Sonic is an absolute star in video games, and his cultural importance remains a subject of debate even today. Since the beginning of his appearance in video games, Sonic has been blazing through loop-de-loops, fighting off robots, and collecting those shiny rings. His super-fast speed and rebellious posture made Sonic a pioneer in the platformer genre, and he is still the coolest game character to date.
Once you get to know Sonic and love his vibrant personality, you might want to jump into the action soon. Before we get into the brightest and fastest games of the present, we will first touch on a link we did not expect with casino games.
Sonic’s Unexpected Power on Casino and Poker
It is not only through super speed and similar action that Sonic’s world is famous. It is also about competition in the form of gambling and the thrill of bright lights that come with it.
The slot games started with an invitation like in a Jocky, with bonus levels that made you feel like you were under a pinball machine, the possibility of collecting tokens, and the scoring according to Sonic’s character.
Interestingly, Sonic’s popularity has satisfied even poker trends and card games. Various Sonic-themed poker decks are being sold online, with characters like Tails, Knuckles, and even Dr. Eggman as face cards. This has gone along with an overall increase in themed poker tournaments and decks, where people have repurposed franchises such as those of video games, movies, and anime for casual and collectible card play.
Fast-Paced Games Like Sonic That You Shouldn’t Miss
If you want some game suggestions that remind you of what Sonic stands for—high speed, easy yet attractive game worlds—check this list out.
1. Freedom Planet
- Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, or PS4
- Why This Is The Sonic Game: First started as a fan-based project, Sonic has deeply inspired the game. The characters skate through various speed loops, jump high on springs, and beat robots to save the world.
- What Walks It Apart: It returns to old school, adding multiple weapon choices, in-battle dialing, and tempting storytelling beyond the usual thrill of coming back
2. Spark the Electric Jester
- Platform: PC
- Why It Feels Like Sonic: Made by a Sonic fan game creator, Spark features all Sonic-like physicality and speed-based platforming while also presenting new characters and their abilities.
- What Makes It Unique: The juxtaposition of classic speed and new, hip 2D indie characters in Spark’s sequels makes the game really stand out.
3. Aero the Acro-Bat
- Platform: SNES, Sega Genesis (also available on some digital stores)
- Why It Feels Like Sonic: A vintage 90s mascot platformer having quick reflexes, well-crafted levels, and the theme of a circus that gives it that distinctive touch.
- What Makes It Unique: The game has improved levels with the flight feature, fighting with enemies like an acrobat, and a darker and more mysterious theme than the previous one.
4. Ristar
- Platform: Sega Genesis, now on various retro collections
- Why It Feels Like Sonic: Being one of the products of Sonic Team, Ristar is like Sonic in terms of its vivid graphics, color,s and smooth controls.
- What Makes It Unique: In Ristar, you have to use stretching and grabbing mechanics rather than speed to win, anecdotally noting that it is fresh and allowing for comparisons to things we are already familiar with.
5. Tembo the Badass Elephant
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Why It Feels Like Sonic: Game Freak developed it, and Sega published it. Tembo is the reason. It is a game in which the protagonist is a giant elephant participating in a race against Sonic, who is also the main character.
- What Makes It Unique: The elephant character makes the sonic character look small through power and motion during the game, and more than what you could think. It has a comic art style that looks different.
Final Thoughts
Hardly any character has had such an influence on the gaming world as Sonic has. During the early 90s, Sonic was the one who not only redefined the platformer but also completely changed our perception of it. Before, the games were mostly about creeping through labyrinths, while Sonic was a complete opposite – “speed, momentum and flow” became his new motifs.
Many people believed that Sonic as a game character, was a brilliant example of non-conformity and freedom of expression. His rebellious smile, catchy melodies, and colorful, exciting places made him shine as a type who represented the spirit of all that’s ever been alive and necessary through different ages, places, and times.
Presently, Sonic is not just an artifact. His relevance is established, thanks to the continuation of the character’s franchise with numerous game updates, crossover appearances, and, quite recently, movie adaptations.
