Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-esque Fan Game
Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, evokes the spirit of Sonic Mania, captivating players with its pixel art and classic Sonic gameplay. This labor of love, over four years in the making (first showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo), imagines a 32-bit Sonic adventure, akin to a hypothetical Sega Saturn release.
The game expertly blends inspiration from various Sonic titles, delivering an authentic retro 2D platforming experience while adding unique elements. The recently released second demo (early 2025) provides a compelling taste of this vision.
New Characters and Gameplay:
The demo features the classic Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, alongside two exciting additions:
- Fang the Sniper: The fan-favorite from Sonic Triple Trouble joins the fight against Dr. Eggman.
- Tunnel the Mole: A brand-new character hailing from Illusion Island.
Each character boasts unique pathways within the levels, mirroring the branching paths found in Sonic Mania. The special stages also maintain a strong Mania influence, presenting 3D ring-collecting challenges against the clock.
Gameplay Length:
While a complete run through Sonic's levels takes approximately an hour, the other characters currently have a single stage each. The overall playtime of the second demo adds up to a couple of hours of enjoyable platforming action. The game's nostalgic charm and faithful homage to classic Sonic gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the franchise.