Fan-Made Sonic Game Captivates with Sonic Mania Nostalgia

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, evokes the spirit and style of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania. The active Sonic the Hedgehog fan community consistently produces sequels and spin-offs, and Sonic Mania, a 25th-anniversary celebration, remains a fan favorite. While a true sequel never materialized due to shifts in Sonic Team's artistic direction and the developers' own pursuits, Sonic Galactic aims to fill that void.

Developed over four years, initially showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic imagines a 32-bit Sonic game for 5th-generation consoles – a "what if" scenario for the Sega Saturn. It captures the essence of classic Genesis-era gameplay while adding 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 pathways within each zone, mirroring the level design of Sonic Mania. Special stages, reminiscent of Mania's, challenge players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment. A complete playthrough of Sonic's stages takes approximately one hour, with other characters offering about one stage each, resulting in roughly two hours of total gameplay. The demo provides a substantial taste of what the full game might offer.

Key Features:

• Pixel Art Style: Retains the beloved pixel art aesthetic of Sonic Mania.
• Classic Gameplay: Offers fast-paced, side-scrolling platforming action true to the classic Sonic formula.
• New Playable Characters: Introduces Fang the Sniper and Tunnel the Mole, expanding the roster beyond the usual trio.
• Multiple Paths: Each character has unique routes through the levels, encouraging replayability.
• Mania-Inspired Special Stages: Features 3D special stages that emphasize speed and ring collection.

Sonic Galactic successfully captures the nostalgic charm and thrilling gameplay of classic Sonic titles, making it a compelling experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.