Sonic Fan-Made Game Has Serious Sonic Mania Vibes

Sonic Galactic: A Sonic Mania-Inspired Fan Game

Sonic Galactic, a fan-made title from Starteam, captures the essence of Sonic Mania, appealing to players who appreciate pixel art and classic Sonic gameplay. This homage to the franchise offers a fresh experience with new playable characters and unique level designs.

The game builds upon the legacy of Sonic Mania, a beloved 25th-anniversary celebration that set a high bar for 2D Sonic titles. While a sequel never materialized due to shifts in Sonic Team's artistic direction and the developers' own pursuits, the desire for a Mania-esque experience persists. Sonic Galactic directly addresses this yearning.

Developed over four years and initially showcased at the 2020 Sonic Amateur Games Expo, Sonic Galactic reimagines the Sonic universe as a hypothetical 32-bit title, evoking the spirit of Sega Saturn-era games. It expertly blends retro 2D platforming with a unique twist.

What Makes Sonic Galactic Unique?

The second demo, released in early 2025, features the classic trio—Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles—in all-new levels. Joining the team are Fang the Sniper (from Sonic Triple Trouble) and the newcomer, Tunnel the Mole (from Illusion Island), each with their own distinct gameplay paths.

The special stages are clearly inspired by Sonic Mania, presenting players with 3D ring-collecting challenges against the clock. A typical playthrough focuses on Sonic's levels, taking approximately one hour to complete. The other characters each have a single stage, resulting in a total playtime of around two hours.

The game's core gameplay loop and level design strongly resemble a potential Sonic Mania sequel, making it a must-play for fans of the series and pixel art enthusiasts alike.