Sonic Fan-Made Game Has Serious Sonic Mania Vibes

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made game from Starteam, evokes the spirit and style of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania. The game caters to fans of classic Sonic gameplay and pixel art, a style many feel remains timeless despite the franchise's shift towards 3D.

This homage to the Genesis-era Sonic games features not only the iconic trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, but also introduces two new playable characters: Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) and Tunnel the Mole (a character originating from Illusion Island). Each character boasts unique level paths, adding significant replayability.

The recently released second demo provides a substantial gameplay experience. While completing Sonic's stages takes roughly an hour, exploring the levels with the additional characters extends the playtime to a couple of hours. The special stages, reminiscent of Sonic Mania's, challenge players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment.

Originally unveiled at the Sonic Amateur Games Expo in 2020, Sonic Galactic has been in development for at least four years. The game imagines a 32-bit Sonic title, conceptually similar to a hypothetical Sega Saturn release. It successfully captures the essence of classic 2D platforming while adding its own unique flair. The game's creation is particularly noteworthy given the absence of an official Sonic Mania sequel, a decision attributed to Sonic Team's move away from pixel art and the developers' desire to pursue other projects. While Sonic Superstars offers a modern take on 2D Sonic gameplay, Sonic Galactic provides a satisfying alternative for those who yearn for the pixelated charm of the past.