Platformers on mobile are usually a nightmare, but the touch controls here are surprisingly tight. It supports external controllers too, which is the way to go if you want that console feel.

Sonic Dimensions is a high-speed, side-scrolling platformer built by passionate fans of the franchise. Unlike simple emulation or low-effort mobile clones, this project reimagines classic Sonic physics, aesthetics, and level design for modern hardware.

Engage in fully realized 3D or pseudo-3D special stages to collect the Chaos Emeralds and unlock Super forms.

But the real surprise was the audio. I put on my noise-canceling headphones. The sound design was spatial. I could hear the whir of Eggman’s jetpack circling behind me. The crunch of Sonic landing on metal felt heavy.