One of my favorite Next Fest demos turned out to be this speedrunner's delight modeled after 3D Sonic games, which just added ranked multiplayer races
PC Gamer
by Justin Wagner March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rollin' Rascal, a fast-paced platformer with strong ties to the Sonic Adventure series, has emerged as a standout demo during Steam Next Fest. The game, developed by Gabriel Gonzales—who previously contributed to Sonic fangame *Sonic GT*—borrows elements from classic Sonic titles but refines them into a polished experience. Set in sprawling, open levels filled with ramps, slides, and grind rails, Rollin' Rascal emphasizes high-speed traversal and momentum-based physics, offering players the ability to dash, jump, and curl into balls for dynamic movement. The game introduces two playable characters, Rascal and QT, each capable of achieving Mach speeds, making it a thrilling ride for fans of 3D Sonic games.
A recent update to Rollin' Rascal's demo added ranked multiplayer races, complete with item boxes reminiscent of *Mario Kart*, allowing players to compete in extended online races. While the mode is still in its early stages, it shows potential for creating intense and competitive gameplay experiences. Despite being a demo, the game already demonstrates impressive mechanics and level design, though it has some room for improvement—such as addressing occasional camera glitches and adding more robust objectives beyond reaching the finish line.
For readers interested in gaming, Rollin' Rascal represents an exciting glimpse into what could be the next evolution of 3D platformers inspired by Sonic. Its high-speed gameplay, coupled with its ambitious multiplayer features, makes it a promising title for fans of fast-paced action and retro-inspired design. While not perfect, Rollin' Rascal's demo highlights the potential of indie developers to create games that pay homage to beloved franchises while pushing boundaries in their own right.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 3/1/2026