Ehm, no? Christian Whitehead and co didn’t singlehandedly save the franchise, to think that is absurd.

Frontiers was the most acclaimed game created by Sonic Team of the franchise in years, and Sonic X Shadow Generations was created on the basis of Frontiers and was a success.

What about the movies? I’ve met more new Sonic fans who were introduced to the franchise by the movies than by Sonic Mania. It doesn’t even come close.

What Mania have to do with the fact that Sonic Racing Crossworld is one of the most anticipated games of the year?

Mania is great, and yes, it was and important part of the renaissance of the franchise, but not the only one nor the most crucial. We have to quit treating Mania like the second coming of Jesus, please.