We’re huge fans of ROM hacks here at Retro Dodo. If you’ve checked out our article on the greatest Pokémon ROM hacks ever made, then you’ll already know this, and we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting hacks that reinvent our favourite games. As much as we love titles like Sonic the Hedgheog and Super Mario Bros., there are only so many times that we can play them without knowing what’s coming next, which is why fan-made hacks are so exciting, injecting some uncertainty back into titles that feel so familiar.
Sonic 1 Swift is one such title, a ROM hack title from Timaeus that completely turns the game on its head, giving fans a new adventure to spin dash through. Expect new level design on the stages, new music, and new zones to explore a full 33 years after the original game dropped. The bosses have also been edited and attack Sonic using different methods, so don’t think you can rely on your knowledge of how you used to beat them to get through the game.
Timaeus has created non-rotating Special Stages and placed collectible 1-ups throughout each special stage too. Plus it wouldn’t be a ROM hack without some new features; you’ll get a sped and invincibility power up once you collect all 6 of the Chaos Emeralds and the chance to use them on custom enemy sprites. Plus some bugs have been squashed from the original game too.
Head to the official ROM hack page to find out more! And this isn’t the only news we’ve had about an old classic coming back to the fold today either. Have you heard that Donkey Kong is heading back to Game Boy Color as Donkey Kong DX? A dedicated team of gamers has put thousands of hours into bringing the game to the GBC in 2025. The future is bright: the future is retro!
