Eras UPDATE: Transitional Classic

ALL about the "forgotten" era

Era: Transitional-Classic

Main Years: 1995-1999

Gameplay Type: While still mainly 2-D with gimmicks like rings and power-ups, new experimentation was done. For example, Knuckles Chaotix used a team-like idea where characters are linked together. 

This era also saw the debut of 3D games. Sonic 3D Blast was technically the "first." Several 3D game ideas were planned but scrapped. A portion was used in Sonic Jam. The main "first" 3D game would be Sonic Adventure (a game on the line between this era and the next).     

Character Designs and Personalities: While early games and Game Gear tiles mostly kept Sonic's design the same, he and the other character would be made a bit taller (inspiring the change in Sonic Adventure). The art shifted into a more "3D" style. 

Although the different expressions in Sonic the Fighters gave a hint at personality, overall the characters' attitudes and motivations were less defined. For example, Knuckles dedication to his island and emerald is forgotten or at least set aside so he could make his appearances in these games. On the other hand, it does hint at the shift from Knuckles being an antagonist to a protagonist.   

Story Type: Generally because of the game gear titles, most of the plots are simple. Other characters like Tails and Knuckles, however, are given more time to shine. 

Some games, like Sonic 3D Blast and Sonic Labyrinth, had a plot more tied-into the gameplay, but overall the games were casual, like with Sonic the Fighters and Sonic R. 

Staring with Sonic Adventure, the stories would become more in-depth. This was change planned much earlier, however. Plots including Sally Acorn and the Freedom Fighters, a new love interested named Tiara, and a deadly virus were scrapped along the way. One concept would be passed into Sonic Adventure: breaking the Master Emerald.  

Visuals: Much as everything else in this era, the graphics were experimental, varying bits and trying more computer-created images. The types of settings did not change much, though.  

Music: The 8-bit titles are a bit improved from the previous era, but still limited. Likewise the Genesis games are impressive but still trademark Genesis. As the era came to a close, clearer OSTs would be made, including the Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast, Sonic R, and the arcade game Sonic the Fighters. Sonic R became infamous for its many vocal songs. 

Voice Cast: Through the 90s, Sonic's main recognized voice was still Jaleel White. Interestingly, White voiced Sonic's siblings, Sonia and Manic in Sonic Underground (but did none of the singing). The cartoon would include a "DiC era" voice for Knuckles, Brain Drummond (no relation to Ryan) as well as a new voice for Robotnik, Gary Chalk. 

The American dub of the OVA, "Sonic: the Movie," was done by a different company and hired a different cast, including new voices for Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Robotnik as well as original characters like Sara. This Sonic was voiced by Martin Burke. 

Finally soon after both of these releases and a year after its Japanese release, Sonic Adventure came to America. With it was yet another cast and a new voice for Sonic, Ryan Drummond.   

Main Voice (Sonic): Martin Burke 

Memorable Theme Song (for Sonic): "Super Sonic Racing" (from Sonic R). 

Memorable Catchphrases (Sonic):  "Aw yeah, this is happening!" (Sonic Adventure)

"I'm waiting!" "Game over Robuttnik!" "Bummer Majors! (pronounced may-hor-es)" "SHUT UP TAILS!" "Strange, isn't it?"  (cartoon/OVA)

Cartoons and other Appearances: A short animation was released in Sonic Jam along with several commercials. Jam also released enhanced versions of the Sonic CD animations (which are the ones used in later releases such as the 2011 version). 

Sonic Underground and the dubbed Japanese 2 parter OVA ("movie") were released in 1999. 

The Archie comics took a new turn after issue 50 (which the writers originally expected to be the last of the series). Interestingly, Sega prevented the death of a major character (Sally Acorn). As the comics entered a darker chapter, a spin-off based on Kncukles debuted. 

Sonic the Comic would end after its Sonic Adventure adaptation. 

Transitional-Classic Era Wrap-up

  

Sonic Music from 95-97

The Classic version of the Transitional Era experimented with "3D" and giving starring roles to characters like Tails and Knuckles. Naturally there was experimentation with the music, too. 

Trivia

Jun Senoue, who would become known for his Sonic compositions in later years, composed about half of the Genesis version of Sonic 3D Blast. Richard Jacques, who would also work on future Sonic titles, composed the Saturn version as well as Sonic R (which featured vocals by T.J. Davis).  

Total Scoring

S: 0
A: 1
B: 3
C: 0
D: 4
E: 4

Best Soundtrack of the Era:

Even though the Genesis version is more popular with the fans, the Saturn version is better focused. A spectacular mix of atmosphere and techno-fun energy. 

Best Handheld or Arcade Music of the Era:

Sonic the Fighters remains full of fun. 

Most Underrated Music:

Sonic Labyrinth had the wrong idea and was not the best game to play. The music, though, is (surprising) not nearly as bad. 

 

Most Overrated Music:

Knuckles Chaotix actually turned out to be pretty good, and it was unique and cool. Still, they stuck a couple bits in Mania, which would have been fine if there was stronger ties to the "main" games (aside from the levels that actually appear, the only games it seems to remember is Sonic CD-JP and oddly SegaSonic the Hedgehog). The music was also famous enough to be in Generations twice, or "Door into Summer" at least.  

Sonic R was pretty good, and the music's reception has seemed mixed, honestly. Still, I've seen some call it the "best" which is kind of outrageous. If it's a favorite, I can understand. But the best of the Sonic series? Of all videogame music?!  Not quite...  

Worst Music of the Era:

The music in Tails Sky Patrol is horrible. It's not Sonic, it's not Tails, it's just annoying. Luckily Tails Adventure was a bit better.  

Sonic Jam OST Review

Summary

Almost forgot the music of this Sega Saturn complication game! 

The Gallery song is a remix of the select screen from Sonic 3. 

Best Song: Sonic World

Runner-Up (s): Time Attack

Finally, the origins! This is just beautiful. This cheery tune uses the themes of sea/tropical/nature to create a memorable and peaceful song.   

Worst Song: Game Select

Runner Up (s): Manual

It's okay, but short and the sound effects are strange. 

Final Ranking: E

Not bad but not special. "Sonic World" is for sure a jam to remember. The rest, not so much. 

Sonic R OST Review

Summary

The music of Sonic R is infamous among fans. Either due to the Sonic-nostalgia of "Super Sonic Racing" or the use of "Can You Feel the Sunshine" in Creepypastas. Like with Sonic and the Secret Rings, it may also be due to the amount of vocals/lyrics. 

With a very 90s sound to them, the music features female singing and positive lyrics.  

Best Song: Back in Time

Runner-Up (s): Super Sonic Racing, Work It Out, Options

JUNGLE JOYRIDE?!!! It's not as infamous as the others, but it sounds really nice. First, I like that it was sung in a sort of a retro way. The lyrics don't seem as cheesy, and the upbeat instrumentation also gives it a bit of a wilder sound, like going back to some past. 

Worst Song: Diamond in the Sky

Runner Up (s): You're My Number One, Living in the City

It's not too bad. I actually think this might be a good theme for Rouge or something, pretty classy. But it sounds kinda' too romantic or something for a racing game. And..."feel so HIGH!"

Final Ranking: D

The songs are pretty likeable. Sung beautifully, but could be pretty 90s or cheesy. Neat instrumentation. A lot of the lyrics just seems out of place I guess, yet its hard for Sonic R to be Sonic R with out them.  

Sonic's School House OST Review

Summary

Infamous for being a creepy and horrible game, Sonic's School House has often been called the worst game. Surprisingly the music is not too bad, or at least half isn't. 

Best Song: B/D.MID

Runner-Up (s): Heads, Main Theme

This sounds like a beach day. 

Worst Song: Credits

Runner Up (s): Report, H, G/Reggae, A/C, Gumballs

What...the...circus music? There are some odd tracks, but this takes the cake. 

Final Ranking: E

Well, it was better than I thought it would be. Quality is not bad and some of the music is quite peaceful. Half of it is strange, out of place, and/or weird, though. 

Sonic Blast OST Review

Summary

Sonic Blast was not like 3D, instead being more like a generic Sonic and Knuckles. 

 

Best Song: Boss Theme

Runner-Up (s): Final Boss, Silver Castle, Green Hill

This one breaks away from the others. With a steady pace, gives the battle a taste of perseverance. 

Worst Song: Character Select

Runner Up (s): Intro, Title, Red Volcano, Blue Marine, Yellow Desert, Ending, Credits

High pitched and annoying. 

Final Ranking: E

A few are okay, but it's not very memorable and fairly annoying.  

Sonic 3D Blast (Sat) Review

Summary

Like Sonic CD, this "classic" game had two soundtracks. In this case, Sonic 3-D Blast received a new soundtrack for its rerelease on the Sega Saturn. Speaking of CD, this OST seems similar to parts of that game. It's as if the JP's love of techno and piano and the US' love of atmosphere and synthesizers fused together. 

That's not to say it doesn't have a voice of its own. The tracks are pretty unique. The music adapts to the different settings and acts and builds up as it goes along. Compared to the Genesis version...many of the songs that seemed good on the Genesis, like Diamond Dust and Volcano Valley, seem weaker. But the opposite, for songs like Green Grove and Spring Stadium, is also true. 

I've heard the Genesis OST was better. The Genesis version did have some gems, but I have to say this one is superior. Nothing is annoying, and generally it seems like an upgrade.  

This time the game also gets a theme, "You're My Hero," which is a cute song. It would really fit Amy Rose, I think, but it's kind of weird to think of it as the Flickies'.    

 

Best Song: Panic Puppet Zone Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Panic Puppet 2 , Gene Gadget 1/2, Rusty Ruin 1/2, Green Grove 1/2, Diamond Dust 1/2, Boss, Final Fight, You're My Hero

because of shadow No, kidding. Panic Puppet is just perfect for an intense final level. It's got a lot of fast energy, similar to something from Sonic Riders. It also slows for a beautiful yet sad piano. The song reflects the robot-filled h-e-double-hockey-sticks you're stuck in, but also that you have to save/protect the birds. 

Worst Song: Volcano Valley Act 1

Runner Up (s): Volcano Valley Act 2, Spring Stadium Act 2, Special Stage

I like the song alright. It kind of reminds me of Sonic and the Black Knight. If this were a level with swords or maybe a pirate theme, I wouldn't be calling it the worst. It's a heroic, marchin' through thing, but to me, it just doesn't suit a lava zone.   

Final Ranking: A

Impressive, this music gives 3-D Blast cool tracks and an identity. There's little to complain about. This soundtrack is just so much better than the game itself. 

Sonic 3D Blast (Gen) OST Review

Summary

Sonic 3D Blast...ouch. Did not have a blast with 3D blast. Wanted to blast every single flickie to pieces. Especially the fat green one. As such, I did not have a good memory of this game's stages or music. 

However, the music is a lot better than I remembered. For the most part. It's a divide between beautiful creations that seem ahead of their time, and torturous ones. 

Best Song: Volcano Valley Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Rusty Ruins Acts 1/2, Gene Gadet Acts 1/2, Diamond Dust Act 1, Volcano Valley Act 2, Panic Puppet Act 1, Boss 1, Final Fight

There is a lot going on. It's a mix that's just addicting, amid drums and effects that give the level such a heated vibe. It's a quieter piece yet has its speed.  

Worst Song: Opening

Runner Up (s): Spring Stadium Acts 1/2, Green Grove Acts 1/2, Special Stage, Menu, Staff Roll, Invincible, Ending 

And I thought Green Grove was cringe! There are cool drums that are immediately followed by some of the worst sounds in the series. All with a happy yet trippy mood.  

Final Ranking: B

This is one of the best Genesis soundtracks. A lot of the songs sound just right, not limited or poor quality--hard to believe this was a 16-bit era soundtrack. And yet...there are cringe-worthy, loud, awful outliners that ruin the experience.  

Sonic the Fighters OST Review

Summary

Sonic the Fighters blew me away. I mean, it's good. Not that it strikes me the best or anything, but I wasn't expecting this. 

The tracks are bursts of energy and speed. 

Best Song: Giant Wing/Fire Stone

Runner-Up (s): Never Let It Go, Back to Soul, Lovers, Blue Garden, Hurry Up, Everything, Take Me Away, Character Select, Advertise, North Wind

This reminds me of Sonic Riders at points and Sonic Heroes at other points...it's just an epic and intense combination that really goes all in. Amazing.  

Worst Song: Mushroom Hill/Come On Mr. Sonic 

Runner Up (s): Name Entry, Continue, Winner's Fanfare

It's not really too bad or anything. Its unique noises just kinda' make it one of the weaker tracks. 

Final Ranking: B

This is extremely close to an "A." The tracks are fun and energetic and none are really bad. The only thing is: this is a fighting game, yet in total it sounds more like a dance/party game. Still very likable and easily the best arcade OST so far. 

Sonic Labyrinth OST Review

  Summary

Wow, don't judge a game OST by its game. Sonic Laybrinth was not one of the better handheld titles, but the music isn't bad. There are still some "gross" tracks, mainly on account of the drums which sound more like sandpaper being smashed together at either ear. But once you get used to it...

Best Song: Smiley Bomb/Final Boss

Runner-Up (s): Ending, Boss, Scroll, Pinch, Continue, Act 1/3

Quite intimidating, this easily sounds like it could have come from a Sonic Advance title rather than from Labyrinth. Which is to say it's years ahead, in a way. 

Worst Song: Bonus Stage

Runner Up (s): Invincibility, Title, Act 2

Whoa that's annoying. The high pitched part, mainly, yikes. Not that the "sandpaper" drums help or anything. 

Final Ranking: D

The tracks have a lot of energy. Which, considering this a game where Sonic can't go fast, may have been a mistake. But it makes it one of the better, if not the best of the Game Gear games.

Tails Adventure OST Review

Summary

Yes, long before Sonic Adventure. Shockingly Tails Adventure is a huge relief when it comes to music. It easily kicks Sky Patrol's butt. 

Best Song: Polly Mountain

Runner-Up (s): Volcanic Tunnel, Tails' House, Polly Forest, Caron Forest, Lake Rocky

This might be a remix? I'm not sure, but it's got a memorable, catchy beat that stands out. 

Worst Song: Password

Runner Up (s): Intro, Title, Map Screen

Short, kinda' harsh and annoying. 

Final Ranking: D

Hey, not bad! This Game Gear title leaps ahead other ones. Better, it's much more worthy of Tails' character. 

Tails Sky Patrol OST Review

Summary

Hey, I'm glad the Archie comics added elements from the games. But Tails' Sky Patrol? Uh, why? It's pretty obscure the there were plenty less-obscure games that could have used some attention...

As for music, it's not very good. Being on the Game Gear sets it behind, but it does nothing to try and be more. Lame and impactful, in total its wacky tracks are worse than those from an old Mario game. Not a good start for Tails, no. 

Best Song: Ruin Wood Area (first half)

Runner-Up (s): Bearenger

This is one of the better ones because it's exploratory and there's a hint of danger but it's not weird. 

Worst Song: Carrotia

Runner Up (s): Wendy Witchcart, Continue

It's like a demented circus and yet it's kind of happy. 

Final Ranking: E

I hate to be this harsh, but this might be the worst Game Gear OST yet. Quality is already out. The tunes don't make up for it at all. They...just seem a cross between silly and childish. I know, this is Tails, not Sonic...yet if judging Tails based on this music, he in no way deserves a spin-off. Especially since Knuckles had such a jammin' soundtrack with the Chaotix. 

Knuckles Chaotix OST Review

Summary

Knuckles' spin-off, ft the new characters, the Chaotix. And Mighty (who was, well, a part of the Chaotix back then).  Knuckles Chaotix ended up being a unique mix that used some Sonic-like themes but took on a life of its own. 

Best Song: Door Into Summer

Runner-Up (s): This Horizon, Seascape, Evening Star, Electoria, Hyper-hyper, Laybrinth, New Moon, Pendulum, Destructive Power, Oriental Legend, Combination

because of Generations No. This is a unique track that is a pretty combination that sounds relaxed but also leaves an exploratory vibe.  

Worst Song: Take a Nap

Runner Up (s): Midnight Greenhouse, Speed of Sound, Child's Song, Chaotic World, Soda Pop, Overture  

The tune's not bad, but the execution is just off. Makes it annoying. 

Final Ranking: B

Overall Knuckles Choatix was fun to listen to. Really, they were all fairly good. However, in total it kind of blends together.  

Sonic Drift 2 OST Review

Summary

I've heard Sonic Drift 2 is an improvement over Sonic Drift. I have not played this one, but it's music is surprisingly quite nice. 

Best Song: Emerald Ocean

Runner-Up (s): Milky Way, Desert Road, Mystic Cave, Dark Valley, Options

This is a happy, upbeat creation with small bits that give it a tropical vibe. A peaceful drive.   

Worst Song: Balloon Panic

Runner Up (s): Title, GP Clear

It's supposed to be circus-like I guess, but it's just kind of annoying. 

Final Ranking: D

I was quite impressed with these happy, fun little pieces. I considered giving it a C, but because of the quality, Sonic Drift 2 is just naturally set a bit behind.