Sonic Fan-Made Game Has Serious Sonic Mania Vibes

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-esque Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, evokes the spirit and gameplay of the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania. The active Sonic fan community consistently produces sequels and spin-offs, and Mania, a 25th-anniversary celebration, stands as a prime example. Developed by a team of passionate fans, its success fueled demand for a sequel, a desire ultimately unfulfilled due to Sonic Team's shift away from pixel art and the developers' pursuit of new projects.

While Sonic Superstars offered a 2D successor with updated 3D graphics and co-op, the enduring appeal of Mania's pixel art style remains. This has inspired numerous fan games, including Sonic Galactic, a project in development for at least four years, initially showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo. Imagining a 32-bit Sonic game for 5th-generation consoles (a "what-if" Sega Saturn title), Sonic Galactic blends retro 2D platforming with a unique twist.

Exploring Sonic Galactic's Gameplay

Released in early 2025, the second demo allows players to control the classic trio—Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles—across new zones. Joining them are Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) seeking revenge on Dr. Eggman, and Tunnel the Mole, a new character hailing from Illusion Island. Each character boasts unique pathways within each zone, reminiscent of Sonic Mania's level design.

The special stages are clearly inspired by Mania, challenging players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment. A typical playthrough focusing on Sonic's levels takes roughly an hour, with the other characters offering about one stage each, resulting in a total playtime of a couple of hours. The demo provides a compelling glimpse into this ambitious fan project.