Thirty Years and Counting

The possibilities are never-ending? 

In 1991, thirty years ago, Sonic the Hedgehog was released in North America. Flash forward to now, and that blue cartoony hedgehog is still one of the most recognized and beloved videogame characters ever invented. There has been over 50 game titles, five (soon to be six) cartoons, two (soon to be three) movies, three major comic series. 

But how did it all start? Let's look back...

Sonic Origins

Many characters including a rabbit and Mighty the Armadillo were considered for the game. Even Dr. Eggman was a contender for the hero's spot. Sonic was one of many designs. 

Sega's Concept Art

While cartoony and almost "micky-mouse-like" with his gloves, Sonic was designed with several different real-world people in mind. Sort of... 

• Michael Jackson inspired Sonic's slick kicks. 
• The colors of his shoe, though, were from jolly old St. Nick (red/white, like Santa). 
• His attitude was originally actually inspired by...Bill Clinton (yikes). 
• The blue color was due to the company, Sega, being blue. 
• Though having a red-white-and-blue mascot certainly didn't hurt the appeal to American audiences, I'm sure.         

As a part of the plot, Sonic was going to have a girlfriend named Madonna. She was later rejected for being "too Japanese" and being too similar to a certain Mario character. However it is largely believed Madonna inspired other characters, especially the human character Elise in Sonic 06, and possibly Amy's 2000s redesign.  

Amy Rose (Sonic Heroes)

Sonic was also going to be in a band in the games sound test. This feature was replaced by the "Sega" chime. However one band member would be seen again: Vector.  

Proto-Vector

Originally the game's attack idea included stretching to grab an enemy, (the rabbit was to use its ears). The concept was later added to the Sega character Ristar (arms) and IDW's Tangle the Lemur (tail). However the concept actually was used with Sonic, in his Unleashed Werehog form (arms).  

Instead Sonic attacked in a ball form, inspired by real life hedgehogs. However when it came to watery levels like Labyrinth Zone, Sonic Team did not realize that real hedgehogs can swim, so Sonic is slowed by the wet zone (and is often portrayed with a fear of water). 

Later in 98, Sonic was given his slimmer look, and the design has grown from there (although the original "cute" 91 design would be revisited in the 2010s). 

Sega's Concept Art

So...

There has been praise, there has been rejection. There has been respect, and there has been memes galore. Some games were experimental, others just stuck with what worked. 

Through it all this, the character has survived and reached fans new and old. Happy anniversary, Green Hill. 

Please no more Green Hill. GIVE ME EMERALD HILL.

Also...

Enjoy the vocal songs of the different eras with this epic complication video by Green Joker. 

Sonic enjoying his early retirement

Sega's Worst Decision Yet: Sonic Colors Ultimate?

So in May more details about Sonic's big 3-0 were revealed. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. There will be a new game in 2022 (which has been teased), but there isn't a lot known about it yet. Additionally there will be a new release of Sonic 1-3&K and CD (wonder what they'll do with the double music...) as a complication game, "Sonic Origins." They also announced...

"SONIC COLORS ULTIMATE"

Tell me this is an April fools joke.

Ultimate is going to be a remaster of the 2010 Wii game. 

I've discussed my distaste with Colors in "Sonic 06 is Better Than Colors" and mentioned how it altered Sonic's character in "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back." Aside from a small attempt at focusing on Sonic and Tails, I found nothing appealing about the Wii version of the game and remain mystified as to how the game received such gracious reviews from critics.  

 

I'm sure a remake will sit well with the fans that liked the game and those that joined the series with the "current era." However to those more familiar with the games of the previous decade, Sonic Adventure through Sonic and the Black Knight, this is a slap in the face. 

Sonic Colors is the game that needed a remake the least. Not just undeserving in terms of what game is the "best" or "most popular," but it did receive those good reviews. Why would a supposed "good" game released just 10 years ago need improvement?

Actually, the game that needs help the most is Sonic 06. While other elements have been criticized, everyone agrees the glitches made the game what it is (dubbed the "worst" Sonic game by many). Fixing the glitches and improving the graphics would finally be putting to rest an old mistake. 

Actually there is a fan project, P-06 intent on creating a remake (by Chaos X).
Also there is an on-going fan comic that rewrites the story by a user on DeviantArt.
But officially Sega stays the heck away from this game.  

The game, or games, that "deserve" a remake the most are Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2. Fans have been begging for either a remake or an SA3 for years now. The games are legendary and were liked initially. However the graphics, being about 20 years old, are horrible.

 

The cutscenes also feature cut-off lines because they were designed for Japanese dialogue. The games were altered for the gamecube and later rereleased, but both could defiantly use visual improvements.  

Back in the day, these games did get a few official adaptations in Sonic X season 2 and (sort of?) in the Archie comics. However there hasn't been anything new for a while. 

Even "Sonic Origins" may seem annoying to fans of the handheld titles. There are fans who want the Advance series and Rush games released or remade as complication games, too. 

Rereleases of the genesis games are fairly common now, but you'll still need a Gameboy to play Sonic Advance. 

Generally the argument could be made for any game, but Sonic Colors, despite being a decade old, still feels very recent. Perhaps it's because the wisps are in all the games now, or the theme song "Reach for the Stars" is heard 24/7. Maybe it's because the "boost" style of gameplay, started with Rush (05) and Unleashed (08), has been used over and over again in every major title since. 

Regardless, the Wii version of Colors would be dead last on my list, and I hope it flops. But it will probably to do wonderful because somehow IGN loves it.   

Thank you, Sega! 
At least IDW is doing something right with a Free Comic Book Day release. 

Sonic's "Returning" VA

Aw, well. After listening to Team Sonic Racing and remembering all the "bacon," I felt kinda' bad for Roger Craig Smith, Sonic's voice actor since Colors, because he finally was starting to sound "Sonic." 

Still, I was really looking forward to hearing a new take on Sonic's attitude, presumably from Ben Schwartz (from the 2020 movie). 

Unfortunately, RCS has announced his return. Apparently Smith had some disagreements about being a voice actor and such, it was his decision to leave rather than Segas. But now it's resolved and he'll be back in time for the big 30th. Like he never left. 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 

Current Era Wrap-Up

    

Sonic Music from 2010-2020

I'm not the biggest fan of the "Current Era," but even I have to admit it's home to some awesome music. 

Trivia

• Sonic Free Riders was the only Riders title without a version of "Catch Me If You Can." 
• Cash Cash, the band that made "Reach for the Stars" and "Speak with Your Heart" in Sonic Colors, also contributed to Sonic Generations and 2 CD tracks (such as the "Sonic Boom" cover with Crush 40). 
• There are 12 versions of "Reach for the Stars" in Sonic Colors alone. 
• It/a remixed version has been in 11 games since. 
• Sonic Generations was the first main-console game since the 90s that did not have a main vocal theme.
• However many themes such as "Open Your Heart" were remixed or others such as "It Doesn't Matter" returned as unloackbles.  
• A song by Hyper Potions, "Friends," was in the 2020 movie. They contributed to Sonic Boom Fire & Ice, Sonic Mania, and Team Sonic Racing.  
• Tee Lopes was chosen to compose Sonic Mania because of his popular fan remixes on Youtube. 
• "Fist Bump" from Sonic Forces was sung and written by Douglas Robb of Hoobastank. There are 9 versions of the song including cutscene music and remixes. 
• "Fist Bump" was the first vocal game-theme since "Reach for the Stars," a 7 year difference. 
• "Green Light Ride" was the first Crush 40 game-theme since "Knight of the Wind," a 10 year difference.    
• Team Sonic Racing was also the first game Jun Senoue had a major role in composing since Sonic Generations. 

Total Scoring

S: 0
A: 0
B: 4
C: 8
D: 8
E: 5

Best Soundtrack of the Era:

Sonic Forces was interesting. Sonic Generations was epic nostalgia. But it's Team Sonic Racing that gets the gold for it's unique way of making familiar songs new without altering them beyond recognition. There's just something very cool yet on-the-edge--something very "Sonic" about it, moreso than the rest. 

Best Handheld OR App Music of the Era:

Sonic Runners manages to be the best app by far, sounding just as great as a console game. However handheld games, like Sonic Colors, and Sonic Generations, and even Sonic Boom Fire and Ice, are also good for what they are. 

Most Underrated Console Music:

Sonic Free Riders wasn't as good as the other two before it, but it's still just as good as Sonic Colors and worth listening to. Sonic Lost World also seems to be forgotten in the mix, and it's such a beautiful ensemble it's hard to know why. 

Most Overrated Console Music:

Sonic Mania is good. But no, it's not the best. Generally half the songs were good, the other half were questionable. Remixes were also a tricky factor, often being a mess of too many things. It boils down to being an average OST that everyone loves because they love the game. 

Sonic Colors is also pretty over-hyped. In retrospect, I do think it was one of the best OSTs of this "era," but it had a very modern, popish, "2010" sound that will only sound worse as time goes on. While it's still good I don't consider it one of the "top 3" like everyone else does.   

Worst Music of the Era:

Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is easily the worst sounding game that's not at a lower 8-bit type quality. While the songs aren't necessarily annoying or harsh, they are instead bland and repetitive. I have to 100% agree with the general opinion for once: it's the most generic music labeled "Sonic."  

Sonic @ the Olympic Games OST Review

     

Summary

Yikes, I though I was done. This time just Sonic's at the Olympics for a new mobile game.

Why didn't Mario and Sonic at Tokyo have many remixes? Apparently Sega was saving the good stuff for itself!

Most of the remixes serve as boss-rival themes, but some are events. Windmill Isle, for example, is Table Tennis. 

Oddly some of the tracks I expected to be good, like "Supporting Me," seemed lackluster. The US Bad Future is just a remix of a remix (forces), so that was not as new. I wasn't expecting a horny version of "My Sweet Passion," ha.     

There are some new songs, mostly peaceful hub world types. Also a few songs seem to be reused, such as Ocean View from TSR and "Reach for the Stars" from Sonic Colors. 

Best Song: This Is Our World Remix

Runner-Up (s): Unknown From M.E. Remix, Tokyo Tourist Roppongi Hub, Throw It All Away Remix, Windmill Isle Remix, Sky Road Remix, Palmtree Panic Remix, Team Chaotix, Eggman's Adventure Theme Remix, Free Remix, Rush Adventure Boss Remix, Sonic Heroes Remix, Story/Go For the Gold    

There were plenty of good remixes. The reason I chose this was because in Sonic Forces the theme was alright, but kind of bland. This more energetic version is more memorable.   

 

Worst Song:  A Rival Appears

Runner Up (s): Victory, Prison Lane Remix, Supporting Me/Biolizard Remix, Main Theme, Let's DASH/Dash Remix, Olympic Spirit, Running Sunrise, Shibuya, Story/Happy  

It's start is very loud and annoying, and then it's fairly boring. 

 

Final Ranking: D

After the disappointing lack of remixes in Mario/Sonic @ Tokyo, this is a welcome surprise. If listening for the remixes only, this is defiantly the better of the two. However the exclusive stuff can get annoying and is not as nearly as good. Gotta' give it credit for being a better app OST, though.  

Mario and Sonic @ the 2020 Tokyo Olympics OST Review

    

Summary

Finally! Finally, the last Olympic game! And for now, the last of the games OSTs.  

Like with Rio, Tokyo uses more cultural influence, though not to the same degree, being more traditional than that one. Generally the music fun and modern mix. 

This game has only 1 and a half remixes for Sonic. Dream Racing is remixed from Sonic Forces, but when you make something super synthetic that already was...it looses its original appeal.

A new edition to the series were classic-inspired "64" events. I hate to say it, but they really should have followed Sonic Color's example. While Color's "Gameland" music could be annoying, but still it still had spunk and charm. This game's attempt at going retro sounds irritating and bland.  

Best Song: Boxing

Runner-Up (s): Main Theme, 4x100m Relay, Javelin Throw, Sport Climbing, Skateboarding, Karate, Rugby Sevens, Table Tennis

This has a lot of fun, dance-like energy while also hinting at an eastern-type sound. Sounds cool.   

 

Worst Song:  Volleyball (64)

Runner Up (s): 100m, Swimming, Badminton, Archery, Dream Racing, New Record, Results, Award Ceremony, Tower Climb, General, Joy, Chapter Intro, All 64 except special, Vault, Judo, and Serious

I get that it's supposed to sound primitive. But overall, the "64" levels don't fair too well, sounding pretty crude for something made in 2019. Kayaking and Volleyball are the more annoying ones. 

 

Final Ranking: D

The event music is good, pretty unique. The main theme is okay, but the lack of remixes is a large disappointment. After the previous games, I'd expect no less than 3 mixes. Also, what prevents this game from a higher rank is the 64 portion. I get that it's supposed to sound like an old game. I get that. But It's not catchy, they have nothing really to offer. 

It's good, but after 5 other games spanning across ten years, expectations are higher. 

Team Sonic Racing OST Review

Summary

Team Sonic Racing features input from a mix of new and old "Sonic" composers alike, such as old favorites Jun Senoue and Richard Jacques, and newcomers like Tee Lopes and Hyper Potions. Apparently this was Senoue's first major return to the series since Sonic Generations. Likewise the song "Green Light Ride" was the first main theme by Crush 40 since 2009's "Knight of the Wind."

"TSR" is somewhat odd, being the third "Sonic [car/kart] racing" title and yet the first (as the previous were "Sega crossover" titles). The locations are Sonic-based, but several stages have returned from the previous 2 "Sega/Sonic racing" games.  

There are several main locations (Planet Wisp, Rooftop Run, etc) and three race tracks per location. Most of the music for these stages are remixes, though not all. In some cases previous songs have been combined (such as "Super Sonic Racing" and "Sonic You Can Do Anything/Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" in returning track Ocean View). 

Several songs, ranging through Sonic CD to Sonic Forces reappear in the Ultimate mixes. "Can You Feel the Sunshine?" from Sonic R, is also remixed in the options.    

IF=Intro/Fly-by

L=Lap

FL=Final Lap

G=Goal

Best Song: Bingo Highway L

Runner-Up (s): Green Light Ride, Wisp Circuit L/FL, Doctor's Mine (all), Ocean View (all), Lost Palace IF/FL, Whale Lagoon FL, Ice Mountain IF/L, Frozen Junkyard (all), Roulette Road (all), Bingo Party (all), Sand Road (all), Boos House (all), Market Street IF/L, Sky Road L, Haunted Castle (all), Thunder Deck L, Dar Arsenal (all), Turbine Loop (all), Start Screen, Ultimates: Knuckles, Shadow, Rouge, Omega, Blaze, Vector, Silver, Metal Sonic, Eggman, Maps: Planet Wisp, Seaside Hill  

I was really thinking about putting Boo's house, because a better Sandopolis remix couldn't exist. Hunted Castle? Also amazing. 

Even though it's been remixed before, Bingo Party (Bingo Highway) has the best of everything this OST offers. Flamboyant energy infused with rock and speedy encouragement. 

 

Worst Song: Sonic's Team Ultimate

Runner Up (s): Wisp Circuit IF, Mother's Canyon (all), Whale Lagoon In, Ice Mountain FL, Pinball Highway, Ultimates: Amy, Chao, Big, Zavok 

Should have known. Okay, "Reach for the Stars" sounded surprisingly at home mixed in with the coolness of Ice Mountain, but really? "Reach for the Stars" as Sonic's theme AGAIN? They tried to edge-it up a bit, which helps, but after 2 versions of Sonic Colors, a version in Lost World, Transformed, and several from the Olympic games, and presumably in Smash and Generations... 

I guess I'm in the "His World" or "It Doesn't Matter" club. 

TSR only has one vocal theme, "Green Light Ride," however it was remixed and several versions were created...

Best Vocal Song: Green Light Ride The Quemists Scores Remix

Runner-Up (s): Green Light Ride (Racing Mix), Green Light Ride, Green Ride Light (Tyler Smyth Remix)

The original song is okay. Good to hear Crush 40 again. 

This "Garage" music? Better than that. It's not every day that a remix surpasses the original, but this one transforms the song into something epic, intense, catchy, and memorable.  

Worst Vocal Song: Green Light Ride Wall5 Remix

Runner Up (s): Green Light Ride Intro

Actually, this is growing on me. It seems like a typical mix, then...gets odd. Remember Sonic Spinball's Options music? Kinda' reminded me of that. Worst version.  

 

Final Ranking: B

TSR wasn't nearly as experimental as Sonic Mania or Sonic Forces. Most of the songs will sound like the Adventure series or Heroes or Shadow or the Black Knight...but ironically that almost makes the game a better celebration of Sonic's 25th than either of those previous two. 

Like with Generations, this is a lot of nostalgia. Amazing-sounding nostalgia, but not as much new content, so I don't really feel anything higher than a B is fair. Still, this OST is perhaps the greatest example of giving old favorites new life without being too much of a copy or too different.  

Defiantly recommended for long-time fans, particularly fans 2001-2011. 

Sonic Forces OST Review

   

Summary

Forces gave itself a name for its EDM inspired soundtrack. While the attempt at imitating "classic" music was notoriously bad, reception to the rest of the music was more mixed. 

Sonic Forces was the first game in 7 years (since Free Riders' "Free," I believe) to contain a main vocal theme. This game had two songs in particular that were well liked and are now fan-favorites: "Fist Bump" and "Infinite" (though it should be noted that the full version of "Infinite" was an OST-exclusive). 

Something else unique about the game is the Avatar's stages. Each contained lyrics, alternating between male and female vocals, that helped characterize the custom-character. This was the first game in 6 years to have lyrics as a part of the BMG (the last game being Sonic Generations, an example being "City Escape"). While I did not take too much interest in these in-game, they defiantly stand out more listening to the music alone. 

The cutscene music can sometimes be typical or kind of generic, but it can be also serious, dramatic, and intense. Best of the 2010 games.

Also a special shout out for the "obscure" remixes: the US Stardust Speedway Bad Future, the Shadow the Hedgehog Menu music, Westopolis, White Jungle (Rhythm and Balance), and the Biolizard (Supporing Me). I greatly enjoyed all of those.    

Best Song: Battle With Infinite (First Bout)

Runner-Up (s): Theme of Resistance, Fighting Onward/Space Port, No Where to Run/Prison Halls, Arsenal Pyramid Interior, Luminous Forest, Moonlight Battle Field/Aqua Road, Sunset Heights, Fist Bump (Piano), Virtual Enemies/Capitol City, Battle with Metal Sonic (US SDSW BF Remix), Episode Shadow (Map), Enemy Territory (Westopolis Remix),Eggman's Facility (Rhythm and Balance Remix), Virtual Reality (Supporting Me Remix), Red Gate Bridge, Metropolitan Highway, Null Space, Fading World/Imperial Tower, Action on the Rails, Mark 2 locks On

This is song is the type to just get stuck in your head after one listen. It stood out in the insanely easy battle, and within the music as a whole. It's got that funky, synthetic "Forces" sound to it--at its best, yet with guitar edgy enough to match up with Infinite's theme. In the middle is a little heroic part for Sonic to kind of "break through." 

Like I said, I really enjoyed the remixes (but I thought it best to choose something "Forces").

 

Worst Song: Faded Hills (Green Hill)

Runner Up (s): Lost Valley, Casino Forest, Chemical Flow, Iron Fortress, It's Good to See a Sonic, Mission Failed 

WHAT THE--I don't remember this at all, but OH MY. It's...it's...AHHHHHHHH!

While I'd like to praise them for not simply remixing Green Hill again--this is just horrible. 

SONIC 4, SONIC CHRONICALS, "REACH FOR THE STARS"---YOU'RE ALL FORGIVEN!

Best Vocal Song: Infinite

Runner-Up (s): Fist Bump

If only the character was half of what the song is. Edgy, cool, powerful. We haven't heard something this strong in years!

I like "Fist Bump" a lot. It's fun, and generally I consider equal to "Infinite," but when forced to choose: "Infinite" is the tallest of mountains, the roughest of waves, the toughest of terrors, the darkest of days...it's the last one standing. 

Worst Vocal Song: The Light of Hope

Runner Up (s):N/a

This was in the game? Uh, when? The credits? I must have skipped it...

It's not too bad, interesting to have some female vocals in major song. I'm not the biggest fan, but it is similar to past closings like "My Dear Friend," which is a step up from games prior. 

To put it simply, it is weaker than "Fist Bump" and "Infinite."   

 

Final Ranking: C

Alright, Forces' music was a lot better than I remembered. I was on the fence between a C or a B, because here is the thing: when Forces is good, it is GREAT, and when it's bad, it's AWEFUL. Ep Shadow separately would be at a B. 

I like the remixes and the main themes, and honestly most of the Avatar's. Sonic's varies, and Classic Sonic's is just an insult. 

I will say after listening to Forces directly after Mania, the OST is better than Mania, which isn't something I would have thought before. It feels better focused and generally stronger [insert "I AM NOT WEAK" joke here].  

Note: The app Sonic Forces: Speed Battle mostly reuses music from this game, only having new music for "Golden Bay" (an "Escape from the City" instrumental).  

Sonic Mania OST Review

     

Summary

As I mentioned in my review for the game, I was very disappointed by the acclaimed soundtrack for Sonic Mania. While I did not hate the music, I could not agree with the label "best soundtrack" or even "one of the best." Instead I labeled it "good...but extremely overrated." 

Still, I was trying to have an open mind by giving the OST a second chance, here. 

While a few songs were better than I thought, others are even worse. I didn't care for Studioplolis at all this time around.

Remixes

• Half were fairly bland remakes of the original. (Mostly Act 1s) 
• The rest were over cluttered with mixes of sound effects and instrumentals, resulting in something crazy and over-the-top. (Act 2s) 

I was only truly impressed by Oil Ocean and Lava Reef, which were more focused. 

New Zones and Songs

• Unimpressive as a whole, pretty different compared to the classics. 
• Studiopolis is perhaps the most exaggerated song. 
• The boss music is not very serious, save the final boss. 
• The title music and other bits try too hard to make things overly fun/happy. 
• Was interesting that Egg Reverie seemed to have a bit of "Fist Bump," though. 
• There were lots of other hints like Metallic Madness in Chemical Plant, but that seemed excessive (Metallic Madness...was in the game!). 
• I liked Knuckles' Mirage Saloon song--perhaps because I see hip-hop as more of a Knuckles thing. Otherwise the main appeal was Titanic Monarch.   

I heard that Tee Lopes (the composer) wanted the music to sound like a Sonic CD 2 (presumably JP)...

I don't think that was the right approach. This should have been musically more like "Sonic 4getting about Sonic 4." 

Sonic 1/2 had a pop-ish, by now retro sound that started the whole thing. While 3 had some input from MJ, it wasn't a huge genre change. It was different, but there were still those "classic" elements that would also join &Knuckles. While the music could be fun, it was never this overblown. 

Sonic Spinball and both 3D Blasts seem more apart of the main games than this.  

Ultimately, though, it doesn't out do either CD OST or Sonic 2 or 3. For me, it doesn't out do the nostalgia of any of the classics. 

Best Song: Titanic Monarch Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Comfort Zone/Main Menu, Sunshine Cassette/Save Select, Chemical Plant Act 1, Flying Battery Act 2, Hydrocity Act 2, Wildstyle Pistolero (Mirage Saloon K), Oil Ocean Act 1/2, Lava Reef Act 1/2, Titanic Monarch Act 2 

Now this sounds like a climax. Pretty/exploratory, but stressed and tense as well. Yet while dark and serious in general, there is also a sense of heroism. It keeps within this more dramatic tone, not being cheeky/brash like most of the OST.    

Oh, and a bonus? Combining some bits of the JP/US CD OSTs? As in Easter Egg for sharp ears? Exactly what I wanted (well, sort of). Epic Act 2 and steady Lava Reef Act 2 are close runner-ups. 

Worst Song: Stardust Speedway Zone Act 1

Runner Up (s): Discovery/Title, Greenhill 1/2, Studiopolis 1/2, Tabloid Jargon (Press Garden Act 1), VS Metal Sonic (Stardust Speedway Boss), Rogues Gallery (Mirage Saloon Act 3), Invincibility 

Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Did I mention that when it comes to SDSW I'm a big US fan? Well the past was the same either way, right? So this should be just fine regardless. 

It's not. I can fully say the original was not only better, but a masterpiece in comparison. I even like Act 2 better, because at least it was respectful to the original JP song. 

The highlight of the 93' piece was a downright beautiful piano, and, if memory serves me correct, some fairly nice synth below the famous "hues." As much as I poke fun at the "hues" (really "Heys"), I would take them any day over...

HUH-UGH! HUH UGH! UGH! BREAK IT BREAK IT DOWN! Yeah break the original into a nightmare.   

Bottom line: miss the piano and hate "HUH-UGH" more than I ever have "hue." 

 

Final Ranking: C

For nostalgia, I think Sonic Generations was more respectful. 

• Mania has its own theme and forcing those familiar levels in--while keeping them fresh and a part of the "happy-go-lucky" style...it resulted in something odd. 
• Still a fair soundtrack, Mania is a better attempt at "classic Sonic" than Sonic 4 Ep 1/2, and Forces' classic stages...but not better than the genuine games.  
• As for the new content, it will be hit or miss. For me, it's mostly miss but it is popular, so it must hit with a lot of people. 

Mania doesn't try to be more than it is. It takes pride in simply being a video game, and for those hungry for the 90s, that'll do. 

Quote of the Month

 "I'll do my best!" 

-Tails, Sonic Riders