In June 2015, the "Sonic" public relations manager Aaron Webber took charge of the series' Twitter account. Under Webber, the account, @sonic_hedgehog, became renowned for posting internet memes and making self-deprecating comments about the "Sonic" franchise's critical decline. According to Allegra Frank of "Polygon", Webber "had an important effect on the franchise, cultivating a new persona for the character, one that has created a renewed sense of hope". The announcement of "Sonic Mania" in 2016 brought further hope for the "Sonic" franchise's future. Journalists described it as a true continuation of the Genesis games, succeeding where previous "Sonic" games—such as "Sonic Rush" and "Sonic 4"—had failed. It became the best-reviewed "Sonic" game in 15 years upon its August 2017 release; Matt Espineli of "GameSpot" summarized it "exceed expectations of what a new game in the franchise can look and play like, managing to simultaneously be a charming celebration of the past and a natural progression of the series' classic 2D formula." Many called it one of the best games in the series and expressed excitement for "Sonic" future, although "Sonic Forces," released a few months later, received mixed reviews.