Freedom Planet

When it all boils down, Freedom Planet is the best Sonic the Hedgehog game I’ve played in years. Even better is that it takes the Sonic formula and tweaks it enough to make it its own. Add to that an interesting plot, three playable characters and some really creative stage design, and GalaxyTrail has a potential eShop hit on their hands. If you’re a fan of Sonic, or 2D platformers in general, this is a can’t-miss game.

Small issues aside, Freedom Planet is a fun and worthwhile experience. Replay value is high due to the hectic nature of the stages (you won't see everything during your first playthrough because you'll be moving too fast) and the diverse experience of playing with different protagonists. Add in the fact that there'll be two new characters as free DLC, and there's plenty to keep you coming back for more. If you enjoy platformers but never got into Sonic games, give this one a shot – you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Freedom Planet adds enough of its own stuff that it doesn't feel like a cheap knock-off, but rather a loving homage in the same "genre" of fast-paced platformers with loop-de-loops.