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. 

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.  

3D Classic Sonic--Hero from Hell

Sonic and his fat flicky friend. Big the Cat as a bird?

Art by me!

I've finished Sonic 3D Blast, thanks to the amazing "save" feature of Sonic Mega Collection Plus. Everyone is always praising Classic Sonic, but they only think of 1, 2, 3, & Knux, and CD. Maybe Chaotix, and now Mania. Everyone forgets the Gamegear titles, and, more relevant, the 3D ones.

There's a different side to Classic. 3D Classic.

Hard to control and annoying, 3D Classic's best feature seems to be his idle animations. The gold shield is useful, and gives a homing attack feel, but it--like the others--is extremely easy to lose. Once you get the hang of things, it's the Zones that start to take a toll, each becoming more torturous then the next (not to mention what happens when you lose your flickies--the fat green ones are especially annoying). The only "fun" levels are Volcano Valley and Diamond Dust.

And where's the rest of team hero? Tails and Knuckles are hiding around, waiting to steal your rings (to take you to the special stage--if you magically get 50 rings).

This version of Classic Sonic is often over looked. My advice--just play a modern game. It's not worth it. If you insist, then save yourself a lot of frustration and use the stage select.

Good Luck.