7. Sonic Colors (2010, Wii)

When Sonic Colors hit the Wii it felt like the generational curse of bad Sonic games had finally been broken. Remember when I wondered why Sonic Team didn’t just make Sonic Unleashed only have speed levels? That’s what Sonic Colors is—the best part about Unleashed expanded into its own game. Colors also added powers granted by “wisps,” which came to be my new, favorite Sonic power-up. Each of the eight wisp powers changes how Sonic moves, giving him new ways to explore each of the amusement park-themed levels. My favorite is the drill wisp that allows Sonic to chew through sand and dirt like a little powered-up earthworm. The rocket that just launches him straight up into the air is good too. I’m pretty sure half the appeal of the wisps is the audio cue of a guy screaming the power-up right before you use it. Sonic Colors was a sorely needed breath of fresh air for the franchise that seemed to usher in a new era of “okay, Sonic games are pretty good now.”