SeeSonicthe Hedgehog. See Sonic run. See Sonic run fast. It is the driving force behind his games. Since the premiere ofSonic Xin 2003, “gotta go fast” has been the Hedgehog’s mantra, andhas become a memein theSoniccommunity.
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Many non-Sonicgames embody this “gotta go fast” ethos. These range from games that build upon classicSonicgame mechanics to other genres that possess their own sense of speed. They also add other elements such as combat and platforming. Here aresome games forSonic the Hedgehogfans that “gotta go fast".
7Freedom Planet
Freedom Planetfollows theSonicgames for the Genesis in terms of gameplay philosophy. In fact, it started life asaSonicfan game. That influence can be seen through the level environments and the anthropomorphic characters. The running controls feel smooth, and the characters can do the same stunts that their blue counterpart does.
FreedomPlanetalso builds upon the “gotta go fast” formula in several ways. It adds combat mechanics, meaning it is not just a matter of jumping on enemies, but rather tackling them head-on. Each animal character has their own abilities as well, meaning different gameplay styles for different preferences.
6Spark The Electric Jester 3
Spark the Electric Jester 3is the third entry in Feperd Games’ Spark series, which sees him step up against a new foe in the form of an AI named Clarity. The gameplay is a mix of running, platforming, and combat.
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Spark the Electric Jester 3is probably one ofthe best 3DSonicgames that isn’t aSonicgame. The levels are bright and colorful, and anyone who has playedSonic Heroeswill find one level to be very familiar. Spark moves through worlds at blazing speeds. Each level has a number of collectibles to find, incentivizing exploration. The combat is satisfying as well, with Spark able to perform and unlock special moves that provide the game with a littleDevil May Cryflavor.
5Portal 2
Portal 2returns to Aperture Laboratories, where series protagonist Chell must once again deal with the machinations of the nefarious and sarcastic robot, GlaDOS. Chell must navigate rooms via use of a portal gun to activate switches, fly across chasms, and reach platforms.
WhilePortal 2is a puzzle game, many elements of these puzzles incorporate speed. The game introduces three gels with unique properties. The orange gel reduces friction on surfaces, allowing Chell to move much faster. The blue gel allows Chell to bounce high up, and the gray gel allows her to place portals in spots she would not be able to otherwise. Chaining these elements together along with the game’s realistic physics create some thrilling experiences, and solving the puzzles makes one feel like a genius.
4Glyph
Glyphis what would happen if a whole game was built aroundMetroid Prime’smorph ball mechanic. A scarab beetle must collect gems and keys across multiple levels in order to rebuild an ancient desert civilization. The sand is poisoned as well, so touching it will mean having to start the level over.
The rolling insect can move quickly across levels, so getting from point A to point B without missing a platform can be tricky. The physics and controls, like the best platformers, encourage players to speed run the courses and find shortcuts. Some challenges can be completed in as little as fifteen seconds.
3Open Surge
Open Surgeis a project from developer Alexandre Martins in Brazil. The main game,Surge the Rabbit, follows a rabbit who looks like the Nesquik mascot across five levels. They draw heavy inspiration from the GenesisSonicgames, and are fun to play, even if the platforming controls feel a little stiff.
Related:Games With Great Traversal Mechanics
The meat and potatoes of theOpen Surgeproject, however, is the game engine. It allows for creating fully custom levels in the game. The engine also has its own built-in coding language, called SurgeScript, which allows users to make their own games. Best of all, the project is completelyfree and open source,so anyone can check it out and contribute to its development.
2Mirror’s Edge
Mirror’s Edgeis the cult hit from publisher Electronic Arts and developer DICE. The game follows Faith, who is a Runner, the only source of unmonitored messagingin a future citythat looks like it was built by Apple.
Being that Faith is a Runner, she will have to move quickly along the rooftops of her dystopian world. She can run up walls, clamber on pipes, leap off of ledges, and barrel roll into a landing to keep the momentum going. Speed runners will enjoy dashing through each level, as the thrill of leaping from rooftop to rooftop is an exhilarating experience.
1Valley
Valley, from Blue Isle Studios, isan ecological parablefollowing a twentieth-century man in the Rocky Mountains. There, he seeks an artifact of immense power called the Life Seed. In his journey, he will discover the ruins hidden in a secret valley, as well as learn more about the celestial beings that call it their home.
He navigates environments using an exoskeletal suit that allows him to run faster and leap higher than ordinary human beings. Running down hills will build momentum, and launching off of an incline or ramp will send him soaring through the air and above the landscape. Rushing through the verdant forests is like having one’s lungs filled with the freshest air in existence.
