I do believe I’m justified in my jadedness now.
Browsing Tag
sonic the hedgehog
It’s a story you’ve heard a million times before. How on June 23rd 1991, the gaming world was forever changed when Sonic the Hedgehog, the original 16-bit classic, was released. For the first time, Nintendo had competition. The 16-bit wars had truly begun. And a company that had been started in the aftermath of World War II whose only goal was to entertain had a bona fide hit on their hands. But no matter the impact Sonic had on the industry, he had a far greater impact on the childhood of millions of gamers. Starting with that first game, what child of the 90’s didn’t demand their own Mega Drive? Who didn’t want their own version of Sonic’s shoes, even though none would ever be sold? Who didn’t wake up early every Saturday just to catch a glimpse of Sonic and his awesome catch phrases? Save their pocket money to get the latest issue of whatever comic was released on their side of the world? Dare to read the junior novels? Fall asleep holding tightly onto that Sonic plushie?
Let’s be honest here. Anyone associated with this site, we stick around because of the impact Sonic had on our lives. Yes, we can admit that there are far more important things than talking about a speedy blue hedgehog. Sure, perhaps the games aren’t as big a part of our lives anymore. We’ve grown up just like anyone must, out of childhood, through those awkward teenage years and into our own 20’s. Even those of us who edit the wiki, write on the message board, or even the passive who just casually read the site or follow us on twitter feel some sort of attachment to “the fastest thing alive,” even if he is only a small part of our current world. Even so, who here can say that haven’t been inspired, even slightly, by the invention of three Japanese fellows who only wanted to make the best game they could?
Here’s to many more!
There are many reasons why the classic Sonic titles have resonated with everyone for the last twenty years. The memorable characters, the amazing art design, the wondrous level layouts, the ability to roll to your heart’s content…but it wouldn’t be the Sonic experience without the music. Heck, even the worst games in the series still have had amazing music. But unfortunately, the games that started it all have never had a proper music release.
That’s why we should all be very, very excited about what’s in the pipeline. For the first time ever, the original Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel are getting the full treatment, the 16-bit genius of Masato Nakamura finally getting the respect it deserves. For you see, it’s not just a case of a simple game rip being hastily thrown onto a music CD. Though a track listing hasn’t been released just yet, there are meant to be numerous bonus tracks. Is the full version of DREAMS COME TRUE’s SWEET SWEET SWEET going to be on there? Perhaps. But for the first time ever, the original demo tapes to the game’s music is going to be released. Yes, the music at its earliest, rawest form finally available for the masses. This is content people thought was lost to the ages, or at least buried so deep in Sega’s vaults that they would never bother to put it together.
A release date for the compilation has yet to be announced, but expect it to come out at some point this year in Japan. No word yet on a western release, so you may be forced to import the disc to celebrate Sonic’s 20th anniversary in style.
[Source: The Daily DL via Famitsu]
So…I’m not one of lucky ones who got to go to Sonic Boom. So I’m not hanging out with Scarred Sun and Slingerland and Gene and doing shots. But if you want to pretend that you are Sonic Boom, you can. Because apparently everyone who is there is getting their picture taken and being bros. So if you hurry, click here and you can experience the event Almost Live[tm]! And if you come in late, those pictures will still be there haunting you, knowing you’re not playing Sonic Generations until later this year.
We reported earlier that Sega may have let the cat out of the bag with their 2011 Financial Report that Sonic Generations was en route to the 3DS and some system labeled “PC”. The same graphic (above) was changed in a re-released version of the documents to the press, removing the 3DS and PC entries for Sonic Generations, but changing nothing else.
Even though the focus of this site has been, first and foremost, the Sonic game franchise, it wouldn’t be fair to completely gloss over the other aspects of the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, especially one corner that has been continuously printed since 1993. Of course, I’m talking about the Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series from Archie, which has been in production since 1993 and whose 225th issue is just around the corner. Coming out May 25th, the anniversary issue signals the end of the “Countdown to Genesis” arc, with Dr. Eggman finally making his big move after going crazy back in issue 200 and subsequently regaining his sanity only to go into hiding. With last issue showing the launch of the newly-rebuilt Death Egg, much speculation has gone on about how this will lead into the nostalgia-fueled “Genesis” arc. Though some spoilers have leaked in their respective corners of the Internet, issues #226-230 are more then certainly going to shake things up in the comic, if the hype can be believed.
Pop culture news site IGN has an exclusive five-page preview of the issue, so if you want to avoid any and all spoilers, it might be best to not click here and read them. Otherwise, go ahead and have a blast.
If you just can’t wait until the 25th for your monthly dose of Sonic the Hedgehog, tomorrow does mark the release of Sonic Universe #28, the final issue in the “Silver Saga” arc. Sure, maybe Silver the Hedgehog is not the most compelling character ever created, and the tale might be using elements from one of Ken Penders‘ unfulfilled plot devices, but…well, it’s not all that bad.
Both Sonic the Hedgehog #225 and Sonic Universe #28 are written by Ian Flynn and drawn by Tracy Yardley.
As a research site on the good (and bad) of the Sonic series, we couldn’t possibly let this one slip past us.
Russian Sonic site Sonic Scene posted what appears to be the music used in the very first trailer of the later ill-regarded Sonic The Hedgehog (2006). What’s special about all of this is the track was never used in game or, more over, released in any sort of auditory form aside from a trailer with off-mic noise.
But thanks to the efforts of Russian Sonic fan Mefiresu, he found a song that is strikingly similar to the audio used in the video. You can grab the near-five minute clip and listen for yourself right here.
Huh. Feels like I just wrote about this. Oh well, doesn’t hurt to let everyone know that OverClocked Remix‘s latest album The Sound of Speed is now out for your listening pleasure. Available as both a direct download and as a torrent file (if you want to save their bandwidth and pretend it also helps the environment), all thirteen tracks on the album are full of Masato Nakamura goodness. Sure, you may find some of the arrangements aren’t your cup of tea, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to at least download and give it a listen.
Oh, look at that, it’s Tuesday. Man, if this was Sonic 2, I could make such an overused joke!
To go to the album’s official site, just click here.
So it may not be a new Sonic game, but another teaser trailer came out a couple days before the hoopla involving Mr. Classic Sonic and his beige-eyelids. Music remix site Overclocked Remix (who have been responsible for more Sonic remixes than you can shake a stick at) have been quietly working on a happy little album that fans of Sonic music can get excited about. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing. Just in time for the blue blur’s 20th anniversary (and also OCR’s 25th album…wait that’s not the same number) comes The Sound of Speed, a 13-track album covering the entirety of the first Sonic the Hedgehog. Previously covering Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and 3 with Hedgehog Heaven and Project Chaos respectively, the album is sure to at least have one really good track. It’s not out yet, but project leader Halc released a trailer so you can hear snippets of each song with some classy gameplay footage (oh man Sonic is rolling). Since they generally don’t release a trailer until its almost here…well, it’s almost here.
Can’t wait for that Labyrinth Zone remix…as long as they don’t make me drown in the middle.