SonLVL review
A focused Windows toolkit for editing classic Sonic levels, assets, and game data.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SonLVL is a free Windows desktop editor for modifying levels from classic Sonic games and related fan projects. It is aimed at Sonic ROM-hacking and disassembly-based workflows, with tools for foreground and background layouts, tiles, blocks, chunks, objects, rings, collision data, palettes, art, and level start positions. Support for multiple Sonic engine formats makes it relevant to projects built around different Sonic game structures, while its 2D focus keeps the scope centered on classic level editing rather than broader game creation.
The editor’s strongest area is the depth of its Sonic-specific editing workflow. Separate object, foreground, background, art, collision, and layout functions support work across several parts of a level, and object-definition loading helps connect placed objects with the relevant game data. Collision-path viewing and editing, along with palette and art tools, extends the editor beyond basic tilemap changes. Level saving and data-replacement tools also support projects that need to modify existing game content rather than only sketch layouts.
SonLVL is best suited to creators already working with compatible Sonic game data or disassemblies. Its free pricing removes a purchase barrier, but the project’s close coupling to Sonic formats also defines its limits: it is not a general-purpose level editor, and its Windows-only availability narrows platform choice. Choose SonLVL for focused editing of classic Sonic levels and assets; choose another tool for broader engine support, general game development, or a workflow that requires visual scripting.
SonLVL pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Covers layouts, tiles, blocks, chunks, objects, and collision paths
- Includes palette, art, ring, and level-start editing tools
- Free Windows editor with support for multiple Sonic engine formats
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support
- Tightly coupled to Sonic game data and disassemblies
- Not designed for general-purpose game development
SonLVL fact sheet, pricing and score →
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