Eras UPDATE: Classic

ALL about the classic era!

Era: Classic

Main Years: 1991-1994

Gameplay Type: 2-D Platform, side-scrolling games featuring gimmicks like rings and power-ups via item boxes.

Character Designs and Personalities: Sonic characters were typically "short" and round, with attitude. Sonic was kept very cool while Tails was a cuter sidekick. Knuckles, Sonic's first rival, was designed with a Jamaican theme in mind. 

NA/EU often used a darker airbrush effect to seem edgy while JP kept a cute, "softer" look. In western media Sonic was often shown with one line of spikes down his back (rather than layers). This "mohawk" style was based on box art and used in cartoons/comics. 

"Eggman" (JP) was shaped like an egg but with thin legs. Meanwhile "Robotnik" (NA/EU) was often shown as fat all-over. Robotnik also had a beard in the cover of Sonic 2. 

Story Type: While fairly basic, most of the plots stick to Sonic saving the world from Robotnik. This would often include saving animals, saving other characters (Tails, Amy, etc), collecting magic gemstones, and making a long journey.  

Visuals: The graphics mainly are remembered as 16-bit, though several GameGear releases (8-bit) were made. 

Often the levels would include a far away but similar-themed background with a "cut-in-half" (can see the ground or hidden paths) foreground. 

Sonic CD is unique for having several different designs for the same setting (seen via time travel). Common locations include hills, tropics, casinos, under-water passageways, and factories.    

Music: The game's music is generally pop with a retro twist. Possibly due to the limitations, a lot of songs sound a lot like an 80s keyboard solo. The first two games have a happier, pop sound. The following games have some inspiration from hip hop. The focus was on an encouraging pace with some elements of the setting worked in. 

Sonic CD was notable for being a much higher quality sound experience. The original OST heavily used samples and artificial effects for a party-techno vibe, while the NA version used guitar and live vocals for an atmospheric-rock effect.     

Voice Cast: While Sonic did not officially have a voice, the groups of VAs from the DiC cartoons are often associated with the characters of this time. Sonic was voiced by Jaleel White. Tails had several young boy actors. Robotnik, depending on character preference, is remembered for his AoStH voice, Long John Baldry (origin of the "Pingas" meme) or Jim Cummings ("darker"). Kath Souchie provided the voice for what is often portrayed as Sonic's girlfriend in 90s western media, Sally Acorn.     

Main Voice (Sonic): Jaleel White

Memorable Theme Song (for Sonic): "Sonic Boom" (from Sonic CD) 

Memorable Catchphrases (Sonic):  "I'm outta' here." (Sonic CD)

"I'm waiting," "Up, over, and gone," "Let's do it to it," and "Way past cool." (cartoons)

Cartoons and other Appearances: Adventure of Sonic the Hedgehog ("AoStH"), and Sonic the Hedgehog ("Sat Am") aired in the early 90s, around the time of Sonic 3. While released much later, Sonic Underground is often mixed in with the two because of similarities. 

The Archie comics began its' run in this era, incorporating elements of AoStH and the games, but mostly being based upon the plot and characters of Sat Am (Sally, Bunnie, etc). This time also saw the start of "Sonic the Comic," the UK's own "British Sonic." Sonic starred in several Japanese comics (Mangas) as well. 

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

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. 

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. 

Sonic Triple Trouble OST Review

 

Summary

After the successful introduction of Knuckles, they had to try and replicate their success on the Game Gear. The game would become known for another factor: Nack the Weasel, or Fang the Sniper. The obscure character first debuted in this game, becoming a side villain of the classic era. Sort of. 

Best Song:  Fang the Sniper

Runner-Up (s): Boss, 2D Special Stage, Final Boss, Meta Junglira Zone

Surprisingly this little bit is intense and I guess it makes a pretty 2-dimensional character (lol) a bit more interesting. 

Worst Song: Sunset Park Zone

Runner Up (s): 3D Special Stage, Great Turquoise Zone, Tidal plant Zone, Robotnik Winter Zone, Ending, Metal Sonic

So, um, is this out of tune or just bad?

Final Ranking: E

Compared with the Genesis alternatives, this is pretty disappointing. Overall it's like going to a carnival where they play odd music through old, broken speakers. Static-y trash, save one or two parts. 

Sonic and Knuckles OST Review

  

Summary

I remembered the music of Sonic and Knuckles fondly. Lava Reef! Sandopolis! Death Egg! Even Mushroom Hill! Flying Battery and Sky Sanctuary were overrated, but good. Well Flying Battery, anyway.  

I've realized, though, that these songs just weren't made for headphones. Ones that I usually enjoyed in game like Sandopolis were annoying. And the main theme, ouch. No wonder people are praising Mania's garbage music, they crave the classics but use head phones! 

As a side note, with the exception of Lava Reef the acts don't seem very different from one another (unlike Sonic 3?).  

Best Song:  Lava Reef Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Lava Reef 2, Sandopolis 1, Flying Battery 1, Death Egg 1, Mushroom Hill 1/2, Credits, theme of Knux

Was there even any other choice? I don't care if it steals from an 80s song, it's a Sonic classic!

While 3 had Ice Cap, &K had this memorable, addictive synth-friendly song that made a difficult level as fun as possible.  

Worst Song: Sky Sanctuary

Runner Up (s): Title, Invincible, Ending

MAKE IT STOP. It's loud, high, annoying, harsh. Best thing is the dramatic drums. I hate to say it, but the crappy Generations version was somehow better. With this music and the fairly boring level design, I have no idea why it's a fan-favorite.  

 

Final Ranking: C

What can I say? It was not nearly as good as I remembered. Previously I didn't really think Sonic 3 was that much better, but I was wrong. Take out Lava Reef and it is pretty average. 

It has it's moments, but I'd rank it below Sonic 1, 2, and 3. 

Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld OST Review

Summary

This Pico game is more of what I was expecting. 8-bit type of sound.  

Best Song: Sonic-Ball

Runner-Up (s): Tree-climb, Egg-switch

It has it's speed. 

Worst Song: Title

Runner Up (s): Toy Drop, Flag, Options, Floors 1-3, Floor 4

Annoying, like most of the music. Lacking Redeeming qualities.  

Final Ranking: E

They try with a lot of these. And they also fail. 

Tails and the Music Maker OST Review

Summary

This Pico game was not so bad. It also seems to put a "game" twist on some classical/known music. 

Best Song: Credits 

Runner-Up (s): Page 1

Gentle and nice. 

Worst Song: Title

Runner Up (s): Page 3

The mix of higher and lower sounds do not work well. 

Final Ranking: E

This is actually really cute, but it's nothing compared to the usual music of this series. Not especially original. 

Wacky Worlds Creative Studios OST Review

Summary

In all honesty, Wacky Worlds is not much of a Sonic game. More of a Sega-themed Mario Paint, Sonic and Tails make cameos, and the cursor appears to be Sonic's gloved hand. 

Still, that doesn't stop the music from being awesome. Since its a bit on the obscure side, this may very well be the most underrated Sonic-related OST out there. 

The game also let you mess around with the music in some mode, but it didn't play on the level then, just in the mode.

As the name suggests, this is a wacky, retro mix. Pretty cool and funky at different points. However, listening it became clear that much of the music is the same/reused but slightly altered. This most obvious with the Sea and Jungle, and the same for some of the haunted planet and house one.     

 

Best Song: Nourie's Wacky Creation

Runner-Up (s): The Sea, The Moon/Space, Haunted/Graveyard, House

I assume this is the music for that creative mode I was talking about. An exchange of an edgy little 16-bit guitar, catchy flute, funky synthesizers, and an interesting percussion type of blend. Kinda' a cheat since it's like a blend of all of them, but still.     

Worst Song: Kingdom in the Clouds

Runner Up (s): Jungle...maybe...

Slower, this one tries to sound royal to fit a princess/knight theme. It does that, but at the cost of being bland.  

Final Ranking: C

Ah, nostalgia wants me to give this a B. This is a very likeable Genesis addition. However, using such similar songs for such different locations knocks it down to a C.   

Sonic Drift OST Review

Summary

Ah, the first Sonic-racing game. While future racing games would gain some attention for their speedy tracks, this one is not remembered for much. There is a "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" mix for the invincibility (technically it's a mix of Green Hills from 8-bit Sonic 2). The result music also sounds the same as the stage clear for most 8-bit Sonic games.   

Even though many of the locations are from Sonic 1, the music is new. 

 

Best Song: Spring Yard

Runner-Up (s): Credits

This has got the right spirit. The tempo is just right for a racing game, though there is not much to it.

Worst Song: Marble

Runner Up (s): Labyrinth

Resembling a phone gone bananas, this would sound a lot better on a toy piano.

Final Ranking: E

Annoying, this probably would have been better as an 8-bit version of Sonic 1's music instead. 

Sonic 3 OST Review

Summary

Sonic the Hedgehog 3's OST is perhaps best known for it's input from Michael Jackson. Though he went uncredited for various rumored reasons (MJ didn't like the sound quality, Sega did not like the bad publicity following the allegations against him, etc). 

Instead of only one song per zone, Sonic 3 created two similar tracks for each act. Generally Act 1 seems to be a happier introduction while Act 2 is more serious. This game also featured 2 bosses per act, and the soundtrack made the first act's boss into a funky challenge while making the second (with Robotnik) more like a fight to survive. 

Best Song: Ice Cap Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Hyrdocity Acts 1/2, Angel Island Acts 1/2, Launch Base Act 1, Special Stage, Final boss, File Select, Competition, Endless Mine

This synth-driven beat runs into such beautiful, icy sounds and effects that add to the ensemble. It perfectly fits the cold setting and has that Sonic-y, speed-though a whole new world feel. Easily the best in the game (with Act 2 at its heals). Arguably one of the best songs in the series.  

Worst Song: Marble Garden Act 2

Runner Up (s): Marble Garden Act 1, Carnival Night Act 2, Azure Lake, Balloon Park, Glowball, Slot Machine, Invincible, Credits 

This level is boring as heck. As Tails it's okay. But for Sonic it's a lot of running and climbing and weird spinning disks. If only there was some good music to help get through it...seriously. 

Act 2 actually tricks you into thinking it might be better than act 1, and then it winds up worse. Harsh and annoying, this isn't complete torture, but close to it. It's basically the Hill Top of Sonic 3.  

Final Ranking: C

The OST is mostly good, but overrated. True, the likes of Ice Cap and Hyrdocity are Sonic classics for a reason. But how often do you hear Marble Garden or Azure Lake? Half of these songs are really good and, as hard as it is for me to admit, out do Sonic 2. But the other half is pretty average and falls somewhere below Sonic 1.  

Segasonic Cosmo Fighter OST Review

 Summary

Another arcade game exclusive to Japan, similar to previous. Little friendlier? 

Best Song: Main/Space/Patrol

Runner-Up (s): rating

A friendly little thing. 

Worst Song: Boss/Fighting Eggman Part 2

Runner Up (s): ending

WHAT THE ---- WAS THE MATTER WITH SEGA THAT THEY KEPT USING THIS CREEPY CLOWN MUSIC?!

Final Ranking: E

Not bad, one of the better arcade themes, but there's just not much to it.  

Sonic Spinball GG OST Review

 Summary

Sonic Spinball, like many games of the time, had a Game Gear release. This version, aside from the title, has different music. 

While these 8-bit titles aren't as well-known, sometimes they can be pretty snappy. In other cases, horrendous. I'd have to say this is someplace in between: it gets the job done, but it just seems lame compared to the Genesis version.  

Best Song: The Machine

Runner-Up (s): Toxic Pools, Lava Power House, Title

This one is nice. It's got some mechanical-like influences, but in this version it's more of an extra/background thing and secondary to the main melody. I like the console version, but this might be the better. 

Worst Song: Bonus Level

Runner Up (s): Final Showdown, Level Start

Kind of an oddball, this one is wacky and at the same time repetitive. Weird and not memorable. 

Final Ranking: D

It's not really bad, but forgettable. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball OST Review

Summary

I remembered the music of Sonic Spinball pretty fondly and was shocked to see it has a bit of a bad rep...because of the options music. I'll explain that more below...

As for the OST as a whole, it's pretty awesome. It shifts from funky to intense and sharp/mechanical to deep/steady in a heartbeat. The quality us not as good as I remembered though (I assume Sonic Boom or Virtual Sonic or even Sonic Generations is to blame...everyone loves Toxic Caves). 

Best Song: Showdown

Runner-Up (s): Toxic Caves, Laval Powerhouse, The Machine, Boss, Game Over, Title Theme, Intro

I had a really tough time deciding between Toxic Caves, Lava Powerhouse, and Showdown. Ultimately, though, Showdown is like an epic combination of all the prior levels. It's incredibly catchy like Toxic Caves, threatening like Lava Powerhouse, and robotic like The Machine. 

Worst Song: Options

Runner Up (s): Sega! 

Honestly compared to Sonic Eraser, it's not too bad. But while it's slightly catchy in the beginning, it gets progressively worse. It's loud, harsh, and IF YOU WANT TO USE THE LEVEL SELECT CHEAT...

Final Ranking: B

Sonic Spinball is a unique, snazzy combination that makes it another memorable Genesis title. It does have one that just sounds off, but the rest is pretty underrated. 

SMELL MY SOCKS

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine GG OST Review

 Summary

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine also had a Game Gear version. 

Best Song: Scenario 

Runner-Up (s): Robotnik, Ending

This one is actually very impressive because it sounds so much like the Genesis one. It doesn't seem like a down-graded version at all really. 

Worst Song: Menu

Runner Up (s): Exercise, Puzzle, Intro 

It starts out okay, nice beat. But it gets rather annoying with it's higher pitched noises. 

Final Ranking: D

For a Game Gear title, it's pretty good. It did not seem as much like a crappier (Genesis) copy. However there are some songs that just sound like a possessed printer spitting up paper.  

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine OST Review

 Summary

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is half the reason to play the game. The catchy themes are addicting, but from my understanding they (like the game) are mostly rearranged versions of Puyo Puyo. 

Best Song: Stage 1

Runner-Up (s): Danger, Continue, 2-player, Stages 3-4, Password, Exercise 

This is a determined little thing made of synthesizers, "genesis" drums, little beeps, and a pretty xylophone.  

Worst Song: Ending Theme

Runner Up (s): Puyo Puyo, Title

It's a peaceful and happy tune yet annoying. 

Final Ranking: C

Overall this is actually quite impressive. It has industrial robotic sounds but also catchy melodies. Really, it is up to Genesis-Sonic standards. 

Sonic Chaos OST

 Summary

Sonic Chaos was another Game Gear/8-bit special. As such, there's not much to say about it's quality.  

Best Song: Boss

Runner-Up (s): Turquoise Hill (GG), Rocket Shoes, Electric Egg, Sleeping Egg Zone (MS), Mecha Green Hill, Final Boss, Player Select (MS)

It's a menacing, in-trouble feel. It makes the bosses seem dangerous but also has a fast speed that keeps the fight going.   

Worst Song: Ending

Runner Up (s): Into (MS), Gigapolis Zone, 

By a long shot, the worst. Take the Tiny Chao garden and then butcher it further and this would be the result. It's supposed to be a happy, thanks for playing sort of song, but it's horrible. 

Final Ranking: D

If the gameplay seems like a generic Sonic 2,  the music is sadly far worse. While it has it's redeeming qualities, in total it's kind of terrible. 

SegaSonic Popcorn Shop OST

 Summary

You may know the Popcorn Shop from the small cameo/reference in Sonic Mania. Otherwise it's pretty forgotten. It was an arcade game/popcorn machine in Japan in the 90s. Some of the music is from Sonic 1/SegaSonic.

Best Song: Choose a Flavor

Runner-Up (s): See You Again

A cheery little upbeat thing. 

Worst Song: Please Ask For Assistance 

Runner Up (s): Popcorn Popping Machine

I was going to put "Popcorn Popping Machine" because it's kinda' lamer/this one sounds better. But wow, it sounds menacing. It's from the SegaSonic arcade game, but it seems pretty dark for a popcorn machine. It sounds more like please ask your local creepy clown for assistance.  

Final Ranking: E

Not much to it, but really it's not bad for what it is. 

Sonic CD US OST Review

Summary

Sonic CD had two soundtracks. The US version originally got a bit of a bad rep because critics did not understand the change, but reception after the 2011 rerelease (which included both) has been better. Still, even critics seem to love "Sonic Boom" and are impressed with the fast production (1-2 months). 

One "problem" is that there are no US past tracks because they could not replace the JP ones. It's not really their fault, but it does make the past seem quite a bit different in a few cases (I'm not including the past in this because I considered them with the JP OST). 

Like with the JP OST, this was the first of its kind for the Sonic franchise in terms of quality. Instead of a high-speed techno flair, the US version takes on an atmospheric-rock vibe. I really love the US tracks because they play on emotion so well. The selection really matches the characters, too (be it energetic guitar for Sonic, menacing synth for Metal, or creepy laughs for Robotnik).   

Best Song: Stardust Speedway BF

Runner-Up (s): Quartz Quadrant (all), Metallic Madness (all), Stardust Speedway Pres/GF, Wacky Workbench Pres/BF, Tidal Tempest Pres/BF, Palm Tree Panic Pres/GF, Collision Chaos, Special Stage, Speed Up, Invincible

This is an obvious choice, but I just can't help it! There are so many good US tracks, and all of the Stardust Speedways are the best of the best, but this one in particular is something really special. I don't just mean out of CD, but the series as a whole. Relentless drums, synthesizers, guitar, vocals, voices...it is perfect for the stormy fight against Sonic's metallic rival, and it never gets old.  

Worst Song: Game Over

Runner Up (s): Zone Clear, Boss

It's a creepy mix of...basically people laughing. While it kinda' works for the boss themes because they've got more to it, this just kinda' seems meh. 

Best Vocal Song: Sonic Boom (Closing Version)

Runner-Up (s): N/a

"Sonic Boom" is legendary, and the closing is beautiful, edgy, heroic, sad, and happy all at once. The vocals now go a calmer route, the percussion is lively, the guitar solo is awesome, and I love how it switches to an acoustic guitar at the end.     

Worst Vocal Song: Sonic Boom

Runner Up (s): N/a

"Sonic Boom" is a great song with a lot of power and courage, but the closing version just out does it, especially just versus the intro version. 

Final Ranking: A

This OST is some of the best in the classic era (no disrespect to the limits of Genesis games, I still like 'em). All of the different instruments and moods really mix into something stunning. I have no complaints. 

The reason it is not an S rank, though, is the past. I did not have those tracks with this review because they are separate, yet when I think about the actual game I have to consider it. It's a constant reminder that this OST, however awesome it maybe, was not "original." 

It's a shame, too, because the past portions are mostly about exploration, which I think they could have hit very well. 

Sonic CD JP OST Review

Summary

Sonic CD had 2 soundtracks, but in 2011 they were united in the rerelease. The JP OST has a bigger reputation, but I prefer the US one. Often I listen to the two OSTs together because I like them both a lot and I made a playlist out of it. However, I found that just listening to the OST alone and not thinking too much about comparing the two (staying away from the comments section, lol), that I was able to enjoy the soundtrack a lot better. Even the boss theme, which always annoys me, did not seem too bad.

The quality for the CD music is much better than a normal genesis game, so they were able to try new things. The Japanese soundtrack goes for a dance-techno vibe, using voice samples and clips along with dish-scratching and sirens. 

To go with the time travel motif, there is a song for the past, present, and two optional futures (good and bad). The thing I noticed way back when I first started listening to this OST: the bad futures are way more addictive than the good futures. Not that the good futures are bad, but they can seem kind of overly happy while the BFs sound like a robot rebellion. I like that the past has more of a retro feel, and the present is not to be ignored. Very good for its time. 

Best Song: Metallic Madness BF

Runner-Up (s): Wacky Workbench (all), Palm Tree Panic (all), Tidal Tempest Present/GF, Quartz Quadrant GF, Metallic Madness GF, D.A. Garden/Little Planet, Final Fever, Special Stage, Speed Up 

This one is an old favorite of mine, and it still holds up. It's a panic-driven beat with drum bursts and creepy voices. 

Worst Song: Boss

Runner Up (s): Stardust Speedway BF, Quartz Quadrant BF, Collision Chaos BF

IT'S THE FUNKY SANTA CLAUS! INGOINGOINGO R-R-RED! 

Yes, this has not aged well. It's a mess of samples and just...does not sound good. It reeks of the 90s in the worst way.   

Best Vocal Song: Cosmic Eternity (Believe in Yourself)

Runner-Up (s): N/a

It's a pretty song with a nice long opening. As with both songs, I don't care for the male vocals, but at least in this one they feel like more of a compliment to the main, female singing. 

Worst Vocal Song: Sonic You Can Do Any Thing (Toot Toot Sonic Warrior)

Runner Up (s): N/a

I like this tune a lot. It's super catchy, has some power, and the song is cute. But the entire first 30 seconds, ugh. Sorry, I think the guy signing wrote it, but I wish it solely sung by Kieko Utoku.  

Final Ranking: A

I think it really beats a lot of the classic music out because it's a better quality and more complex. It is fun to listen to. Some of them are too 90s or just out of place/odd, but it's impressive in all.