Sonic Fangame Captivates with "Sonic Mania" Nostalgia

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania Spiritual Successor

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made game from Starteam, evokes the spirit of Sonic Mania, capturing the charm of classic Sonic gameplay and pixel art. It caters perfectly to fans nostalgic for the franchise's golden age.

The game expands the playable roster beyond the usual suspects. In addition to Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, players can now control Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) and the newly introduced Tunnel the Mole, each boasting unique gameplay paths.

The recently released second demo offers a substantial experience. While a playthrough focusing solely on Sonic's levels takes roughly an hour, the inclusion of additional characters and their respective stages extends the total playtime to a couple of hours.

Developed over four years, first showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic imagines a 32-bit Sonic game for 5th generation consoles – a "what-if" scenario exploring a potential Sega Saturn release. Drawing inspiration from classic Genesis titles, it delivers authentic retro platforming with a unique twist.

What Makes Sonic Galactic Special?

The 2025 demo introduces fresh zones playable with the iconic trio, alongside Fang and Tunnel. Fang joins the fight against Dr. Eggman, while Tunnel, hailing from Illusion Island, adds a new dimension to the gameplay.

The game's structure mirrors Sonic Mania's design, with each character offering distinct routes through the levels. The special stages, reminiscent of Mania's, challenge players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment. While the demo's scope is limited, providing approximately an hour of Sonic's stages and a few hours of total gameplay, it's a promising glimpse into a potentially full-fledged title.