Sonic 1: South Island Expedition (formerly Definitive)

By RadiantNexus Team
   

What if the original Sonic the Hedgehog and related materials was revisited in detail years after the fact?

Sonic 1: South Island Expedition (formerly Sonic 1 Definitive) is a heavy modification of the original Sonic the Hedgehog by RadiantNexus Team which seeks to reimagine the entire game for original hardware whilst maintaining the original core concepts by rearranging levels, remixing music, touching up the art, and introducing new and old concepts.

This demo seeks to be an enhanced version of our CGS2023 build as a reintroduction of our vision to the Sonic Hacking Contest.

Made with creativity and passion, our visions and goal for this fan work consists of:

  • Complete layout overhauls.
  • Entirely revamped art.
  • Remixed music, "Act 2" mixes of the aforementioned remixes, and many original tracks
  • Revamped zone settings from the original MD Sonic 1, 16-bit visions of zones from the 8-bit MS Sonic 1, and 3 new zones based on concept art.
  • Re-introduction and re-imaginings of scrapped concept elements.
  • Quality of Life changes to enhance the player experience.
  • Minibosses, remixed major bosses.
  • New in-game cutscenes to convey game's original story, similar to S3's cinematics.
  • Prerendered models, both modeled and traced for use in the title, menus, and certain sprites.
  • THE MENU(s)
  • Many new options
  • Cool and Wacky Secrets

Major Features added since SHC2021:

  • Act transitions!
  • Entirely redone art to be within a more cohesive artstyle.
  • Surpassed Yuji Naka in GHZ2 at last by having 8 'layers of parallax'.
  • Adjustments to our music, including a replacement of our Bridge Zone Act 1 track.
  • Entire overhaul of Bridge Zone Act 1 in every regard to be more in line with our new vision.
  • Entirely redone title screen.
  • One cutscene in GHZ2.
  • 2 new minibosses.
  • Marble Zone Act 1!
  • Several more menus, including Extras and Demo Level Select.
  • More options, including a Dynamic Camera option and Time Over option.
  • Several engine edits, including a new 64x64 chunk system, SONAR integration, integration of more Sonic 3 systems, KosM compression, and more!

Much like the original CGS demo, this is a teaser to showcase our new direction, so we at RadiantNexus, who have labored on this project for almost 4 years now with much to showcase, hope you enjoy!

Credits

GAME DESIGNING:

  • KGL
  • Inferno
  • Naoto_NTP
  • BladeOfChaos
  • MDTravis

LEVEL DESIGN:

  • KGL
  • Inferno
  • Naoto_NTP

ADDITIONAL LAYOUT CONTRIBUTIONS:

  • BladeOfChaos
  • KatKuriN
  • Michaelwave

CREATIVE DESIGN:

  • KGL
  • BladeOfChaos
  • ManiacShard
  • Naoto_NTP
  • Michaelwave

PROGRAMMING:

  • ProjectFM
  • Inferno
  • Naoto_NTP
  • Rivet
  • Giovanni
  • RandomName

PROGRAMMING ASSISTANCE:

  • MDTravis
  • MrLordSith
  • BladeOfChaos
  • KatKuriN
  • KGL

GAME DESIGNING:

  • KGL
  • Inferno
  • Naoto_NTP
  • BladeOfChaos
  • MDTravis

LEVEL DESIGN:

  • KGL
  • Inferno
  • Naoto_NTP

ADDITIONAL LAYOUT CONTRIBUTIONS:

  • BladeOfChaos
  • KatKuriN
  • Michaelwave

CREATIVE DESIGN:

  • KGL
  • BladeOfChaos
  • ManiacShard
  • Naoto_NTP
  • Michaelwave

CHARACTER DESIGN:

  • BladeOfChaos
  • Louplayer

ART:

  • BladeOfChaos
  • ManiacShard
  • Louplayer
  • Michaelwave
  • joshyflip

ADDITIONAL ART CONTRIBUTIONS:

  • MDTravis
  • KGL
  • Naoto_NTP
  • MrLordSith
  • KatKuriN
  • Beta Nexus
  • DIO-ZX

MODELING:

  • MrLordSith
  • MDTravis
  • Naoto_NTP
  • Louplayer

MUSIC:

  • ProjectFM
  • LunarCryptik

SOUND DESIGN:

  • MDTravis
  • KGL

SOUND PROGRAMMING:

  • Naoto_NTP
  • ProjectFM
  • MDTravis

MENU PROGRAMMING:

  • Rivet
  • Inferno
  • ProjectFM

EXTERNAL ART:

  • ManiacShard
  • MDTravis

EXTERNAL DESIGN:

  • ManiacShard
  • KGL
  • MDTravis

CONCEPTS:

  • Inferno
  • BladeOfChaos
  • KGL
  • MDTravis
  • ManiacShard
  • Naoto_NTP
  • Somario
  • KatKuriN
  • Dio-ZX

TRANSLATIONS:

  • KrazeeTobi
  • Beta Nexus

TOOLS AND ENGINE ASSIST:

  • ProjectFM

SOUND DRIVER:

  • Naoto_NTP

ADDITIONAL CODE TAKEN FROM:

  • Vladikcomper
  • Devon
  • MarkeyJester
  • Vincent

S1D INITIAL CONCEPTS by:

  • Inferno

GAME PLAN:

  • KGL

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR:

  • KGL
Gallery
Download

File Type: rom/mega-drive

File Size: 1.82 MB

KayGeeEll @ 2024-09-25 06:49:13

Note: There is a known major collision error in GHZ1 on the lowest path that was accidentally caused on the last day before the deadline when optimizing level objects. Nothing I can do about it now, but I hope enjoyment can still be found otherwise. Sorry for the potential unfair death! although it's not super obvious until you encounter it, at least.

I intend to link a patched build here once the contest week is over, as it's against the rules to do so beforehand.

Last modified by KayGeeEll @ 2024-09-25 06:50:11

Selbi @ 2024-09-28 10:33:57

I love this hack so, so much! The sleek art, the smooth level layouts, the music remixes. It all flows together so well. Also, the memories of SHC 2021 with the extremely underwhelming name are still there, so I'm really glad it was changed.

Guyke89 @ 2024-09-28 11:34:08

i really enjoyed it a lot this, the level designs look very good, the music remixes accompanies it and the art does too

soccerman611 @ 2024-09-28 17:35:01

wow, incredible hack. i really liked the GHZ2 boss, that was really satisfying to beat.

dilworks @ 2024-09-28 17:51:07

Absolutely pleasant! The colors, the layouts, the music arranges, everything. Definitely will be looking for this one in the future, very worth the play!

Oh, and A Certain Option Item (you know which one :D) hung BADLY BlastEm, to the point that I had to kill -9 it!

Inferno @ 2024-09-28 21:57:32

Bro, you got the Free Wifi, bro

(Thank you, LOL)

MDTravis @ 2024-09-29 22:41:43

get free wifi'd

Jdpense @ 2024-09-28 21:37:41

What else could I even say about this that hasn't been already said lol

diablo666 @ 2024-09-29 09:16:21

This is one of the hacks that I'm waiting for a full release. I was hooked by the music, the levels, the bosses and the conveyed atmosphere. Beta + original + own developments = just one of the interesting DEMOS

Kronos @ 2024-09-29 13:46:39

Very nice visuals. I was hoping to see the bridge zone complete, however I understand that it takes time to implement some technical mechanics. The addition of the marble zone is fantastic and the boss of act 1 is very creative. Congratulations.

Toha-X2 @ 2024-09-29 16:31:32

Hats off to the Boss for Marble Zone, best way of refrencing the UFOs while still keeping the tilting squares in the air. Absolute joy to play through, layouts were a joy and Marble Zone looked so crisp. Keep up the great work!

Useott @ 2024-09-29 20:27:35

One word.

Amazing.

Mostafasonic @ 2024-09-30 07:45:10

Note:Look, there's some glitch. But I didn't see a picture of meat, so I liked it. I listened to the music test and it was great. I hope for another release soon. Thanks to the team and you deserve the Sonic Cup. I am also from Egypt. I will see you soon. Bye.

tangoreploid @ 2024-09-30 12:56:46

My most anticipated entry, this top notch remake of Sonic 1. Level design is amazing, the aesthetics are amazing, you guys are amazing. I really think this hack brings Sonic 1 to a S3&K quality. Can't wait for the future of the project

Inferno @ 2024-09-30 14:49:14

Filet mignon

MashedPotato @ 2024-09-30 15:24:08

What is the last image?

And why is it there?

Inferno @ 2024-10-01 12:33:25

Filet mignon.

Timothyfox888 @ 2024-10-01 11:39:29

Cool hack play everyone

Big Mike @ 2024-10-01 21:12:51

I don't think I have ever seen a Sonic hack of such an excellent caliber before. All three of the playable zone slook breathtaking! I love the nice touches to GHZ and love the look of the lava in MZ. The boss fights and special stage too was top notch! 10/10 would high recomend

TheInvisibleSun @ 2024-10-02 20:40:05

This was a great time! One of the best interpretations of Marble Zone I've experienced, gorgeously done. It's wonderful to see ol' Marble Zone get some love, and a fresh coat of paint and polish. Overall, excellent job, again! Looking forward to experiencing where this project goes next.

rocketsailor @ 2024-10-03 12:45:09

Great title screen animation, fun levels, and I love that the menu is inspired by the classic Japanese covers. The boss fight that requires rolling on slopes feels satisfying to play. Love the credits scene too. Looking forward to more!

CalebCake @ 2024-10-04 16:21:01

Wow, just, WOW.

Roebloz @ 2024-10-04 19:26:20

I don't remember much of this hack from last year, but this year? PERFECT. Mania-level of graphics, great level design, amazing music, cool menus, I mean...This is probably the best Sonic experience I've played outside of the official games. (And even then) My ONLY complaint is that it's not finished yet!! But otherwise, fantastic hack, and in my opinion, the best one of the entire contest this year. Good job.

My playthrough: https://youtu.be/I2C5Bho89iE

Zac_The_Guy @ 2024-10-05 11:06:21

YES...YEEEEEES...COME TO PAPA!!!