Warning: Spoilers for Sonic Mania are provided below, including full list of zones and some unlockables.
If you’re like me you want to practice and explore through Sonic Mania at your leisure. When completing the game with a given character, it will let you select a zone and start from there on your clear file — but you can’t select which act freely or access the true final boss. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to start the game on a full level select screen, with all stages readily available. For most controller configurations, all you have to do is hold down the B and Y buttons on the title screen and then press +/Start. This will put you at the following screen:
The character icon on the bottom right can be changed with the Y button, allowing you to play as any of the three, even if you haven’t gotten through the game with them. This also includes the true final boss, an otherwise Sonic-only encounter. Speaking of which, if you have it set to Sonic, you can press X to toggle whether Tails will accompany you or not. Once you’ve chosen any of the non-Special stages, debug mode will be on by default and can be accessed with a press of the X button while playing. You’ll be able to place objects as you like, with the selection changing with each zone. It’s the same debug mode you can unlock by completing Blue Sphere stages in the game itself, but having it paired to level select is pretty convenient. There’s a lot of fun to be had with this, and I couldn’t help myself once I got my hands on it.
As handy as all the quick access is, my favorite is the presence of a sound test. This game’s music is fantastic, and just like in Splatoon 2, being able to have a listen to whatever I want whenever I want without any other sound effects potentially going off will see a lot of use from me. Even with how happy I am to see these features all available, I do recommend running through the game properly at least once before playing with everything. It’s been one of my favorites eShop or otherwise, and deserves that much.
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Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
