Fan-Made 'Sonic Mania'-Inspired Game Surfaces Online

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, evokes the spirit and gameplay of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania. The game caters to fans of classic Sonic titles and pixel art aesthetics. This isn't just a simple homage; it offers a unique experience built upon the foundations of a beloved classic.

The active Sonic the Hedgehog fan community continuously creates sequels and expansions to the franchise. Sonic Mania, a 25th-anniversary celebration, stands out as a particularly popular entry. Developed by a team of dedicated fans, it set a high bar for future projects. While a direct sequel never materialized due to various factors (Sonic Team's shift away from pixel art and the developers' pursuit of new ventures), Sonic Galactic steps into the void.

Initially unveiled at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic has been in development for at least four years. It envisions a hypothetical 32-bit Sonic game, imagining a potential Sega Saturn release. The result is a retro-inspired 2D platformer reminiscent of the Genesis era, yet infused with original elements.

What's in Sonic Galactic?

The second demo, released in early 2025, provides roughly an hour of gameplay focusing on Sonic's levels, with additional content for other characters extending the total playtime to a couple of hours. Players can control the classic trio (Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles) in entirely new zones. Adding to the roster are two new playable characters: Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) and Tunnel the Mole (a character originating from Sonic Frontiers).

The game's structure mirrors Sonic Mania, with each character possessing unique paths within each zone. Special stages, heavily inspired by Sonic Mania, challenge players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment. While the demo focuses heavily on Sonic's levels, the inclusion of Fang and Tunnel provides a taste of their unique gameplay styles.