Sonic ERaZor v8.0 (2025)

(You need a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive emulator or real hardware to play—
the widescreen version ONLY works for RetroArch with the Genesis Plus GX Wide core!)

Sonic ERaZor is a complete reinvention of Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) for the Sega Mega Drive—a chaotic, cinematic, and often absurd remix that throws out most of the original game's rules in favor of unpredictable spectacle. It's been described as "What if Michael Bay directed Sonic 1?" due to its very generous use of explosions.

Originally released in 2010, ERaZor began as a messy, hard-as-nails curiosity. Now, 15 years later, it has evolved into a carefully rebalanced, polished, and highly replayable full-game experience. The current version, Sonic ERaZor 8, is the result of a massive two-part overhaul that started in late 2023 and has culminated in 2025 with a full widescreen engine rebuild, revamped visuals, accessibility improvements, and tons of quality-of-life additions.

Whether you're here for secrets, speedrunning, or just pure chaos: this game is built to give you a good time!

For more information about Sonic ERaZor, check out the Sonic Retro wiki page!

Overview:

• 2 unique difficulties: Casual and Frantic Mode, both being delicately handcrafted and wildly different experiences to allow everyone to get started with the game while also rewarding practice!
• 8 unique levels: Inspired and based on the original Sonic 1 levels, each one comes with its own unique gimmick
• Custom mechanics: From Inhuman Mode to Space Golf, from lethal cinematic black bars to intense escape sequences; this isn't a typical Sonic game anymore
• Cinematic flair: Lots of cutscenes, stylized transitions, and story text screens that aren't shy to break the fourth wall and give you a good laugh
• Tons of secrets: Unlockable powers, alternate endings, and easter eggs (some obvious, some very hidden)
• And also: a save select with three slots, a ton of options to customize your experience to your liking, a custom sound test, and so much more...

This game has evolved so far beyond a simple ROM hack that it started to play footsies with the definition of original fan game. This is no more apparent than with the custom build to support unencumbered 16:9 widescreen support through RetroArch with the Genesis Plus GX Wide core, courtesy of vladikcomper! It's actually insane what spectacle you can squeeze out of that old Mega Drive, given the right aspect ratio.

All in all, Sonic ERaZor is more than just a novelty ROM hack, it's the result of 15 years of passion, experimentation, and community feedback. Have fun!