Previously, I looked at SAGE 2019 and talked about my favourite mods, games and hacks showcased. Today, I will do the same for the 2020 edition, SAGE 20th, which took place at the start of the month.
What is SAGE? SAGE is a Sonic fan game expo that takes place every year, dedicated to showing the very best of the community. Today I will be showcasing 24 of my favourites of the most recent expo. Let’s begin.
The Best of SAGE 20th
Sonic Infinity+
Sonic Infinity+ is an incredibly charming framework for what could be some of the very best in 3D Sonic games, and an awesome upgrade from the original Infinity Engine. The latest demo, Colorful Combat, has added full wisp functionality - something unique to this, as far as I know.
Sonic Galactic
This Sonic game reintroduces Fang the Sniper (or Knack) as a playable character, and introduces a fresh face: Tunnel! The unique cast of characters combined with the stunning backdrops makes for a totally new experience.
Sonic Illusion
Despite being a technical demo, Sonic Illusion is an intriguing project. Satisfying controls, fun level design, the gang’s all there. Would completely recommend that you check it out.
Kirby’s Dream Land Plus
Kirby's Dream Land Plus keeps true to the original Game Boy Kirby formula, but adds little twists and remixes that are purely ingenious. Also there’s a level editor - I’m sold!
Sonic Frenzy Adventure
I love Sonic Frenzy Adventure. This is a completely new take on the classic Sonic gameplay, featuring powers, new items, an entire ring level system and rain! Yes, rain! This game feels like the legitimate Sonic 4. huh.
Blaze Rush
Move over, Rush Adventure! Blaze Rush is a 2.5D platformer styled after Sonic Rush, but featuring everyone’s favourite purple cat, Big! Wait.. no. Blaze! If you love the Rush games, why not give this a try?
Victory Heat Rally
This game is something to behold. Speedy racing gameplay on exhilarating courses, and all sprite-based! The true next level of those Genesis and SNES racers.
Studium
Studium is a rom hack of.. (checks notes) ..Sonic Crackers? Yes, the Knuckles’ Chaotix prototype. Studium is basically what Crackers would have been like if it actually released, and I love it.
Sonic Blasters
Sonic Blasters takes place after Knuckles’ Chaotix, and features many characters, cool new levels, and... Tetris!? I’m in! Maybe play directly after Studium?
Super Mario Flashback
Mario has joined in on the fun! Eh, it’s his 35th, why not? This game is a beautiful love letter to Mario’s classics. The controls feel a bit off, but I’m sure that will be fixed in no time! Oh, and it’s been in development since 2014. That’s some dedication there.
Core Framework
360 degree movement, five playable characters, an awesome test stage, what more could one ask for? Yet another fantastic Classic Sonic engine.
Nova the Squirrel 2
Nova the Squirrel 2 is an awesome SNES game, and the sequel to a game released for the NES in 2019! Inspired by classics like Mario and Kirby, this looks straight out of the 90’s. Radical!
Project Butterfly
Project Butterfly is another unique game, but this one isn’t sprite-based. No, it’s hand-drawn! It’s a really cool fast-paced platformer, inspired by Sonic Rush and Jet Set Radio. It genuinely feels like something SEGA would make!
Sonic Outbound
I couldn’t get this one to work, but from the trailer and screenshots it looks really good! Outbound is set after Sonic Mania’s bad ending and screams originality. New levels, old levels, lost levels. Levels!
Sonic Other World
Sonic Other World is a way past cool 3D game, not dissimilar to Infinity+, but here has two distinct levels. Personally, I’d rather play this over Sonic Forces.. but you didn’t hear that from me, right?
Super Mario Generations
Worlds collide as Classic Mario and Modern Mario team up! This game features levels based on the original Super Mario Bros, and the modern New Super Mario Bros games. I have big nostalgia for NSMB, so this gets my vote!
Sonic: Dark Abyss
Sonic Dark Abyss is inspired by Sonic.exe, and that is shown by Amy and Eggman being playable! That alone sets this apart. Ignoring the slightly cringey story that inspired this game, this is a really cool experience. New stages and enemies are a site for sore eyes when its inspiration just had Grey Hill Zone.
Sonic Triple Trouble 16-bit
This is probably my favourite of SAGE 20th. Set after Sonic & Knuckles, this is a very ambitious remake of the Game Gear classic Sonic Triple Trouble - making it actually playable! Yay! Good stuff, folks!
The Legend of Zelda: Eternal Rain
Apparently this game was made in just a week! Holy ravioli! That aside, it’s been raining for 2000 days in Hyrule (you think rainy afternoons suck? Try a rainy five years!) and it’s up to our beloved Link to make it sunny again. I don’t want to spoil anything, check it out for yourself if you’re interested.
Sonic 1 - Point and Click Edition
Ever wanted a version of Sonic 1 with a mouse pointer? No? Well too bad! Okay, but this is cool. You can play through the original game, but now with the ability to perform special moves by clicking Sonic, or you can now interact with environmental setpieces with a simple click.
Knuckles’ Emerald Hunt Mania
Knuckles is a treasure hunter again! But this time, in Sonic Mania? Some incredibly skilled modders have managed to implement a full new game mode into Sonic Mania, based on a classic Sonic 2 rom hack. Here Knuckles can travel through Angel Island, Chemical Plant and more on his quest for the emeralds! Oh, and there’s rain! Yes, rain!
Super Mombo Quest
Mombo Quest is a metroidvania-style game, featuring cool high-action, fast-paced gameplay. Featuring amazing graphics, awesome gameplay and a rockin’ set of enemies and levels, Mombo Quest will satisfy those who enjoy quick-action games.
Sonic Legends: True Sunset Shore
True Sunset Shore is a Sonic Mania mod that showcases a remake of the classic Sunset Shore Zone, which has sadly been cut from the Sonic Legends fan game. This mod is mostly to preserve this lost zone, and calls back to how Legends started: as a Mania mod.
Sonic Mania: The Misfits Pack
My favourite Sonic Mania mod of all time. The Misfits Pack’s 2020 demo brings back some classic, generally disliked, zones and gives them a fresh coat of paint. Hill Top, Aquatic Ruin, Labyrinth and Wacky Workbench are all here with groovy soundtracks, superb level design and top-of-the-line visuals. Serious Sonic Mania 2 stuff here.
Not sure what happened to Metropolis Zone, which was in the SAGE 2019 demo. Or the boardwalk stage from 2018. Rip them, I guess.
Top Five
I did this for SAGE 2019, let’s do it again! My Top 5 favourites for SAGE 20th. They are, without a doubt:
5. Knuckles’ Emerald Hunt Mania
4. Sonic Triple Trouble 16-Bit
3. Sonic Mania Misfits Pack
2. Super Mario Flashback
1. Sonic Frenzy Adventure
Sorry if ya disagree, folks, just my opinions.
Well, that’s all I have to share this time. Check out my SAGE 2019 Review if you have the time! Peace out, everybody!
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