorful — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $9.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Platformer2DColorfulFast-PacedFamily FriendlyGreat SoundtrackSide ScrollerArcade
Full entry Games like this one Store page
14
Webbed
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Platformer; released around the same time (2021).
Swing through the trees, spin sticky webs, and make friends with bugs! Be the adorable spider you've always wanted to be.
Webbed at a glance
Released 2021 Studio Sbug Games
Player sentiment 98% positive of 15,267 Price $9.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 15,267)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 2 of 5 — 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: 2D Platformer, Cute, Pixel Graphics, Physics, Puzzle-Platformer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $9.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Pixel Graphics2DPlatformerFamily FriendlyColorfulCartoony
Full entry Games like this one Store page
15
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Remake, Family Friendly and Casual; released around the same time (2020).
Are you ready, kids? The cult classic is back, faithfully remade in spongetastic splendor! Play as SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy and show the evil Plankton that crime pays even less than Mr. Krabs.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated at a glance
Released 2020 Studio Purple Lamp
Player sentiment 94% positive of 18,194 Price $29.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 18,194)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 2 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, Classic
Why players like it: 3D Platformer, Adventure, Cult Classic, Remake, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:RemakeFamily FriendlyCasualClassicGreat SoundtrackColorful
Full entry Games like this one Store page
16
Ninja Kiwi Archive
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Arcade and Platformer; released around the same time (2020).
Enjoy some of the best loved Flash games of the past in this awesome time capsule of over 60 Ninja Kiwi classics. Experience a piece of history and play the original Flash games that spawned the worldwide phenomenon of Bloons TD.
Ninja Kiwi Archive at a glance
Released 2020 Studio Ninja Kiwi
Player sentiment 93% positive of 5,804 Price Free
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 5,804)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 2 of 5 — 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: Casual, Arcade, Strategy, Tower Defense, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:CasualArcadePlatformer2DPixel GraphicsCartoony
Full entry Games like this one Store page
17
Child of Light
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Platformer and 2D; released around the same time (2014).
Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.
Child of Light at a glance
Released 2014 Studio Not recorded
Player sentiment 91% positive of 13,481 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 13,481)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: RPG, Fantasy, Great Soundtrack, Turn-Based, Female Protagonist — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $14.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install, launchers, accounts and anti-cheat (details)
Shared with Sonic Mania:Great SoundtrackPlatformer2DSide ScrollerLocal Co-OpCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
18
PICO PARK
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Local Co-Op, Casual and Platformer; released around the same time (2021).
PICO PARK is a cooperative local/online multiplay action puzzle game for 2-8 players.
PICO PARK at a glance
Released 2021 Studio TECOPARK
Player sentiment 91% positive of 29,932 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 29,932)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — 2D, Platformer, Retro
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Puzzle-Platformer, Co-op, Local Co-Op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $4.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Local Co-OpCasualPlatformer2DPixel GraphicsRetro
Full entry Games like this one Store page
19
Turbo Pug
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Casual and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
It's time to unleash your inner pug! Turbo Pug is a casual runner with difficult, random, procedurally generated levels. Enjoy random weather and try to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Unlock new costumes for your pug and new characters to play as. Please try not to squish your pug!
Turbo Pug at a glance
Released 2015 Studio Space Cat Studios
Player sentiment 90% positive of 3,362 Price $1.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 3,362)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: Indie, Pixel Graphics, Casual, 2D, Difficult — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $1.99 — $18.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Pixel GraphicsCasual2DSide ScrollerPlatformerGreat Soundtrack
Full entry Games like this one Store page
20
ibb & obb
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Local Co-Op, Platformer and 2D; released around the same time (2014).
ibb & obb is a two player cooperative game set in a puzzle filled world where gravity goes both up and down. You can only succeed by working closely together. Find a friend for some true local co-op couch fun or match up online.
ibb & obb at a glance
Released 2014 Studio Sparpweed
Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,830 Price $11.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 6,830)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer
Why players like it: Co-op, Online Co-Op, Puzzle, Local Co-Op, Platformer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $11.99 — $8.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Local Co-OpPlatformer2DFamily FriendlyGreat SoundtrackCasual
Full entry Games like this one Store page
21
Peggle
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Arcade and 2D.
Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun! Aim, shoot, clear the orange pegs, then sit back and cheer as 10 whimsical teachers guide you to Peggle greatness.
Peggle at a glance
Released 2007 Studio Not recorded
Player sentiment 98% positive of 14,434 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 14,434)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Classic
Why players like it: Casual, Puzzle, Arcade, Singleplayer, Addictive — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $4.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:CasualArcade2DFamily FriendlyClassicGreat SoundtrackLocal Co-Op
Full entry Games like this one Store page
22
Pizza Tower
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Fast-Paced and Cartoony.
Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the '90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.
Pizza Tower at a glance
Released 2023 Studio Tour De Pizza
Player sentiment 98% positive of 72,574 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 72,574)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 4 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Platformer, Retro
Why players like it: Great Soundtrack, 2D Platformer, Fast-Paced, Indie, Cartoony — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:Great SoundtrackFast-PacedCartoonyPlatformerPixel Graphics2DColorfulRetro
Full entry Games like this one Store page
23
Zuma
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Casual.
Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Zuma at a glance
Released 2003 Studio Oberon Media
Player sentiment 96% positive of 6,806 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 6,806)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — 2D, Retro, Classic
Why players like it: Match 3, Puzzle, Arcade, 2D, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $4.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report will not launch or install (details)
Shared with Sonic Mania:Arcade2DCasualColorfulFamily FriendlyRetroClassic
Full entry Games like this one Store page
24
Bejeweled 3
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Casual, Classic and Great Soundtrack.
The biggest, brightest Bejeweled ever! Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game. Find your perfect match with 8 breathtaking game modes that meet all your moods.
Bejeweled 3 at a glance
Released 2010 Studio PopCap Games, Inc.
Player sentiment 96% positive of 8,122 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 8,122)
Matches Sonic Mania on: 3 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, 2D, Classic
Why players like it: Puzzle, Casual, Match 3, Singleplayer, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Sonic Mania: $4.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Sonic Mania:CasualClassicGreat SoundtrackColorfulFamily FriendlyArcade2D
Full entry Games like this one Store page

Metal Slug at a glance
Released	1996	Studio	Nazca Corporation
Player sentiment	89% positive of 5,258	Price	$7.99

Streets of Rage 4 at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Dotemu
Player sentiment	92% positive of 19,668	Price	$24.99

DuckTales at a glance
Released	1989	Studio	Capcom
Player sentiment	88% positive of 7,930	Price	$3.74

Spyro Reignited Trilogy at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	Toys for Bob
Player sentiment	94% positive of 22,302	Price	$39.99

Geometry Dash at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	RobTop Games
Player sentiment	93% positive of 637,714	Price	$4.99

METAL SLUG 3 at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	SNK CORPORATION
Player sentiment	90% positive of 9,156	Price	$7.99

SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	D3T Limited
Player sentiment	79% positive of 12,207	Price	Not listed

Yooka-Laylee at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Playtonic Games
Player sentiment	75% positive of 5,397	Price	$19.99

Sonic Forces at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Sonic Team
Player sentiment	59% positive of 8,645	Price	$39.99

Cuphead at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Studio MDHR
Player sentiment	96% positive of 220,388	Price	$19.99

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Yacht Club Games
Player sentiment	96% positive of 16,898	Price	$39.99

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy at a glance
Released	2018	Studio	Vicarious Visions
Player sentiment	92% positive of 22,128	Price	$39.99

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	Sonic Team
Player sentiment	40% positive of 3,874	Price	$9.99

Webbed at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	Sbug Games
Player sentiment	98% positive of 15,267	Price	$9.99

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Purple Lamp
Player sentiment	94% positive of 18,194	Price	$29.99

Ninja Kiwi Archive at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Ninja Kiwi
Player sentiment	93% positive of 5,804	Price	Free

Child of Light at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Not recorded
Player sentiment	91% positive of 13,481	Price	$14.99

PICO PARK at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	TECOPARK
Player sentiment	91% positive of 29,932	Price	$4.99

Turbo Pug at a glance
Released	2015	Studio	Space Cat Studios
Player sentiment	90% positive of 3,362	Price	$1.99

ibb & obb at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Sparpweed
Player sentiment	89% positive of 6,830	Price	$11.99

Peggle at a glance
Released	2007	Studio	Not recorded
Player sentiment	98% positive of 14,434	Price	$4.99

Pizza Tower at a glance
Released	2023	Studio	Tour De Pizza
Player sentiment	98% positive of 72,574	Price	$19.99

Zuma at a glance
Released	2003	Studio	Oberon Media
Player sentiment	96% positive of 6,806	Price	$4.99

Bejeweled 3 at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	PopCap Games, Inc.
Player sentiment	96% positive of 8,122	Price	$4.99

Common questions

What game is most like Sonic Mania?

Metal Slug, on the evidence we have. It shares 11 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.

How is "similar to Sonic Mania" decided?

By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.

Are these ranked by quality?

No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Sonic Mania. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.

Do you get paid for these recommendations?

No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.

More on Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania: the full recordPrice, platforms, accessibility and what players report going wrong Best iOS gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score Best Android gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score Best iPad gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score