Sonic Lost World

Sonic Lost World is a platform game with action-adventure elements, in which the player controls Sonic the Hedgehog as he travels across the Lost Hex in order to rescue captured animals and stop the Deadly Six. Levels range from side-scrolling 2D levels to fast-moving 3D linear levels to levels taking place on spherical worlds similar to the cancelled Sonic X-treme and the Super Mario Galaxy games. This also translates to the 3DS version, as it was the first handheld game in the series presented entirely in 3D.

The game uses a new control system which allows players to control Sonic's speed. Simply moving the directional controls will move Sonic at a moderate pace, allowing for more precision. Holding down a trigger button will cause Sonic to sprint, allowing him to move faster and perform new parkour moves, such as running up and along walls and hopping over small ledges. In the air, Sonic can perform a double jump, which returns from Sonic Colors, a homing attack, which can now target multiple enemies in quick succession, and a new kick attack, which can be used to defeat stronger enemies, or knock them into others.

The game stars Sonic the Hedgehog, who must defeat the main antagonist Doctor Eggman and stop the Deadly Six. Aiding him in his quest is his best friend Tails, a fox who has the ability to fly. Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic's strong friend, and Amy Rose, Sonic's self-proclaimed girlfriend, also make relatively minor appearances.

The main antagonist of the series, Doctor Eggman, a mad scientist who is now forced to assist Sonic in stopping the Deadly Six. Eggman's henchmen Orbot and Cubot make a return appearance. Also serving as the main antagonists and boss characters are the Deadly Six, a group of the world's indigenous Zeti race consisting of the hyperactive Zazz; the obese and dim-witted Zomom; Master Zik, the elderly founder of the tribe and Zavok's teacher; the flirtatious and self-absorbed Zeena; the diminutive and pessimistic Zor; and Zavok, the leader of the tribe. The tribe plans to steal the life energy from Sonic's world to increase their own power.

Development for Sonic Lost World started shortly after Sonic Colors was finished, when a few core members started the experimentation for the former and took place over two-and-a-half years. Sonic Team sought to streamline the controls, increase the length, and add more diverse levels compared to previous entries in the series. After reviewing the history of the franchise with Sonic Generations, game producer Takashi Iizuka hoped to "deliver a new experience" with Sonic Lost World. Development started on PC, with early experiments involving "twisted tube-type level[s]" inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk.

As the concept "was totally new", early levels had to be remade "over and over." Players were given greater ability to control Sonic's speed in an effort to create a more traditional platforming experience. The parkour mechanic was introduced to maintain a more fluid sense of movement, in contrast to previous Sonic games where running into a wall would force the player to a complete stop. Iizuka stated that "This game is like going into the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, an action game where you can experience many strange and fun experiences."

Sonic Lost World received "mixed or average" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.

The game's presentation was well received. Chris Plante (Polygon) praised the Wii U version's visuals and music as some of the series' best. Tim Turi (Game Informer) positively compared the game's music to that of Super Mario Galaxy. Mark Walton (GameSpot) and Chris Scullion (Computer and Video Games) singled out the candy-themed "Dessert Ruins" level as a visual highlight.