Sonic 30th Anniversary Symphony Review

  

Details

For Sonic's 30th back in June, an orchestral arrangement and a vocal concert was streamed via Youtube. It contains melodies based on Sonic 1, 2, Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic Mania, Sonic 06, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Lost World, Sonic Forces, and, of course, Sonic Colors. But wait, there's more! Several other songs were put into their own melodies (such as ones from the 8-bit games or "It Doesn't Matter" and "Believe In Myself"). Later many of the series' memorable vocal themes were played as a separate concert.     

Summary

Selections

The choices are pretty obvious "fan favorites" (Chemical Plant, Sky Sanctuary, Crisis City, etc). Normally this sort of thing would be annoying, but in this case I have to admit it's a good idea. It insures some of the best known songs are heard so even someone who hasn't played the game might recognize the song. And this is for the 30th, after all, so I guess they should try to make it as nostalgic as possible. 

I will admit some of the choices were surprising, though. "My Destiny," for example (since usually Sega likes to pretend 06 and especially princess Elise were never a thing). The entire 8-bit section was a shock as well, since they chose sections from those games over Sonic CD, and Knuckles Chaotix. 

I also got a little annoyed with Color's placement (yes, buy ultimate, blah, blah). 

The intermission was amusing. 

The second half allowed some representation from even more games through their main themes (such as "Knight of the Wind," from Sonic and the Black Knight).

Music

The 8-bit levels were very nice because their original form was horrid. This goes to show that a lot of times the problem isn't the composition, but simply the limitations. 

A lot of the modern music sounds natural in orchestral form, so it was great. However getting to hear many of the classic themes adapted was just as beautiful. Surprisingly I'd say Mania has the most improvement. I wasn't a huge fan of the funky OST, but this transformed it into something classy.  

Even though I usually can't stand "Reach for the Stars" (and the vocals were just reused/edited) the instrumentation is much better than the original. With the vocals it's still overly positive, but it doesn't sound as "2010." Gave me more hope for the OST of this "new" game. Unfortunately "Speak with Your Heart," (which I'd normally call better than the other) had the opposite problem, not being that different as a whole and sounding very dated.      

The real show starts after, ha. "Nate" does a decent job of filling in for past singers. Crush 40 gives the later half a lot of energy and the ending feels very put-together. 

  

Final Ranking: B

It wasn't as "stunning" as  I expected, somehow. However it's still a wonderful collection of some of the series' memorable moments and will be enjoyable for fans of all.  

Shadow's "Lost Tracks"

Shadow the Hedgehog had its fair share of vocal themes. In addition to a main theme and a closing ("I am...All of Me" and "Never Turn Back"), there were four songs for the various possible endings. Going "Dark" rewards the player with the powerful "Almost Dead." Going "Neutral" results in either "Almost Dead" again (Dark-Neutral), the peppy "Waking Up" (True Neutral), or the sadder "Chosen One" (Hero-Neutral). Becoming a hero meant listening to the original version of "All Hail Shadow." And as a bonus, there was also an "E.G.G.M.A.N." remix, called "Doc. Robeatnix mix." 

However three other songs have become associated with the black blur's 2005 spin-off: "Who I Am," by Magna-Fi; "Broken" and "All of Me" by Sins of a Divine Mother. These tracks have been dubbed the "lost" tracks because they did not make it into the game. 

Up until recently, these three have been listed as a part of "Lost and Found," the Shadow the Hedgehog vocal album. As of my most recent wiki trek, however, I could not find evidence they were apart of the release. One person discussing them did refer to them as "unlisted" tracks, but checking various sources likewise put this in doubt. I am not sure. 

However there remains evidence that these songs were intended for the game. 

"Who I Am"   

by Magna-Fi

Background: It is believed that "Who I Am" was intended to be the title theme for the game (being replaced by Crush 40's "I Am...All of Me"). This is supported by the song's more general theme ("who I am") and with Magna-Fi also creating "All Hail Shadow," it makes the most sense. However, there is some speculation that this was an alternate for the Hero ending or that "All Hail Shadow" was created as a replacement. 

"Who I Am" was later remade for Magna-Fi's album, VerseChorusKillMe, and apparently there is a notable difference in guitar due to the departure of a band member. 

Reason It's "Lost": It was initially believed that Sega simply wanted a different music style for the intro. However it was the band's record label, Aezra, that prevented the song from being used. The exact reasons remain unclear, but they probably wanted (or had?) the rights to the song ("Lost and Found" and related OSTs being published by Wavemaster, Sega's audio development team). 

Lyrical Connections: The song heavily uses the line "This is who I am," the phrase Shadow says at the end of each story path. It also says "not a shadow of who I want to be," a clever play on words. The song insists "you're not ever gonna' change me," voicing Shadow's attitude after choosing his path. It also seems to voice anger at the other characters (Commander, Black Doom, Eggman) for using and targeting Shadow ("You never really understood me/you always put me down/like a dog that's beaten over and over/one day I'm gonna' take you down").  

"Broken" 

by Sins of A Divine Mother

Background: Because of an interview, the reason why "Broken" was not used has been confirmed. It would have been the Hero-Neutral song, but was replaced by "Chosen One." If "Chosen One" seems especially similar in tone, its likely because two members of Sins of A Divine Mother created the band A2/Mona Lisa Overdrive, which made "Chosen One" (as a replacement). 

Reason It's "Lost": The song was not used because they could not track the writer down in time to get his permission to use it. However the two A2 members suggested making a new song with a similar vibe, and "Chosen One" was born.    

Lyrical Connections: The lyrics seem centered on trying to make a difference or change in "broken" life. "Only you can make a difference, darling (always...)," easily fits the one character Shadow would always trust, Maria. The part "don't wanna' act like...someone else," could hint at Shadow not wanting to be like Sonic, while "just wanna' be like...everyone else," centers on Shadow being different and isolated from the rest of the Sonic cast. Also, the part about being "down" seems to really fit the "Vector" ending where Shadow feels he should not have been created.   

"All of Me"

by Sins of A Divine Mother

Background: Now it seems like "All of Me" is unconfirmed. Its only official connection was being a part of the "lost" group of tracks and I guess being associated with "Broken"/the game. Unlike "Broken" it was not mentioned any interviews and does not have a replacement (like "Chosen One"). However there is some circumstantial evidence. In addition to possible lyrical connections, there is one simple fact: there is no Neutral-Dark theme. 

In the game, "Almost Dead" plays for four endings while the other songs (such as "All Hail Shadow") are exclusive to two endings ("All Hail Shadow" being exclusive to the Hero endings). It seems like a missing song caused them to use "Almost Dead" twice as much.

"All of Me" is similar to "Broken," having a grungy "depressed" type of sound. However, it's not as sad, being angered and having more of a distaste for society than "Broken" or its replacement, "Chosen One." With this in mind, "All of Me" may have been intended for the "missing" Neutral-Dark ending. 

Some have assumed that "Broken" was meant for that, however "Broken" was created before "Chosen One," the Hero-Neutral song (meaning without it there would have been another "gap," the Neutral Hero one). It's possible that "Who I Am" could have fit into this equation, but it's never really been referred to as a "Neutral" song. Its also possible "All of Me" was simply an alternate to "Broken."     

One final piece of sketchy evidence: Crush 40's "I Am...All of Me." Though similar in name, songs are not related, but it's interesting to note that Crush40's song is named "I Am...All of Me" or "I Am (All of Me)," never just "All of Me." Perhaps this was to avoid confusing it with a song already potentially made for Shadow the Hedgehog, Sins of a Divine Mother's "All of Me."   

Reason It's "Lost": If "All of Me" was intended for the game, it likely had the same background problems as "Broken." Fans have also been quick to point out the use of the word "Shit." Shadow the Hedgehog was originally intended for Teens, but they decided to somewhat tone-down the game for a E10+ rating. This may have led to the song being cut. That makes sense, but it easily could have been censored (as with a swear word in "His World").

Lyrical Connections: The lyrics describe a hopeless feeling with "all I've made is my last breath," "go away, no regrets," and "take all of me," possibly fitting into the attitude of a neutral ending. The song starts, "I just wanna' be happy, wanna' live my life alone," which describes' Shadow's personality. The song also seems to connect to the game with the repeated line, "it's all inside my head, and it's not real," which mirrors Shadow's confused memories. 

Perhaps the closest connection is: "how's it feel being innocent/and gettin' treated like you did a big crime/with the policeman and the government gunnin' for ya' all the time." If it's not a huge coincidence, then "gun" is a pun on GUN (the military in Sonic's world) and the "policeman" is the game's villainous GUN Commander--who orders his soldiers to shoot Shadow (even if he's innocent).  

"Tripod Baby"

M-Flo Loves Shadow the Hedgehog

Extra: Apparently "Tripod Baby" was originally a song from M-Flo's album, Beat Space Nine, and a part of their "M-Flo Loves" series (M-Flo is a successful Japanese hip-hop band). A special remix "Tripod Baby (Shadow the Hedgehog Mix)" was created and put on their remixed album, Dope Space Nine. The song was used in promotion for Shadow the Hedgehog. It's not in the game, but several promotional images were created along with a music video and a commercial. The song is a completely different genre than Shadow's usual rock, being more dance-like (or Shadow thinks so...) and it includes some Japanese portions.         

"Will he good or evil?" 

Personal Notes

I discovered the "lost" tracks years ago, mainly thanks to extended videos by Quadfactor. I like them a lot and generally consider them on the same level or greater than the songs used. It is unfortunate they did not make it into the game, but I am very thankful that it resulted in "I am...All of Me" and "Chosen One," as they are some of my favorites (of the Sonic series). 

As for Tripod Baby...I saw that ages ago. I remember being disappointed it wasn't like the other Shadow songs (back then I think I only knew of "I Am All of Me" and "Never Turn Back," anyway). I was shocked by the style and the partial Japanese and the music video being "horrible" CGI. I think I somehow found it purely because it "had Shadow dancing," which I thought would be funny.  

Lol, watching it again after all these years? After seeing the music video for "They Call Me Sonic?" 

It's not the bizarre disaster I thought it was. Well...maybe it's a little bizarre, but the song is catchy. Shadow the EDGEhog, baby!

Sonic Adventure Music Experience [SAME] (Album) Review

 

Details

The Sonic Adventure Music Experience was an event in Tokyo, 2016. The albums includes newly arranged versions of songs from Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2. There are two volumes. 

 

Summary

Generally the songs seem to be improvements of their Adventure counterparts. Everything seems smoothly put together. Metal Harbor is a good example, sounding less harsh. Chaos 6 seems more like an updated version, even more "Sonic"-y. Keys the Ruin (Pyramid Cave) and Mr. Unsmiley (Sky Rail) are my favorites. In fact Sky Rail seems a little Shadow the Hedgehog-y somehow. I wonder if that was intentional...   

  

Final Ranking: B

They may only be new versions of old songs, but they are awesome.  

Sonic Live in Sydney (Album) Review

  

Details

"Sonic Live in Sydney" was a musical preformed in "SegaWorld Sydney," an an amusement park closed four years after opening. Sonic was oddly featured with blue arms and Sally (from the "Sat Am" cartoon) was also featured in a lot of merchandise. The musical featured costumed actors of Sonic, Robotnik, Tails, and Sally, but it was later replaced with a puppet show. Knuckles appears on the CD for promotional purposes, not being a part of the storyline. Where Robotnik kidnaps Sally, falls in love with her, and Sonic knocks Robotnik out with a sleeping potion. This is a very obscure and odd piece of Sonic history.  

 

Summary

The disc features three original songs and then the performance. 

The beginning of "What are we waiting for " sounds like it steals the tune something, I just can't think of it! Regardless, it's...something. There are points when it becomes pretty obvious "Sonic" is a female. Eventually when it gets to the chorus, it is actually catchy, and no less cheesy than the Sat Am opening. 

"Give Me Chaos" has a "Monster Mash" quality to it, with Robotnik's narration. Kind of amusing but worse. The next song, "Thank You for Being You," is even worse than that. It's very 90s ish, and kinda' makes "My Sweet Passion" seem like a master piece. It could be cute, but it's overly drawn-out. I don't think it's very "Sally."

The performance is odd story wise, but based on audio: Sonic and Robotnik's actors aren't perfect but they do a decent job at imitating their DiC cartoon voices. Impressive considering the accent differences I guess. Tails and Sally's voices are way off, though. Tails is insanely annoying and Sally's accent is confused. There are quite a bit of musical elements from the Genesis games, specifically Sonic 2, I think, but serves more as a background to the dialogue.  

  

Final Ranking: E

Um. It's not as bad as I thought, truthfully. I guess the chorus of "What are We Waiting For" is the best moment. The songs...aren't terrible, but fairly cheesy. The fourth track, "the show," is really the worst part.

As a whole...I gotta' wonder how none of this has shown up in a YTP or parody. I guess it's just that obscure. 

Virtual Sonic (Album) Review

 

Details

Virtual Sonic was composed by Howard Drossin. From what I learned on Sonic Retro, the music was rushed and done in only one month for the opening of Sega VirtualLand (an amusement facility in a Las Vegas hotel that closed in 98). The album describes itself as: "enhanced music inspired by the world of Sonic." 

 

Summary

In total the selection is odd. The music is funky jazz, cultural atmosphere, metalish rock, 90s hip-hop, and featuring samples ranging from chants to opera and grunts of "come on"...It's kinda' all over the place without anything to link it together. Impressive given the amount of time.

While there are new versions of some familiar tracks, like the Sonic and Knuckles theme, most of the music seems loosely inspired. After just listening to Sonic Boom, the spinball tracks don't seem too different from that album, though. 

The wild "Knucklemania" is kinda' funny, but it's basically a clue as to what the character was like at the time. "Robotnik's Revenge" is strange, seeming to be a funky, very 90s track inspired by Sonic 3 & Knuckles with a hint of Spinball. Much of the tracks, if they do resemble Sonic games, resemble those (likely because those were the Sonic games the composer had experience with). "Sandopolis" is vastly different than Sonic & Knuckles' Sandoplolis, however, being more akin to a song made much later for Sonic 06, Dusty Desert. "Boss Opera" may have been inspired by Final Fever from the JP OST of Sonic CD, but other parts seem to contradict this, so I'm not sure.   

"Chaos Jam" seems ahead of its time. Perhaps it was inspired by US Sonic CD OST (rock), but when it combines guitar and hints of the funky Spinball theme, it ends in something that resembles Sonic Adventure. Second most enjoyable track, the first being...

"Metal Sonic." Having vocals makes it stand out on the album, but also in general. The "Classic Sonic" era was mostly made of female vocal songs, so this (being male) also stands out for the time. While the lyrics are infamously hard to make out, they are oddly fitting, calling Metal a "black-eyed stingray," and insisting, "he's put together the wrong way." It's interesting to compare this with the song "Look-a-like" from the OVA because they, much like Stardust Speedway Bad Future, seem to represent the American vs Japanese view of Metal Sonic, and by extension, Sonic.   

  

Final Ranking: C

A little strange. I like "Metal Sonic" and "Chaos Jam" a lot, and the Spinball tracks are also good choices. "Knucklemania" is memorable and "City in the Clouds" is peaceful. 

It's not that it's bad, but that it's an odd combination in total. 

Sonic the Hedgehog (Album) ["Sonic Arcade"] Review

   

Details

Arcade Co. made a 1996 Sonic the Hedgehog album based on the series. It is perhaps best known for "They Call Me Sonic" (which was given a "Furry Tails" parody by Bentley Jones at the "Summer of Sonic" in 2009). "Sonic Electronic," "Sonic and Tails," and "King of the Ring" were also songs featuring lyrics. There were extra versions of "They Call Me Sonic" and "King of the Ring." 

"They Call Me Sonic" has a music video (that reused footage from Sonic 3, Sonic 2, Sonic and Knuckles, and a scrapped Sonic game). The artwork featured was from the box of Sonic Chaos. 

 

Summary

"They call me Sonic" sounds like it was narrated by a little kid. Despite how it sounds at first, it becomes addicting and is the best of the vocal group. "Sonic Electronic" is cheesier, and "King of the Ring" follows suit. "Sonic and Tails" strikes me as the worst, but it's probably the accent.   

The rest of the tracks are easier to take seriously, their Sonic Riders resemblance making it ahead of its time. The electronic music is a lot of fun energy. However, their resemblance to the actual levels seems minimal. I found all of these pretty enjoyable but...

"Entering Death Egg Zone." It sounds oddly happy. Then there's the robot voice randomly spatting out "casino...night zone!" and other stuff. "Enter the Final Zone" is similar because it's mostly just a voice saying "Enter the final zone!" but it's more mysterious, which saves it.      

  

Final Ranking: C

The lyrics aren't much to brag about, and with the high "child" sounding vocals they seem silly. Also, this seems to be pretty loosely inspired (ex: "Wing Fortress Rave" sounds more "Rave" than "Wing Fortress"). However I'd be lying if I said I didn't find the music likable. The songs are insanely catchy.  

StH: Remix (Album) Review

 

Details

Not long after Sonic Boom was released, Japan's own Sonic CD music would be released with Sonic the Hedgehog Remix. As the title suggests, the tracks are remixes. They were done by the original composers of the Japanese OST, Naofumi Hataya and Masafumi Ogata. The vocal credits were "yasu" and Momo Michishita (as "momo"). 

Part of the song "Brand New World" can be heard in the 2011 rerelease (in Time Attack mode with the Japanese OST selected). 

 

Summary

Generally I prefer Sonic Remix to the original Japanese tracks. "Dr. Gigglymen," a remix of the boss music, is a prime example of why. Everything about the original boss theme was 90s cringe. Likewise, I don't have much respect for the Japanese version of Stardust Speedway bad future, and disliked the "hues" in all time zones. 

HOWEVER, these elements wind-up addicting when morphed into "Dr. Gigglymen." The "heys" here sound smooth and catchy rather than the being the out-of-place juxtaposed garbage they are in Sonic CD. With extra influence from Final Fever, the piece soars into being one of the best Sonic CD songs. 

Techno Power mix, while being a version of Wacky Workbench as a whole, includes much of the bad futures together, creating a cool combination of some of CD's best moments. Miracle Blue/Little planet is a beautiful contrast, being a peaceful assemblage of the good futures. 

There's a lot of fun techno energy that feels less experimental and more put-together. There's just one drawback... 

The vocal songs. While I've come to enjoy most of them, they'll sound like complete nonsense to any American listener. Personally, I'm fond of all of them except "Love you 'Sonic,'" but I can see it scaring off new listeners.     

Final Ranking: A

Despite the wonky lyric/vocal tracks, Sonic the Hedgehog Remix is awesome. I think it's a fun, energetic improvement over the original Japanese music. It's a must-listen for fans of the JP OST, but I think it's appeal could go beyond that if more people knew about it. 

Sonic & Knuckles (Album) Review

  

Details

Sonic and Knuckles received a 1994 album, "Sonic & Knuckles Sonic the Hedgehog 3." Despite the name including Sonic 3, the music is purely from Sonic and Knuckles. It features tracks composed by Howard Drossin, Jun Senoue, and Yoshiaki ("Milpo"), and was arranged by Akinori Minami. 

The songs were not recorded directly and were instead re-sequenced, allowing for extensions, different intros, and altogether a different sound. 

 

Summary

Somehow the album improves upon what's in Sonic and Knuckles. Songs that seemed bland like the special/bonus stage music ("Rings and Diamonds Land"), the boss music, and even Sky Sanctuary seem livelier, despite the instrumentation. 

The Flying Battery is a must-listen. While probably much simpler, I'd rank it over the Mania version. It's my favorite from the album. 

Death Egg sounds fairly different, but it's interesting. Overall, the songs are either equal to, and sometimes better than, their game counterparts. 

A notable coincidence: the intro to Sandopolis sounds a lot like Crisis City (from Sonic 06).  

The lengthy "Sonic and Knuckles Remix" is a combination of the music, and it's great. Up until it hits Sky Sanctuary, then it just sounds like it's skipping around weird. 

  

Final Ranking: B

It may seem simple, but this is an awesome, retro-sounding collection. Impressive. 

Sonic Boom (Album) Review

Details

Sonic Boom, released in 1994, serves as the soundtrack release for Sonic CD and Sonic Spinball. As such it is mainly by Spencer Nilsen and David Young (composed most of CD), featuring Sterling (Collision Chaos, Metallic Madness, and Robotnik) and Pastiche ("Sonic Boom"/vocals). Howard Drossin (known for Sonic Spinball, & Knuckles, etc) also contributes.  

Interestingly, it seems to be unknown whether these are actually full, uncut versions intended for Sonic CD, or if they were remixed later for the album. 

 

Summary

Fans used to the JP OST probably won't notice a difference. US fans, though, will immediately focus on the slight changes. There are different instruments, vocals, and extended portions, making each song an alternate version. 

The changes with the biggest impact are: Wacky Workbench's good future, Palmtree Panic's bad future, Metallic Madness, and Quartz Quadrant Present, though all songs are altered in some fashion. The basic deal with this album: make every song sound even better. 

The full version of "Sonic Boom," about 3 minutes, also comes from this album. The ordering is a bit strange, and the songs have funny names like "Workbench Workout" instead of just calling it "Wacky Workbench Present." Several of the future tracks have been combined, such as "Palmtree Panic" which is both the good and bad future. Additionally, several tracks from the game are missing here, such as Metallic Madness Good Future.

However the album makes up for this with its funky Sonic Spinball bonus tracks. Unfortunately The Machine and Showdown weren't used, but "Fight to the Volcanic Fortress" makes up for their loss (being pretty much 3 seconds in the game but over 3 minutes on the album). The tracks are unique and quite enjoyable.   

Final Ranking: A

While the missing tracks are a bummer, these enhanced songs from Sonic CD and Sonic Spinball are awesome and defiantly deserve more credit. 

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. 

Modern Era Wrap-up

   

Sonic Music from 05-09/10

Sometimes called the "dark age," the Modern Era received its share backlash. With music, though, even haters have to admit it had some of the best remembered and fan-favorite OSTs.  

Trivia

• The composer for Sonic Rush is better known for his work with Jet Set Radio (Hideki Naganuma). Despite the similar themes in Sonic Rush Adventure, it was actually a different composer.
• The Rush series often makes use of sampling.
• Runblebee created much of the lyrics and vocals for the games Sonic Riders, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, and Sonic and the Secret Rings.
• Notably the Secret Rings had about 10 songs (because much of the stage music featured vocals)   
• There are 3 vocal versions of "His World," and over 10 instrumental versions through Sonic 06. 
• Lee Brotherton (also known as Bentley Jones and Phunkstar) is mostly known for singing "Dreams of Absolution." However he worked on Shadow the Hedgehog beforehand and later Sonic Rivals. Overall he created several songs/remixes for the series, such as the "Fairy Tales in Trance" version of "7 Rings in Hand."     
• "All Hail Shadow" in 06 is actually a Crush 40 cover of Shadow's hero theme in Shadow the Hedgehog.   
• In reference to Sonic 2, 06 had "Sweet Dream"/"Sweet Sweet Sweet" return to the series (after 14 years). 
• Sonic Unleashed was the first "Main Console" or "big" game not to have a song by Crush 40.
• "Endless Possibilities" is sung by Jeret Reddick from Bowling For Soup. 
• Sonic and the Black Knight featured 4 songs by Crush 40. They also had 2 covers related to the game ("7 Rings in Hand," an unlockable; "With Me," as a part of the OST release).   
• Black Knight would be the last game to have a new song by them until ten years later (TSR). 

Total Scoring

S: 3
A: 4
B: 2
C: 2
D: 2
E: 3

Best Soundtrack of the Era:

Sonic Unleashed may be pretty hyped up, but it deserves the credit. Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) is right there with it, and Sonic and the Black Knight may not get the same recognition but it was defiantly a contender, too. 

Best Handheld Music of the Era:

Technically, based on my ranks, I actually liked Sonic Rivals a bit better. However, Rush is just so memorable! Rush Adventure is close to being just as great, so really the only handheld game of this era that doesn't cut it is Sonic Chronicles.   

Most Underrated Console Music:

I was tempted to put Secret Rings or Black Knight. The storybook series is surprisingly on the same musical level as 06. I chose Zero Gravity, though, because it gets overshadowed by Sonic Riders, while being as good or better. 

Zero Gravity is exactly what you wan from a sequel. It has the same themes but puts its own spin on them.  

Most Overrated Console Music:

While the other choices live up to the hype, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games is probably simply liked because it was the first crossover and the first in the "Mario and Sonic" series. It's not bad, but I hope those Mario fans realize there's a lot more to the world of Sonic music. 

Worst Music of the Era:

Gotta Go Fast Gotta' Do Math

Forgot about this one, huh? Sonic Chronicles may be torture with headphones on, but at least its memorable. Sonic X on the Leapster? Not so much. 

Mario and Sonic @ the Winter Olympic Games OST Review

    

Summary

The first "Winter" Olympic Games, and the second of the "Mario and Sonic" series. As such, it was fairly experimental while keeping in with its winter theme. Some of the instrumentals are beautiful, pretty arrangements, others are funky and full of the spirit of competition. The range carries from atmospheric, classical, horns, guitars--and (what I guess I'm just gonna' call:) Proto-Sonic Colors.  

There are several remixes, mostly fan favorites like Seaside Hill, Radical Highway, and Sky Sanctuary (though since this is pre-Generations, I guess they deserve more credit with Sky Sanctuary). Luckily lesser-knowns such as the bonus special stage from Heroes and Egg Factory (Riders) both get a mix, however. 

Interestingly, "Open Your Heart" seems to be a remix of the Sonic Pinball Party version. 

The DS version does a good job of replicating the Wii version's music while also having it's own time to shine. In some cases the more "limited" sound makes the music retro and appealing. While it's hard to compete with a console's quality, this DS game isn't a total waste. 

Instrumental bits of "Endless Possibilities," "Knight of the Wind," and "Sonic Heroes" get mixed in a "Sonic Melody," and parts of "New Venture" and Angel Island are mixed with Mario songs as well. 

Best Song: Egg Factory

Runner-Up (s): Title, Main Menu, Alpine Skiing Downhill, Figure Skating (all), Bobsled, Ice Hockey, Curling, Sonic Heroes/Open Your Heart, Radical Highway, Bonus Challenge Stage from Heroes 1/2, Sky Sanctuary, Speed Skating 500mm (DS), Sonic Melody (DS)  Sonic/Mario Melodies (DS), Dream Curling: Bowling (DS) 

Of the Sonic remixes, Egg Factory wins. It's great to hear a less popular track and this modernized version somehow isn't annoying: it does the original justice.   

Worst Song: Freestyle Skiing: Monguls

Runner Up (s): Festival (all except Festival), Shops, Records/Ranking, Ski Jumping: Success, Freestyle Skiing: Ski Cross/Moguls, Speed Skating: 100mm/Short Track/Relay, Luge (DS), Adventure Tours: Mini Game/Ending (DS), Awards Ceremonies

While the funky DS version is salvageable, the main version is too much...too much horn, too much everything. 

 

Final Ranking: D

It's okay. While it was probably pretty fancy in its time, with the games since it seems inferior. Sochi, for example, is very similar but upgraded. The remixes are cool, but the regular events are kind of lost in the shuffle. It's something nice to listen to in December, but otherwise probably not worth it.  

Mario and Sonic at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games OST Review

   

Summary

Honestly I was getting sick of the Mario/Sonic series. It's good, but always has to be grand and trying to out do the next. Rio was surprisingly fresh and new. Incorporating more Brazilian themes, it's not as traditional as before. Unexpected, but when considering there had been like 4 other games that went with that more classical vibe, this one seems very upbeat. 

That's not to say there isn't some classic music, but there certainly more of updated sound to them. In addition to the more cultural themes, it can get 2010s-y. I'll admit it works well in a few cases, actually, but parts of the music will be easily reveal what decade it came from. Which will could aid the game, actually, until maybe 2026. 

Best Song:  Football

Runner-Up (s): Main theme, Copacabana Beach, Athletics 100m, 100m Freestyle Swim, Rhythmic Gymnastics (From the new world), Dedro, Barra, Road to Rio, BMX, Boxing, (Unused) Windmill Isle

This funky piece really puts it all together: vocals, percussion, horns...it really represents the themes of the game well while also being pretty catchy. 

Worst Song: Rhythmic Gymnastics: Reach For the Stars Ver 1

Runner Up (s): Athletics 4x100m, Athletic Triple Jump, Javelin Throw, Rhythmic Gymnastics: Reach for the Stars ver 2, Pocket Marathon, Equestrian, Table Tennis, Duel Football, Sticks Theme

WHAT THE WISP? At least the second version tries to add to it. The first is just another unnatural love song to Sonic Colors. 

 

Final Ranking: C

This can be a fun and appealing OST. Very memorable for being Brazilian-inspired. Still, on the Sonic side the remixes are scarce and overall disappointing. Also, while more unique then the titles previous, somehow it just doesn't seem as "Olympics." If not for that, it might be the best Mario/Sonic title yet. It depends on your point of view and tastes. For me personally? A bit too much horn.    

Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing OST Review

  

Summary

The first All-Stars Racing title, like with Tennis, reuses music. Although Transformed would remix stage tracks, in this case certain past songs would be chosen (unaltered). As a result there is mostly just menu music.   

I was a bit surprised that the game contained a vocal theme, "So Much More," because I don't think it returned in Transformed, or if it was remixed there weren't any vocals. Pop-ish and fits the spirit of the game I guess.

The DS version included MIDI versions of songs like "Final Fortress" and "Can You Feel the Sunshine?" 

Best Song:  Windy and Ripply (DS)

Runner-Up (s): Menu, Shopping, Mission Menu, Lobby, "So Much More," EGGMAN (DS), Seaside Hill (DS), Final Fortress (DS)

Emerald Coast, Sonic Adventure's first level, is loved by fans, but I've found it exhaustible. However this peppy versions puts a retro Genesis-type of spin on it that makes it fun. 

Worst Song: Awards Ceremony

Runner Up (s): Can You Feel the Sunshine? (DS) 

With all the cheering, it's just not as enjoyable. 

 

Final Ranking: D

• Even though there wasn't new music for the stages, the music created for the game is pretty cool and energetic. 
• The DS version may seem limited, but the remixes give fan-favorite modern songs a classic spin. 

Despite a more memorable main theme (and a vocal theme), it winds up inferior compared to the many mixes in Transformed. 

Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice OST Review

  

Summary

I wasn't too thrilled to move on to the next Boom game. Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal was okay, but Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric was generic and never seemed to end. 

Luckily Fire & Ice clearly heard the complaints. It has a lot more energy, while not completely alien to the "explorer" vibe the Boom verse tried to emulate.

While levels like Seaside Island offer similarities to the previous Boom, different elements give it a unique touch. Some parts of the soundtrack are atmospheric, modern-ish, rock, or even retro. "Hovercraft," for example, seems to combine some Genesis era sounds with 2016. 

Even though there were some hints of what I call "Colors" elements, it was mixed up well enough that it didn't seem overly 2010s or annoying. It was more like an enhancer this time.   

No doubt thanks to the same composer, there are similarities to some levels of the Saturn version of 3D Blast. 

Sunset Town, a scrapped level (/scrapped track) for Sonic the Fighters has also been remixed as Ragana Rock. 

Best Song:  Kodiak Frontier

Runner-Up (s): Kodiak Frontier (all), Seaside Island (all except Map), Paleo Tarpits (all), Gothic Gardens (Spooky Hedge/Gargoyle's Patch, Challenge), Ragana Rock (World Map), Thunder Island (Map), Hovercraft

Relaxed, this chill addition to the series could be a distant cousin of Ice Cap.

Worst Song: Cutthroat Cave Swamp/Treetop Marsh

Runner Up (s): Cutthroat Cave (all except boss), Gothic Gardens (map), Thunder Island (bot Race 1), Main Title, Stinger Victories, Most of the Cutscene Music 

Am I in the Tiny Chao Garden? Cutttroat in general seemed out of place, but this funky bit is an even stranger dive from that. 

 

Final Ranking: C

This is quite a step up from the other Boom titles and will have that "Sonic" appeal that fans missed before. While a gem in the Boom verse, it's more average in the series as a whole.