Best theme for Sonic.

Technically any game's main song is also considered a song for Sonic, such as "Live and Learn," "Endless Possibilities," "Knight of the Wind," or "7 Rings in Hand." However I'm only focusing on themes that are specifically and repeatedly Sonic's (so excluding most of those "game" themes as well as "team" songs like "We Can" or "Sonic Speed Riders" and shared themes like "What I'm Made Of" or "Open Your Heart"). That leaves 3 songs, "It Doesn't Matter," "His World," and "Reach for the Stars."  

    

Background

It Doesn't Matter

The song debuted in Sonic Adventure, returning in the sequel and reappearing in Sonic and the Black Knight. While it did not receive the same attention as the Crush 40 songs, the song is still a fan favorite. There remains three vocal versions (SA, SA2, and the later made S.A.M.E.) and a few instrumentals. 

His World

Even though Sonic 06 received backlash, its soundtrack was immune. "His World" instantly became a Sonic-must. Being the game's main theme it received numerous instrumental versions prevalent through out the game. Some of these were also reused elsewhere, such as in Brawl. Three main vocal versions were created: the game version, Zebrahead's version, and Crush 40's version. 

Reach for the Stars

"Reach of the Stars" was made Sonic's theme after the good reception to Sonic Colors. The song received many instrumental themes through out the 2010s, appearing in almost every many games released in the Current Era. There is now a second version of the vocal song made for Sonic Colors Ultimate.  

Winner

It Doesn't Matter

Actually, I believe "His World" is the best song out of the three. But as a theme for Sonic that reflects his personality and spirit, "It Doesn't Matter" is the best choice. While not worded the best, the lyrics do narrate his point of view. Additionally the genre seems to be a 90s-early 2000s punk-rock mix, which is the best reflection of the character.

The SA2 version was defiantly handled better, but the S.A.M.E. version combines the strengths of each. The Black Knight instrumentals also tamed the song into something quite beautiful (the fan-art music). 

 

Runner-up

His World

"His World" makes a great introduction into the attitude and drama that 06 tried so hard to emulate. The grand instrumentation aside sassy rap and defining lyrics makes it a memorable song. 

I think the Zebrahead and Crush 40 versions are superior and less random the original, however. While it makes a grand theme overall, it just doesn't work as well as a character theme. It's also hard to separate it from 06 or others in the game.  

LOSER

Reach for the Stars

I can't stand the song. It's a 2010s nightmare. Even trying to set aside my personal disgust, I can't see how it makes a good theme for Sonic specifically. How does "the colors feel so right" reflect him? The song was clearly written with the game rather than character in mind. The genre and vocals seem much more suitable for Silver, and the instrumentation is simply too modern-synthetic to reflect a 90s videogame-icon. 

"Endless Possibilities" would have been a better idea since the song is less game-focused (and not to mention it is better by a long shot). "Reach for the Stars" should have been exclusive to Sonic Colors. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.  

Quote of the Month

 "Talk about low budget flights! No food or movies?! I'm outta' here!"

-Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Adventure 2

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's "Returning" VA

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

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

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

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 

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.  

Sonic Runners App OST Review

Summary

The first Runners game was surprising. It captures a lot of the same type of sound from modern-current games like Unleashed, Lost World, Colors, and others. It has nice piano, guitar, even violins and in total: it was very complex for music from an app. Also, "Theory of Attack" seemed to be some inspiration for TSR...

The sequel I'm not really gonna' count because apparently it mostly just reuses music. 

Best Song: Fly Away

Runner-Up (s): Theory of Attack, End of Summer, Power Ride, Fly Away, Where To Day?, Fiery Passion, Ambition,   

This is quite beautiful, and the Unleashed vibes are welcome. A nice combo of piano and guitar that would easy fit into a more known game. 

I actually prefer Theory of Attack, but that's probably because of TSR. 

Worst Song: Strange Parade

Runner Up (s): Go Quickly!

Only one song sounds like it doesn't belong. This high, vibrant, Color's Starlight Carnival-like song was easily the least engaging. 

 

Final Ranking: B

Admittedly I never expected an App's OST to score so high, but Runner's OST doesn't sound like an App; they did not take any short cuts and it deserves more recognition. 

Sonic Jump App Series OST Review

Summary

Some Japan-exclusive Sonic apps were created in the 2000s, and some made it to the states. Most recognized Sonic apps, though, were from the 2010s. The "Sonic Jump" series started with a 2005 java version, then there was a sequel, "Sonic Jump 2." In 2012 "Sonic Jump" was later remade and released to a wider audience. Finally, the last version, "Sonic Jump Fever" was made 2 years later. 

I decided to review these all at once. "Sonic Jump 2" seems to reuse music from the first title. The 2012 title faithfully remixes them but with better instruments and a clearer sound. While Fever remixes the zones yet again, they are now more energetic/electronic/2010s-ish.  

Blue Sky Zone would later be remixed for Sonic Dash. 

Best Song: Mechanical Zone (2012)

Runner-Up (s): Main Menu (2005), Green Hill (2005), Mechanical Zone (2005), Title (2012), Cosmic Zone (2012), Boss (2012), Fever Mode (2014), Jungle Zone (2014) 

This has fast, fun energy alongside a guitar that gives it some tension. Could easily be in Riders or something, but it is a pretty short.  

Worst Song: Cosmic/Bonus Zone (2005)

Runner Up (s): Green Hill (2014), Mountain Zone (2014)

Sadly the more primitive side to the 2005 one shows pretty easily with this one. 

 

Final Ranking 2005/2008 Version: E

It's kind of like a combo of the Advance series and a less harsh Sonic 4. Pretty nice but simple and held back by the quality. 

Final Ranking 2012 Version: C

A wondrous (musical) remake of the first game. 

Final Ranking 2014 Version: D

Colors' Syndrome Strikes Again! I don't really like their over-zealous, "modernized" versions. They aren't terrible, but don't have the same charm as the 2012 ones.

Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games OST Review

Summary

The music of Mario and Sonic @ the 2014 Winter Olympics had some interesting points. This title embraces more classical music and generally keeps a romanticized vibe, though it has its cool additions to keep it modern and fresh.

This time around I found the main theme fairly boring, as with many of the others. The events were really built up and could be fun. Still, it feels so focused on being an Olympic title it seems to forget its a Mario vs Sonic title. 

The rival themes appear to be reused from previous Olympic games. 

The Sonic music choices are odd. Diamond Dust, Blizzard Peaks, and Cool Edge make sense, but why beach themes like Windy and Ripply and Seaside Hill? 

About half or less are remixed, and the other half is reused either from its original game, Sonic Generations, or Smash.      

The ones remixed are: Sweet Mountain, Splash Hill, Blizzard Peaks, Route 99, Leaf Forest, Neo Green Hill, Speed Highway, Diamond Dust (Genesis), and Flying Battery.   

As much as I hate Splash Hill Zone's music, the version 2 remix is admittedly awesome.

Best Song: Neo Green Hill

Runner-Up (s): Downhill Skiing, All Finger Skating, All Finger Skating Double, Blizzard Peaks, Flying Battery, Diamond Dust, Route 99 

WOW. I knew Sonic Advance music could sound great. This version is a slower, more relaxed, Sonic Unleashed-ish version of the beach level. And it may be a beach one, but it was most impressive. 

Worst Song: Delfino Plaza (Main Street)

Runner Up (s): Melody & Answer (all), Legends Showdown (all), Winter Sports Championship Race (all), Delfino Plaza (Market Street), Splash Hill Ver 1 & 3, Sweet Mountain  

Annoying, overly horny, and whimsical in a bad way. 

Final Ranking: D

Overall this OST meets expectations. Aside from those few remixes, though, it doesn't stand out from any of the other Olympic titles or from Sonic games in general.  

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 Mega Collection/SMC Plus OST Review

  Summary

The music is really able to play on the nostalgia vibe while still being original. Except of the credits, the music is the same for Plus.  

Best Song: Manuals Theme

Runner-Up (s): Title, Intro, Main Menu, Credits (plus)

While all of the songs are made of nice combos, this particular one has a bit more of a dramatic part and sounds like it could be a Robotnik/Eggman base or something. Pretty cool.  

Worst Song: Credits (original)

Runner Up (s): Options/extras

It's kind of weird compared to the other ones. Not especially bad, but out of place. 

Final Ranking: D

Generally good, but boring. These themes were mostly created for looking at things or scrolling through possibilities, and it does a great job. It seems lamer, though, on its own. 

Mario and Sonic @ the Olympic Games OST Review

Summary

When the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games music began, it did not seem as through as the 2012 version (which I recently listened to). Even though its main themes seemed weaker, surprisingly the events' music seemed fun and more carefree.   

Best Song: Athletics: 400m 

Runner-Up (s): Athletics 100m, Throw, Vault, Aquatics 100m, Shooting, Fencing, Dream Platform, Dream Table Tennis, Dream Boxing (DS), Replay

This is a fun, speedy track that really caught my attention right away. This upbeat rush seems cheery enough for Mario yet edgy enough for Sonic. Seems like the sort of thing they should be aiming for. 

Worst Song: Trophy Get

Runner Up (s): Title, Options, Channel Menu

A short, bland thing that doesn't do much.

Final Ranking: C

Pretty interesting that while the main theme did not seem as strong, the collection of different music for the various events seemed more energetic, fun, and unique. 

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. 

Mario & Sonic @ the 2012 Olympic Games OST Review

Summary

Mario and Sonic at the 2012 Olympic Games is better than what I was expecting. However it seems to jump around in style. Sometimes it sounds very traditional (it even uses some classical songs) and sometimes it's more of a "modern" jam. 

Best Song: Beach Volley Ball

Runner-Up (s): Rivals (all), Remixes (all), Football, 4x100 Meter Relay, Uneven Bars Max, Options

This, like a lot of tracks, falls for what I'm calling Colors Syndrome (sounding like the 2010s). However, the bit in question is fairly cheery and not really annoying, and the percussion in this one gives a really nice beach-day ambience. 

Worst Song: Canoeing 

Runner Up (s): Tag, Equestrian, Hammer, Trampoline, Badminton 

WAY too many horns. It sounds like an intro to some 70s show where they'd pull away from a shot of a city. 

Final Ranking: D

It's not bad. There are a lot of tracks but they don't jump out as too special, they just kind of fit. I guess, being Mario/Sonic, they had to be more considerate of both franchises' tastes. Though it's pretty good, they overuse the main theme. 

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. 

SegaSonic the Hedgehog OST Review

 Summary

Ah, the arcade game I'll never get to play that debuted Mighty and Ray.

Best Song: Hot Pursuit

Runner-Up (s): Eggman's Tower

It sounds pretty cool for what it is, like it came straight from the Sega Genesis. Awesome percussion, too. 

Worst Song: Ice & Water 

Runner Up (s): Trap Tower

Doesn't sound as good, kinda' harsh. 

Final Ranking: D

It points it's actually pretty good, but there is not much to it and some of the songs are not as good. 

Sonic 1 OST Review

Summary

Legendary, the tracks are full of nostalgia and spirit. The tone shifts from the happier Green Hill to the dangerous Marble Zone, and onward, helping define the first game's settings and the Sonic franchise.  

Best Song: Starlight Zone

Runner-Up (s): Credits Theme, Special Stage, Spring Yard

The Starlight Zone music, much like the level itself, is a sudden break from the roughness of levels past. It's gentler and happy, but not overly so.  

Worst Song: Laybrinth Zone

Runner Up (s): Final Zone

Laybrinth Zone seems harsher on the ears and less enjoyable than the other tracks.  

Final Ranking: C

The music, for it's time, is awesome, and nostalgia still makes it worth the time of any Sonic fan. However it's not as good compared to the quality and variety future games were able to offer. It's undeniably "game-y" (so it's comparable to "similar" games like Mario).