Difference in Fan Gaming on the Rise

There are four basic types of fan games on the internet. New and good, new and bad, old and bad, and old and better. My first thoughts considering fan games have usually been the same. “Sonic runs, jumps through enemies and sometimes even bounces off of them with a nifty explosion.” A lot of times people include the basic factors that make up a basic Sonic game. Sometimes, however, one that is well thought out and put together comes along. These are posted up on sites and downloaded by many people. Recently, three new games have come to my attention. One already released and the other two in progress. What’s more, these aren’t typical “Run through the level and win” style platform Sonic Fan Games.

The first and most intriguing idea is that of “ProSonic.” Not just a simple fan game but instead a platform from which to launch ones own fan games. “ProSonic” is actually more of a system on which to play custom made fan games of both one’s own creation and someone else’s. To quote the creator/engineer, “ProSonic is a Sonic the Hedgehog game engine written from scratch in C.” The engine itself is customed designed, as is the purpose. If one understand C programming the engine itself can be modified. For other users, however, an event editor is being created to allow them to engineer their own games using the software as well. In addition to all this, the program is based upon the Actual Genesis/MegaDrive system. While it is made to take advantage of a computers abilities, in other words a more powerful version of the Genesis/MD, it is within the confines of a standard computer. By using layouts from Sonic games such as Sonic 2 and Sonic 3, one can recreate the levels or just replay them with greater speed. In addition to these factors, “ProSonic” is made to use either high quality music or Genesis style music. While MP3s are not supported, other files are which can allow for good quality games or games built for nostalgic purposes. For the moment there is no word on when this project will be finalized and/or released.

From a different format for Sonic gaming we move to a different style of playing the game itself. “Sonic 360" by Sonic Soft is rather different from the standard style of playing Sonic games in its own right. While this game is still only in development, the DEMO is rather well planned out. I played a basic course that covered some of the more interesting factors of the game itself. The game itself adds more of a “fight style” to Sonic as jumping and doing a spin attack in the air require more than just a simple leap. Instead of typical jump and spin action with a homing device this game drops the homing attack, at least for now, and instead incorporates wall bouncing, a form of “Triangle Jump,” and being able to leap off walls. An interesting level up option is also available. This fan-game seems to use key parts from Sonic Heroes and some of the other newest Sonic Games without losing too much of the fan game style. “Sonic 360" uses MultiMedia Fusion Express as a creation program. This game does a rather good job of portraying the increasing skill level with which fan-game makers are creating games. The greater the technology available the better and more creative the games become. A few bugs still exist but that is to be expected since it is still in the developmental stage. While the demo only had one real level it left itself open to whole schemes of levels. The only real problem that I am rather sure will be corrected is that of the scenery. A basic background and scenery, which were reminiscent of the Sonic Adventure Series, were all that adorned this otherwise amazing game. Hopefully this will be remedied by the time it is released. If not, the gameplay, size of the levels, and the music will make up for it in the long run.

The other game is one I’ve been watching since near the outset. Sonic Battle III is only the latest in on ongoing series of non-standard Sonic games. A fighting simulation that increases in complexity and creativeness, not to mention ability to control, with each new release; Sonic Battle III augments the market of new Sonic fan games. While I still have yet to play the most recent release of the game I have played earlier versions and believe this to be the best fan-made Sonic fighting game yet.

In essence, two new forms of Sonic games and a new launch platform are being worked on in grand style. The advent of these new games only opens the field for grander endeavors and widens the availability of enjoyable games. These games, or games like them, are what will lead to the next generation of fan-game creation.

---Wsonic87

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