The original for Genesis is a great place to start. It's not elaborate, it's challenging and fun, and has the basic tropes of the series.
Full disclosure: I've never played any of the 3D Sonic games.
this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
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I grew up playing the 8bit Master System version of Sonic 1.
Might be fun to go with that first as it’s harder to go back to old stuff after playing newer.
I cut my hedgehog teeth on Sonic 2, which came with the Sega Genesis if I recall correctly. I never really played Sonic 1, but it was basically the same game engine, except they didn't introduce Tails the squirrel until Sonic 2.
I'd recommend Sonic 2. Provides enough speed and platforming without sacrificing either one like Sonic 1.
For me it was Sonic 3 (& Knuckles) for Genesis. Sonic Mania is a close-second spiritual successor.
Sonic Advance
You can emulate it for free with mGBA and get the game from vimm.net.
I like sonic advance 2 also!
I'd say play the first level or two of Sonic 1 and then (if you aren't feeling it) switch to Sonic 2.
This is assuming you're looking for a 2D platformer. If you're looking for a modern game with a mix of 2D and 3D, Sonic Generations is good.
I personally really like The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog.. Sounds like a fanfic; it's an official game. Sonic does not really get murdered (you're doing a murder mystery game on a train).
But it also is not a typical Sonic game. Might be why I like it because the main games are not my cup of tea but I do like the characters. But Murder of Sonic is a fun visual novel. And it's free!
Sonic X Shadow Generations would probably be a good starting point, unless you wanted to start with the old 2d games
Generations is probably the best way to dip your toes in with the 3D games
Sonic 2 imo. 1 is frustrating and then you can play 3+Knux after.