Sonic Fusion Fan Game
The world's first 3D Sonic fan game - created in 2003 with Dark Basic when I was just a teenager learning to code.
Project Overview
Sonic Fusion was literally my first-ever attempt at making a game, back when I was a teenager in 2003. I was obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog, but here's the thing - I'd never actually played a proper 3D game because I couldn't afford a console!
So I did what any broke but determined kid would do: I decided to create the 3D Sonic game I imagined in my head. I got my hands on Dark Basic (a beginner-friendly programming language) and Bryce 3D for the models, and just started figuring things out.
I even managed to convince a few other Sonic-obsessed internet friends to help with models and animations while I tried to code the whole thing. We never finished it completely, but I did release a playable demo that got some attention on Sonic fan forums!
The Story Behind the Project
Sonic Fusion wasn't just a project - it was my escape. As a teenager who couldn't afford a gaming console, creating this game was my way of experiencing the 3D Sonic adventures everyone else was playing. I'd spend hours looking at magazine screenshots and imagining what playing those games must feel like.
Level Design
Game Character
I still remember the day I discovered Dark Basic. It was this programming language specifically designed for beginners to make games. The moment I realized I could actually create a game without needing expensive software or hardware, I was hooked. I dove into tutorials, stayed up way too late on school nights, and slowly figured out how to make things move on screen.
The level design in Bryce 3D was a whole other challenge. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing at first! But after countless hours of trial and error (and many, many crashes), I managed to build something that actually looked like a Sonic level - with loops, ramps, and all those classic elements I'd seen in screenshots.
The best part was sharing early builds on Sonic fan forums. There weren't many 3D Sonic fan games back then, so even my janky demo got some attention. People would give feedback, point out bugs (so many bugs!), and sometimes even offer to help. It was my first taste of being part of a development community.
Looking back, this project was completely ambitious and way beyond my skills at the time. The code was a mess, the physics were wonky, and it crashed constantly. But it was also the most exciting thing I'd ever created - my own imagined version of a 3D Sonic game when I couldn't play the real ones.
Technical Features
3D Game Engine
Using Dark Basic, I created a custom game engine to handle the fast-paced movement and physics needed for a Sonic game.
- •Implemented character movement with acceleration and momentum
- •Created camera system that followed the character at high speeds
- •Developed a scoring system and collectible items
Level Design
I designed 3D levels using Bryce 3D, creating environments that captured the spirit of Sonic games.
- •Built complete circuit level with loops, ramps, and platforms
- •Applied textures to create a vibrant, colorful aesthetic
- •Designed obstacles and environmental challenges
Collision System
I implemented a custom collision detection system to handle the complex interaction between the character and the 3D environment.
- •Developed terrain collision for slopes and curves
- •Created item collection detection for rings and power-ups
- •Implemented enemy interaction and obstacle avoidance
Game Screenshots
A collection of original screenshots from the Sonic Fusion game, showcasing the environments, character models, and gameplay elements.
City Street Zone
Urban environment with buildings and roadways
Desert Valley Zone
Desert landscape with cactus and rock formations
Character Model
The 3D Sonic character model
Game UI
In-game user interface with score and stats
While the original demo is no longer playable due to technological changes over the years, these screenshots preserve the memory of my first game development project and the foundational experience it provided for my programming journey.
Outcome & Impact
Technical Growth
This project helped me develop skills in:
- Programming fundamentals
- 3D graphics and modeling
- Game physics and collision detection
- User input handling and game controls
Project Management
I learned valuable lessons about:
- Coordinating with a small team of volunteers
- Scope management and prioritizing features
- Releasing a demo version to gather feedback
- Marketing and community engagement
Legacy & Career Impact
While Sonic Fusion was never completed (not even close, honestly!), it completely changed my life. I went from a kid who couldn't afford to play video games to someone who realized I could actually create them myself. That revelation was mind-blowing.
This janky, unfinished game kickstarted my entire journey into coding and development. Without this project, I might never have discovered that programming was something I could do. All those late nights battling with Dark Basic code and Bryce 3D crashes turned out to be the best educational experience I could have had!
Internet Memories
Every once in a while, I stumble across someone on the internet who remembers Sonic Fusion. It's wild to think that a game I made as a teenager still lives on in people's memories almost 20 years later.
Fan Community Memories
Forum post from August 2016
Open Source Legacy
I eventually open-sourced the entire project, sharing all the code and models with the Sonic fan community. As far as I know, nobody really did anything with it - the DarkBasic code was probably too messy for anyone else to figure out!
Even though it wasn't picked up, it feels good knowing I contributed to the early days of Sonic fan games in some small way.
The Lost Build
Over the years, I've lost track of the working builds of Sonic Fusion. Somewhere between old hard drives, computer upgrades, and life changes, the playable versions have disappeared.
I'm still hoping to one day stumble across a working copy or have someone from the fan community reach out with a preserved version. If that happens, I'll absolutely post it here for preservation!
Forum Signatures
These were my forum signatures that I'd attach to every post I made. I was incredibly proud of these renders - each created in Bryce 3D, showcasing different environments and lighting setups.
The Origin of My Design Journey
I got Bryce 3D for free from my art teacher, who had received their copy from a magazine called "Computer Arts." That magazine was truly the catalyst that sparked my passion for digital design and creating with computers. Without that stroke of luck, I might never have discovered my love for digital creation.
Note: If you happen to have a copy of Sonic Fusion or memories of playing it, I'd love to hear from you! The violin music mentioned in the forum post was "Explosive" by Bond - listen on YouTube.