Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-esque Fan Game
Sonic Galactic, a fan-made game by Starteam, evokes the spirit of Sonic Mania, capturing the charm of classic Sonic gameplay and pixel art. This labor of love, in development for at least four years (first showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo), reimagines the Sonic universe as a potential 32-bit release for 5th generation consoles—a "what if" scenario exploring a Sega Saturn Sonic game.
The game draws inspiration from the Genesis titles, delivering authentic retro 2D platforming with a unique twist. The recently released second demo provides a substantial gameplay experience.
New Playable Characters and Expanded Gameplay:
The demo features the classic trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles traversing brand-new zones. Joining the team are two exciting additions: 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 pathways within each zone, mirroring the branching level design of Sonic Mania. The special stages also maintain a strong Mania influence, presenting 3D ring-collecting challenges against the clock. While a complete playthrough of Sonic's levels takes roughly an hour, the inclusion of other characters extends the overall playtime to a couple of hours.
This engaging fan game, with its nostalgic aesthetic and fresh gameplay elements, is a must-play for fans of classic Sonic adventures and pixel art. Its homage to Sonic Mania's success, coupled with its original characters and level design, makes it a significant contribution to the Sonic fan game community.