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Sonic CD dual remix album tackles the regional soundtrack debate
The game music aficionados at OverClocked Remixed have released a lengthy and comprehensive Sonic CD remix album, honoring the game's 20th anniversary and addressing its hotly debated dual-soundtrack release. The Temporal Duality album brings together 39 artists for a three-disc collection of 38 arranged tracks based on compositions from Masafumi Ogata, Naofumi Hataya, Spencer Nilsen, David Young and Sterling Crew. Fans have argued for years over whether Sonic CD's original Japanese soundtrack or its completely different North American counterpart is superior, but Temporal Duality balances out with tracks from both versions, letting listeners decide for themselves. (Editor's biased opinion: They're both great, but the US soundtrack is superior since it's connected so closely with his Sega CD-owning misfit childhood. Your opinion will likely differ.)
Sonic CD travels through time, lands on Ouya
Sega's time-traveling 16-bit platformer Sonic CD is now available for download via the Ouya's Discover store, joining previously released Ouya ports of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2. Originally released for the Sega CD add-on in 1993, Sonic CD arrived on Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and mobile platforms in 2011 as an enhanced port built using a custom engine. The Ouya version of Sonic CD offers the same set of features as the 2011 port, including widescreen support and the addition of Tails as a playable character. The Ouya version of Sonic CD is priced at $2.99.
Sonic 4 episodes now on Ouya; Sonic CD coming 'soon'
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 are now available on Ouya. Episode 1 allows Ouya owners free access to the Splash Hill Zone, while Episode 2 offers up its first two stages gratis. Each episode costs $6.99 to unlock the full experience. Sega previously revealed that 1993's Sonic CD, arguably the peak in the series, would launch on Ouya in June, but that obviously didn't happen. Instead, we're left to expect Sonic CD on the Ouya "soon," per Sega of America's latest update.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month
Sega announced plans to support the Android-powered Ouya console after its public launch later this month with a trio of Sonic the Hedgehog releases. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Sonic 4: Episode 2, and Sonic CD will be released in the Ouya Store on June 27 for $7 each. All three games were previously released for iOS and Android devices, though the Ouya ports are optimized for the console's Tegra 3 processor, and will have free trial versions available in the Ouya Store. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Sega of America Director of Mobile Business David Zemke praised Ouya's "disruptive technology," and expressed the company's desire "to see what these technologies can do and be a part of it from the beginning." Zemke also addressed the potential for future Ouya releases. "We're always looking for other titles and there may be some future titles that we'd like to bring over," he said. "For us, we're always trying to bring the best gaming experience to the right platforms. It's a delicate mix of how and when to do it." The Ouya will launch on June 25.
Sega games running to Samsung mobile hubs, some for free
Samsung Apps and Game Hub services, both providing mobile gaming to Samsung devices such as the Galaxy S 2, are getting a little more blue. A selection of Sega games are available now on Apps and Game Hub, including Sonic CD, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and 2, and Chu Chu Rocket! Hitting later on is Virtua Tennis Challenge and Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition.Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 is available for free for a limited time on the Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. A special edition of Virtua Tennis Challenge will also be free for a limited time on the Galaxy 3 smartphone.
Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.Update: As it turns out, these soundtracks have been available since last year or earlier. Sega decided to nest the announcement of forthcoming Episode 1 and Episode 2 soundtracks within a reiteration of the availability of its other musical offerings.
Sega Valentine's Day sale starts today for mobile titles
For some, Valentine's Day is a sweet occasion. Happy couples the world over will be lounging back, nibbling on an array of chocolate delights before partaking in the annual somersault contest that ensues. You know, like how our parents used to do before they got all old and stuff.For us loners, the holiday is a day of self-indulgent sobbing and darkness, but it doesn't have to be. If you're in the market for some iOS or Android games, you can snuggle up to Sonic and company through Sega's Valentine's Day sale starting today and running through the 14th.Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 and Sonic CD lead the charge of discounted downloads for iOS and Android users, both half off, while iDevices also see considerable price cuts down to $.99 on Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and Super Monkey Ball. Gunstar Hero, Altered Beast and Virtua Fighter 2 are also on sale for a buck each.For the full list of what's on sale, hit the source link below.
Sonic CD was December's top PSN game
Not that we're necessarily surprised by Sonic CD taking the number-one spot on December's PSN charts, but it's always a little sobering when the classics of yesteryear outsell brand-new titles like Trine 2. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, friends.Well, the fact that Sonic CD is arguably the best 2D Sonic game of all time probably has something to do with it too, but we all know most of us bought it just to hear Sonic Boom again. Hop past the break for the full list of December's best-selling PSN titles.
Sonic CD, Sonic 4, Generations DLC and more hit Steam today
A whole mess of Sonic the Hedgehog content has rolled onto Steam today. First up, Sonic CD, which has already debuted on PSN, Xbox Live and mobile platforms, has now made its way to Valve's ubiquitous service. Joining it is Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and the Sonic Generations "Casino Nights" DLC that was previously scheduled to arrive on December 26. Though it's not a Sonic game, Sega's free-to-play Spiral Knights is getting some Sonic-themed content as well. Players can pick up a Metal Sonic costume or a Tails accessory (i.e. a pair of fox tails). Spiral Knights is free, but these items are not. The Metal Sonic costume comes free with Steam copies of Sonic CD, while the Tails accessory will require an in-game energy purchase. Both items are available until February 1. Head over to Sega's blog to check out images of the new goodies.
Daily iPad App: Sonic CD
Honestly, I can't really profess to be that big a Sonic fan. I like and have played most of the 2D iterations of Sega's headline platformer series on the Genesis, the Game Gear, and most recently, iOS. But I'm not a superfan by any means, and if I've ever played Sonic CD before, I don't remember. I certainly never owned it (though I do remember renting a Sega CD with a friend and playing Night Trap and Sewer Shark over a few weekends). All that said, Sonic CD, release just recently as a universal app for iOS, seems to me to be an exceptionally faithful port of what I do remember about Sonic, offering up colorful graphics, strong controls (performed with a virtual pad and jump button, and all of the standard complaints that come with virtual controls), and a great Sonic soundtrack. I do know that Sonic CD is heralded as one of the best Sonic 2D games, and this version of it comes off as a loving recreation of the original title. Especially on the iPad, these varied and well-designed worlds are big, bright, and beautiful to behold. And Sonic CD for iOS also offers a nice mix of old-school spareness with modern features. There are achievements and online leaderboards, but they're buried in very old-school style menus and are out of the way as you play the old games. I recently said that the Grand Theft Auto port was the best console recreation I'd seen on the iPad, but Sonic CD definitely gives that title a run for its money. It's very well done. Plus, the game's only $2.99 for the universal app, which makes this one a no-brainer. You do have to enjoy Sonic's frenzied platformer gameplay, but whether you're a Sonic CD veteran or never got a chance to play this version of the running hedgehog, this one's worth a look.
PSN Tuesday: Sonic CD, Trine 2 and Apples to Apples
This week's PSN Update brings with it three highly anticipated downloadable titles: Sonic CD, a game you may have never had the chance to play; Trine 2, a sequel to a game you may have already played; and Apples to Apples, a game your sisters' kids play all the time. This week's downloadable offerings are joined by a cornucopia of DLC for titles such as Street Fighter III: Third Strike, LittleBigPlanet 2, Gran Turismo 5, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon and many, many more. For the full list of what's new this week, hit up the source link below.
The art and design of Sonic CD explained
Maybe you thought the development of Sonic CD was simple. "Just make a few levels, throw in a metal Sonic and add time travel – what's so hard about that?" you derisively mused. Turns out there's more to it than you think, as revealed by Sonic Team art director, Kazuyuki Hoshino.
Xbox Live schedule: Sonic CD is $5, Rock of Ages half price, more!
Major Nelson has dropped yet another Xbox Live knowledge bomb, this time revealing upcoming Xbox Live Arcade titles, the latest Deal of the Week promotion and more. In addition to Joe Danger and a heaping helping of DLC, Xbox Live Arcade will receive Sonic CD this week, with the Blue Blur clocking in at a mere five bucks. Also, in a surprising twist, Sonic CD will include both the Japanese and American soundtracks, meaning "Sonic Boom" will indeed be heard by a new generation. Meanwhile, Trine 2 will make its XBLA debut on December 21 for $15. Moving on to Deal of the Week, this week covers "Japan's Finest," offering Hard Corps: Uprising and Radiant Silvergun at $7.50 each, while Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury and Guwange can be had for $5 apiece. Next week's deal will see the Rock of Ages price chipped down to a very reasonable $5, providing an excellent method for settling any family arguments during Christmas dinner. Head over to Major Nelson for the full release schedule.
Sonic CD trailer shows a game from another Sonic generation
We're all wondering whether it'll be possible for Sonic Generations to capture the best aspects of classic Sonic. Meanwhile, Sega has another release coming up that is guaranteed to do so. Just ignore that bit about "seeing where the Sonic 4 saga began."
Sonic CD out on almost everything this year (with Japanese soundtrack)
Sega has officially announced an upcoming re-release of Sonic CD for nearly every device under the sun. Sonic CD will speed its way onto Xbox Live, PSN, PC, iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android and Windows Phone 7 "late" this year. Alas, it looks like a WiiWare release isn't in the cards, presumably because the game and its (Sega) CD-quality soundtrack would exceed Nintendo's storage limit. Speaking of the soundtrack, Sonic CD will feature music from the Japanese and European version. Overall, the Japanese soundtrack is generally regarded as better than its American counterpart ... however, it doesn't include the classic title track "Sonic Boom," which was created for the American version. We suppose you can't have everything. As previously revealed, Sonic CD will be playable at PAX later this week.
Sonic CD coming to XBLA, playable at PAX [update]
Major Nelson, majordomo of all things Xbox, took to his blog this afternoon and posted a detailed list of all the games and events that will be spread out across Microsoft's five booths at this week's Penny Arcade Expo. It's about what you'd expect; Gears of War 3 Horde mode, Forza 4, Mass Effect 3, etc, until you get to the list of Booth 432's XBLA titles. Right near the end, snuggled squarely between Retro City Rampage and War of the Worlds, is an unannounced XBLA port of Sonic CD. We've reached out to Major Nelson and Sega for comment, but as of yet no additional confirmation has been provided by either party. We suspect they're too enthralled by Sonic CD's masterful theme song to even move, let alone respond to our e mails. Update: A communique has hit our inbox from Sega PR: "We don't have any details at this time, but we'll be sharing some more information soon."
Fan gets Sonic CD running on iPhone
Yesterday, Sega solicited ideas for games to bring to the iPhone platform. Well, here's a suggestion, with a visual aid: How about Sonic CD? Using a custom engine called the "Retro Software Development Kit," Christian Whitehead put together a demo of Sonic CD running on the iPhone. It looks pretty much like Sonic CD, which is impressive considering that he rebuilt the game from scratch rather than porting the original source (except, presumably, for graphics). In fact, just about the only problem we can see from the demo is outside of Whitehead's control -- the fact that the iPhone doesn't have any buttons. A note was posted yesterday to the Sega Twitter account indicating that the company had been made sufficiently aware of the demo, with the PR rep promising to "bring it up at our brainstorming meeting." Hopefully the ideas brought up at this brainstorming meeting don't include suing this guy. [Thanks, cuteSAVAGE!]
