Sonic CD is my favorite game ever purely because of the soundtracks (plural) and maybe the level asthetic and art style. I also like the level design but i never really noticed why until now
Sonic CD is an amazing game, but its also a polarizing one, not because it necessarily has any flaws, but because it veers away from the roots of Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and S&K. Its like the black sheep of the family, but a very very good black sheep.
@@BitchChill I didnt necessarily have a problem with the gameplay in and of itself (the controls and mechanics were good), but rather it was the unconventional level design. For many, Sonic CD's level layouts were more confusing and having to complete all versions of the levels (past, present & future) was a bit more challenging for those that were used to the more straight-forward approach of Sonic 1, 2, 3 and K.
@@AscendedEmperor I mostly agree with that opinion, but no one can deny the fun of green hill zone and it was way more fun for me than anything in sonic CD. Then again I am a little bias considering it was one of my first games and my first sonic game.
Sonic CD is my second favorite 2D sonic game of all time. I have so much fun exploring each zone. And that Metal sonic bad future theme playing during the boss fight is absolutely thrilling. Also, Sonic CD has the best OST of all the 2D sonic games. The JP and US versions have absolute bangers.
Easily the most overhated Sonic game out there. I remember the good old days when everyone still liked this game. I always loved Sonic CD, and I'll never stop loving it. It's actually my third favorite classic Sonic game, only behind Sonic 3 and Mania. I never minded the level design, and everything else about the game is still fantastic. As someone who always prefers the exploration aspect of Classic Sonic, this game is right up my alley. I seriously hope everyone here who is still divided on this game gives it a second chance.
Man I had a similar experience, when I was young I was like "Yeah nah not a big fan of sonic CD" but litterally today I was going on a binge play of all the classic sonic games and got to sonic CD and simply went "wait... this isn't as bad as I remember it... in fact... this is genius"
I consider it my favorite 2D sonic actually. Because the story was different it’s because he could travel time made it more unique. It had the ability to make three zones, feel a little more unique as you travel through them. Obviously, the assets in a lot of ways were reused, but it expanded that sonic could do more than just run fast, and to be honest that matters a lot even to this day and this is why you see sonic frontiers the way it is where are you can do way more than just run fast the only way for sonic. They truly survive. Is they have good games, and the only way to truly continue to make sonic. Feel unique is to open up his gameplay open up a story. The movies helped a lot with this, but it can be continued to be built upon.
Sonic CD to me will always be one of the most unique games in the series. If anything CD places a stronger emphasis on exploration. Especially when it comes to getting the Good Future in each zone. That hidden level of depth always made it stand out to me. While some aspects haven't aged well Sonic CD will always be a beloved gem in my eyes.
Now you fully understand why CD was my most loved classic title before Mania came along. With like every playthrough, I get all the Generators AND the Time Stones, though I have to wait till Metallic Madness Act 2 to get the final Special Stage so I can get that TRUE 100% completion rating. Is it a pain? Yes. But Sonic CD is like cracking your joints: it's noticeable at first, but then it feels good. REALLY good.
I feel like the JP soundtrack focuses on Sonics viewpoint while the US soundtrack focuses on the levels themselves. Both are amazing but for me I prefer the US because it’s a more relax and soothing experience suited for exploration…the JP soundtracks makes me want to go fast…the US soundtrack makes me want to explore
I’ve always held Sonic CD a special place in my heart, its the second sonic game I’ve ever played, i loved the idea of metal sonic, past, present, and future themes and the wild variety of levels and how colorful it is, I’m happy some people recognize how underrated this game truly is. Edit: WHATS UP WITH YOU AND UNLEASH RANDOMLY FACE REVEALING, IS THIS SOME SORT OF TREND?!?!?
I feel like Sonic CD is a game you kind of have to get used to before you can enjoy it. Some clicked instantly but I'm still trying to find what makes it so fun to others
I had a feeling Matt would talk about the stuff controls in the special stage and my answer to that is because the 2011 port changed how Sonic turns in them, if you play Sonic CD Restored it actually, restores, the turning of how it used to be on the Sega CD
They should use the timeline mechanics again but this time you are always heading towards the bad future and the changes occur in that run. E.i., , you run through the stage and don't help any animal or destroy the machines and by 3/4 of the stage it transitions to the desolate future. The difficulty should also increase when you let it get bad.
Aesthetically speaking, I love the darker tone of Sonic CD. The music style, the time travel, and the bad future designs really gives it an extra layer of uniqueness. I wish newer Sonic games can try going back to this unique tone. The bad future made the game feel like it is as dark as the Shadow the Hedgehog(game) to me. As for the gameplay, at first I dislike how Sonic CD was being too different with too many mechanics, but I didn't mind it too much afterwards when I try to go slower. I also start to appreciate how the level layout changes depending on which timeline you are currently in.
Sonic CD was that kinda game that was a "hidden gem", but now that it released, people considered it to be very mediocre. I found Sonic CD to be an Open-Zone game but entirely in 2D. The exploration is my favorite part of the game, and I've never gotten bored of it exploring through the levels of Palmtree Panic, Collision Chaos, Quartz Quadrant, Metallic Madness and Stardust Speedway. The OSTs are REALLY good as well, especially the JP OST. The way the soundtracks accompany the tone and mood of the Past, Present, Good Future, and Bad Future screams masterpiece. Out of all my playthroughs, most of them were when I always got the Good Future of every zone (by doing the Time Stones because I find looking for the generators really tedious in my opinion.) I love this classic Sonic game, and I prefer it over Sonic 2 (
People consider it that way now because the same IGN guy who said "sonic was never good" said sonic cd was the best game so every started hating on it.
I prefer it over all classic Sonic games including Mania its the only classic sonic game I ever managed to finish besides Sonic 1 I actually find the other classic sonic games too challenging especially Sonic 2 (metropolis) and 3 (Sandopolis act 2)
@@loweni7460 Even for people who don't think S3&K is hard don't like Sandopolis. In fact for me it's often a run killer, mostly because of how not fun that act (And Sandopolis as a whole) is in general tbh.
BTW Something you overlooked, Sonic CD already nuanced the "nature vs technology" theme Sonic 1 set up by having every single good future still be very technological, *but have the technology working in harmony with the nature*
The main reason people give the game a lot of crap is because of their intended play style. People want to be able to time travel whenever they want as soon as they touch a sign instead of having to use their brain and figure out a solution. Every act of every zone has a spot where time travel is pretty much automatic, so if you aren’t confident in your ability to do it manually the game helps you with less satisfying means of time travel like 2 springs, but with enough effort and technique you can time travel whenever you want however you want. And the zones are so beautifully crafted that once you’ve completed your objective in finding the generators, you can beat the stage in no time flat, the stages feel huge whenever you’re exploring but the second you decide it’s time to leave you can beat pretty much every zone in less than a minute. The mechanics and level design are more well thought than people give it credit, at first glance the game seems jumbled and is a counter intuitive mess, but everything flows together once you’ve found that flow.
Here is something I will say about Sonic CD. A CZcamsr I really appreciate, Exoparadigmgamer talked about a few time the principle of the Sega Learning Curve. This is basically when a video game can be a very harsh experience for a newer player that doesn't offer much, but becomes a game with tons of depth that rewards skilled players after multiple playthroughs. The main reason why it is called the Sega Learning Curve, is because the one franchise that takes a lot of its appeal from the Sega Learning Curve, is Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic can have very odd controls for beginner players, and the level design can sometime be really punishing, but once you get good at the game, you can go super fast, and destroy everything on your path, and look cool while doing it. In fact, there are some Sonic games that once you play and conquer their Sega Learning Curve goes from an okay Sonic experience, to one of the best games in the franchise. Sonic Colors for example is a game that I ear quite a few Sonic fan criticize, and I think a lot of it comes from the fact playing it in one single normal playthrough isn't the most enjoyable way to play this game. But once you try to get all of the S ranks, try to master all the wisps and the level design, try to boost at the right time rather than pushing it constantly like in Unleashed or Generations, this is where this game's full potential truly shine, and from what I've heard, most people who appreciate this game are also those who took the time to master that game. Fully mastering Sonic Colors made this game arguably my favorite Sonic game ever at the moment (I didn't play that much Sonic games though, so it might change, but I did play Sonic Mania, so...). Even Sonic Forces becomes somewhat fun when you try to get all collectibles or most notably, try to make the few time trial challenges. However, Sonic CD is a probably a good example of a Sega Learning Curve that is so hard to conquer and asks so many playthroughs, that I and many other players can't put the time to conquer it. Once you conquer it, it seems like it is one of the best Sonic experiences ever, seeing how much you liked replaying this game after playing it so many time. However, as someone who actually broke all the generators in his first playthrough, I can tell you that it takes way more than 1 playthrough with that objective in mind to appreciate this game's brilliance, because you need to know really everything about this mess of a game. So I think that Sonic CD is an hidden masterpiece that is unfortunately extremely unaccessible for most people, more than any other Sonic games.
Honestly, I don't particularly see it still. While I did enjoy my time with Colors Ultimate more than Colors, partially because I understood the game better and went for 100%, there is only so much that mastery can do for certain pieces of gameplay. Like how the dark mission of the Doom and the Hero Mission of Lost Impact in StH are still cryptonite, even after that game became one of my favorites in the series. And that is Colors in a nutshell. Learning the game pushed it from a game I despised to a game that is ok, but that I still dislike because of its mountain of "this just ain't working, chief". Heck, one of the bosses is essencially pure luck to S-rank.
@@lpfan4491 Yeah. The thing is, for some people, there are games which playing them after mastering them still leaves some problems they can't overcome, and as a result, you could they didn't fully conquer the learning curve, in the same way I didn't fully conquer CD's learning curve, and therefore still have problems with that game.
Just wanna say this comment and research of the learning curve made me change my entire views on Sonic. Got all the collectibles in Colors Ultimate, playing through the genesis games again and about to finish CD!
I have always loved sonic cd but I always went the special stage route. I have always destroyed some of the generators but never destroyed all of them. Your video has inspired me to go back and go after all the generators! Great video!
Sonic 3&K may have higher highs, but Sonic CD has the highest lows. It's the only classic game where there isn't a single zone that I dread on replays (Labyrinth/Metropolis/Marble Garden/Mirage Saloon Act 1 S&T) and I know I will have a good time from start to finish. Also, this game is so memorable and unique! As such, this is my the most replayed Classic Sonic game. Mostly mobile version, when I'm on computer I'd rather play 3D game.
@Gnidel first time someones said that in my experience lol. I like it for Stardust Speedway, introducing Amy, the Superpeel Out, and introducing Metal Sonic. Other than that, I really don't like it. The spindash just feels wrong, I'm not a fan of the time travel mechanic, bosses feel too easy and/or too long(Example, the boss in where Eggman drops the thing down and you run on the treadmill. The Metal Sonic boss is perfect, in fact I wish it was longer). Not to mention, most bosses in the game feel like if Sonic was a real person, he'd be smart enough to just skip them. Again, goung back to the Collision Chaos boss, Eggman only drops down after Sonic hits him, so he could just leave. And as you can probably tell, I do not care one bit for Wacky Workbench. It's a good idea executed poorly in my opinion. I also don't like the drowning "theme" if you can even call it that. But that's just my take, I guess.
You don't actually need to destroy the Metal Sonic holograms, just the generators. I love how its your choice how to play the game. Explore and get the Good Futures. Or Speed through and get the Bad Futures. Sometimes the two aren't even mutually exclusive which I absolutely adore. Hell, there's even two ways of getting the best ending, the Time Stones or the Generators. This game encourages different playstyles over the span of multiple playthroughs and I LOVE it.
Hey man just wanted to say thanks, I've been playing CD looking for the generators and it's truly a whole different experience The levels are way more fun, when you find a clever way to use the level to time travel it's very gratifying, and you can enjoy the music so much more I love traveling to the Good Future before finishing each level so I can see the payoff to Sonic's effort to save Little Planet, and the heavenly utopian music makes it so emotional and meaningful *Thank you so much for making this video, without your opinion I'd never be able to appreciate Sonic CD and give it the love it deserves!*
Sonic CD has so many ways to play it, especially the Chris Whitehead versions. You can play it like every other Sonic, gather the 7 stones and get the good ending. -Destroy all of the robot generators and Metal Sonic holograms in the past. -Speed run the levels (you can finish every zone in under a minute or so) -collect all of the rings from each stage (present, bad future, past, and good future) thus pushing your extra lives into the double digits.
Sonic CD is the only game on the classic Sonic that I have not played, but having played recently, to put it mildly, I was in a culture shock, because the ideas of other games in the series were completely different, despite the disadvantages of this game, it left me positive emotions, and this is the only game where I could easily get a good ending
Gotta say…I was in the same exact boat you were in. I originally thought it was mediocre but this video made me want to play sonic cd in the way it was intended, and for that, thank you.
I’m glad your loving cd! This game was my first sonic game ever and the environment was uncomfortable but since I never played a sonic game at the time, I decided to explore the game and not just try to go fast because like you said the stages was big vertically and I had a blast! Definitely my favorite classic sonic game and I hope everyone else starts to try this game again and start to love it :)
I developed a personal way that I like to play Sonic CD. Ever since I started to play like this, I absolutely fell in love with the game. It goes like this: whenever I start a stage, I go to the bad future. Then I get at least an extra life there (cause you get to explore the level enough to listen to those badass songs), then come back to the present, then to the past, to break the machine and the hologram. After that I just go to the good future and get at least another extra life before finishing the level. I know this might not be for everyone, cause YES, you're gonna die to a time over in almost every stage (that's one of the reasons I get the extra life in the bad future), but you get to explore the level really well - in a way that you can't do in other classic games - get rewarded a lot for the exploration, and you also get to listen to all the versions of those gorgeous songs.
This game embodies the best of the classic sonic games The music was absolutely insane The Easter eggs were both awe inspiring and at times downright disturbing The first time we hear sonic spea in a game, kinda He did that run dash thing Robotniks US theme was something out of a Nine Inch Nails nightmare It was like the classic games, but with a fun strangeness to it
This video legit changed how I viewed Sonic CD. I've always thought CD as a good sonic game, but generally just viewed it as "The superior Sonic 1 and nothing else". I've never done a generator only run, only getting all the time stones since I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone since CD's level design seemed weird and off putting to me. 2 days ago I replayed CD dedicating myself to only get the good ending by destroying all of the generators, and since then I've replayed the game like 4 freaking times trying to improve my runs. Holy cow. Once I finally started branching out and looking for the generators, the level design in CD kinda clicked for me. I still think some parts of it are weird, of course, that's just part of the games unique identity after all, but I went from thinking it was really weak to potentially really fun once you memorize the level design more and more. I will admit, I did install a few mods (I was playing on the decomp after all) but it was just small touch ups like restoring the past music, adding the drop dash, ect. Nothing that really changes the games core identity. I went from thinking the game was pretty good at most to loving it and considering it one of my favorite Sonic games now. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on this game🙏
i think the coolest piece of level layout from this game is in Wacky Workbench, there are some walls with a tube that kinda just look like decoration, but you can actually go inside them and pop out in an open elevated corridor that normally doesn't have collision and stays in the background, it's awesome to walk inside it makes me feel like im walking on the scenery
I downloaded quote a few of the classic Sonic games to play on mobile and Sonic CD is my favorite out of them. Not completely sure why- but I like the designs of the levels and I find the time travel aspect very interesting. Also, the soundtrack is really good too.
Outside of what is essencially multiple playable characters, Majora's Mask is pretty close to design of other Zeldagames tho, especially with the controversial 3DS remake cutting the waiting-element out with the song of double time being reworked; the timer is rarely there for more than cool special effects. Sonic CD meanwhile barely shares any proper design-throughline with the other games of it's series.
Sonic CD was my first-ever video game back in 1996 or 1997, I think (aging myself a bit here). It came with my family’s first computer. I played it to death and I loved it. I still love it now, and I would consider it tied with S3K and Mania for my favorite Sonic games. And the soundtracks are my favorite in the entire series, though I will say the US soundtrack is more my jam. CD will always have a very special place in my heart.
With this type of level design, they should've maybe left out traditional goal posts entirely and focused the zones on finding things and reaching places. Maybe throw in some kind of radar function.
actually this game was probably the most sonic-like game ever made, it enhances every aspect of sonic 1, letting you explore the levels in multiple paths and timelines, the surreal visuals were extremely enhanced and even the soundtrack sounds way more funky what i mean is that it takes the original concepts for sonic 1 and greatly expands on them, aspects that most people dont really notice (or dont like) that aren't very present in the other games
I agree that this is the most understood sonic game! I love this game so much and I love the futuristic levels and music they put in this game! I love all of the new sonic stuff they put in this game and the new sonic running animation and I love the story for this game to! 😁 SONIC BOOOOOM IS ONE OF THE BEST SONIC SONGS EVER AND I LOVE THAT THEY MADE THAT SONG THE THEME FOR THIS GAME!!! 😁 Have a blessed day everyone and Matt! 😁💙🙏
That was a great video! imo Sonic cd always had this atmosphere that no other classic games quite had and set precedent for some of my favorite aspects in the franchise I think metal's holograms aren't mandatory to destroy tho
Sonic CDeez Nuts is truly one of the most classic sonic game of all time, when sonic yelled it's CDin Time when he was about to race metal sonic my balls dropped and out came tears from my eyes, Sonic CD the most classic song game of all time for a reason without it we wouldn't have [girl sonic] and [steel sonic]
Great video! Yeah, this is exactly why Sonic CD is one of my favorite Sonic games, too. It is quite unique with some of its elements compared to the other Sonic games. As a little kid playing this game, though, I didn't really understand the time mechanics, so I didn't enjoy it as much as other Sonic games at the time. However, when I grew up and finally understood what you needed to do, I loved the whole concept! I wished other 2D Sonic games had played with this mechanic again. Some of the Robot Generators were a bit cryptic like Wacky Workbench Act 1, but I still mostly enjoy the level design. The soundtrack (both US and Japanese/Europe) are excellent and one of my favorite game soundtracks of all time. I do actually prefer that it is shorter than other Sonic games as it makes it easier to replay. Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic 2 can be a bit of a slog due to them being quite a bit longer than CD. All in all, it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but CD does so many things right in my book and I'll continue to play it for many years!
Even though I'm not really the biggest fan of CD I have to admit that there are a lot of elements to it that doesn't exist in other Sonic games and has a uniqueness which no other game has been able to capture. So while it's not my type I do think it deserves all the love it gets.
Just finished getting achievements for the Sonic CD 2011 release I bought on steam years ago and immediately was looking for videos about this game. This video essentially boiled down everything I was feeling about the game with my only 8 hours of playtime with the game. I already want to ramble to my friends why I liked my comparatively short time with this game but you do it very well as someone with more experience than myself.
Well damn… I’ve always been a person to dislike CD, but you just made me see this game in a whole different light, I think I will go back and play it sometime and try to understand it myself 👍🏼
Sonic cd is a lot of fun. It’s personality is unforgettable. I just finished a game of it. I love the exploration aspect of it. The drop dash in origins let’s me cheese time travel.
Thank you for saying it's your own bias on the US soundtrack and it's just preference. I completely respect that as someone who prefers the us soundtrack (by a little). I used to love the JP soundtrack more hut as i listen to the us soundtrack i started liking it more than the JP. Tidal tempest us present has got my attention since the beginning tho but i guess that's just one exception
No I think I understand it perfectly. It was a game made by people who were responsible for the worst levels in Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and after they made this game, Sega wisely decided never to do this again.
I love this game so much because I like how you have to use sonics physics in order to traverse the level. And the music is the best soundtrack for a video game I’ve heard in my life and I will die on that hill.
Sonic CD is my favorite of the classic games , when i was a kid i played the sonic cd demo on xbox live , i wanted to play that game so much that i played that demo a million times and when i finally got the game i knew what to expect and i enjoyed so much , its a hard game to Master but when you understand it the game feels so good , and the game is the more replayble of the classics there always something to discover and its great to just explore the levels , i played that game a million times and i still dont now everything.
Sonic CD was peak Sonic Everything from the exploration directly rewarding you with beautiful good futures that directly tied into Classic Sonic's theme of environmentalism to the gorgeous two soundtracks made for the game that encapsulate perfectly each zones to Sonic's portrayal in the intro and Eggman's role as a terrible threat to nature as a whole God this game is so good, not perfect because Wacky Workbench and Stardust Speedway are awful but still beautiful Closest that came to it was Mania
This game knew its soundtrack was amazing and launched it into the future, if you put it in a regular CD player or later (as i found out) in a PlayStation it pulled up separate sound files for the music tracks and you can flip through them just like a ordinary CD
Sonic CD is the only classic Sonic I missed out on as a kid (for obvious reason). I played it for the first time as an adult on Sonic Gems Collection and instantly fell in love with it. So unique and great with not one, but two awesome soundtracks. I've always thought how much I would've been blown away if I got to play that one as a kid too. Sonic CD is among the very best with 3&K and Mania.
Sonic CD was actually my first Sonic game 100% (with the generators AND the Time Stones). I felt so proud when i achieved true 100%!! Then i replayed the game on Sonic CD restored and i LOVED IT!! I recommend when they patch the error that appears when trying to open the game. (Sorry for bad English, it isn't my first language)
Slight correction ,Little Planet appears once a month not a year (appart from that ,very good review)Finally someone understands what Sonic CD is all about!!
Yes Sonic CD is underrated, it's a great game, it's got a fantastic soundtrack (JP and US) it's got very good level design, it was also the first game to introduce Metal Sonic and Amy. The time travel mechanic is really good and fun! Also it's really fun to explore and there are loads of Secrets. (Like 5 days ago I found a secret in Tidal Tempest)
CD is really fun when you play it the time travel way, it’s fun going back to the past and search for the generators, it’s cool seeing the good future variants of every zone. The banger music accompanying the gameplay is eargasm, the JP ost specifically and the environments are beautiful and pleasing to look at. The only thing I dislike about this game is Wacky Workbench, Metallic Madness and the boss fights
I just wish it was easier to time travel after messing it up. You lose the sparkle after almost gaining enough speed, then do it again or hit a future sign after your last past one. Now what? It's so annoying.
Luckily, In sonic origins, the drop dash allows you to just drop dash, jump quickly, turn around while preparing another drop dash, and then let go and repeat til you are able to go back in time
Unpopular opinion I actually love the special stages in Sonic CD and in fact the whole entire concept of retrieving the Time Stones just works in the game for me in terms of restoring the future back into the light.But I know for a fact that I sound crazy but if you really play the levels more in this game you will really appreciate it.
Funnily enough, Sonic CD is a LOT like Pizza Tower. At first, if you just play the game like a classic (I.E. sonic 3 or super mario respectively) you SUCK SO BAD, and you start to hate it. But, then, when you go around, figure out the new mechanics, look at the level, you go "Wait a second... That spring/forknight can actually help me keep my combo/get up on to that ledge. And then it clicks. And from there, it is only up. You learn, speed run, panic, and figure out how to use everything around you along with your own moveset in order to speed your way through. Just think about it. Both games are constantly throwing new art and level designs at you and constantly changing the gimmicks. Sure, you could just walk around, pick up a toppin and get a shield, or you could work. And you can plot. And you can freak out as you get that P rank or find the new fastest way to get to that metal sonic projector. The more I think about this, the more it makes sense: This kind of game is the perfect combo of explorer and platformer: Plaporer. The name is stupid I know, but you will come to love it, just as you come to love the games after playing them a few times. If anyone found this interesting, I have succeeded. Goodbye! Insta edit 20 seconds later: Plus, they have amazing soundtracks and environments that are very carefully made. And no, getting everything perfect, all P ranks, or all the time stones and generators and holo projectors does not make a HUGE impact on the ending of/or the game, but these are not supposed to do that. They are supposed to make an impact on YOU! YOU are the one who figured out how to do it and showed the skill and growth, so it is no wonder why YOU would feel so impacted! Good job doing it, and be glad that you are epic enough to do it!
i never knew there was different ways to get the best ending! i just did both getting good futures AND chaos emeralds, sonic cds quickly becoming a favourite
Whats intersting about Sonic CD is how it is more similiar to Sonic 1 than it is to Sonic 2 and Sonic 3&K . So I had a thought that Sonic CD is a better continuation to Sonic 1 than Sonic 2 , Sonic CD improves alot from Sonic 1 but is at the same time trying not to overshadow the first game .
You forgot about the most polarizing part of Sonic CD back then... It's chronological position, oh god, the fights I've seen before Origins, were wild. Good video, btw.
yooo lets go you made this video, this has to be my second or third favorite sonic game (mania and unleashed are just too good), thanks for making this!
I know this really cool trick with the peel-out: Roll after letting go the charge! Keep rolling by holding down! This is a really cool trick! I call this trick: The super ROLL-OUT!!!
This!!! Sonic CD is built more for exploration more than just progression. You can do both but you will maximise the fun you have with the game by manipulating the level design to your advantage to time travel. The game does encourage speed but it just doesn't maintain flow for progression like sonic 2 which is probably why people found the design choices to be frustrating but when you want to explore to reach new areas or time travel, the level design compliments that immaculately to the point where you can find several opportunities to do so However upon my own experiences i did have a few grievances with the game at times specifically if trying to get the good future. 1. The level isn't long enough to allow you to experience the good future for a satisfactory amount of time. Because you would have to go to the past destroy the generator, travel to the present then travel to the future all in the same act. By the time you make it to the good future, theres not much level to experience. And the only way to experience the level fully is to either backtrack or restart. This is only an issue if you want to experience the whole level but nothing too offensive just something that i wish could have been improved on. Maybe the game should give you a option to pick a particular time for the zone after fully conpleting the game. 2. The time posts can be somewhat obstructive because when you work so hard to get a good future the past signs are sometimes in the way or unavoidable and you may accidentally time travel unintentionally when trying to go fast in the stage. I feel like the Good future should have fewer time posts or place them in locations that are avoidable. Overall i agree with this video. I still belive sonic 2 is a better game on paper just because the levels are more distinctive, the special stage is somewhat better (even though i hate the structure of collecting the emeralds in sonic 2), the level design balances speed with exploration here and there and you are actually rewarded with super sonic for collecting the emeralds as opposed to just a cutscene change. (Although the time stones do automatically create a good future in the zones after collecting them all but still you miss out on experiencing the good futures for 7 acts prior if you aint getting the generators in those zones) But i prefer CD just because of the style and the amount of replay value it has with its time travelling mechanic, along with the game making the player feel very involved by showing the impact of the zones based on your decisions with its aesthetical changes, the atmosphere with the music, the charm conveyed by sonic's shonen type personality. CD is a whole vibe
Your point about learning the layout of the levels in order to enjoy the game more applies to the special stages too - learn the placement and movements of the UFOs, and the special stages become much less frustrating.
Always a joy seeing people go back to cd which they once hated start to love it. People joke about level design being like knuckles chaotix and i just go along with it because yeah its like knuckles chaotix but more curvy and alternate routes. When it came to mobile i time attacked all the levels after beating the game for 5 months cause once you understand the level layouts it becomes insane how fast you can beat the levels. My most proud time was beating wacky workbench in 24 seconds. I could never do that anymore since i am not as good at CD as i used to be but CD is my favorite classic game because so much player and skill expression is there on top of the fun exploration. Also I prefer the US soundtrack for the conveyed atmosphere it brings and sonic boom.
Something I think a lot of people don't realize is that CD is actually the fastest 2d game to speedrun because every level has a way to pretty much fly over the top. IMO I prefer the idea behind the original and CD vs. how 2 and 3 started going for more set pieces and on-rails speed.
In my interpretation of the Cheers in Palmtree Panic Bad Future is that Eggman recorded the Cheers from the present and there are actually no one cheering in the future. It's just Eggman playing the cheers back to you to taught you for not saving the children who were cheering in the first place. Pretty Dark :(
Download Opera GX today here: mtchm.de/ppann
With that said, what's your opinion on Sonic CD?
It’s a good game, honestly quite underrated
I love Sonic CD. Once you become good at it, it's awesome to explore!
(P.S. The US soundtrack is amazing)
I'll download this right now 😁
Fantastic game, very underrated.
Sonic CD is my favorite game ever purely because of the soundtracks (plural) and maybe the level asthetic and art style. I also like the level design but i never really noticed why until now
Sonic CD is an amazing game, but its also a polarizing one, not because it necessarily has any flaws, but because it veers away from the roots of Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and S&K. Its like the black sheep of the family, but a very very good black sheep.
It's amazing in concept, sadly the game doesn't play well
@@BitchChill yeah it’s not nearly as fun as Sonic 1, 2 and 3.
@@adrielcruz2736 Sonic 1 is debatable for me
@@BitchChill I didnt necessarily have a problem with the gameplay in and of itself (the controls and mechanics were good), but rather it was the unconventional level design. For many, Sonic CD's level layouts were more confusing and having to complete all versions of the levels (past, present & future) was a bit more challenging for those that were used to the more straight-forward approach of Sonic 1, 2, 3 and K.
@@AscendedEmperor I mostly agree with that opinion, but no one can deny the fun of green hill zone and it was way more fun for me than anything in sonic CD. Then again I am a little bias considering it was one of my first games and my first sonic game.
Sonic CD is my second favorite 2D sonic game of all time. I have so much fun exploring each zone. And that Metal sonic bad future theme playing during the boss fight is absolutely thrilling.
Also,
Sonic CD has the best OST of all the 2D sonic games. The JP and US versions have absolute bangers.
I agree !!!!
Definitely agree
I agree to an insane degree
(Why did that have to rhyme?)
Us boss theme: am I a joke to you?
Sonic CD's soundtrack vaguely reminds me of the Sonic Rush soundtrack
Easily the most overhated Sonic game out there. I remember the good old days when everyone still liked this game.
I always loved Sonic CD, and I'll never stop loving it. It's actually my third favorite classic Sonic game, only behind Sonic 3 and Mania. I never minded the level design, and everything else about the game is still fantastic. As someone who always prefers the exploration aspect of Classic Sonic, this game is right up my alley. I seriously hope everyone here who is still divided on this game gives it a second chance.
Mania came out in 2016. It's not classic
@@BitchChill You do know what Classic Sonic game means, right?
Yeah along with Heroes
@@lpfan4491 Yes, and Mania doesn't fit the criteria
@@BitchChill Yes, it does and no you don't.
Man I had a similar experience, when I was young I was like "Yeah nah not a big fan of sonic CD" but litterally today I was going on a binge play of all the classic sonic games and got to sonic CD and simply went "wait... this isn't as bad as I remember it... in fact... this is genius"
Finally someone givin this masterpiece credit
*garbage
Yes
@@piranhalettuce If you don't like the video or game don't watch it or play it no one is forcing you to you're acting like a 10 year old
@@piranhalettuce then it's just not for you. doesn't make it bad
@@piranhalettucemy man showed up just to bring everyone down
I consider it my favorite 2D sonic actually. Because the story was different it’s because he could travel time made it more unique. It had the ability to make three zones, feel a little more unique as you travel through them. Obviously, the assets in a lot of ways were reused, but it expanded that sonic could do more than just run fast, and to be honest that matters a lot even to this day and this is why you see sonic frontiers the way it is where are you can do way more than just run fast the only way for sonic. They truly survive. Is they have good games, and the only way to truly continue to make sonic. Feel unique is to open up his gameplay open up a story. The movies helped a lot with this, but it can be continued to be built upon.
Sonic CD to me will always be one of the most unique games in the series. If anything CD places a stronger emphasis on exploration. Especially when it comes to getting the Good Future in each zone. That hidden level of depth always made it stand out to me. While some aspects haven't aged well Sonic CD will always be a beloved gem in my eyes.
Now you fully understand why CD was my most loved classic title before Mania came along.
With like every playthrough, I get all the Generators AND the Time Stones, though I have to wait till Metallic Madness Act 2 to get the final Special Stage so I can get that TRUE 100% completion rating.
Is it a pain? Yes. But Sonic CD is like cracking your joints: it's noticeable at first, but then it feels good. REALLY good.
Extremely true!
I see you went with the Ultimate Challenge, killing two Eggmen with one stone.
@@robbiewalker2831 Killing two Eggmen with one blue hedgehog.
That's possibly the best metaphor I've heard to describe this game lol
I feel like the JP soundtrack focuses on Sonics viewpoint while the US soundtrack focuses on the levels themselves. Both are amazing but for me I prefer the US because it’s a more relax and soothing experience suited for exploration…the JP soundtracks makes me want to go fast…the US soundtrack makes me want to explore
I feel the exact same way…aside from the US Game Over theme…that gave 6 year old me nightmares😅
I’ve always held Sonic CD a special place in my heart, its the second sonic game I’ve ever played, i loved the idea of metal sonic, past, present, and future themes and the wild variety of levels and how colorful it is, I’m happy some people recognize how underrated this game truly is.
Edit: WHATS UP WITH YOU AND UNLEASH RANDOMLY FACE REVEALING, IS THIS SOME SORT OF TREND?!?!?
we've known matt's face for a while actually, he's used his face in a lot of vids
@@TehWildcardBeats randomly tho, he does it when he feels like it.
@@drip_hyper0344you must've been new here then lol
I feel like Sonic CD is a game you kind of have to get used to before you can enjoy it. Some clicked instantly but I'm still trying to find what makes it so fun to others
I had a feeling Matt would talk about the stuff controls in the special stage and my answer to that is because the 2011 port changed how Sonic turns in them, if you play Sonic CD Restored it actually, restores, the turning of how it used to be on the Sega CD
FINALLY, THE SONIC CD RENASCENCE IS AMONG US. RISE MY BRETHOREN!!!!
They should use the timeline mechanics again but this time you are always heading towards the bad future and the changes occur in that run. E.i., , you run through the stage and don't help any animal or destroy the machines and by 3/4 of the stage it transitions to the desolate future. The difficulty should also increase when you let it get bad.
Among Us 😳
Ooo snap it's Sonic CD time!!!!
It's CDing time!
Aesthetically speaking, I love the darker tone of Sonic CD. The music style, the time travel, and the bad future designs really gives it an extra layer of uniqueness. I wish newer Sonic games can try going back to this unique tone. The bad future made the game feel like it is as dark as the Shadow the Hedgehog(game) to me.
As for the gameplay, at first I dislike how Sonic CD was being too different with too many mechanics, but I didn't mind it too much afterwards when I try to go slower. I also start to appreciate how the level layout changes depending on which timeline you are currently in.
Sonic CD was that kinda game that was a "hidden gem", but now that it released, people considered it to be very mediocre. I found Sonic CD to be an Open-Zone game but entirely in 2D. The exploration is my favorite part of the game, and I've never gotten bored of it exploring through the levels of Palmtree Panic, Collision Chaos, Quartz Quadrant, Metallic Madness and Stardust Speedway. The OSTs are REALLY good as well, especially the JP OST. The way the soundtracks accompany the tone and mood of the Past, Present, Good Future, and Bad Future screams masterpiece. Out of all my playthroughs, most of them were when I always got the Good Future of every zone (by doing the Time Stones because I find looking for the generators really tedious in my opinion.) I love this classic Sonic game, and I prefer it over Sonic 2 (
People consider it that way now because the same IGN guy who said "sonic was never good" said sonic cd was the best game so every started hating on it.
Honestly I've never seen anyone call CD mediocre or bad, though I've heard people say it's one of the worse claasic games.
I prefer it over all classic Sonic games including Mania its the only classic sonic game I ever managed to finish besides Sonic 1 I actually find the other classic sonic games too challenging especially Sonic 2 (metropolis) and 3 (Sandopolis act 2)
@@loweni7460 Even for people who don't think S3&K is hard don't like Sandopolis. In fact for me it's often a run killer, mostly because of how not fun that act (And Sandopolis as a whole) is in general tbh.
I dared to get the time stones AND AT THE SAME TIME find the generators, it was easy yet entertaining to me.
BTW Something you overlooked, Sonic CD already nuanced the "nature vs technology" theme Sonic 1 set up by having every single good future still be very technological, *but have the technology working in harmony with the nature*
The main reason people give the game a lot of crap is because of their intended play style. People want to be able to time travel whenever they want as soon as they touch a sign instead of having to use their brain and figure out a solution.
Every act of every zone has a spot where time travel is pretty much automatic, so if you aren’t confident in your ability to do it manually the game helps you with less satisfying means of time travel like 2 springs, but with enough effort and technique you can time travel whenever you want however you want.
And the zones are so beautifully crafted that once you’ve completed your objective in finding the generators, you can beat the stage in no time flat, the stages feel huge whenever you’re exploring but the second you decide it’s time to leave you can beat pretty much every zone in less than a minute.
The mechanics and level design are more well thought than people give it credit, at first glance the game seems jumbled and is a counter intuitive mess, but everything flows together once you’ve found that flow.
Absolutely spectacular video. The Sonic CD renaissance has begun, and I can't wait to take part~
currently having a hyperfixation on sonic cd.
thanks for the video, mate!
love it for the atmosphere and the deeper dive into the lore.
YEEEAAAH!!! THIS GUY GETS IT!
also going to the good future after destroying the generators is a very fun extra challenge, i love doing it.
Here is something I will say about Sonic CD. A CZcamsr I really appreciate, Exoparadigmgamer talked about a few time the principle of the Sega Learning Curve. This is basically when a video game can be a very harsh experience for a newer player that doesn't offer much, but becomes a game with tons of depth that rewards skilled players after multiple playthroughs. The main reason why it is called the Sega Learning Curve, is because the one franchise that takes a lot of its appeal from the Sega Learning Curve, is Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic can have very odd controls for beginner players, and the level design can sometime be really punishing, but once you get good at the game, you can go super fast, and destroy everything on your path, and look cool while doing it. In fact, there are some Sonic games that once you play and conquer their Sega Learning Curve goes from an okay Sonic experience, to one of the best games in the franchise. Sonic Colors for example is a game that I ear quite a few Sonic fan criticize, and I think a lot of it comes from the fact playing it in one single normal playthrough isn't the most enjoyable way to play this game. But once you try to get all of the S ranks, try to master all the wisps and the level design, try to boost at the right time rather than pushing it constantly like in Unleashed or Generations, this is where this game's full potential truly shine, and from what I've heard, most people who appreciate this game are also those who took the time to master that game. Fully mastering Sonic Colors made this game arguably my favorite Sonic game ever at the moment (I didn't play that much Sonic games though, so it might change, but I did play Sonic Mania, so...). Even Sonic Forces becomes somewhat fun when you try to get all collectibles or most notably, try to make the few time trial challenges. However, Sonic CD is a probably a good example of a Sega Learning Curve that is so hard to conquer and asks so many playthroughs, that I and many other players can't put the time to conquer it. Once you conquer it, it seems like it is one of the best Sonic experiences ever, seeing how much you liked replaying this game after playing it so many time. However, as someone who actually broke all the generators in his first playthrough, I can tell you that it takes way more than 1 playthrough with that objective in mind to appreciate this game's brilliance, because you need to know really everything about this mess of a game. So I think that Sonic CD is an hidden masterpiece that is unfortunately extremely unaccessible for most people, more than any other Sonic games.
Honestly, I don't particularly see it still. While I did enjoy my time with Colors Ultimate more than Colors, partially because I understood the game better and went for 100%, there is only so much that mastery can do for certain pieces of gameplay. Like how the dark mission of the Doom and the Hero Mission of Lost Impact in StH are still cryptonite, even after that game became one of my favorites in the series. And that is Colors in a nutshell. Learning the game pushed it from a game I despised to a game that is ok, but that I still dislike because of its mountain of "this just ain't working, chief". Heck, one of the bosses is essencially pure luck to S-rank.
@@lpfan4491 Yeah. The thing is, for some people, there are games which playing them after mastering them still leaves some problems they can't overcome, and as a result, you could they didn't fully conquer the learning curve, in the same way I didn't fully conquer CD's learning curve, and therefore still have problems with that game.
Just wanna say this comment and research of the learning curve made me change my entire views on Sonic. Got all the collectibles in Colors Ultimate, playing through the genesis games again and about to finish CD!
@@elaborateecho6830 I am happy that my comment gave you a new perspective on Sonic games. Also have a good time in CD!
I have always loved sonic cd but I always went the special stage route. I have always destroyed some of the generators but never destroyed all of them. Your video has inspired me to go back and go after all the generators! Great video!
FINALLY U JOINED THE CD FAN BASE WOO
Sonic 3&K may have higher highs, but Sonic CD has the highest lows. It's the only classic game where there isn't a single zone that I dread on replays (Labyrinth/Metropolis/Marble Garden/Mirage Saloon Act 1 S&T) and I know I will have a good time from start to finish. Also, this game is so memorable and unique! As such, this is my the most replayed Classic Sonic game. Mostly mobile version, when I'm on computer I'd rather play 3D game.
Wacky Workbench
@@RobotnikRedefined I like it.
@Gnidel first time someones said that in my experience lol. I like it for Stardust Speedway, introducing Amy, the Superpeel Out, and introducing Metal Sonic.
Other than that, I really don't like it. The spindash just feels wrong, I'm not a fan of the time travel mechanic, bosses feel too easy and/or too long(Example, the boss in where Eggman drops the thing down and you run on the treadmill. The Metal Sonic boss is perfect, in fact I wish it was longer). Not to mention, most bosses in the game feel like if Sonic was a real person, he'd be smart enough to just skip them. Again, goung back to the Collision Chaos boss, Eggman only drops down after Sonic hits him, so he could just leave. And as you can probably tell, I do not care one bit for Wacky Workbench. It's a good idea executed poorly in my opinion. I also don't like the drowning "theme" if you can even call it that. But that's just my take, I guess.
Because of this video I'm gonna play Sonic CD 4 times in one sitting and get all the generators, holograms, and time stones.
You don't actually need to destroy the Metal Sonic holograms, just the generators.
I love how its your choice how to play the game.
Explore and get the Good Futures. Or Speed through and get the Bad Futures.
Sometimes the two aren't even mutually exclusive which I absolutely adore.
Hell, there's even two ways of getting the best ending, the Time Stones or the Generators.
This game encourages different playstyles over the span of multiple playthroughs and I LOVE it.
Hey man just wanted to say thanks, I've been playing CD looking for the generators and it's truly a whole different experience
The levels are way more fun, when you find a clever way to use the level to time travel it's very gratifying, and you can enjoy the music so much more
I love traveling to the Good Future before finishing each level so I can see the payoff to Sonic's effort to save Little Planet, and the heavenly utopian music makes it so emotional and meaningful
*Thank you so much for making this video, without your opinion I'd never be able to appreciate Sonic CD and give it the love it deserves!*
Sonic CD has so many ways to play it, especially the Chris Whitehead versions.
You can play it like every other Sonic, gather the 7 stones and get the good ending.
-Destroy all of the robot generators and Metal Sonic holograms in the past.
-Speed run the levels (you can finish every zone in under a minute or so)
-collect all of the rings from each stage (present, bad future, past, and good future) thus pushing your extra lives into the double digits.
Sonic CD is the only game on the classic Sonic that I have not played, but having played recently, to put it mildly, I was in a culture shock, because the ideas of other games in the series were completely different, despite the disadvantages of this game, it left me positive emotions, and this is the only game where I could easily get a good ending
Sonic cd is my personal favourite sonic game. Played the windows version so much as a kid. The soundtrack and aesthetic are pure nostalgia for me.
Sonic fans really switched up on Sonic CD glad you gave it the respect it deserves
Gotta say…I was in the same exact boat you were in. I originally thought it was mediocre but this video made me want to play sonic cd in the way it was intended, and for that, thank you.
I’m glad your loving cd! This game was my first sonic game ever and the environment was uncomfortable but since I never played a sonic game at the time, I decided to explore the game and not just try to go fast because like you said the stages was big vertically and I had a blast! Definitely my favorite classic sonic game and I hope everyone else starts to try this game again and start to love it :)
I developed a personal way that I like to play Sonic CD. Ever since I started to play like this, I absolutely fell in love with the game.
It goes like this: whenever I start a stage, I go to the bad future. Then I get at least an extra life there (cause you get to explore the level enough to listen to those badass songs), then come back to the present, then to the past, to break the machine and the hologram. After that I just go to the good future and get at least another extra life before finishing the level.
I know this might not be for everyone, cause YES, you're gonna die to a time over in almost every stage (that's one of the reasons I get the extra life in the bad future), but you get to explore the level really well - in a way that you can't do in other classic games - get rewarded a lot for the exploration, and you also get to listen to all the versions of those gorgeous songs.
Sonic CD needed to get rid of the time limit, it’s contradictory to its core values of being a more exploration based sonic game
Glad we both picture shonen style sonic with classic sonic
This game embodies the best of the classic sonic games
The music was absolutely insane
The Easter eggs were both awe inspiring and at times downright disturbing
The first time we hear sonic spea in a game, kinda
He did that run dash thing
Robotniks US theme was something out of a Nine Inch Nails nightmare
It was like the classic games, but with a fun strangeness to it
I personally love Sonic CD but it does have some flaws like some of the robot generators are in confusing locations.
This video legit changed how I viewed Sonic CD. I've always thought CD as a good sonic game, but generally just viewed it as "The superior Sonic 1 and nothing else". I've never done a generator only run, only getting all the time stones since I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone since CD's level design seemed weird and off putting to me. 2 days ago I replayed CD dedicating myself to only get the good ending by destroying all of the generators, and since then I've replayed the game like 4 freaking times trying to improve my runs. Holy cow. Once I finally started branching out and looking for the generators, the level design in CD kinda clicked for me. I still think some parts of it are weird, of course, that's just part of the games unique identity after all, but I went from thinking it was really weak to potentially really fun once you memorize the level design more and more.
I will admit, I did install a few mods (I was playing on the decomp after all) but it was just small touch ups like restoring the past music, adding the drop dash, ect. Nothing that really changes the games core identity.
I went from thinking the game was pretty good at most to loving it and considering it one of my favorite Sonic games now. Thank you for giving me a new perspective on this game🙏
i think the coolest piece of level layout from this game is in Wacky Workbench, there are some walls with a tube that kinda just look like decoration, but you can actually go inside them and pop out in an open elevated corridor that normally doesn't have collision and stays in the background, it's awesome to walk inside it makes me feel like im walking on the scenery
Whenever there are Springs together that will constantly push you back-and-forth in that game I call them time machines
I downloaded quote a few of the classic Sonic games to play on mobile and Sonic CD is my favorite out of them. Not completely sure why- but I like the designs of the levels and I find the time travel aspect very interesting. Also, the soundtrack is really good too.
I like the us versions of the opening and the boss fights with that evil laugh.
Sonic CD is the Majora's Mask of Sonic games. It demands you approach it differently, and your enjoyment will depend on that.
Outside of what is essencially multiple playable characters, Majora's Mask is pretty close to design of other Zeldagames tho, especially with the controversial 3DS remake cutting the waiting-element out with the song of double time being reworked; the timer is rarely there for more than cool special effects. Sonic CD meanwhile barely shares any proper design-throughline with the other games of it's series.
Sonic CD was my first-ever video game back in 1996 or 1997, I think (aging myself a bit here). It came with my family’s first computer. I played it to death and I loved it. I still love it now, and I would consider it tied with S3K and Mania for my favorite Sonic games. And the soundtracks are my favorite in the entire series, though I will say the US soundtrack is more my jam. CD will always have a very special place in my heart.
With this type of level design, they should've maybe left out traditional goal posts entirely and focused the zones on finding things and reaching places. Maybe throw in some kind of radar function.
actually this game was probably the most sonic-like game ever made, it enhances every aspect of sonic 1, letting you explore the levels in multiple paths and timelines, the surreal visuals were extremely enhanced and even the soundtrack sounds way more funky
what i mean is that it takes the original concepts for sonic 1 and greatly expands on them, aspects that most people dont really notice (or dont like) that aren't very present in the other games
I agree that this is the most understood sonic game! I love this game so much and I love the futuristic levels and music they put in this game! I love all of the new sonic stuff they put in this game and the new sonic running animation and I love the story for this game to! 😁
SONIC BOOOOOM IS ONE OF THE BEST SONIC SONGS EVER AND I LOVE THAT THEY MADE THAT SONG THE THEME FOR THIS GAME!!! 😁
Have a blessed day everyone and Matt! 😁💙🙏
That was a great video!
imo Sonic cd always had this atmosphere that no other classic games quite had and set precedent for some of my favorite aspects in the franchise
I think metal's holograms aren't mandatory to destroy tho
Quartz Quadrant is one of my favorite classic levels of al time, the music, background, design, all fun
Watching this video made me appreciate Sonic CD a lot more💙
Sonic CDeez Nuts is truly one of the most classic sonic game of all time, when sonic yelled it's CDin Time when he was about to race metal sonic my balls dropped and out came tears from my eyes, Sonic CD the most classic song game of all time for a reason without it we wouldn't have [girl sonic] and [steel sonic]
This game is a style icon and should be worshipped as such. The music and visuals are godlike.
Great video! Yeah, this is exactly why Sonic CD is one of my favorite Sonic games, too. It is quite unique with some of its elements compared to the other Sonic games. As a little kid playing this game, though, I didn't really understand the time mechanics, so I didn't enjoy it as much as other Sonic games at the time. However, when I grew up and finally understood what you needed to do, I loved the whole concept! I wished other 2D Sonic games had played with this mechanic again.
Some of the Robot Generators were a bit cryptic like Wacky Workbench Act 1, but I still mostly enjoy the level design. The soundtrack (both US and Japanese/Europe) are excellent and one of my favorite game soundtracks of all time. I do actually prefer that it is shorter than other Sonic games as it makes it easier to replay. Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic 2 can be a bit of a slog due to them being quite a bit longer than CD. All in all, it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but CD does so many things right in my book and I'll continue to play it for many years!
Even though I'm not really the biggest fan of CD I have to admit that there are a lot of elements to it that doesn't exist in other Sonic games and has a uniqueness which no other game has been able to capture. So while it's not my type I do think it deserves all the love it gets.
Just finished getting achievements for the Sonic CD 2011 release I bought on steam years ago and immediately was looking for videos about this game. This video essentially boiled down everything I was feeling about the game with my only 8 hours of playtime with the game. I already want to ramble to my friends why I liked my comparatively short time with this game but you do it very well as someone with more experience than myself.
Well damn… I’ve always been a person to dislike CD, but you just made me see this game in a whole different light, I think I will go back and play it sometime and try to understand it myself 👍🏼
I know this comment is 9 months late but Sonic CD will always remain my favourite Classic Sonic game
Sonic cd is a lot of fun. It’s personality is unforgettable. I just finished a game of it. I love the exploration aspect of it. The drop dash in origins let’s me cheese time travel.
Thank you for saying it's your own bias on the US soundtrack and it's just preference. I completely respect that as someone who prefers the us soundtrack (by a little). I used to love the JP soundtrack more hut as i listen to the us soundtrack i started liking it more than the JP. Tidal tempest us present has got my attention since the beginning tho but i guess that's just one exception
No I think I understand it perfectly.
It was a game made by people who were responsible for the worst levels in Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and after they made this game, Sega wisely decided never to do this again.
I love this game so much because I like how you have to use sonics physics in order to traverse the level. And the music is the best soundtrack for a video game I’ve heard in my life and I will die on that hill.
I'd imagine that was the whole point of the level design, to truly go fast, you have really learn the level.
Sonic CD is my favorite of the classic games , when i was a kid i played the sonic cd demo on xbox live , i wanted to play that game so much that i played that demo a million times and when i finally got the game i knew what to expect and i enjoyed so much , its a hard game to Master but when you understand it the game feels so good , and the game is the more replayble of the classics there always something to discover and its great to just explore the levels , i played that game a million times and i still dont now everything.
Sonic CD was peak Sonic
Everything from the exploration directly rewarding you with beautiful good futures that directly tied into Classic Sonic's theme of environmentalism to the gorgeous two soundtracks made for the game that encapsulate perfectly each zones to Sonic's portrayal in the intro and Eggman's role as a terrible threat to nature as a whole
God this game is so good, not perfect because Wacky Workbench and Stardust Speedway are awful but still beautiful
Closest that came to it was Mania
This game knew its soundtrack was amazing and launched it into the future, if you put it in a regular CD player or later (as i found out) in a PlayStation it pulled up separate sound files for the music tracks and you can flip through them just like a ordinary CD
Sonic CD is the only classic Sonic I missed out on as a kid (for obvious reason). I played it for the first time as an adult on Sonic Gems Collection and instantly fell in love with it. So unique and great with not one, but two awesome soundtracks. I've always thought how much I would've been blown away if I got to play that one as a kid too. Sonic CD is among the very best with 3&K and Mania.
Sonic cd is my favorite classic sonic game! I almost forgot how great it was until i replayed it again recently and i definetely had a blast!
"I gotta be one of the worst humans ever made" sounded weirdly funny
Sonic CD was actually my first Sonic game 100% (with the generators AND the Time Stones). I felt so proud when i achieved true 100%!! Then i replayed the game on Sonic CD restored and i LOVED IT!! I recommend when they patch the error that appears when trying to open the game. (Sorry for bad English, it isn't my first language)
This is the video I will link to when people ask why I like Sonic CD so much, you summed it up perfectly
Slight correction ,Little Planet appears once a month not a year (appart from that ,very good review)Finally someone understands what Sonic CD is all about!!
Yes Sonic CD is underrated, it's a great game, it's got a fantastic soundtrack (JP and US) it's got very good level design, it was also the first game to introduce Metal Sonic and Amy. The time travel mechanic is really good and fun! Also it's really fun to explore and there are loads of Secrets. (Like 5 days ago I found a secret in Tidal Tempest)
“Very good level design” sounds like cap to me, the level design is a pure bouncy mess
@@angryboi595 ok, thats your opinion, I understand.
@@angryboi595 Bouncy Mess? oh boy just wait till Sonic 3. its been bounced around to heeelll and back.
@@notunnamed2 and that was my main problem with Sonic 3 funnily enough
@@angryboi595 same
CD is really fun when you play it the time travel way, it’s fun going back to the past and search for the generators, it’s cool seeing the good future variants of every zone. The banger music accompanying the gameplay is eargasm, the JP ost specifically and the environments are beautiful and pleasing to look at. The only thing I dislike about this game is Wacky Workbench, Metallic Madness and the boss fights
I just wish it was easier to time travel after messing it up. You lose the sparkle after almost gaining enough speed, then do it again or hit a future sign after your last past one. Now what? It's so annoying.
Luckily, In sonic origins, the drop dash allows you to just drop dash, jump quickly, turn around while preparing another drop dash, and then let go and repeat til you are able to go back in time
stardust speedway bad future is one of the best tracks ever made for a videogame
Unpopular opinion I actually love the special stages in Sonic CD and in fact the whole entire concept of retrieving the Time Stones just works in the game for me in terms of restoring the future back into the light.But I know for a fact that I sound crazy but if you really play the levels more in this game you will really appreciate it.
Dont see how its unpopular i adore the special stages its so good!
Best special stage with mania
@@soaringstars314 Nah Rush's and Colors DS's special stages are way better than the mess that CD's special stages are.
Mania's special stages are a better version of CD's special stages.
@@piranhalettuce -glorified halfpipes-
I mean they're great but they're still the same style
5:03 lol I started felling the same way too not only that playing it with a controller makes it so much more easier
id say the children cheering in the background of palmtree panic bad future is more like a old recording being replayed on a broken speaker
Funnily enough, Sonic CD is a LOT like Pizza Tower. At first, if you just play the game like a classic (I.E. sonic 3 or super mario respectively) you SUCK SO BAD, and you start to hate it. But, then, when you go around, figure out the new mechanics, look at the level, you go "Wait a second... That spring/forknight can actually help me keep my combo/get up on to that ledge. And then it clicks. And from there, it is only up. You learn, speed run, panic, and figure out how to use everything around you along with your own moveset in order to speed your way through. Just think about it. Both games are constantly throwing new art and level designs at you and constantly changing the gimmicks. Sure, you could just walk around, pick up a toppin and get a shield, or you could work. And you can plot. And you can freak out as you get that P rank or find the new fastest way to get to that metal sonic projector. The more I think about this, the more it makes sense: This kind of game is the perfect combo of explorer and platformer: Plaporer. The name is stupid I know, but you will come to love it, just as you come to love the games after playing them a few times. If anyone found this interesting, I have succeeded. Goodbye!
Insta edit 20 seconds later: Plus, they have amazing soundtracks and environments that are very carefully made. And no, getting everything perfect, all P ranks, or all the time stones and generators and holo projectors does not make a HUGE impact on the ending of/or the game, but these are not supposed to do that. They are supposed to make an impact on YOU! YOU are the one who figured out how to do it and showed the skill and growth, so it is no wonder why YOU would feel so impacted! Good job doing it, and be glad that you are epic enough to do it!
i never knew there was different ways to get the best ending! i just did both getting good futures AND chaos emeralds, sonic cds quickly becoming a favourite
Whats intersting about Sonic CD is how it is more similiar to Sonic 1 than it is to Sonic 2 and Sonic 3&K .
So I had a thought that Sonic CD is a better continuation to Sonic 1 than Sonic 2 , Sonic CD improves alot from Sonic 1 but is at the same time trying not to overshadow the first game .
You forgot about the most polarizing part of Sonic CD back then...
It's chronological position, oh god, the fights I've seen before Origins, were wild.
Good video, btw.
yooo lets go you made this video, this has to be my second or third favorite sonic game (mania and unleashed are just too good), thanks for making this!
I had Sonic CD in the 90's and most of the kids at school would tell me I was making it all up when I would tell them about it.
I know this really cool trick with the peel-out:
Roll after letting go the charge! Keep rolling by holding down!
This is a really cool trick! I call this trick: The super ROLL-OUT!!!
CD is pretty cool but I get lost a lot when I play it
Sonic CD is the most misunderstood Sonic game
*Looks at Sonic Lost World*
Me: “Uhhh…..”
This!!!
Sonic CD is built more for exploration more than just progression.
You can do both but you will maximise the fun you have with the game by manipulating the level design to your advantage to time travel.
The game does encourage speed but it just doesn't maintain flow for progression like sonic 2 which is probably why people found the design choices to be frustrating but when you want to explore to reach new areas or time travel, the level design compliments that immaculately to the point where you can find several opportunities to do so
However upon my own experiences i did have a few grievances with the game at times specifically if trying to get the good future.
1. The level isn't long enough to allow you to experience the good future for a satisfactory amount of time. Because you would have to go to the past destroy the generator, travel to the present then travel to the future all in the same act.
By the time you make it to the good future, theres not much level to experience. And the only way to experience the level fully is to either backtrack or restart. This is only an issue if you want to experience the whole level but nothing too offensive just something that i wish could have been improved on.
Maybe the game should give you a option to pick a particular time for the zone after fully conpleting the game.
2. The time posts can be somewhat obstructive because when you work so hard to get a good future the past signs are sometimes in the way or unavoidable and you may accidentally time travel unintentionally when trying to go fast in the stage.
I feel like the Good future should have fewer time posts or place them in locations that are avoidable.
Overall i agree with this video.
I still belive sonic 2 is a better game on paper just because the levels are more distinctive, the special stage is somewhat better (even though i hate the structure of collecting the emeralds in sonic 2), the level design balances speed with exploration here and there and you are actually rewarded with super sonic for collecting the emeralds as opposed to just a cutscene change. (Although the time stones do automatically create a good future in the zones after collecting them all but still you miss out on experiencing the good futures for 7 acts prior if you aint getting the generators in those zones)
But i prefer CD just because of the style and the amount of replay value it has with its time travelling mechanic, along with the game making the player feel very involved by showing the impact of the zones based on your decisions with its aesthetical changes, the atmosphere with the music, the charm conveyed by sonic's shonen type personality.
CD is a whole vibe
It is a weird game, different, but the visuals and the music just had me entranced as a kid. I loved it and replayed it like crazy.
Your point about learning the layout of the levels in order to enjoy the game more applies to the special stages too - learn the placement and movements of the UFOs, and the special stages become much less frustrating.
YO WE FINALLY CAN SEE HIS FACE!!! AND I HAVE THAT SAME SHADOW PLUSH!!!
Sonic CD is not just a mid game with great music...
It's a great game with amazing music!
You were right the first time, CD is a mediocre game with great music.
@@piranhalettuce Tell me 5 reasons why you think it's mediocre, and maybe I'll change my mind.
Always a joy seeing people go back to cd which they once hated start to love it. People joke about level design being like knuckles chaotix and i just go along with it because yeah its like knuckles chaotix but more curvy and alternate routes. When it came to mobile i time attacked all the levels after beating the game for 5 months cause once you understand the level layouts it becomes insane how fast you can beat the levels. My most proud time was beating wacky workbench in 24 seconds. I could never do that anymore since i am not as good at CD as i used to be but CD is my favorite classic game because so much player and skill expression is there on top of the fun exploration. Also I prefer the US soundtrack for the conveyed atmosphere it brings and sonic boom.
Something I think a lot of people don't realize is that CD is actually the fastest 2d game to speedrun because every level has a way to pretty much fly over the top.
IMO I prefer the idea behind the original and CD vs. how 2 and 3 started going for more set pieces and on-rails speed.
In my interpretation of the Cheers in Palmtree Panic Bad Future is that Eggman recorded the Cheers from the present and there are actually no one cheering in the future. It's just Eggman playing the cheers back to you to taught you for not saving the children who were cheering in the first place. Pretty Dark :(
Sonic CD is basically a Sonic 1 sequel in everything.
Also the plot of cd is like real life problems now lol and depressing
Babe, wake up, Matthasnocuts uploaded a Sonic CD video essay!