Sonic CD Review

As with all my reviews, the rank will be posted at the bottom.

Summary

Though it's often forgotten compared to other "classics" (like Sonic 1-3&K) Sonic CD may be one of the best games to date.

Gameplay

• The gameplay is naturally similar to Sonic 1, with the addition of the "peel out" move, which is interesting. I like the way it looks, but the spindash is more practical, really. 
• The ability to "time travel" in just a few seconds is awesome. I wish future games (*cough*cough*06!*aheck*Generations!) had looked to this game for inspiration. 
• The "fight" with Metal Sonic was more of a race, which was likely a better choice. It highlighted the focus on speed and Sonic proving who's fastest. 
• Most of the bosses are easy...I like that, because I often find hard battles disruptive of Sonic's fast-paced nature (Looking at you, Lava Reef). However I believe the final battle should have been a bit tougher, or at least tougher for the good ending. 

Level design and Visuals 

• The animated cutscenes are AWESOME and legendary among Sonic fans. They convey a lot of Sonic's attitude and generate energy for the game. 
• The cutscenes also make the game standout from it's cartridge counterparts. 
• However Sonic's colors show a bit lighter that intended, which contributes to the misconception that "classic" Sonic is light blue. The design also includes gold buckles on his shoes (originally not a part of his design) and is obviously closer to the Japanese-cute portrayal of Sonic that the edgy American one (design-wise). 
• The levels are colorful and exciting. With the exception of Tidal Tempest (which looks very similar to Labyrinth Zone) all of the stages look new and unique. Does Stardust Speedway bare resemblance to Starlight Zone? Yeah, but it's not obvious and has it's own, music/industrial/city theme.  
• This is even more impressive when adding in the different versions of each level (past, bad/good futures). Each manages to be different yet in corporate the same themes: the past is primitive, the bad future is ruined, and the good future is harmonious. 
• I also like the lack of enemies in the good future (as a little "reward" for the player) with the only caution being obstacles.
• Still, the game makes time travelling (to the past in particular) somewhat difficult. There are many spots that can cause a slow down. 

Story and Characters

• The game introduced Amy Rose and Metal Sonic. Though I'm not a huge fan of Metal Sonic, I can't deny that his original appearance was a combination of creepy and cool. Amy was cute and helped add a bit more tension to the game. 
• Sonic acts as himself, the hero with an attitude. Robotnik seems a bit creepier in this one (because of how he distorts the future or...his US theme).
• The basic plot of Amy being kidnapped is not that unique, but at least the situation was different than the basic Mario/princess version. 
• The idea of Little Planet and Time Travel is amazing. It gave the game an exploratory sub-plot and I really like the contrast between outcomes. It really motivates the player to get a good ending.   

Music and Sound Effects

• There has been some conflict over the different Sountracks, and I've established that I prefer the US version. However both are good and fit the game in their own ways. 
• Each main theme manages to kick-off the start with a bang. Both have slower closing songs that help transition the tone into the credits. 
• The levels are clearly distinct and help impact the mood just as well as the level design. I love how they had similar sounds or the same instruments yet told a completely different story (between the futures).   
• My main favorites among the American include the versions of Stardust Speedway, Wacky Workbench, and Tidal Tempest. 
• Some of my favorite tracks from the Japanese levels include the versions of Metallic Madness, Tidal Tempest, and Palmtree Panic.  
• Overall both Soundtracks were pretty good, with a few odd-balls on each but mostly masterpieces.  
• The sound effects are okay, but I've kinda' grown disillusioned since "I'm outta' here" is actually "I'm outer here." 

Final Thoughts

• CD is one of my favorites. Though elements would be seen in future games, there was never a title quite like it. 
• The I've always found the cutscenes inspiring, as well as the settings. Though the original cutscenes were not as clear, they were still awesome. 
• CD is also good for replays. Like most "classic" games there are multiple paths, but with the addition of time zones, there are even more possibilities. 
• I really like that the Time Stones are not required to get a good future. The player can try to get them or destroy the machines in the past. 
• Even switching the soundtrack (on the re-release version) can give a new point-of-view.
• I can kind of understand the US calling Amy "Princess Sally," since Sally Acorn fit into "west" canon better, was in the cartoons/comics, and was even pink in her early days.
• Even so, while the dialogue is okay the story given just doesn't match what is on screen. 
• The name of the game itself hasn't aged well. At least it's not "Sonic Cassette." 
• I think part of Sonic CD's weakness was simply that the CD was an expensive add-on not many people wanted. But now we got re-releases!  
• I like the level names. Beautiful Alliteration.
• I found the Easter Eggs fascinating (mainly the Angel/Eggman Statue, not creepy Fun is weak Infinite).
• I like both Soundtracks, but (as I have explained) I do prefer the US version and think it's underrated. Regardless, the petty bickering needs to end. A little debate is fine. Actually going to the point of insulting someone or trying to start a fight over it is ridiculous. 

Ranking (S is highest, E is worst): S

Practically a perfect game, give or take.

Yes. On the Edge was leaping from explosions long before Shadow.