Sonic Fan-Made Game Has Serious Sonic Mania Vibes

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, evokes the spirit and gameplay of the beloved Sonic Mania. Building on the enduring popularity of Mania – a 25th-anniversary celebration of the franchise – Sonic Galactic delivers a retro 2D platforming experience reminiscent of classic Genesis titles. The game caters to fans of pixel art and classic Sonic gameplay.

While a true Sonic Mania sequel never materialized due to shifts in Sonic Team's artistic direction and the developers' own pursuits, Sonic Galactic fills the void. It captures the essence of Mania's pixel art style, a visual aesthetic that remains cherished by many fans, unlike the 3D approach of Sonic Superstars.

Developed over four years, initially showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic imagines a hypothetical 32-bit Sonic game, akin to a Sega Saturn release. It blends classic Sonic gameplay with unique additions.

Gameplay and Characters:

The second demo, released in early 2025, offers gameplay with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles across new zones. Joining the classic trio 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 Illusion Island. Each character boasts unique paths within the levels. The special stages are clearly inspired by Sonic Mania, presenting 3D ring-collecting challenges against the clock.

Expect approximately one hour of gameplay completing Sonic's levels in the demo, with shorter single-stage experiences for the other characters. The total playtime for the demo is estimated around two hours.