Sonic Fan-Made Game Has Serious Sonic Mania Vibes

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, developed by Starteam, is a fan-made Sonic the Hedgehog game channeling the spirit of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania. The game caters to fans of classic Sonic gameplay and pixel art, offering a nostalgic experience with a modern twist.

The active Sonic fan community consistently produces sequels and spin-offs, and Sonic Mania remains a beloved entry, celebrating the franchise's 25th anniversary. While a true sequel never materialized due to Sonic Team's shift away from pixel art and the developers' pursuit of new projects, the enduring appeal of Sonic Mania's art style persists. Games like Sonic and the Fallen Star and now Sonic Galactic capitalize on this enduring fondness for classic pixel art.

Initially unveiled at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic has been in development for at least four years. The game imagines a hypothetical 32-bit Sonic title, evoking the feel of a potential Sega Saturn release. It aims to capture the essence of classic Genesis-era gameplay while introducing unique elements.

Gameplay and Characters:

The second demo, released in early 2025, features the iconic trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in new zones. Joining them are two new playable characters: Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble), seeking revenge against Dr. Eggman, and Tunnel the Mole, a character originating from Sonic Frontiers.

Each character boasts unique paths within each zone, mirroring the level design of Sonic Mania. Special stages, reminiscent of Sonic Mania, challenge players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment. A typical playthrough focuses on Sonic's stages, taking approximately one hour to complete. The other characters each have about one stage, resulting in a total playtime of a couple of hours for the full demo.

Key Features:

• Nostalgic Pixel Art: Retains the beloved visual style of classic Sonic games.
• Classic Gameplay: Offers fast-paced, platforming action reminiscent of Sonic Mania.
• New Playable Characters: Introduces Fang the Sniper and Tunnel the Mole, each with unique abilities and level paths.
• Multiple Zones: Features several new levels to explore.
• Mania-Inspired Special Stages: Offers challenging 3D special stages.