Let’s face it - there are a lot of bad Sonic fan games out there. Some of them are bad on purpose, but sadly many of them are not. Every so often though, someone will make a fan game or a hack that plays good, has a fun environment, uses good programming skills, and has nice graphics. I think I maybe have stumbled upon such a thing in the 3D Fangames department (for once).

Check past the break for more info and my thoughts.

The video you see above is footage of an engine by Damizean and Mark the Echidna. Both of them are registered on Sonic Retro’s forums, but not very active at the moment. However as far as I know they are active on Sonic Fan Games HQ.

After giving the engine a test run myself, I have to say I’m pretty impressed. The camera is pretty solid, rarely getting at a bad view angle. Even through loops! There are two modes for the camera; Normal and “Vomit Cam” which will follow Sonic’s exact angle no matter what. It’ll go upside-down through loops too, hence the name.

The controls aren’t all too bad either. But it is a prototype, so it’s not quite perfect. Sonic’s a little too slippery, and I think with a little fine-tuning it’ll feel just like the physics in the old games. And although Sonic is all about high-speed and sharp turns, turning a bit too sharply brings Sonic to a grinding halt.

All together, despite these pet-peeves, I found myself having fun with this engine test.

“Wait, what did you say Spex? Having…FUN with a 3D Sonic game?”

Yes, I had fun. And I advise you guys take this engine for a test too. It’s not much, but it’s promising.

Rapidshare: Damizean/Mark The Echidna’s 3D Sonic Engine Test (Download)