Sonic CD (PS3) Review

Burning rubber right throw time.

 Sega enjoyed massive success with its fourth-generation gaming console, the Genesis, in the 90's. The games were great and the system sold well. In 1991, Sega released an add-on for the Genesis called the Sega CD. This gave the Genesis extra processing power and enhancements in visuals. It also made use of the CD-ROM format, allowing the Genesis to play CD-based games. Sega released a Sonic game to promote the add-on called Sonic the Hedgehog CD. Developed in conjunction with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the two games were originally supposed to be one game. During development, however, Sonic CD turned to be radically different and was made a game of its own. Like all of the hedgehog's 2D adventures, Sonic CD was a big success and is considered to be one of the best games released for the Sega CD. Independent game developer Christian Whitehead rebuilt the game from scratch using his "Retro Engine" and improved many aspects of the game with Sega later releasing the game digitally for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, iOS, and PC in 2011. Now that brief history lesson is over, let's take a look at one of the blue blur's greatest adventures of all-time. 

STORY- Once again we follow Sonic the Hedgehog as searches for Little Planet, a planet known to appear once every year. Upon reaching it, Sonic finds that Dr. Eggman has taken over it and dispatched his minions called Badniks all over the planet. He stumbles upon a female pink hedgehog called Amy Rose, who's madly in love with him. Unfortunately, she gets kidnapped by Metal Sonic, a robotic doppelganger created by Eggman to match all of the blue blur's abilities. Now, It's up to Sonic to rescue Amy, once again thwart Eggman's plans, and collect all seven time stones and save Little Planet. Sonic CD is widely known for introducing two characters that would later become a staple in the series, Metal Sonic and Amy. While they barely have anything than cause more trouble for Sonic, they get more fleshed out in later games, for better or worse.

Stop Eggman, again.

GAMEPLAY- Like its two predecessors, Sonic CD is a 2D platform game with an emphasis on speed. There are seven zones in the game, each having three acts with a boss at the end of the third one. Scattered throughout the levels are rings which serve to protect Sonic from enemies and special stages. Items such as the shield, speed shoes, rings, and invincibility are here to give Sonic a boost during levels. Sonic has his spin dash ability from Sonic 2 but has a new trick, the "Super Peel Out", which lets him quickly speed through the road. It leaves Sonic vulnerable to damage yet faster than the spin dash. It's a neat feature that sadly hasn't made any appearance in other games except for Sonic CD. 

Sonic's new super fast trick, the super peel out.

Time plays a big role in the game. Post located in levels called "Past" and "Future" allows Sonic to travel throw time. For example, after he passes a post and maintains a high speed for a brief period, Sonic'll be able to time travel, past or future depending on the post. Visiting levels in the past, present, good future, and bad future will change many aspects of the level itself. For example, If Sonic is in the past he'll find the areas to be primitive and shows sign of Eggman's creations. The main goal is to achieve a good future by liberating Little Planet from Eggman's control. This means that Sonic will have to destroy Badnik generators and Metal Sonic holograms scattered in the past. It's an interesting mechanic that adds an exploration element to the levels. 

The gameplay is mostly what you expect from a 2D Sonic game.

 It wouldn't a full Sonic without special stages. Upon collecting 50 rings and hitting the large rings at the end of the stage, Sonic will be transported to a 3D area where he must destroy purple flying UFOs in a short time. Running on water reduces the time limit but thankfully blue UFOs give extra time when destroyed. The game's good ending can be unlocked upon collecting all seven Time Stones, though you won't be missing much if you got the standard ending. Also, having all Time Stones will automatically get the good future in all levels.

The best special stages in a Sonic games, in my opinion.

 Like most 2D Sonic games there are some well-designed levels, mostly. One zone which was a pain to navigate through at first was the casino-themed "Collision Chaos", which was brimmed with obstacles that can hinder Sonic's progress. The pinball-inspired boss at the end was also a pain since it can easily drag more than it needs to. The last two zones of the game were also chaotic with absurd enemy placements and hazards. Other than that, I don't have much negatives about the game. 

 The 2011 remaster adds some new features to Sonic CD. The game is now presented in a 16:4 widescreen view, features online leaderboards to share your scores to the world, and trophies to collect. Sonic's pal Tails can be unlocked upon completing the game for the first time. His controls are very similar to Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. He can spin dash his way through enemies, fly, and swim underwater, making the majority of the game pretty easy. Lastly, you can between the US and JP/EU soundtracks for the first time ever.

PRESENTATION- If you've played both Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel, you know what to expect. Colorful sprites and detailed backgrounds are what you'll be seeing most throughout your journey. The game takes advantage of the Sega CD add-on by having more colorful and vibrant levels compared to the previous games. Also, Sonic CD was the first Sonic game to feature Full Motion Video (FMV), thanks to the Sega CD. The cut scenes, animated by studio Toei Animation (Dragonball), were good for their time and are still fun to watch today. The most memorable aspect of the presentation is the music. In the 2011 re-release of Sonic CD, you can now choose between the US or JP/EU soundtracks. Although I liked the US soundtrack, the JP/EU is just too catchy. For example, take the creepy boss music from and the US soundtrack and compare it to the catchy one of the JP/EU soundtrack, you'll hear the difference. I also enjoyed listening to many of the bad future tracks from the JP/EU soundtrack as well.

Compared to the previous two outings, Sonic CD has the best presentation.

OVERALL- Sonic CD is by far my favorite 2D Sonic game, just because I had loads of fun playing it. The gameplay is great, the special stages are fun, and the presentation is just awesome. Yes, some levels annoying and it gets crazy towards the end, but I'm sure you'll have fun if you pull through. If you never played Sonic CD before, I suggest getting the 2011 remaster because of the many improvements and features it introduced. Best of all, it's just $4.99, so you can'y go wrong. Unless you're not a fan of 2D platformers...

OUTSTANDING