Sonic Fan-Made Game Has Serious Sonic Mania Vibes

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, developed by Starteam, is a fan-made Sonic the Hedgehog game capturing the spirit of Sonic Mania. It's a testament to the enduring creativity of the Sonic fan community, which consistently produces compelling sequels and reinterpretations of classic titles. Building on the success of Sonic Mania – a beloved 25th-anniversary celebration of the franchise – Sonic Galactic aims to deliver a similar retro experience.

The absence of a true Sonic Mania sequel, stemming from Sonic Team's shift away from pixel art and the developers' pursuit of new projects, left a void. While Sonic Superstars offered a 2D successor with 3D visuals and co-op, the nostalgic appeal of Sonic Mania's pixel art remains strong. Sonic Galactic, along with other fan games like Sonic and the Fallen Star, directly addresses this demand for classic-style gameplay.

First showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic has been in development for at least four years. Imagining a hypothetical 32-bit release on 5th-generation hardware (similar to a Sega Saturn release), the game blends authentic retro 2D platforming with unique additions.

What Makes Sonic Galactic Special?

The second demo, released in early 2025, features the iconic trio – Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles – in all-new zones. Joining them are Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) and the newly introduced Tunnel the Mole (from Illusion Island), each offering unique gameplay paths.

The special stages are clearly inspired by Sonic Mania, demanding players collect rings within a time limit in 3D environments. A typical playthrough takes about an hour to complete Sonic's stages, with the other characters having roughly one stage each, resulting in a total playtime of a couple of hours. This makes it a satisfying, bite-sized experience. The game’s distinct character paths and Mania-esque special stages offer a fresh take on classic Sonic gameplay.