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My GFs page ♥I made this guide as an easy and convenient reference on my quest to play all the Sonic games (or at least most of them).
Below, you'll find a list of a bunch of sonic games and what I believe to be the definitive version to play them.
This list wont be perfect. I might miss stuff, or new mods or game versions may be released.
If you find an error, or a section that fails to mention an alternative way to play the game, please message me on Bluesky so I can edit this page.
This is a really difficult topic to discuss, since there are no consistent court rulings to go off of.
If you want a heavily summarized and cut down explanation:
-Downloading an Emulator is always fine. They don’t contain copyrighted material.
-Extracting the ROM of a game you physically own and emulating that shouldn’t get you into trouble. You own that game.
-Downloading ROM’s from the internet is a different story. I don’t recommend you do this, especially for games that are still actively sold.
Usually, only the people distributing the ROM’s get into trouble, but if you expect SEGA employees to knock at your door tomorrow
to search your PC for ROM’s, you should probably stay away from online downloads.
Over 50% of the 3D games are done :)
Sonic Adventure - DONE
Sonic Adventure 2 - DONE
Shadow the Hedgehog - DONE
Heroes - WIP
Sonic 06 - DONE
Secret Rings - DONE
Black Knight - WIP
Unleashed - DONE
Colors - DONE
Sonic x Shadow Gens - DONE
Lost World - WIP
Forces - WIP
Frontiers - DONE
Dream Team - WIP
Sonic 1 - WIP
Sonic 2 - WIP
Sonic CD - WIP
Sonic 3 & Knuckles - WIP
Sonic Advance Games - WIP
Sonic Rush Games - WIP
Soniuc Mania - WIP
Sonic Superstars - WIP
Vanilla Sonic Adventures definitive release is its Dreamcast release. Every version after this one has only downgraded the game
(In both objective and subjective ways). Instead of emulating the game, we'll use its PC release as a basis,
bring it as close to the Dreamcast version as possible, and add a few small quality of life mods.
We'll use the SADX Mod Installer for this, since it comes prepackaged with everything well need,
and also turns the 2011 Steam release into the 2004 PC version. Most mods are made for the 2004 version.
-Sonic Adventure DX (Steam / 2004 PC) + SADX Mod Installer | 8€
-Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast)
(If you use the non-Steam version as a basis, the installer might not work. I havent tested it yet. IF this should be the case,
just download the Mod Manager directly and search for the mods you want to add.)
The Installer comes prepackaged with the Mod Manager, and all of the mods we'll need. Select Custom Mode,
make sure all the useful options like auto updates are turned on, and select the mods you want.
Since we want to active most of them, i've just listed the ones you might NOT want to use:
- Dreamcast Character Pack (Only contains the Dreamcast models. The Textures are part of another mod.
Avoid this if you like the lankier DX models better, add it if you prefer the Dreamcast models)
- Pause Hide (You don't need this. Its Part of another mod)
- Steam Achievements (Remove if you don't own the Steam version, otherwise leave it in)
- ADX Voices and Music (Remove if you own the Steam version. It already comes with the better audio)
- Super Sonic (in action Stages) (Remove if you don't want super sonic as a post story unlock)
Again, you can just activate everything else.
Tip: “SADX Style Water” mods in the original water. Its just named weirdly.
Now start the Mod Manager (Not the Game) and Launch the game via the manager. Have fun playing ;3
Vanilla Sonic Adventure 2 doesn't have a super clear definitive release.
Overall, the original Dreamcast version is still superior with better lighting, less visual bugs and better controls,
but it doesn't have the ported “Battle” versions high resolution graphics, and multiplayer mode.
Well use Battles Steam release as a basis, bring it as close to the Dreamcast version as possible, and add a few quality of life mods.
Well also use the SA Mod Manager (the same one we used for SA1), which is a continuation of the older SA 2 Mod Loader.
1. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (Steam) + SA Mod Manager | 10€
2. Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast)
First, get the SA Mod Manager EXE. Either download it from the link above, or copy it from your SA1 folder.
Copy this file into your Sonic Adventure 2 folder. (You can find it by right clicking the game in steam and
clicking “Browse Local Files”.) If the Mod Manager crashes when you start it (or switch from SA1 to SA2),
create a new folder called “mods” in the SA2 folder.
First, you can activate two quality of life changes in the “Codes” tab. These two will alter the feel of the game,
so consider if you actually want them.
(This is also where all cheat codes are stored. If you wanna be invincible, explore this window some more):
-Reduce spindash delay (Hold down the button for a shorter time until you can spindash)
-All emeralds trackable (Tracks all three Emerald Pieces at the same time)
Now onto the mods. This is also their recommended load order (I think?):
-No model Tinting (Restores the original textures of some bad looking models.
While its now part of SA2 render fix, this standalone mod is a lot simpler, so you don't need to adjust any other stuff)
- Cutscene Revamp (Fixes lighting and missing background models in cutscenes)
- Highest Quality Textures (Always uses the highest quality texture if the devs kept multiple versions in the files)
- Hedge Panel (A bunch of quality of life changes to Sonic and Shadows gameplay.
Also comes with modern (boost game) style grinding. This doesn't fix rail grinding, but its a good enough bandaid patch.
If you're more of a purist, you might want to turn off Random homing attack sounds.
But you should definitely turn off Automatic Magic Hands and No Magic Orbs, as they make sonic a bit op)
- Level oddity patch (Fixes a bunch of small issues)
- Level oddity patch 2 (Fixes some different small issues)
- Eggman lighting fix (The headlights of Eggman's mech light up dark areas again. While its now part of SA2 render fix,
this standalone mod is a lot simpler, so you don't need to adjust any other stuff)
- SA2 Volume Controls (Restores sound features, and lets you adjust the audio mixing.
Id recommend lowering the music volume just a little bit more than the default)
If the load order is correct, you shouldn't encounter any new bugs ingame. Have fun playing ;3
We`ll be using Shadow Reloaded, which is a mod for the Gamecube version of the game. For this, you'll need a ROM of Shadow the Hedgehog,
the mod, and an Emulator. I'd recommend Dolphin, either standalone, or the Dolphin core via RetroArch.
(Shadow Reloaded makes the last story available after only 3 playthroughs, unlocks expert mode after finishing the last story,
alternate paths have been added, and "kill x enemies" missions no longer require you to search for every single enemy in a level.)
(RetroArch can be a bit complicated to set up, but it can be nice to have all your emulators and ROMs accessible in one place.
It also allows you to connect a RetroAchievements account in the settings.)
(RetroAchievements is a site that tracks user-curated achievements for old emulated games.)
Shadow the Hedgehog (Gamecube) + Shadow Reloaded
Once you have the ROM and downloaded the mod, open the mod's folder, drag your ROM (.iso) inside, and rename the ROM to GUPE8P.
Run the “Apply Patch” that matches your operating system, and once the console is done printing stuff,
you should have a file named ShdTH Reloaded.
Now you can just run this file on your Emulator. Have fun playing ;3
Sonic '06 is a pretty buggy game, and on top of that the different playable charcters dont really feel unique.
Luckily, a from-the-ground-up and standalone fan remake has been in development for year.
Project '06 is in a playable state and almost done, only missing its final story
Project '06
Just head to ChaosX' youtube channel via the link, and look for the newest video titled '06 Release.
The download link will be in the description.
That's all. Have fun playing ;3
Secret Rings was ever only released for the wii, and its modding scene is extremely small. There is a from-the-ground-up fan remake
called Project Reignition, and while its playable, its not fully done.
For the time being, id reccomend sticking with a rom of the original rlease via Dolphin, either standalone or via RetroArch,
but once the remake is a bit further along it will be the definitive way to play this game.
Sonic and the Secret Rings (Wii)
Project Reignition
(A guide will be added once the remake is a bit further along in its development)
Have fun playing ;3
Sonic unleashed recently got recompiled for pc. This version of the game is based on the xBox release,
and also needs the xBox rom to function. That means it includes the world map, but also the longer werehog stages and medals.
We will use the HedgeModManager to adress these issues, but if you enjoy the werehog in this version,
you can also just emulate the PS3 or xBox release.
Sonic Unleashed Recompiled + HedgeModManager
Sonic Unleashed (PS3/xBox)
While installing Recompiled, it will already ask you for the rom.
Afterwards, install the Mod Manager and add the following mods:
(Sadly, there is not mod shortening the werehog stages yet. If you want to stay up to date with possible releases,
this bounty will probably be the place where youll hear about the mod first.)
Other than that, we'll download:
- Improved Progression (You don't have to visit professor pickle for every level anymore,
and the werehog gains abilities in batches, so youll be max level by the end of the game)
- No Medal Requirements for Main Acts (Main game can be played without collecting medals,
but extra stages still have their requirements)
- Vanilla Werehog Tweaks (Small movements tweaks to the werehog,
so the night stages are more fun to play)
(I will add more info on how to set up HedgeModManager once I play this game for myself)
While Sonic Colors Ultimate is the definitive version of the game, it also introduces new bugs and an unglodly amount of bloom.
Luckily, we can fix the pc release with a single mod, Project Re-Rainbow, via HedgeModManager.
Sonic colors ultimate Base Edition (PC) + Project Re-Rainbow | 40€
After you have installed the mod manager, you'll see that there are multiple downloads on the gamebanana page.
They only differ in cutscene quality and file size:
- Lite is 3.5GB and uses the old cutscenes
- 1080p has scaled down the revamped cutscenes and is 14GB
- Full has the high quality, revamped cutscenes and is 21GB
Make sure you pick a version that you can sustainably keep on your pc, not one that barely fits onto your harddrive.
It shoul also be noted that the current version of the mod is not finished yet, and was just released for the SHC showcase.
(I will add more info on how to set up HedgeModManager once I play this game for myself)
Sonic Generations was rereleased as sonic x shadow generations, adding some slight QoL to sonics campaign,
and adding a shorter shadow campaign. While there are some minor differences between Gens 2011 and Gens 2024,
the 2024 release is the definitive version for new players
The game also has a small DLC adding 3 extra, sonic moivie flavoured, shadow stages that you might wanna grab
Sonic x Shadow Generations Base Edition + StH 3 Movie DLC (Any platform) | 50€ + 6€
Since were not installing any mods, well just go through the settings menu to fix any performance issues.
This video goes over all the settings in case you need help.
Have fun playing a game vnanilly for once ;3
Sonic Frontiers only has one release, and its a bit buggy. While its still a playable game in its vanilla state,
we'll use a buch of mods and codes inside the HedgeModManager to fix all the little bugs, and add some small QoL
Sonic Frontiers Base Edition (PC) + HedgeModManager | 60€
Sonic Frontiers as a BUNCH of codes already built into the mod mangager, so once you installed it,
these are the ones you want to enable:
>Animation
-Disable Running Fall (plays the fall animation instead of the run animation when falling in some cases)
>Cheats:
-Always start with max rings for bosses (does what it says on the tin. This one isnt strictly necessary)
-Always unlock arcade mode (arcade mode lets you play cyberspace levels from the main menu. normally youd have to unlock it first)
-Always unlock extreme difficulty (normally youd have to unlock the hardest difficulty first)
>Fixes:
-Fix grind leaning (re-adds the intended leaning animation)
-Fix Quick Cyloop Lock-on (prevents randomly changing target during quick cyloop)
-Fix resolution resetting on launch (stop resolution from resetting in some nieche cases)
-Fix photo mode camera collision (camera slides along objects instead of freezing)
-Fix player de-celeration (fixes deceleration bug that happens when decel. isnt at 100%)
>Gameplay:
-Tutorial Skip (option to skip tutorial on new file)
>Graphics:
-2x Extended Foliage draw distance (skip this if your pc struggles to run the game)
-2x Extended grass draw distance(skip this if your pc struggles to run the game)
-Disable shadow angle limit (shadows line up wit hthe sun much better)
>Physics:
-Enhanced homing attack rebound (more controll while flinning backwards after a homing attack)
-Tighter jump rotation (more directional controll midair)
>System:
-Disable Telemetry (telemetry: any data about your system that gets sent to sega)
>UI:
-Disable DLC Messages on new game (doesn't disable dlc. only removes the amlost 10 popups when starting a new file)
-Show another story stages in arcade mode (adds free dlc stages to arcade mode quick select)
Since codes already fix most of the smaller stuff, we only need to add a few mods:
Medium Foliage (better performance and slightly less dense trees)
Knuckles Climbing Tweaks (so you dont fly off of the parkcour)
Sensible Pinball (sets points from 5.000.000 to 1.000.000)
Pinball Revisited (makes the pinball minigame playable postgame)
No Cutscenes After Challenges (speeds up the map filling out, and removes the zoom to the seed)
Trackers Phyisics (small physics changes. going down hills increases speed)
After these million small changes, you should be able to enjoy frontiers alot more. Have fun playing ;3