by Sonic the Hedgehog games are some of the most hacked and modified games out there. One thing that I’ve always loved about Sonic rom hacks is that you can play many of them on a real Sega Genesis console, provided that you have a flash cart and an SD card handy.
But if you’re looking to get into the world of a Sonic rom hacks, you’ll find yourself sifting through a sea of mediocre hacks and test games. We’ll save you the trouble by presenting you with the best Sonic rom hacks that you can play on your Sega Genesis today.
Sonic Boom
Sonic Boom, not to be confused with the more recent Sonic Boom TV series, is a 2009 rom hack based on Sonic 2. The rom hack won multiple awards in the 6th and 7th annual Sonic hacking contests, being noted for its difficult levels and boss design.
Sonic 2 Delta
Sonic 2 Delta is one of the many rom hacks that is an improvement of an existing Sonic games rather than a whole new game. Sonic 2 Delta is essentially Sonic 2, but with added zones and features from Sonic 3. Unlike the original Sonic 2, this version of the game features Knuckles and the Sonic 3 file select. Another way to describe Sonic 2 Delta would be to call it a mashup of the three main Genesis Sonic games.
Hellfire Saga
If you’re looking for a completely new and unique experience, then Hellfire Saga is definitely the rom hack to check out. The game is a self-proclaimed homage to Castlevania and Ghosts ‘n Goblins, and the difficulty definitely reflects that. Among many of the game’s features are an HP bar, difficult bosses with patterns that players need to memorize, and beautiful graphics.
Sonic 2: Advanced Edit
Sonic 2: Advanced Edit is another rom hack that improved Sonic 2. In this hack, you can play as Amy and Knuckles, and there are also new levels with authentic-feeling Genesis Sonic level design. This hack has once been described as one of the “most time-consuming hack ever” and while newer hacks might have taken that crown, it’s obvious that a lot of love and care went into this project.
Sonic Classic Heroes
What do you get when you mix Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with Sonic Heroes and a dash of Knuckles Chaotix? You get Sonic Classic Heroes. Admittedly, it’s nice to have the added utility of Tails and Knuckles in some of those trickier Sonic 1 an Sonic 2 levels.
Sonic 3 Complete
Sonic 3 Complete is one of the most well-known Sonic hacks. The hack aims to provide a quality and authentic Sonic 3 experience while fixing up bugs and issues with the original version. If you just want to play a slightly improved version of Sonic 3 without any crazy new gameplay elements, you should check this one out.
Sonic 2 Long Version
Sonic 2 Long Version should be self-explanatory. It’s a longer version of Sonic 2. The hack includes new levels (apparently some of them being scrapped from the original), hence why it’s “long.” The extra levels include Wood Zone, Genocide City Zone, and Hidden Palace Zone.
Your forgot the best out of them all Sonic Infinity +