Sonic R's Unexpected Development - Game History Secrets

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 24. 03. 2023
  • SUBSCRIBE for more failed, cancelled & beta games ► bit.ly/DYKG_Subscribe
    Failed Nintendo Pitches ► • Failed Nintendo Pitche...
    Rare Nintendo Consoles ► • Nintendo's Rarest Cons...
    Today on Game History Secrets, Liam talks about his journey uncovering the development of Sonic R, a Sonic game made by Traveller's Tales and overseen by the usual developers of Sonic the Hedghog games, Sonic Team, for the Sega Saturn.
    Liam Robertson is a video game researcher and archiver. In his spare time, Liam creates videos and articles for various outlets, and will also be contributing to the Did You Know Gaming channel.
    Follow DYKG on:
    Twitter: bit.ly/2oOavs2
    Instagram: bit.ly/2oO4jjA
    Facebook: bit.ly/2nIrFp9
    Website: bit.ly/NpYDbD
    Sources/Further Reading:
    info.sonicretro.org/Sonic_R/D...
    / @gamehut
    hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_R_(Sep...)
    • "Sonic R" All Prototyp...
    • Amazing Sonic R HD Cou...
    • Sonic R's F1 Roots Rev...
    • IT'S WORKING! Sonic R ...
    • SONIC R - very early v...
    • SONIC R - very early v...
    • Sonic R: 100% Playthro...
    www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm1290...
    www.eurogamer.net/why-the-fou...
    www.terredejeux.net/2020/05/in...
    archive.org/details/cdrom-nex...
    GameInformer Magazine issue #124, p113
    SEGA Saturn Magazine (JP) - June 1997 issue, P40
    SEGA Saturn Magazine (UK) - August 1997 issue, p19
    SEGA Saturn Magazine (UK) - October 1997 issue, p21
    Tips & Tricks Magazine - September 1997 issue (031), p47
    Electronics Boutique Christmas 1997 Catalog, p85
    #sonic #sonicr #sonicthehedgehog #sega
  • Hry

Komentáře • 511

  • @blackdressbess195
    @blackdressbess195 Před rokem +360

    I find it surprising so many think R's soundtrack is odd or out of place. It's definitely different from the Adventure era's rock focus, but considering that Sonic CD (the only other Sonic game with a CD soundtrack at the time) also had a very 90s City Pop vibe going on, it lines up quite perfectly.

    • @tannertadlock7741
      @tannertadlock7741 Před rokem +28

      It’s only odd in hindsight, but it’s very of it’s time and fits the game fairly well

    • @eat-lc5rx
      @eat-lc5rx Před rokem +22

      Probably because lots didn't see the Sonic OVA from that era. Totally fit that vibe.

    • @mattwo7
      @mattwo7 Před rokem +4

      I grew up in the 90s, I didn't find it out of place at all. I mean I never really cared for Back In Time, Diamond in the Sky or... CAN YOU FEEL THE SUNSHINE DOESN'T IT BRIGHT UP YOUR DAY DON'T YOU FEEL THAT SOMETIMES WE JUST NEED TO RUN AWAY! Er but they're not bad or unfitting songs and definitely are a product of their time and the rest of the soundtrack is an absolute jam.

    • @ThePlasticBowl
      @ThePlasticBowl Před rokem +1

      It's just out of place for a Sonic the Hedgehog racing game. Listening to it, they come off as lyrics to love songs.

    • @ToshisGarden
      @ToshisGarden Před rokem +7

      @@ThePlasticBowl Maybe, but that's entirely where combining the other elements of the experience helps to fit the narrative that Sonic R's soundtrack fits the specific vibe it's going for.

  • @michaeljones7620
    @michaeljones7620 Před rokem +85

    As someone who 100%'ed this game as a kid, the music is honestly the best thing about it. Iconic.
    Even though it's kinda weird and a little "off brand" for Sonic as a whole, I can see why everyone ended up so taken with it.

  • @mdh0422
    @mdh0422 Před rokem +109

    There’s something oddly cozy about Sonic R, a vibe that feels low key yet very inviting. No wonder it’s probably the “bad” Sonic game most people have a soft spot for.

    • @LJdaentertainer
      @LJdaentertainer Před rokem +7

      "low key yet very inviting" 😂

    • @mdh0422
      @mdh0422 Před rokem +12

      In my defense, I was very sleep deprived when I typed this lol, meant to put in an “and”.

  • @CodeXCDM
    @CodeXCDM Před rokem +233

    Conceptually, I think this sort of racing game should be revisited. I liked how the character skills opened up new paths to close the speed gap against the likes of Sonic.

    • @ScarfKat
      @ScarfKat Před rokem +17

      The Sonic Riders games actually do that sorta thing too. I've played them only just recently but they're a very unique take on a racing game. I really like 'em

    • @jaye4521
      @jaye4521 Před rokem +4

      They did something similar with Sonic Rivals on the PSP.

    • @johnpett1955
      @johnpett1955 Před rokem +2

      Plus to me it's kinda daunting seeing sonic characters driving cars in their racing games when they are clearly able to go fast without them.

  • @Carbonific
    @Carbonific Před rokem +83

    I was surprised to hear Sonic R was so negatively received as an adult, because I loved the game as a kid. I had a lot of fun finding all the collectibles and unlocking all the bonus characters.

    • @JustButton
      @JustButton Před rokem +4

      Same! Once i learned you could cut corners tighter with the shoulder buttons, it actually felt pretty good to control.

    • @AtlanticCanadianGamer
      @AtlanticCanadianGamer Před rokem +1

      Dude same! I had this game on PC and I killed this game as a kid.

    • @giannilyanicks1718
      @giannilyanicks1718 Před rokem

      the game has unplayable controls. not enough of stages, repetitive stuff.... that game has really aged badly quickly

    • @JustButton
      @JustButton Před rokem +6

      @@giannilyanicks1718 Thanks. Your youtube comment has shown me the error of my ways. I will now stop liking this game I played as a child. You have done a great service to me, to humanity, and most importantly to yourself. All the best to you.

    • @giannilyanicks1718
      @giannilyanicks1718 Před rokem

      @@JustButton you're wasting your time with your trolling. go away, boomer.

  • @KeebeThePlush
    @KeebeThePlush Před rokem +273

    This was not only the closest we got to a tire 3D sonic Saturn game, but the one where racing on foot made the most sense

    • @JeskidoYT
      @JeskidoYT Před rokem +17

      Amy drove in a car

    • @generallyunimportant
      @generallyunimportant Před rokem +4

      god now i understand that one guy's comment about you being everywhere.
      i've seen you on TWO recent videos in a row.

    • @jeremyabbott4537
      @jeremyabbott4537 Před rokem +13

      Sonic Jam's Sonic World is the closest, as that engine eventually became Sonic Adventure's

    • @AquaBlueTea
      @AquaBlueTea Před rokem +8

      Racing on foot makes no sense since Sonic would win every single race.

    • @danyo5786
      @danyo5786 Před rokem +3

      @@AquaBlueTea and yet all of sonic's little slow friends can easily keep up with him whenever the games need them to do so.
      Who cares if this canonically doesn't make sense, eggman wouldn't be here if it was lol.

  • @daniel1991
    @daniel1991 Před rokem +305

    I LOVED Sonic R as a kid. I'd play for hours just for the soundtrack and to play as Sonic in 3D

    • @animezilla4486
      @animezilla4486 Před rokem +7

      What's your favorite song from the soundtrack

    • @StraightOuttaJarhois
      @StraightOuttaJarhois Před rokem +7

      I've never even played it, but I have also spent hours listening to the soundtrack.

    • @daniel1991
      @daniel1991 Před rokem +7

      @Animezilla 44 between can you feel the sunshine or living in the city. There are some really good remixes online, too.
      What's yours?

    • @daniel1991
      @daniel1991 Před rokem +5

      @Bort of the Boreal Valley It's notorious for the bad controls but despite that, it's a ton of fun. Especially at the time it was released.

    • @tylerloan6604
      @tylerloan6604 Před rokem +9

      I had it on sonic gems and I remember making it my goal to 100% every save slot which I think there were 10 or at least that's as far as I got, I don't know why I liked this game so much

  • @AlfredoAVA
    @AlfredoAVA Před rokem +247

    I actually chatted with TJ Davis (the vocalist) some years ago, and came ridiculously close to redesigning her website. It wound up not happening, but either way, she was VERY kind and an absolute joy to talk to 😊 Say what you want about this game, but the soundtrack rules ass 🤘

    • @KarlMonsos
      @KarlMonsos Před rokem +17

      wow, im hecka jealous, that's really awesome!

    • @AlfredoAVA
      @AlfredoAVA Před rokem +19

      @@KarlMonsos Thanks! It was years ago and I haven't talked to her since, but she was awesome :)

    • @monstersociety3360
      @monstersociety3360 Před rokem +13

      I feel like that's true for a lot of Sonic games - even when the gameplay sucks, the soundtrack & by the way also the graphics are pretty good. Take Sonic Adventure 2 - I'm personally fine with never playing that thing again, though some people love it, but I'm nostalgic as heck for the soundtrack. Not to mention it has some of the better graphics on the Dreamcast. And then there's Sonic '06, which is undeniably awful, but that opening cutscene is still very pretty, and a fistful of other bright spots.

    • @dionlackey798
      @dionlackey798 Před rokem +6

      I absolutely love TJ Davis.

    • @dunndorr5651
      @dunndorr5651 Před rokem +2

      THE SUN IS SHINING ON MEEEEEEE

  • @formula091
    @formula091 Před rokem +20

    Calling Sonic R rough is an understatement but I fucking love playing this game

  • @RebeccaGunn
    @RebeccaGunn Před rokem +31

    Some of the features that didn't make the saturn release did turn up in the PC version that was released a few years later and became the common base version used for re-releases. They day/night cycle was restored with each stage having a day/dawn/night version and weather was also added with rain and snow randomly showing up. Snow will freeze over any bodies of water which makes skipping half the race pretty easy too. I think the PC version also added little introductory blurbs from TJ for each track as well.

  • @mightyfilm
    @mightyfilm Před rokem +16

    "Robotnik's hands are missing from his victory pose" is a great deal funnier than it should be. Look at him waving his sleeves in the air.

    • @TheOverachiever7
      @TheOverachiever7 Před rokem

      agreed. Just wonder why, that seems like such a specific part of the model to not be rendered.

  • @NanaKyoto
    @NanaKyoto Před rokem +4

    The Sonic Gems Collection containing Sonic R was the primary reason why I got that game, but I am curious how the game could have been like if the game had more development time (as well as the Sega Saturn hardware not being so complicated).
    An on-foot Sonic racing game is definitely something that has potential, and I would love to see that concept be revisited someday.

  • @Jazzy_Waffles
    @Jazzy_Waffles Před rokem +51

    Sonic R is un-ironically one of my favorite games. I won't lie, it's mostly due to nostalgia, as I have many hours clocked into the PC version. But I have so many memories in the 90s playing this, and placing the CD in a player and listening to the soundtrack. Thank you for this upload!

  • @KirbyVolt
    @KirbyVolt Před rokem +74

    The most interesting and kind of depressing bit was definitely the lead director getting cut out of the credits in the initial release. From how it's worded, it's hard to determine if he himself didn't want to be in the credits or if someone else was removing him intentionally. Glad it was fixed for the PC version though. (I played that one as a youngster)

  • @caseycu
    @caseycu Před rokem +4

    “A heated disagreement with Yuji Naka” … shocking. I’ve not heard one person who worked with Naka compliment his “leadership”.

  • @Lachrymogenic
    @Lachrymogenic Před rokem +20

    Sonic R was a game that was brutally and unfairly criticized. The music slapped, the controls were fine (if you hold the bumpers and the stick in the same direction at the same time), had alternate paths to go down in every stage and memorizing where the character coins and emeralds were gave the game extra replayability and made it actually quite fun. I've played and completed the game more than twice, and is one of my go-to games when I pick up the Sonic Gems Collection. I feel like a lot of CZcamsrs made fun of Sonic Fighters and Sonic R unfairly, and even people who I've talked to just dismiss it outright and get surprised that I completed the game 100%, claiming that I must be some sort of god for having to withstand such a horrible game. There aren't many levels, but they're all fun and great and I feel like Sonic R was the only racing game that makes sense in the Sonic Franchise and I wish there was a sequel that didn't emancipate the characters and their abilities by shoving them all into cars. In an alternate universe, maybe, we'll have a Sonic R2, with more maps, more characters and more banging TJ Davis tracks, and perhaps with slightly better controls.

    • @Anonymous-oh4xw
      @Anonymous-oh4xw Před rokem +5

      Just recently I’ve seen people saying this game doesn’t deserve a remake because it sucked, yet they beg for a remake of games that were worse. I get the game is not any good (and the soundtracks might be the only thing saving Sonic R) but at least it’s no Carmageddon 64, or racing games the based on a franchise for children.

  • @KouD3Graw
    @KouD3Graw Před rokem +22

    The one Sonic game I would love for them to make a second attempt at. This has a great formula for a possible Sonic party game.

    • @yuvi3000
      @yuvi3000 Před rokem +3

      I would love a remake of this game similar to what they did with Crash Team Racing. Modernising the actual existing content is already something I'd want to buy, but potentially adding new characters, tracks, unlockables, game modes, etc sounds like a definite win to me.
      I'd definitely be happy if they made the characters more equal in racing ability as well, or the option to change that before starting a race, at least. They could have have fun with that too, maybe by having Sonic say something like "All right, all right, I'll slow down and play fair" if he's chosen, or whatever.

  • @LarvalGhoul
    @LarvalGhoul Před rokem +4

    I used to play this game every day with my mom as a kid. The soundtrack fills me with so much nostalgia and I would love a sequel to this little gem.

  • @taylorusedtoxic
    @taylorusedtoxic Před rokem +13

    The only thing not mentioned for me is that within the game's manual (PAL version), it's mentioned that Knuckles can climb walls as an ability... Unfortunately, he cannot.

  • @vincey2390
    @vincey2390 Před rokem +14

    Soundtrack had no reason to be as good as it was! Work it out always puts me in the mood when I’m in the gym.

  • @Tomaszheat
    @Tomaszheat Před rokem +4

    I bought this game on the PC at Big Lots when I was a kid. I thought it was wild to play a Sonic game on the computer. I loved how glitchy it was, gave it a charm. The song “Can You Feel The Sunshine” still holds a place in my heart.

  • @GamingintheAM0801
    @GamingintheAM0801 Před rokem +19

    Props to Kats for not backing down, and standing up for the developers when Yuji Naka tried to get them to crunch and add more content just for the sake of it, even if it cost him his job. Regardless of how you feel about the final game, dev studios need more people like that.

    • @KarlMonsos
      @KarlMonsos Před rokem +7

      I mean dam it would be nice if this game had more content, but fair enough.

    • @JetWolfEX
      @JetWolfEX Před rokem +6

      @@KarlMonsos Considering how late R came out and the status of the saturn at the time losing relevance, delaying the game would likely have lead to it missing the Saturn completely and being cancelled.
      The Sonic extreme team couldn't push back with Yuji Naka and some of the other Sega higher ups demands and all the delays and restarts caused it to never come out.

    • @goranisacson2502
      @goranisacson2502 Před rokem +3

      Props indeed. Here I was thinking it was nice that, even if development was troubled, there seemed to be no foul play involved... but little did I suspect they were saving Yuji Naka being Yuji Naka for last.

    • @GamingintheAM0801
      @GamingintheAM0801 Před rokem +3

      ​@@KarlMonsos A lot of the "extra content" ended up being included in the PC release, such as changing weather effects and an overhaul to some of the Time Attack modes.

  • @BR-jw7pm
    @BR-jw7pm Před rokem +101

    John Burton has his own youtube channels (GameHut and Coding Secrets) where he discusses the games he worked on. It’s a shame a fair amount of his projects were rushed/ruined by exec meddling since TT has the prowess for coding wizardry!

    • @officialFredDurstfanclub
      @officialFredDurstfanclub Před rokem +26

      It’s actually really crazy at the amount of code wizardry present. Like on the surface the game is whatever but when you look under the hood, there’s all these insane coding tricks and workarounds. It’s really impressive

    • @BR-jw7pm
      @BR-jw7pm Před rokem +16

      @@officialFredDurstfanclub agreed. He had a video showcasing how he was able to create gradual fading environments (cuz draw-distance) on the Saturn when even Sega couldn’t!

    • @DefinitiveDubs
      @DefinitiveDubs Před rokem +13

      Reports from fellow TT developers when Jon left said Jon was a massive prick and a slavedriver who encouraged crunch culture. So that might not be so accurate.

    • @BR-jw7pm
      @BR-jw7pm Před rokem +8

      @@DefinitiveDubs I never heard about that! If that’s true, then YIKES!

    • @thefool3424
      @thefool3424 Před rokem +27

      ​@@DefinitiveDubs Please provide verified and credible 1st hand sources before smearing someone's name.

  • @ashthedragon
    @ashthedragon Před rokem +44

    Great video!! Sonic R stays as one of the most loved games in the franchise by the fanbase, despite it mixed reviews back in the day. It is always interesting to know more of how it was made. Thanks for your amazing work, Liam!

  • @bartdude82
    @bartdude82 Před rokem +2

    My dad and I played this from time to time as a kid and both Sonic R and the Sega Saturn is forever etched in my memories. Seeing Sonic and friends in 3D, the awesome racing and level design, the SOUNDTRACK: it all felt so magical. It was literally the one reason why I bought Sonic Gems Collection just so I could relive my childhood again with this game

  • @ren7a8ero
    @ren7a8ero Před rokem +12

    The game is very limited, too short, I can understand why Yuji Naka wanted to put more content on it, the game always felt a bit too arcadish for me. While I love this too, these were already times where games were already showing content for hours of gameplay, and no matter how much Sega was a master in arcade games, that was a home release.
    But there is a good polishment where they applied. Jon Burton and all Travellers Tales staff did a great job there. And there's something in the style, visual and sound, that screams "SEGA" and that feeling of good times.

    • @ClassicSonicSatAm
      @ClassicSonicSatAm Před rokem +8

      It's really the only real issue with the game, you can 100% in less then a hour and compared to Mario Kart 64 it really needed more content to stand a real chance.

  • @TheOutsideBox2
    @TheOutsideBox2 Před rokem +28

    The soundtrack of this game is so amazing

    • @UlanSays
      @UlanSays Před rokem +4

      For realllll

    • @rickydo6572
      @rickydo6572 Před rokem +4

      Can't go wrong with Sonic music.
      If there's one thing that's consistently good is the freaking soundtracks in these terrible games.

    • @LARKXHIN
      @LARKXHIN Před rokem +1

      The entire soundtrack is saved on my phone to this day

  • @DesignFrameCaseStudies
    @DesignFrameCaseStudies Před rokem +8

    Amazing work Liam! This was absolutely fascinating. I loved this game as a kid.

  • @bradennix7823
    @bradennix7823 Před 6 měsíci +1

    I absolutely loved this game as a kid! My friends and I still will sing the soundtrack to each other sometimes too lol

  • @uncledot1868
    @uncledot1868 Před rokem +5

    If SEGA does indeed make a Saturn Mini, they should definitely include this.

  • @LycanLink
    @LycanLink Před rokem +7

    Thanks to Game Grumps, I can't hear, "Super Sonic Racing," without wanting to follow it with, "Stop making love to my dad!" 😂

  • @kezisthename
    @kezisthename Před rokem +10

    Had this on PC as a small kid, have always enjoyed it despite the way people like to crap on it through a modern lens. Also yes, the soundtrack does indeed slap

  • @JoeCole_social
    @JoeCole_social Před rokem +4

    Graphics look great for the time. Early 3d was rough but this gives us an idea of what a sonic platformer could have looked like. Very cool!

  • @charlessmith3756
    @charlessmith3756 Před rokem +4

    I'm baffled that absolutely nowhere in development did anyone consider changing how the characters controlled...

  • @MrCalverino
    @MrCalverino Před rokem +8

    this game has one of my favorite soundtracks of all time

    • @UlanSays
      @UlanSays Před rokem +1

      Ditto, One of the best!!!!!

  • @florpflop6364
    @florpflop6364 Před rokem +9

    The game plays great, the tracks are surprisingly expansive and the soundtrack is amazing. Given more time I’m sure the team could’ve added so much more content allowing players understand the mechanics better. Underrated game

    • @CarbonRollerCaco
      @CarbonRollerCaco Před rokem

      It's too bad that there was a dearth of new home Sonic and that the Saturn was suffering in the West due to that and it being overpriced; otherwise Naka and TT might've been granted the time. Maybe a home port of Sonic The Fighters could've bought said time?

    • @florpflop6364
      @florpflop6364 Před rokem

      @@CarbonRollerCaco I could see that tbh especially if they changed some of the mechanics in it lol

  • @01Zipang
    @01Zipang Před rokem +4

    Jacque and TJ Davis would also work on some music for the soundtrack for MSR on the Dreamcast. I really recommend people check out that soundtrack, Lot of bangers on it and some tracks feel like a sonic R side B.

  • @it4040
    @it4040 Před rokem +70

    Great work as always Liam!
    I'm guessing that Jon Burton has a lot more unreleased content and info on development materials that weren't shared on his channel.
    It'd be great if you two could collaborate on more videos like this.

    • @AllahDoesNotExist
      @AllahDoesNotExist Před rokem +1

      He's a hardcore Christian. Best to ignore him.

    • @Smarties.
      @Smarties. Před rokem +8

      ​@@AllahDoesNotExisthe seems like a really cool dude from all the videos about Travelers tales I've seen that mention him what does his religion have to do with anything?

    • @aprofondir
      @aprofondir Před rokem +4

      @@AllahDoesNotExist like half the planet is christian

    • @joemamr710
      @joemamr710 Před rokem +6

      Lol so what? He is a talented genius programmer and a genuinely cool and smart guy.
      This idea that people’s religions automatically make them friend or foes needs to die off, that kind of religious warfare is ending.

    • @legoboy1214studios
      @legoboy1214studios Před rokem +2

      For real, I’d love to see videos on their Pixar tie in games or Haven, Jon’s passion project.

  • @BlazeHeartPanther
    @BlazeHeartPanther Před rokem +9

    Whie its soundtrack may not make a whole lot of sense in the terms of what we consider "Sonic Music" but there is no doubt how catchy, fun, upbeat, inspiring, mesmerizing, and dance induing it is.

  • @Oag1992
    @Oag1992 Před rokem +1

    Sonic R is one of my favorite Sonic games. I have so many fond memories of it and playing with friends and the soundtrack is still a banger.

  • @aweiz6265
    @aweiz6265 Před rokem +1

    One of my favorite games of all time, love learning more about its development here

  • @AltimeterAlligator
    @AltimeterAlligator Před rokem +2

    Fantastic work! I'm surprised to hear about Sato's involvement, as I only played the original release back in the day.

  • @daniredux
    @daniredux Před rokem +2

    My experience with Sonic R was minimal at best, but I always thought it was an unique little game.
    Thanks for your work on this video!

  • @bloodblues85
    @bloodblues85 Před rokem +2

    It's been forever since I've heard about Tips & Tricks. I loved that one! My favorite video game magazine. Great art and art direction, interesting info, and fun articles. The cover was always really nice too.

  • @TFSned
    @TFSned Před rokem +2

    7:00 Creepy floating flickering Sonics in a protoype game? The creepypastas write themselves

  • @yuvi3000
    @yuvi3000 Před rokem +2

    This was one of my favourite Sonic games and one of my favourite multiplayer games overall! I still go back to it sometimes!

  • @SnakeFox87
    @SnakeFox87 Před rokem +3

    Absolutely loved this game when I was a kid. The soundtrack is classic! Great video, really informative. Brilliant to see all the beta stuff laid out in order like that. It would've been interesting to hear a bit about the creation of Puppet Tails and Mecha Knuckles, every other character came from a previous Sonic game, but those two were created solely for Sonic R, and they never reappeared in any subsequent Sonic game either.

    • @LiamRproductions
      @LiamRproductions Před rokem

      There isn’t any beta material in this video. The word you’re looking for is prototype.

    • @SnakeFox87
      @SnakeFox87 Před rokem

      @@LiamRproductions Interesting distinction. I always thought anything pre-final was considered a prototype, with alpha, beta etc being stages of prototype completion (e.g. calling the initial blue course an alpha build would've made sense to me). Happy to learn though! If that's wrong, what is the difference?

    • @LiamRproductions
      @LiamRproductions Před rokem +1

      @@SnakeFox87 Sure. Beta is commonly misused so I am happy to explain. A real beta is basically very close to final - so close that a lot of developers don't even bother making that distinction. The game is content complete by that point and QA is still smoothing out bugs. Alpha (much earlier) and beta (very close to final) are stages to distinguish prototypes. Any build taken before the final is a prototype, so it's safer to just say "prototype" when talking about earlier builds. Alpha and beta are increasingly just used as marketing terms nowadays. Fewer and fewer developers use that language nowadays in my experience.

  • @RushStar93
    @RushStar93 Před rokem +8

    The beta 3D models were actually reused on the Sonic Gems Collection version of Sonic R. It is most noticeable on Knuckles' dreads and Tails has his whiskers and hair again. I noticied almost no one mentions this detail.

    • @LiamRproductions
      @LiamRproductions Před rokem +3

      They’re not beta models. They’re prototype models.

    • @RushStar93
      @RushStar93 Před rokem +2

      @@LiamRproductions Ok, that may be so, yes. But still they ended up using them on the PC version and Sonic Gems Collection.

  • @TheCartoonGamer8000
    @TheCartoonGamer8000 Před rokem +5

    Great work, Liam! Fascinating look into such a weird little game.

  • @LeeAdamsMusic89
    @LeeAdamsMusic89 Před rokem +1

    Not a video I was expecting but a video I’m very excited for! 💙

  • @zakuronakashima
    @zakuronakashima Před rokem +2

    I Woulda never played R or Fighters if Sega didn't release the Gems Collection. Im glad they did. Cuz it definitely led me to more of their other Saturn titles later down the line. I adore the soundtrack for Sonic R and wish TJ Davis would actually do a collab or return for a future title still...
    Thanks for your hard work in putting together this video as well.

  • @bahamutdragons
    @bahamutdragons Před rokem +1

    Sonic R is a great game, but even as a kid I was always disappointed that there were so few tracks, even if they were way more interactable than other games. I understand that it's a lot of extra work, but Mario Kart had 20 tracks, F-Zero and Stunt Race FX had 15, only having 5 was a huge deal breaker. Never mind the fact that Sega thought shipping full priced games with only 2-3 tracks was ok, like Daytona and Virtua Racing.

  • @Mankey619
    @Mankey619 Před rokem +1

    Interesting to think that it went from making a 3-D platformer for Sonic, to becoming a racing game. This is the closest we get for a 3-D Sonic game on Saturn. Until Sonic Adventure came on Dreamcast in 1999.

  • @tenchifan72
    @tenchifan72 Před rokem +4

    Honestly, I've always really liked this game. Yes the graphic are basic, by modern standards, and the running drifts are a bit tricky, but the game can be a blast. Finding new paths and secrets is some much fun. the soundtrack is up there as one of the best in all of gaming. I'd honestly play this over most sonic games of the last twenty years. The one thing I wished they had done was balance out the characters better. You usually end up as Knuckles or Tails, as the rest of characters are just too slow, especially Amy and Robotnic. Honestly, this could use a remaster or remake, but that will never happen. Game is worth a look for the soundtrack alone.

  • @AutZentus
    @AutZentus Před rokem +2

    Jontron: "What was going on over at Sonic team headquarters at the time?"
    This Video: *Explains the development of the game*

  • @twilightvulpine
    @twilightvulpine Před rokem +3

    It's pretty funny that they had to change the BG of the first stage because of the "Can you feel the sunshine" song

  • @Shojikinaai
    @Shojikinaai Před rokem

    Sonic R is one of my major guilty pleasures, running through that game while vibing to the immaculate soundtrack is a surreal experience

  • @spongebobfan78
    @spongebobfan78 Před rokem +7

    1:37 If you think about it, Sonic Rivals might've been a realization of that idea. A racing game that is similar to the 2 player modes of Sonic 2 and 3.

  • @MatchaFoxx
    @MatchaFoxx Před rokem +2

    Amazing episode! So happy that you decided to cover this. Sonic R is one of my favorite games. I had it as a kid and always adored the soundtrack, visuals, and uniqueness of it all. It also has such an interesting development history and is a really impressive technical showpiece for the hardware as it achieves many things the Saturn shouldn’t be able to do such as the transparent Radiant Emerald track or the fade in instead of pop in. And I’d also like to say that the controls really AREN’T that bad, and if you just practice with the L and R buttons you can turn pretty smoothly, besides 180 turns during the “story” of the game.

  • @AliFOJ5
    @AliFOJ5 Před rokem +2

    Sonic R was a true Sonic racing games unless what we see now a days. I loved this game. It wasn’t an amazing Sonic game but it was good and very unique. I loved the level designs and the music in the game. Truly this concept has so much potential for a Sonic game.

  • @GameDomain
    @GameDomain Před rokem +4

    Another great video topic as always! Interested to learn more about Sonic R

  • @virtuapanzer
    @virtuapanzer Před rokem +1

    Love the game, love the video! Very detailed and thorough!

  • @Kermitable
    @Kermitable Před rokem

    Loved the video subject, thanks for putting it together dykg :-)

  • @nakenmil
    @nakenmil Před rokem +3

    It's baffling to me that the visuals were the ones to get positive ratings, since trying to read those tracks visually is a fucking nightmare. Sometimes tracks just... end, and there's a default water texture just randomly there. Plus there's so many random details it really makes the visual field overly busy.

  • @thomasjohnston9795
    @thomasjohnston9795 Před rokem +9

    I'm surprised no one asked the developers where tails doll came from, who's idea was it in the team? Which just makes me think no one made tails doll, it's just appeared like a haunted nightmare

    • @waggieentertainment9387
      @waggieentertainment9387 Před rokem +3

      You want me to tell you where he came from, or leave it as a creepy mystery?

    • @thomasjohnston9795
      @thomasjohnston9795 Před rokem

      @@waggieentertainment9387 I would genuinely like to know, having mecha knuckles makes sense alongside the robot characters so why a floating doll for tails counterpart? I tried looking into it before but never found anything

    • @waggieentertainment9387
      @waggieentertainment9387 Před rokem +6

      @@thomasjohnston9795 ok so basically Sonic Adventure was in development around this game’s development. Specifically the Egg-robo shooter segment where you can shoot Knuckles and Tails dummy dolls. Well those said dolls were apparently so endearing that someone took one, edited its model to make it mobile, and put it in Sonic R!

    • @thomasjohnston9795
      @thomasjohnston9795 Před rokem +2

      @@waggieentertainment9387 aw brilliant thanks so much. So it's more the team made something intentionally strange and creepy

    • @waggieentertainment9387
      @waggieentertainment9387 Před rokem +2

      @@thomasjohnston9795 honestly I wonder how the model became so creepy in its conversion. The original Tails dummy was pretty benign

  • @mainsmain
    @mainsmain Před rokem +1

    the prototype models looked wayyyyyyyyy better than the final version

  • @dontecrosland1883
    @dontecrosland1883 Před rokem +1

    Some of the best music in gaming history

  • @canUsaythis
    @canUsaythis Před rokem +1

    This game is a guilty pleasure of mine. I was at a mates house in 97 *I would have been 10 years old at the time and his older brother had a Saturn since I grew up with the Mega Drive I had to try the Saturn....it was this, Sonic 3D *Saturn Port* and Virtual On Cyber Troopers blew my mind and I will always love this game and its OST. I do wish there was like 2 more levels *a Ice Cap Theme and a Mushroom Hill theme* would have made this better but oh well *if only Fan Made Projects of this game would make it happen*

  • @xanthony1000x
    @xanthony1000x Před rokem

    I loved Sonic R & Sonic Jam on the sega Saturn when I was younger :) enjoyed this video a lot, especially seeing a game I fondly remember :)

  • @seanmckelvey6618
    @seanmckelvey6618 Před rokem +6

    Sonic R has a pretty bad reputation it seems, and I get it to a degree. The controls are bit wack and there's not a whole lot of content but there's something about it that I just enjoy so much. The soundtrack is magnificent despite the cheese level & I just find the low poly models charming and kind of cute in their own way. Absolute graphical marvel for the Saturn as well, Travelers Tales worked some serious magic there.

  • @SchnappM
    @SchnappM Před rokem +1

    "However, I do admit that the base concept of Sonic R, in which the player 'drives' running characters, is not great."

  • @USMC49er
    @USMC49er Před rokem

    This one of those games that made you realize they managed to get a former top 100 billboard chart singer to do their soundtrack

  • @IronicSonic83
    @IronicSonic83 Před rokem +2

    I just loved Sonic R, from Graphics, Music and till gameplay. I consider it a Saturn must, endlessly replayable

  • @Compucles
    @Compucles Před rokem

    Hey, the concept of Sonic and some of the others are actually racing on foot is one of the best things about the game! It never made sense for Sonic to be driving a car he could just outrun in "Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing." While it wouldn't have worked with the vehicle transformations in the "Transformed" sequel, I've always thought the first game would've been better if Sonic could race on foot, even if it was just an unlockable bonus mode.

  • @Midori_Hoshi
    @Midori_Hoshi Před rokem

    The music is the best part. I still listen to it after all this time.

  • @Linkmstr
    @Linkmstr Před rokem +3

    Ooo, a new Game History Secrets. Been a while.

  • @jennasloan396
    @jennasloan396 Před rokem +1

    It's like Team Sonic Racing with substantially less polygons

  • @sonicguyver7445
    @sonicguyver7445 Před rokem

    I had so much fun with that game when I was a teen. My younger brother had gotten a Saturn for Christmas because the system had just been cancelled and the hardware and games were all available for cheap. Sonic R was one of the games he got for it the same day. But as soon as gift opening was done we had to pack up and drive several states away to visit family. That was when we found out the game discs were also audio discs. And we discovered the wonderfully cheesy soundtrack. Like many Sonic fans of the 90s I wrote ridiculous fanfics about my original characters (do not steal) but always tried to work songs from this game into them. Usually mentioning lyrics someone would hear in the background.

  • @chamillitary8707
    @chamillitary8707 Před rokem

    The first time I ever played this game was on the computer. It came in a three pack of sonic ported games sonic CD, sonic and knuckles and sonic R and I quickly became absolutely obsessed with this game, beating it and the soundtrack i love specially the soundtrack which I still own and listen to till this day and now I’m 35

  • @iponce2
    @iponce2 Před rokem +13

    played the hell out of this game as a kid. used to get super frustrated at the metal knuckles race to unlock him cause I thought the map was hard and he was really fast.

  • @MilkshakeSkunkette
    @MilkshakeSkunkette Před rokem +1

    ill always love sonic R

  • @GamerFunOriginallyAarush

    Nice stuff!

  • @Anthonystuff1
    @Anthonystuff1 Před rokem +2

    When I put the disk of this game into my pc as a kid, it made everything zoomed in after exiting the game. After that, my mom broke the disk in half and threw it away

  • @FoxMcCloudFF7
    @FoxMcCloudFF7 Před rokem

    The thing I love the most about this game is that bangin' soundtrack!!!

  • @mandatorial
    @mandatorial Před rokem +1

    The music of this game is top tier

  • @Max25670
    @Max25670 Před rokem +1

    they really need to make a Sonic R sequel.

  • @GabePuratekuta
    @GabePuratekuta Před rokem +1

    But where did Tails Doll come from? Jon admitted that it appeared one day without anyone designing it.

  • @red5robb1
    @red5robb1 Před rokem

    i feel the sunshine, and it brightens up my day

  • @DaveDynamite1
    @DaveDynamite1 Před rokem

    I played this game so much as a kid on my Windows 98. Loved the music!

  • @SonicTheCutehog
    @SonicTheCutehog Před rokem +1

    Everybody gangsta until Amy pulls out the buzz saw

  • @ThyTrueNightmare
    @ThyTrueNightmare Před rokem

    Sonic R was my first sonic game, it is what actually made me a sonic fan. I also didn't have a memory dock thing so I had to restart the game from the begging everytime and never worked out how to unlock the hidden characters even after days of trying.
    Man, young me was a fool lol, but still. loved this game

  • @bananachild1936
    @bananachild1936 Před rokem +2

    I don't know about you guys, but I enjoyed the gameplay of Sonic R on the PC. This particular port didn't have the cheesy background music, but I still had a good time with it.

  • @LeftyPem
    @LeftyPem Před rokem +1

    DataDiscs or one of the other of Sega’s vinyl partners needs to get this OST out ASAP. It’s such a great listen!

  • @SuborbitalSays
    @SuborbitalSays Před rokem

    Rewarding Sonic R content with engagement

  • @PKGangsta18
    @PKGangsta18 Před rokem +3

    Say what you will about the game itself. But the development team really knew how to code and get the best out of this nightmare hardware
    Also...I thought Sonic Team was busy with Project Sonic...which would later become Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast; recycling their Saturn assets made into Sonic Jam as a bonus? 🤔

  • @1BlueYoshi
    @1BlueYoshi Před rokem +1

    I think on-foot racing games is an underexplored genre. The only ones I can think of off of the top of my head are Sonic R and Rayman Arena, both of which I like a lot. I think a modern take on Sonic R with more maps, characters, and game modes could be really great, especially if the soundtrack goes just as hard

    • @Glitch177
      @Glitch177 Před 9 měsíci

      Mad Dash for Xbox original.
      Man I want this game to have a remaster.

  • @Zrorro
    @Zrorro Před rokem

    I never got to play the Saturn version since I didn't own a Saturn (was a PS1 & N64 kid). I did eventually get the play it with the PC release that came with Sonic 3 and Sonic CD as well. But I remember loving the game on PC after I managed to set it up to work correctly with a controller. It may have not been the best on it game but I did have fun working my way through it to unlock Super Sonic and metal Sonic. That Tails Doll will still haunt me lol.

  • @jonathana6429
    @jonathana6429 Před rokem +1

    It’s a shame that we don’t have that demo track of Super Sonic Racing. Could it be considered lost media?

  • @AndersonTenecela
    @AndersonTenecela Před rokem

    The soundtrack of Sonic R is the equivalent to what the soundtracks for Marvel vs Capcom 2 and Final Fantasy X-2 were to their respective franchises; a soundtrack was that completely different/feeling somewhat out of place for its time but slowly getting appreciate later on

  • @justinr1094
    @justinr1094 Před rokem +1

    While we're talking about Sega, please cover an Ecco the Dolphin game or the series as a whole next!