Even thoughSonic Generationsis over ten years old, its modding scene is still very active, with it constantly providing new ways to play the game. One new mod adds Super Mario intoSonic Generations, but it reveals itself to be more than a simple model swap since it changes the gameplay itself.
Sonic Generations, initially released in 2011, is a fan favorite entry in theSonic the Hedgehogseries. Released as a 20th anniversary celebration, the game lets players use both 2D and 3D styles in each zone.
RELATED:Sonic the Hedgehog is Getting Its Own Cereal
Skyth, a prominentSonic Generationsmodder, posted a video ofMario fromSuper Mario 64running through various Sonic levels. While some assumed it was an April Fool’s joke, the modder quickly followed up with a link to download the mod for real. Though simple model-swaps have been done before, Skyth went a step further and ported over many functions fromSuper Mario 64. This means the physics function similarly, including the infamous backwards long jump trick and walljumping.
The amount of dedication to keepingSuper Mario 64’s physics intact is so high that some levels may not be completable. The modder recommends using a 100% complete save file, but states on the GameBanana page that beating all stages “depends on your creativity,” implying that experienced players may find ways to complete everything. Given the incredible lengthsSuper Mario 64players go for challenges like speedrunning orusing exploits to skip stars, this could be an interesting new challenge for fans of eitherSuper Mario 64orSonic Generations.
Importantly, the mod does not actually include any assets fromSuper Mario 64; players must have a valid ROM dump of the NTSC-U version to use the mod. While it introduces a roadblock to players, the extra step is most likely to prevent legal issues, especially sinceNintendo is very strict about distributionof its old games. This unfortunately means that to play the mod legally, players must own aSuper Mario 64cartridge and use a ROM dump device to obtain a backup, which can then be used with the mod.
Sonic Generationsis a highly acclaimed title in the series, but it would not have nearly the level of attention it gets over ten years later if mods were not available to its community. Fans have even used it to port completely different games to PC, with aSonic Unleashedconversion available forGenerationsthat changes the physics, levels, and music.
Sonic Generationsis available now for Nintendo 3DS, PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
