18. Sonic Lost World (2013, Wii U / PC)
Lost World feels like an attempt to replicate Super Mario Galaxy with Sonic. The levels feature a lot of weird, fragmented platforming sections that are reminiscent of Mario hopping from planetoid to planetoid. Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities between the two games end, as what made Galaxy so refreshing and interesting just doesn’t work well for Sonic. He goes fast! He’s best suited for smooth levels that let him run, grind rails, and spindash to his heart’s content. But Lost World’s fragmented levels make him start and stop frequently to navigate tricky platforming sections. This game was originally lower on my list, saved only by its catchy songs and the game’s revival of the neat Sonic Colors “wisp” powers.
