Many are the nostalgic 2D Sonic fangames, but Sonic Galactic might be the best

When I last discussed a Sonic fangame, I mistakenly referred to it as “SNES-style”, sparking a social media backlash akin to major international banks accidentally sharing inappropriate content online. The criticism overwhelmed me as I begged for a fresh start.

Let’s try this again: Sonic Galactic is an impressive Sonic fangame by Starteam that envisions how the Mega Drive and Genesis platformers might have looked on the Sega Saturn. A new demo is available for those interested in trying it out on Itch.io. Perhaps if I had placed the download link more prominently in the previous article, the backlash would have been less severe.

The ultimate test for any post-Mega-Drive Sonic game is which sidekicks are included. The addition of sidekicks has often diluted Sonic’s iconic platforming experience. Going beyond Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles can introduce gimmicky or detrimental elements. However, there are instances where characters like Amy Rose or Shadow can enhance the gameplay.

Sonic Galactic seems to understand this concept well. In addition to Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, the game features Fang the Sniper (a jerboa) from Sonic The Hedgehog Triple Trouble, and a new character, Tunnel the Mole (a mole). Each character brings unique moves to the table, enhancing the classic Sonic experience of navigating through beautifully designed levels filled with rings and obstacles.

I had the opportunity to play the demo, which includes a tutorial level with detailed instructions that appear while you’re playing. The game captures the essence of the Mega Drive games while introducing new elements. It feels like a natural progression from Sonic 3, with familiar power-ups and new abilities like wall-kicking and water-running techniques. Compared to Sonic Mania, Sonic Galactic maintains a more traditional approach to gameplay.

The 3D special stages showcase the “power of Saturn”, a console that may have been overshadowed by the PlayStation 1. The chiptune soundtrack captures the nostalgic essence of the series at its peak.

Sonic Galactic was announced in 2020 and is still awaiting a release date. Give the demo a try and experience the Sonic thrill once again.