Video game fan art has existed since long before Sonic the Hedgehog first burst onto the scene, but the blue blur has had his share of fan-made pieces as well. Earlier this year a remastered Sonic CD intro was released by a group of fans, and now a fan known as xamoel on Reddit is imagining new Sonic zones for a hypothetical game they are calling "Sonic Heroes and Foes."
Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog is known for its colourful, loop-filled levels, some of which are among the most iconic levels in video game history. Sega itself often leans on this iconography when making new Sonic titles, with over ten games in the series so far revisiting the classic Green Hill Zone from the hedgehog's first ever outing.
Redditor xamoel isn't content to rely on the franchise's past successes, however, and imagines eight vibrant, new zones. Of course, Sega fans expect a few things from Sonic zones, and xamoel delivers on that as well. Their imagined "Crystal Cruise" zone is a fun new take on the tropical first level that is seen in many Sonic games, and "Genesis Glitch" zone is filled with nice references to Sega's impressive history.
Other levels that xamoel imagines include a lava world titled "Fossil Fastlane" and the incredibly unique "Mad Molecule," complete with a tardigrade Dr. Eggman. The levels all look like a lot of fun, and seeing the springboards and launch pads dotted around the twisting pathways is enough to make any Sonic fan wish to see the designs pop up in a future Sonic title. Indeed, the levels would be right at home in a sequel to fan-favorite Sonic Mania.
Unfortunately, unless xamoel ever develops the "Sonic Heroes and Foes" fan game themself, gamers probably won't get a chance to play these imaginative levels. It isn't impossible that this won't happen. There are plenty of Sonic fan games already and Sega is generally more okay about them than the famously litigious Nintendo, but there doesn't seem to be any further plans for the fan levels at this time.
Regardless, there's enough happening in the official Sonic world to keep fans occupied. The blue blur's new movie and animated Netflix series have been announced, and fans have recently learned that there's an official Sonic Lego set coming at some point in the future. But for gamers looking to create their own Sonic the Hedgehog fan games with truly inspired level concepts, they need look no further than xamoel and their catalog of "Sonic Heroes and Foes" ideas.
Source: Reddit