The Sonic the Hedgehog XA project continues to evolve, and its latest versions, 0.5.1 and 0.6, introduce some exciting improvements that make the experience feel closer than ever to a real 16-bit-to-32-bit transition. Built from scratch for original PlayStation hardware, the game keeps growing in ambition, blending authentic retro aesthetics with smoother gameplay and new content that would’ve impressed even in the console’s heyday.
Version 0.5.1 - A Leap in Polish
This version marks a major step forward in both visuals and gameplay refinement, starting with the new off-screen character rendering, which completely eliminates sprite distortion and delivers smoother, cleaner animation.
The game’s sound has also received a huge upgrade, switching to CD-quality Red Book audio, making every track sound richer and more authentic on real PS1 hardware.
But beyond the technical upgrades, version 0.5.1 also expands the gameplay itself. Players will encounter new, level-specific objects, adding more variety to each stage’s design. From moving platforms to environmental hazards, every zone feels slightly more alive and dynamic.
For the first time, Sonic XA also features fully functional enemies and bosses, complete with unique palettes and animations, transforming the demo into a dynamic experience.
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| Enemies and bosses are a key feature in Sonic games |
Other additions include a pause menu, audio settings, better memory management, and new 1-up mechanics.
Altogether, v0.5.1 feels cleaner, faster, and more complete version of one of the best homebrew game available on the PSX!
Version 0.6 — A Pink Flash Joins the Race
If version 0.5.1 was already incredible, version 0.6 further enhances the overall experience. Just when things couldn’t get faster, version 0.6 introduces a major surprise: Amy Rose becomes a playable character. With her signature hammer and distinctive style, she adds variety to the gameplay while expanding the roster beyond Sonic himself. While Amy is slower and less agile than her peers, her vertical range and combat mechanics make her gameplay style unique and rewarding.
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| You have to finish the game to unlock her! |
Other fixes include improved hitboxes, enhanced boss interactions and new visual touches such as animals dancing around the player after freeing them from capsules. Even the spin dash dust effect and OPTIONS menu details have been refined for more polish.
The developer has announced that this will be the final version before SAGE 2025, with only critical bug fixes planned for now, as development shifts temporarily to other projects.
Still, Sonic XA v0.6 stands as a major milestone. It is the proof that the PlayStation can truly keep up with the blue blur’s speed and spirit.
A Promising Future for Sonic XA
Sonic the Hedgehog XA is shaping up to be one of the most technically impressive 2D PSX homebrew projects out there. What started as a curiosity a “what if Sonic had a proper PlayStation release?” is turning into a full-fledged game that captures the energy of Sega’s golden age while honoring Sony’s 32-bit legacy.
If these updates are any indication, the future looks bright and fast for Sonic XA.
Here you can see the main post about the game: Sonic The Hedgehog XA
For more detailed info about the different versions, check official links:
