Fan-Made Sonic Mania Legacy Preserved

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, evokes the spirit of Sonic Mania, capturing the charm of classic Sonic gameplay and pixel art. This homage to the franchise satisfies fans yearning for a retro experience.

The game distinguishes itself by introducing two new playable characters: Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) and Tunnel the Mole (a new character inspired by Sonic Frontiers). Each character boasts unique level paths, adding replayability.

Released in early 2025, the second demo provides approximately one hour of gameplay focused on Sonic's levels, with additional content for the other characters totaling around two hours.

A Spiritual Successor to Sonic Mania?

The development of Sonic Galactic, unveiled at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, spans at least four years. It imagines a hypothetical 32-bit Sonic game, akin to a Sega Saturn release. The game aims for authenticity, replicating the feel of classic Genesis titles while incorporating original elements.

The demo allows players to control the familiar trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in new zones. Fang the Sniper joins the roster, seeking revenge against Dr. Eggman, while Tunnel the Mole makes his debut. The gameplay structure mirrors Sonic Mania, with each character navigating distinct paths within each zone. Special stages, reminiscent of Mania's, challenge players to collect rings within a time limit in a 3D environment.

The relatively short playtime of the demo (one hour for Sonic's levels, with shorter levels for the other characters) is a result of it being a second demo release. However, the overall experience successfully captures the essence of classic Sonic gameplay within a modern fan-made context.