Hi all! I hope you’re all having a lovely day.
Sonic Amateur Games Expo 2020 is coming very soon - on September 5th, to be exact. What is SAGE, you ask? SAGE is a yearly online event, in which Sonic fan game developers showcase games they are working on.
Today, I will be reviewing some of the mods, games and hacks showcased at SAGE 2019. I will be doing this again next month for SAGE 20th, so stay tuned for that. Without further ado, let’s begin.
The Best of SAGE 2019
Sonic - Project Hero
Project Hero appears to take the gameplay style of the Adventure games, and merge them with the moves and visuals of Modern Sonic, as seen in Forces. Boasting not one but three playable characters, a running and hoverboard mode, enemies to destroy, loops to use, and many more gimmicks to play with, Project Hero is certainly something to keep an eye on.
CORE Engine
CORE is an engine built from an older version of Sonic Worlds, another fan project. The engine is being exclusively used for the creator’s fan game, and is certainly a solid classic Sonic engine.
I Can’t Believe it’s Not Sonic 1
Wait, what? You heard that right, it may look identical to Sonic 1, but this game is not created in Sonic 1 - it is a recreation of the game made entirely in Unity - impressive, right? Not only that, but there is widescreen support, local multiplayer, more moves and many, many custom options - from GBA mode to level transitions to... the homing attack?
Sonic Transitions
In Sonic Transitions, you take control of either Sonic or Sally Acorn and go on an adventure set in the world of Sonic SatAM. This fangame is an attempt to bridge the gap between Sonic 1 and SatAM, so maybe you should play it directly after “I Can’t Believe it’s Not Sonic 1” for maximum immersion.
Sonic Wild
Sonic Wild is different from other 2D Sonic games, in that it’s actually 2.5D. The game uses 3D models in a 2D plane, making it similar to New Super Mario Bros. or Sonic 4. If you want a new 2D Sonic experience without the sprites, this is for you.
Pizza Tower
Pizza Tower is an intriguing game about a pizza worker who accidentally ended up at the wrong expo - but that doesn’t matter! This game is interesting because you can play games in it! Games in a game that is based on another game. Heck, the titular Peppino even wears blue, in homage to the blue blur.
Sonic the Hedgehog RPG
Sonic RPG is a roleplaying games based on the Sonic SatAM show. From what I’ve seen, this game is really cool. You play as Sonic, Sally and Bunnie Rabbot on your quest to take down Dr Robotnik, destroying any swatbots in the way in a turn-based battle system.
Sonic Liquid Survival
Move over, badniks! Sonic’s new biggest threat is hunger. This 3D game features adventure-style gameplay, where Sonic must build a new civilization while stranded on a deserted island. If you want to make your own island in the Sonic world, now is your chance.
Sonic Ascends
Sonic Ascends, which currently only features Act 1 of the new Antique Land Zone, appears to be a completely new game, based on those 90’s classics. The sprite work is beautiful and it is completely original.
Sonic GT
Sonic GT is an attempt to bring the momentum based platforming of the classics into 3D. These levels are incredibly well designed - everything can be used as a slope, a platform, a pathway. Very clever stuff.
Sonic All Mix
Sonic All Mix is a mod for Sonic Mania, featuring levels from fan games like Sonic Before the Sequel and Sonic XG. This project is one to keep an eye on if you enjoy those fan games but also want to play a bit of Sonic Mania too.
Sonic Journey
Sonic Journey is another intriguing game. It brings levels from Sonic Adventure and upgrades them both visually, but also in design. Not only that, but this game has a 2-player mode to mess around in!
Sonic Explorers
Sonic Exploers is a game all about.. exploring! One of the most underused level design tropes in the 3D games is pushed to near perfection here. Imagine it as a sort-of open world Sonic game.
Sample Sonic
Sample Sonic, while a simple fan game, is truly a blast! Boasting new levels, bosses and cutscenes, this is another classic game that shouldn’t be skipped.
Sonic: The Murdering Insanity
Now this is a change of pace. The Murdering Insanity is not only an RPG, but also a.. horror game? Yep. A horror Sonic game. It lives up to the name, as it certainly gives off a spooky atmosphere. It sent a chill down my spine at one point, that’s for sure.
Dream Crafter
Despite not actually featuring Sonic, this game is definitely worthy of a spot here. Dream Crafter is a Kirby level creator, and certainly looks like a blast! Not only that, but this level editor lets the user import their own music and sprites to use in the levels. If you like Kirby and want to make your own levels, make sure you check this one out!
Sonic Adventure: Revolution
Sorry to disappoint, but this isn’t an Adventure game. It’s actually a beat ’em up! This game is unique because it includes characters from the Freedom Fighters, Sonic Underground and even the UK-based Sonic the Comic. Not only this but there are both 3D and 2D modes!
Sonic Battle R
Sonic Battle R is an MMO.. featuring Sonic! That’s right, you can finally run around Station Square with your friends and OCs! I know you’ve been wanting that.
Sonic Recharged
There are certainly plenty of options when it comes to 2D Sonic fan games, as here’s another completely unique one! The levels here look especially unique, including one inspired by Desert Dazzle and Dust Hill, and a halloween variation for one of the zones.
Sonic Rediscovery
Sonic Rediscovery is an attempt to make Sonic Mania feel like it’s beta version, but also add some new ideas. Planned zones so far include farms, an old town, trains, null space and.. Minecraft?
Sonic Speed Course
Sonic Speed Course is a mini golf game that took just 10 days to make - impressive! Inspired by Kirby’s Dream Course, this game will scratch an itch for those who want a Sonic mini golf game.
Sonic Remastered
Sonic Remastered is a remake of Sonic 1 that features Amy Rose as a playable character, new levels, game gear stages, voice acting, remixed music and most importantly.. giant totem poles!
Sonic J
Sonic J completely changes the way that classic Sonic controls. Sonic is faster but harder to control, while Tails is slower but easier to control. Worth checking out if you want a different physics system to play around with.
Sonic Infinity Engine
This engine is now well-known for being used for the infamous Sonic 2020 fan project, but overall this engine is a solid, beautiful new engine, and the Crisis Demo showcased at SAGE 2019 truly shows that.
Sonic: Between Worlds
This fan game introduces a new character, along with landmarks and locations from not just Sonic, but other games too. These include Green Hill Zone and Windmill Isle from Sonic, and Spiral Mountain from Banjo-Kazooie.
Sonic: After the Sequel Omega
ATS Omega is not a new game, but rather After the Sequel but better. Widescreen support, new bosses, achievements, secrets, easter eggs and new cutscenes will all appear in this enhanced fan game.
Sonic Island: Lost Paradise
Sonic Island: Lost Paradise has some cool ideas, like bringing back less-remembered zones like Star Light and Mushroom Hill, but unfortunately is pulled down by inconsistent level design and bugs. The game has a lot of potential, but also needs some fixes before it can rise to greatness.
Sol Rush Misadventure
Misadventure stars Blaze and Marine on their quest to find an ancient treasure. It looks similar to Telltale’s episodic games, and is incredibly well polished. This game is worth checking out if you like Blaze or Marine.
Vertebreaker
I decided to save this one for last because it is actually being developed by Headcannon - yes, one of the guys from Sonic Mania. The game is a platformer with a grappling hook, fighting elements, a grappling hook, beautiful sprite work, a grappling hook.. did I mention the grappling hook? Vertebreaker looks, to put it simply, really cool.
It’s just unfortunate that the kickstarter project for the game was cancelled after only a week. Best of like to ya, Headcannon.
Top Five!
Now, it’s time to go through the list above and choose the top five most promising looking games. Without further ado, bring on the top 5!
5. Infinity Engine
4. Sonic: The Murdering Insanity
3. Vertebreaker
2. Sonic Liquid Survival
1. Sonic: Project Hero
Well, there it is. My top 5 most promising looking games from SAGE 2019. I didn’t cover every game, hack and mod showcased - that would take far too long, but I did showcase almost every Sonic one, and a few third-party and original ones.
Peace out, everybody!
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