I still think Sonics core mechanics don't translate to 3D well.
I think the more physics-focused fangame stuff + heavy emphasis on manual camera control (ideally with a mouse) are the most fun, even when it's just a demo map - fucking around with momentum physics and mastering them is incredibly satisfying. Sonic Utopia is arguably too open, but it's also a fantastic sandbox for fooling around with momentum physics - even the homing attack is reworked into a short-ranged tool to easily bounce off enemies while maintaining momentum, and it's the best take on the homing attack
ever. The shit you can do in that demo is far more impressive than
anything you can do in official 3D Sonic games:
There's a reason why Tribes exploded back in the day when the 'skiiing' bug in the first game became so popular. High-speed momentum mechanics are
fun, and people enjoy using them.
I usually lose interest when people try to emulate the Adventures or the Boost Formula, because the former
never fucking worked, and the latter is shallow as a kiddie pool, there's little depth to it.
I want to see a 3D game that recreates the feel of the opening to Sonic CD
without relying on "automated" mechanics. Utopia honestly comes the closest, but I also feel that momentum physics + parkour mechanics that are reliant on momentum would be the closest match. Lost World had the right idea for some of its mechanics, but they needed serious refinement.
The level design isn't especially good but the way they integrate the story with the stages is very impressive. Another step for Sonic fangames. Perhaps, one day we will get a full 3d game with an actual story.
Well, depends on whether you mean "a full game with cutscenes throughout" or just "a story with a beginning, a journey, and an end". Because Sonic Robo Blast 2 has the latter, mainly with a proper opening cutscene will full dialogue and establishing the plot and an ending where Eggman's latest plan is foiled.
