Sonic Megathread

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Yeah I guess it depends on when you were introduced to it. I had only played like, a bit of 1, 2 and 3 before I played CD so my frame of reference was pretty narrow, and that's probably why I think US CD fits, since it's a sound I like without it "interfering" with what Sonic is (to me).

I guess I’m just a bit of a young’n, blessed with the discoverability of the internet and the hard work of fans before me who archived and created so much around the series. But, from my perspective…
This is Sonic:

As much as THIS is Sonic…

As much as THIS is Sonic…

As much as THIS is Sonic…

As much as THIS is Sonic…

For me, Sonic music is good music. It can be any genre. As long as it has a defined musical component that isn’t just background noise, it’s Sonic music.

Oh, and as long as it’s amazing. That’s the most important part.

Post automatically merged: Apr 23, 2025

That's weird because Mario is still iconic and timeless looking.

And he's even better with the Switch and even Switch 2 era with how he looks in Mario Wonders and the upcoming Mario Kart World.

Mario evolves to become better over the years while Sonic is still in a constant identity crisis for over a decade and a half.

Sonic is intrinsically 90's in his themes but 2010's Sonic has little to nothing to do with 90's Sonic. Even his Adventure/Dark Age (Sonic Heroes to 2006) design was radically different from Classic and the Current Modern one.


Is there a reason why 3D Blast and Sonic Underground both were Classic styled yet happened after Adventure?

I think the whole Modern Sonic idea is merely a big retcon whereas back when he came out with a new design Sonic was still the same guy.

Eh. I guess Sonic is just different like that.

With my modern eyes, I think comparing these two characters is fruitless because they’re so wildly different and appeal to often the same set of people but for totally different reasons.

Sonic’s design is malleable. Ever changing. That’s what’s so neat: there’s a Sonic for everyone! I can tell you that “my Sonic” is a particular plush I had of the character I had as a child that looked a little off, and it wouldn’t be any less valid than you claiming a specific game design.

This series is at its worst, frankly, when it feels tied to tradition (reused stages, stale design, imitating other games from both its own series and other series, etc.) Where it shines is when it decides to just do something fun and cool, regardless of if it’s been done before, regardless of if people click with it, regardless of if it even makes a lick of sense. Sonic is Sonic. And I don’t want it to be anything else than itself.


(That said, please change the modern design. It’s been 18 years. The people are tired of the weirdly metallic shoes that are also mad dirty for some reason.)

 

[Tonberry]

Just like to say that I agree with you guys, I was busy when writing so it came out hastily written, and the site's slow as hell right now so I can't reply to both of you.

As long as it's full of energy (and preferably not too much like just a symphony orchestra) it can definitely sound like Sonic.

 

[Ikagura]

I guess I’m just a bit of a young’n, blessed with the discoverability of the internet and the hard work of fans before me who archived and created so much around the series. But, from my perspective…
This is Sonic:

As much as THIS is Sonic…

As much as THIS is Sonic…

As much as THIS is Sonic…

As much as THIS is Sonic…

For me, Sonic music is good music. It can be any genre. As long as it has a defined musical component that isn’t just background noise, it’s Sonic music.

Oh, and as long as it’s amazing. That’s the most important part.

Post automatically merged: Apr 23, 2025

Eh. I guess Sonic is just different like that.

With my modern eyes, I think comparing these two characters is fruitless because they’re so wildly different and appeal to often the same set of people but for totally different reasons.

Sonic’s design is malleable. Ever changing. That’s what’s so neat: there’s a Sonic for everyone! I can tell you that “my Sonic” is a particular plush I had of the character I had as a child that looked a little off, and it wouldn’t be any less valid than you claiming a specific game design.

This series is at its worst, frankly, when it feels tied to tradition (reused stages, stale design, imitating other games from both its own series and other series, etc.) Where it shines is when it decides to just do something fun and cool, regardless of if it’s been done before, regardless of if people click with it, regardless of if it even makes a lick of sense. Sonic is Sonic. And I don’t want it to be anything else than itself.


(That said, please change the modern design. It’s been 18 years. The people are tired of the weirdly metallic shoes that are also mad dirty for some reason.)

Mario is still the same dude since Donkey Kong.

Sonic went from Sega seeing his pre Adventure and post-Adventure design as the same character then separating the two while also saying that Adventure era and Modern Sonic are the exact same despite how radically different many ideas and characterisations are between them...

Post automatically merged: Apr 23, 2025

Just like to say that I agree with you guys, I was busy when writing so it came out hastily written, and the site's slow as hell right now so I can't reply to both of you.

As long as it's full of energy (and preferably not too much like just a symphony orchestra) it can definitely sound like Sonic.

Orchestra can work with Sonic (ie: Unleashed and Colours) but I agree that it needs to sound energetic.

 

[MegaDrive1987]

I'm a devout Sonic 3D Blast apologist, it being my first Sonic game might have something to do with that though.
Has anyone here tried the "Director's Cut" hack that was made by its former developer?

I have it I just haven't played through it yet

Post automatically merged: Apr 28, 2025

No Knuckles Chaotix is a crime. That game seriously deserves a re-release, it's visually stunning as far as 2D games go and probably the most polished title on the 32X.

You know what I love that game (especially the soundtrack) and couldn't agree more when you say it deserves a re-release.

 

[Leviafen]

BOOT UP MGBA WE PLAYING SONIC ADVANCE 3

 

[Ikagura]

I have it I just haven't played through it yet

You should try it.

You know what I love that game (especially the soundtrack) and couldn't agree more when you say it deserves a re-release.

I've played it years ago (through emulation of course) but to be honest the fact you don't have a life system and that the level are sometimes lacking enemies (or at least not numerous) makes me feel like it was more of a puzzle game tech demo with Sonic characters than it being an actual Sonic game.

It looks gorgeous of course and it's nice to see Knuckles taking the spotlight for once (which ironically makes the Chaotix more like background characters than properly introduced ones) but CD on the other hand had a proper level progression and the Time Travelling mechanic is more worthwhile than the Physic-based ring-link system.

I would like to see a proper remaster like Sonic 1&2&CD Mobile's remasters and Origins.

 

[MegaDrive1987]

You should try it.


I've played it years ago (through emulation of course) but to be honest the fact you don't have a life system and that the level are sometimes lacking enemies (or at least not numerous) makes me feel like it was more of a puzzle game tech demo with Sonic characters than it being an actual Sonic game.

It looks gorgeous of course and it's nice to see Knuckles taking the spotlight for once (which ironically makes the Chaotix more like background characters than properly introduced ones) but CD on the other hand had a proper level progression and the Time Travelling mechanic is more worthwhile than the Physic-based ring-link system.

I would like to see a proper remaster like Sonic 1&2&CD Mobile's remasters and Origins.

Yeah I emulated it as there's no way I could afford a 32X and a copy of the game at those prices.
To be honest when I played it it felt like a tech demo so I kept my expectations low and actually enjoyed it, was nice to see Knuckles getting his own game but yeah the other characters where just in the background really.
You think Sega will ever pick it back up and re-release it? There's plenty of people including myself who would happily buy an official version.

 

[Ikagura]

Yeah I emulated it as there's no way I could afford a 32X and a copy of the game at those prices.
To be honest when I played it it felt like a tech demo so I kept my expectations low and actually enjoyed it, was nice to see Knuckles getting his own game but yeah the other characters where just in the background really.
You think Sega will ever pick it back up and re-release it? There's plenty of people including myself who would happily buy an official version.

I'd even argue that I would love to see a Sonic 1 Forever-style remake that would add back things or even make the level progression better.


I do think that 5 acts for a Zone is too much, I would've gladly sacrificed the 5th Act of all 5 main Zones for 4 Acts in 6 instead (but then again 3 Acts was already too many imo in Sonic 1).

Speaking of Acts, I kinda liked that Sonic CD had a smaller pre-boss area for Act 3 that was set in the Good/Bad Future of said Zone, it made the tension build-up. 3D Blast having a dedicated Boss Act was mostly a technical limitation I think.

Sonic 2 having 3 Acts for Metropolis was the worst choice imo, I would've rather had it scrapped (because it was meant for Cyber City (yes, it was the name of the level, not the term starting by "Geno" which I won't say completely).

Is it me or Sonic 2 had the most fascinating development history and was the most documented of all? Even Sonic 1 and 3 never had as many betas.

 

[MegaDrive1987]

I'd even argue that I would love to see a Sonic 1 Forever-style remake that would add back things or even make the level progression better.


I do think that 5 acts for a Zone is too much, I would've gladly sacrificed the 5th Act of all 5 main Zones for 4 Acts in 6 instead (but then again 3 Acts was already too many imo in Sonic 1).

Speaking of Acts, I kinda liked that Sonic CD had a smaller pre-boss area for Act 3 that was set in the Good/Bad Future of said Zone, it made the tension build-up. 3D Blast having a dedicated Boss Act was mostly a technical limitation I think.

Sonic 2 having 3 Acts for Metropolis was the worst choice imo, I would've rather had it scrapped (because it was meant for Cyber City (yes, it was the name of the level, not the term starting by "Geno" which I won't say completely).

Is it me or Sonic 2 had the most fascinating development history and was the most documented of all? Even Sonic 1 and 3 never had as many betas.

I'm hoping someone will pick Chaotix up and remake it in that style too.

To be honest I did find the amount of acts per zone a bit tedious but I suppose they had to pack the game out a bit more.

Sonic CD is probably my least played Sonic game although I have completed it (Didn't get all the time stones or a good ending) I'm gonna play through it again properly one day as I've already fully completed the campaigns on both S1A and S2F.

Personally I never liked Metropolis Zone, I always found it was too hard and the enemy placement was tedious, it's more of a slog to get through that level for me I always just rush through it to get it over and done with.

 

[Ikagura]

I'm hoping someone will pick Chaotix up and remake it in that style too.

To be honest I did find the amount of acts per zone a bit tedious but I suppose they had to pack the game out a bit more.

I think the biggest issue is that the zones are done in a roulette style instead of choosing. That's absolutely not the best game design element. I'd rather have a proper level select or order.

I firmly believe that playing Sonic Classic Heroes with the Chaotix and their rings is a much better experience (even if the level design wasn't made for that).

Sonic CD is probably my least played Sonic game although I have completed it (Didn't get all the time stones or a good ending) I'm gonna play through it again properly one day as I've already fully completed the campaigns on both S1A and S2F.

I do agree that CD's biggest flaw is that once you get to Metallic Madness Act 3 it's too late to go in previous levels.

The 2011 port on Mobile (and on PC) as well as the Origins version not allowing you to have the choice to choose the level after finishing the game like in Sonic 3, 3&K, the Mobile ports of 1&2 and Sonic Origins for Sonic 1, 2 and 3&K is just a wasted opportunity. Sure, CD allowed two different ways to get the good ending (either by destroying the cages in the past of every non boss acts or by getting all 7 Time Stones which means that you got 14 separate tries in one playthrough although you could always alt-f4 the game if you were about to lose).

Getting all Chaos Emeralds (and Super Emeralds for 3&K) after finishing the game one time was a neat "post-game objective" that made Sonic 3 & Knuckles feeling like fully fledged Adventure where Sonic went back to previous zones to get to defeat Eggman for good. Knuckles revealing Hidden Palace in Mushroom Hills also made sense for the altar (which would be referenced in SA1 not long after).

Apparently Taxman (or Stealth? I forgot which) wanted to add a new Final Boss in Sonic CD '11 after getting all Time Stones (as well as a cancelled Zone that was Desert Dazzle) but Sega wanted it to be a more conservative remaster. Shame that this wasn't an optional area like Hidden Palace in Sonic 2 Mobile/Origins.

Sonic CD Miracle Edition and Sonic CD Restored are both good, like Sonic 1 Forever and Sonic 2 Absolute. I tried both and while Miracle seemed a bit more complete you should try both to make your own opinion on the subject.

Personally I never liked Metropolis Zone, I always found it was too hard and the enemy placement was tedious, it's more of a slog to get through that level for me I always just rush through it to get it over and done with.

Metropolis is supposed to be hard because it's the last "proper Zone" in the game (Wind Fortress is more or less a last rush to the end rather than a real Zone with two acts and a boss) but I do agree that they didn't have to make the enemy placement that bad with the boomerang mantises, punching crabs and starfishes in the walls with unusual angles for their spikes...

It's less tedious in the remaster thankfully.

 

[Metro City]

After Sonic 3 Complete, do you know if there is something similar on Sonic & Knuckles? a rom that also contains Sonic 1-2-3 & Knuckles?
Thanks

 

[KangarooJam]

I am not aware

After Sonic 3 Complete, do you know if there is something similar on Sonic & Knuckles? a rom that also contains Sonic 1-2-3 & Knuckles?
Thanks

 

[Don Patch]

Yes. It's not a ROM, per-say. A disc.

Sonic Jam. A Saturn game.
Lets you plug any of the old carts (Sonic/Sonic 2) into the Sonic & Knuckles cart virtually.
Plus it has a neat 3D/polygonal scavenger hunt style game on disc as well.

 

[twistedbee]

Can confirm Sonic Jam does have all the games but Sonic 1 is Blue Spheres only. But the only other one I know of is the Sonic Origins Collection that came out a few years ago. it has 123S&K and CD with widescreen and a mode that lets you play all the way thru all the games as sonic, tail, knuckles or amy in chronological order

 

[DanVzare]

What you're looking for is Sonic Delta.
It's a romhack that combines Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Kunckles, in one 40mb rom file.

Definitely a must play.

 

[twistedbee]

What you're looking for is Sonic Delta.
It's a romhack that combines Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Kunckles, in one 40mb rom file.

Definitely a must play.

YO! I just downloaded it and tried it out this an awesome hack this is probably what youre looking for op. i like that you can select knuckles and tails together!

 

[MemeAlert]

and ignored

 

[Deleted member 560402]

Sonic Jam for Sega Saturn as well as Sonic Mega Collection for GameCube/Sonic Mega Collection Plus for PS2 and the original XBOX have all the Sonic games for Sega Genesis including all of the different combinations with the Sonic and Knuckles cartridge.

 

[ThatOneLum]

and ignored

Yo, its kind of awesome that this thread exists though, cus now we've all been either reminded or informed that Sonic Delta exists.

 

[Ikagura]

What you're looking for is Sonic Delta.
It's a romhack that combines Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Kunckles, in one 40mb rom file.

Definitely a must play.

I already knew that Sonic Classic Heroes was a combination of Sonic 1+2 and Sonic 2 Heroes (so you could even play as Sonic & Knuckles in a two-persons team in Sonic 1&2) and Sonic 3 Complete combining Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles with a ton of features but I haven't heard of that one until recently.


I'll try it asap.

 

[Deleted member 560402]

 

[MemeAlert]

I am one of those people that don't think the game is that amazing, I prefer Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Everytime I hear people talk about Sonic 3&K they always brag about how the story telling through stuff in the background is the best and I don't get it. Ok they tell the story in the background whats the big deal, am I missing something or not seeing what people see?

 

[aquova]

I'm not sure I've necessarily heard this argument before, but I assume it's based on a few things.

- The Death Egg appears in the background of several stages, such as being built and launching off in Launch Base Zone and being crashed underground (and reactivating, causing the stage to turn to magma) in Lava Reef Zone
- A prominent mural is shown behind Sonic and Knuckles during their fight in Hidden Palace Zone, which shows Doomsday Zone
- The Hyper Emerald room you visit seems to be just a mysterious room, until you actually run through it in Hidden Palace Zone

There's probably a few others you can consider, like enemies you'll encounter later in the level flying in the background of Angel Hill (and I think Sky Sanctuary?)

 

[χKai]

It told well the story of how I fell in love with Blue Sphere.

 

[AncientBehemoth]

Guess it didn't impress you. That's all.