Sonic Mania, arguably the best Sonic the Hedgehog game to come out in recent memory, comes free in the EGS. From June 24 to 30, Sonic fans can get the game for free from the Epic Games Store.

Sonic Mania scratches the nostalgia itch of Sonic fans. It's a full-fledged 2D platformer with pixel graphics. But the developers made great use of the fact that it's coming out decades since Sonic first came out. It's a true revival of the series – not simply recreating old levels but adding new features to the game as well. The game boasts modern graphics – crisp pixel art with 3D backgrounds and smooth 60FPS frame rate.

Gameplay in Sonic Mania takes place in 12 unique and enjoyable levels, some of which are redesigned from previous games. The story follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles venturing to defeat Doctor Eggman and his Hard-Boiled Heavies.

A love-letter to the series, members of the ROM and fangame communities worked on Sonic Mania . It came out in 2017 in celebration of the series' 25th anniversary. This year, as fans celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog‘s 30th birthday, the game comes out for free. That's just one of the many gifts that SEGA has in store for the series' fans this year.

Once you complete Sonic Mania‘s twelve levels, head on over and get Sonic Mania Plus. It's an enhanced version that can be purchased as a DLC on top of the base game. Plus adds Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel as playable characters, both having its own unique abilities. It also adds an “Encore Mode” with remixed levls and reworked lives mechanic, a pinball bonus stage, and a competition mode.

Sonic Mania is available on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.