Classic Era Wrap-Up

  

Sonic Music from 91-94

Sonic would set himself apart from other games in many ways. One way was through memorable and enjoyable music. 

Trivia

• The composer of Sonic 1 and 2 was in a Japanese pop band, Dreams Come True. 
• The theme of Sonic 2 was actually one of their songs, "Sweet Sweet Sweet" ("Sweet Dreams"), which was later remixed and put in Sonic 06 as a reference. 
• The music of Sega CD games were part of the selling point. The system was capable of much higher quality, which is why when it comes to clarity and standards, Sonic CD's soundtracks sound like they could have been made today. 
• Sonic the Hedgehog Boom, an album featuring extended and remade music from Sonic CD (US) and Sonic Spinball, was the first time a Sonic OST was actually released (Feb 94). 
• The Japanese music would be remixed a bit later and be released as Sonic the Hedgehog Remix album in Japan (Dec 94). 
• There was also an album featuring the music of Sonic and Knuckles around the time (Oct 94).  
• Apparently the main theme for Spinball was made within 2 hours after Sega realized they did not have the rights to Sonic 1's theme. 
• The composer for spinball would also work on &Knuckles and later the Black Knight. He also composed the Virtual Sonic album. 
• And yes. Michael Jackson DID work on Sonic 3. 
• Several songs have hints. Carnival Night, for example, has a part very similar to "Jam." 

Total Scoring

S: 0
A: 2
B: 2
C: 5
D: 5
E: 9

Best Soundtrack of the Era:

For whatever the reason, Sonic CD got 2 soundtracks, and they're both awesome. I favor the NA version for several reasons, but to make things simple: 

Sonic Boom & Stardust Speedway Bad Future > Toot Toot & HueHuehuehue 

Best Handheld Music of the Era:

This was tough because by todays standards, they all suck. However, despite it's challenges, the Game Gear version of Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine was not too bad. Spinball's was not too bad either. Though I'd recommend the console version before either.    

Most Underrated Console Music:

Three way tie! First, Wacky Worlds is by far the most underrated, even if it is not much of "Sonic" game. Next, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine may borrow a lot, but it's fun music makes the game worth playing! Finally, Sonic Spinball is easily on par with Sonic 1-3, and deserves way more credit.  

Of the main 4 titles, Sonic 2 would defiantly be my first choice. 

 

Most Overrated Console Music:

Double tie?! 

Yes, the music of Sonic 3 is good. MJ did work on it, but no one is really sure how much of his work remained in the game. The OST seems to get a lot more attention simply because of MJ's involvement, but that seems like a stupid reason to hype it up, especially when he's not even credited. And those "woos" were just random 90s samples from my understanding, lol. 

Also, the JP OST for Sonic CD is also very good. However, it gets so much attention! From Sega and the fans! And people talk about it like it's some music that fell from heaven while the US version is just some piece of trash. I think the US version is better and I'll stand by that, but I wouldn't diss the JP OST like that. They may not sound alike, but the truth is they are on the same level and both fit fine.     

Worst Music of the Era:

looks can be deceiving

There were so many choices. The classic era was not without its faults, and the arcade and 8-bit side to it was often painful to listen to. 

The worst, though, was PICO game, Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld. Horrible quality, nothing redeemable, annoying and hard find acceptable.