Sonic GX Fan Port Brings Iconic Hedgehog to Amstrad GX4000 and Amstrad Plus

Sonic GX: Fan-Made Sonic the Hedgehog Port Now Playable on Amstrad GX4000 and Amstrad Plus Sega’s legendary mascot has made a surprising new leap, as ‘Sonic GX’—a dedicated fan port—brings Sonic the Hedgehog to the Amstrad GX4000 and Amstrad Plus platforms.

Developed by the independent collective ‘Condense,’ this project marks a significant milestone in retro game preservation and adaptation, offering enthusiasts of classic hardware a fresh way to experience one of gaming’s most influential characters. A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Passion Born from the collaborative efforts of skilled hobbyists, Condense comprises prominent contributors, including NoRecess (programming), CeD (graphics enhancements), Targhan (audio), and TotO (design, support, & testing).

This dedicated team embarked on development in 2019, meticulously working to optimize and recreate Sonic’s signature speed and platforming for the Amstrad’s hardware limitations.

Prior to its public release, the project gained attention through Time Extension, which showcased the game’s special stages via an exclusive preview video, highlighting the development team’s attention to detail. Faithful to Sega Master System’s Legacy Instead of adapting the more graphically intensive Sega Mega Drive release, Sonic GX draws inspiration from the 8-bit Sega Master System version developed by Ancient.

This technical decision allowed Condense to better align with the processing capabilities of the Amstrad GX4000 and Amstrad Plus consoles, both of which date back to their 1990 launch.

The game features authentic recreations of iconic zones like Bridge Zone and Jungle Zone, each presented with two acts, as well as the newly introduced Sky City Zone, which incorporates gameplay elements familiar to fans, such as conveyor belts similar to those found in the Master System’s Scrap Brain level. Original Special Stages and Enhanced Gameplay Adding to the authenticity, Sonic GX includes a suite of original special stages interspersed between acts.

These challenging segments are inspired by the ring-collecting stages of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 but are designed as flat courses, in contrast to the original’s curved surfaces.

This creative reimagining enhances replay value and delivers fresh gameplay for both long-time Sonic fans and newcomers exploring Amstrad’s classic console library. Free Download for Retro Enthusiasts Sonic GX is available as a free download, inviting players to experience firsthand the team’s meticulous craftsmanship and dedication.

The title stands as a remarkable accomplishment, blending the nostalgia of 1990s hardware with the enduring appeal of Sega’s blue blur.

It also demonstrates the continued vibrancy of homebrew development for classic platforms, even decades after their initial release. With Sonic GX, the Amstrad community gains a new benchmark in quality fan adaptations, offering both a tribute to Sega’s storied history and a testament to the ingenuity of today’s retro game developers.