Support NeoGAF

[Odoul]

This one was easily my favorite in the series. I (many others too I'd imagine) would buy a collection in a second that I'd otherwise not give two-shits about if it were included. One thing I've always heard is the music was changed in the American version. It's probably asking WAY too much for them to include both. Never heard the JP version yet I love the American stuff.

I hate when companies do this. We'll release, and re-release, then release the ultra version with games that sold in the millions and you can get at almost any flea-market. But the rare one on a system not many had? HA.

I could kill the little punk who stole my disk.

 

[Unison]

They hate it because they are too cheap to create an emulator that would let you play it on any new system.

 

[Gattsu25]

I heard them say disc space was their reason for not shipping it with their mega-collection

hmm...
*checks Gens folder*

nope...I could've fit those games and Sonic CD on a gamecuben disc...maybe they decided to make each of those games 100x larger than they originally were?

 

[belgurdo]

And the guy who made it no longer works there/is not liked by Naka, I believe

 

[Aika'svyse]

One of my favorite Sonics, it's a shame Sega ignores it.

 

[Rlan]

I heard them say disc space was their reason for not shipping it with their mega-collection

hmm...
*checks Gens folder*

nope...I could've fit those games and Sonic CD on a gamecuben disc...maybe they decided to make each of those games 100x larger than they originally were?

Could you also fit 200+ pages of comic artwork, as well as as a bunch of movies?

 

[GhaleonEB]

I agree, it's easily the best in the series. Never heard the Japanese music, but the US was pretty good.

 

[Defensor]

I heard Sega is going to port it as Sonic UMD.

 

[SantaC]

sonic 2 is the best sonic game.

 

[The End]

I heard Sega is going to port it as Sonic UMD.

woah.

 

[mr2mike]

"I heard Sega is going to port it as Sonic UMD. "

That would be such a fucking killer app. I'd go so far as paying full price for it.

 

[Ironclad]

That would be such a fucking killer app. I'd go so far as paying full price for it.

A local indie game store had a copy of Sonic CD for about 5 bucks. I of course jumped on the copy, along with a copy of Virtual Cop. Anyway, I too would easily pay full price for Sonic UMD.

 

[TheTurtleTitan]

They hate it because the Sonic person didn't make it.

 

[jooey]

They hate it because the Sonic person didn't make it.

thank you little billy

 

[aoi tsuki]

i'm sure at some point in the future, it'll happen. i always thought the real reason was that they'd have to write a Sega CD emu, because the game utilized both systems -- IIRC, the Genesis for most of the game (and the "past" music), while the Sega CD did the FMV, CD music, and the rotation for the special stages.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

So, if this Sonic CD UMD rumor is true, does that mean one could conceivably play it on a PSP?

SEGATON if true.

 

[mumu]

So, if this Sonic CD UMD rumor is true, does that mean one could conceivably play it on a PSP?

You people are easily fooled.

 

[jiggle]

So, if this Sonic CD UMD rumor is true, does that mean one could conceivably play it on a PSP?

SEGATON if true.

Sega has an announced PSP title tentatively called "Project S"


I was hoping the S stands for Skies or Shining :/

 

[Seth C]

i'm sure at some point in the future, it'll happen. i always thought the real reason was that they'd have to write a Sega CD emu, because the game utilized both systems -- IIRC, the Genesis for most of the game (and the "past" music), while the Sega CD did the FMV, CD music, and the rotation for the special stages.

Well, it could certainly be done on Xbox. That much we know.

 

[Bauer Action Hour]

i'm sure at some point in the future, it'll happen. i always thought the real reason was that they'd have to write a Sega CD emu, because the game utilized both systems -- IIRC, the Genesis for most of the game (and the "past" music), while the Sega CD did the FMV, CD music, and the rotation for the special stages.

Why do they need to write one? Couldn't they just hire one of the people that do EMU's, like Steve Snake and his Kega EMU that handles GG/MS, Gen, 32X, and SCD, and get him to write the emu code? Didn't they use him for the DC 6-in-1 Gen collection?

 

[Cafeman]

I am of the opinion that there is a technical reason they haven't ported it. Disc space might be the reason, and the emulation might be another reason. Since I have yet to see Sega put *any* Sega CD title on a compilation disc or as an extra, I think that they don't want to use their resources on getting this to work. They feel it is not worth the Return On Investment. It has little to do with Yuji Naka's ego.

Then again, there was a PC version of the game and I would think it wouldn't be difficult to put that version on a disc; I never played that PC port but I can't believe it is the same (as good) as the original Sonic CD on Sega CD.

If they do port Sega CD games, Sega should improve the FMV. The Sonic CD movie is on MEGA all cleaned up and full screen, that's how it has got to be in-game too.

*looks at Sega CD in closet, then at game wallet filled with cool 16 bit CD games*

 

[Buffy4ever]

the PC version of Sonic CD is about the same as the Sega CD version content wise ( graphics ,sound color and stages), but it is still not as good as the Sega CD version for two reasons: sowdown and loading. The pc verion of Sonic CD loads alot more often and longer then the Sega CD version.

 

[Buffy4ever]

what is this Sonic UMD rumor? Is this another collection or an original game, Does UMD stand for soemthing?

 

[Gattsu25]

what is this Sonic UMD rumor? Is this another collection or an original game, Does UMD stand for soemthing?

UMD is the disc the PSP uses

I say the rumor's bullshit

Could you also fit 200+ pages of comic artwork, as well as as a bunch of movies?

On a UMD or 1GB memory stick I could. O shnap!!

 

[mr2mike]

"I say the rumor's bullshit"

Rumor? it's not even that much! it's just a silly invention that someone spat out in this thread.

 

[Koshiro]

My source told me that Sega are releasing an F-Zero game for PSP, with Nintendo obviously taking a slice of the profits. Quite clever actually, earning money from the rival platform under the cover of darkness.

 

[Warm Machine]

Sonic CD actually looks like a Sonic game unlike Sonic 3 where the art direction and character design changed dramatically. Gone were the cool abstract graphic designs of the environments and in were new boring more literal levels. It also has the least interesting playing levels with lots of hold the stick and watch Sonic do all the work bullshit.

 

[Pachinko]

Idono, I picked up Sonic collection + for xbox and I'm finding sonic 3 has actually gotten better with age, I used to hate it, but it has pretty good level design and has actual difficulty unlike sonic 2... Despite that I still prefer sonic 2.


I only played the PC version of sonic CD and I wasn't all too impressed with it, the sound quality was asstacular for one , and you could only play it in a tiny window, with low color mode enabled becuase it was just that old of a game at the time.

 

[Warm Machine]

Sega's PC ports have always been pretty painful. They could do a better job they just choose not to.

I love Sonic 1 and 2. Both are near perfect games. Sonic 3 is just so bland to me.

 

[MegaByte]

Could you also fit 200+ pages of comic artwork, as well as as a bunch of movies?

Actually, yes. Sonic Mega Collection with all the artwork and movies only took 1GB. Remove 144MB for the Sonic CD movies already on the disc and a few more for some of the dev junk still there and Sonic CD would easily fit into that space. In fact, I think there's enough room to add all of the non-PC versions in there with compression (the other ROMs on the disc are already compressed). Sonic CD was originally part of the collection, but they removed it due to buggy emulation IIRC.

 

[border]

People who write emulators on the PC probably don't know how to write emulators for GameCube and PS2 (maybe Xbox). If the SegaCD had a better library, Sega might have done it, but it's probably not worth the time for just a couple decent games.

 

[belgurdo]

Gone were the cool abstract graphic designs of the environments and in were new boring more literal levels. It also has the least interesting playing levels with lots of hold the stick and watch Sonic do all the work bullshit.

You described Sonic 2 moreso than Sonic 3...3 actually had platforming in it, whereas most of Sonic 2 was just holding right and occassionally jumping (sans Hill Top and Wing Fortress, natch) And the art direction of 3 didn't really change either...it got more colorful, if anything

 

[Cimarron]

I think Sega hates Sonic CD because they think they'll make a profit by releasing the game. And we all know how much Sega hates making money.

 

[Warm Machine]

Sonic 1 - Cool Art Direction

Sonic 2 - Cool Art Direction

Sonic 3 - Derivative Shit

Sonic CD - Cool Art Direction


Sonic 3 doesn't look at all like the other Sonic games of the time

 

[SomeDude]

Who was the guy behind Sonic CD? I havn't played the game in years but I remember the game being quite a bit of fun.

 

[Kai Dracon]

Personally I go with technical issues as well. Most ports for compilations seem produced with a skeleton crew and very little effort - they're quick, cheap, shovelware from the perspective of the guys holding the strings of the changepurse. Sonic CD, between the redbook audio tracks, structure were it reloads the stages for past and future, and a few other niggling details, might be just over the threshhold of being considered worth the effort to port. Doing a -good- port seems like it would require creating a new engine that handled time transitions differently (in today's age with faster drives and far more ram). Ironically, porting it "straight", and letting the game still pause for stuff like CD loading between time periods and such might be seen as the game looking pokey, rough, and fhugly - a turn-off for modern gamers.

 

[Joeholley]

For the record, it the JP version does have a vastly superior soundtrack. The US one came over just as SEGA had finished building that multi-million dollar recording studio, and they made all new music for it. It's decent, but the JP version is much better.

Edit:grammar

 

[Orange]

People who write emulators on the PC probably don't know how to write emulators for GameCube and PS2 (maybe Xbox). If the SegaCD had a better library, Sega might have done it, but it's probably not worth the time for just a couple decent games.

Steve Snake could probably hammer something out. Easy.

 

[COCKLES]

1. Modded Xbox.
1. Sonic CD ISO
1 DVD-R chock a block of every Sega ROM and a ton of Sega CD .ISO images. = priceless.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Ah, god bless the modded Xbox.

But that still wouldn't make it portable.

 

[Screenboy]

My source told me that Sega are releasing an F-Zero game for PSP, with Nintendo obviously taking a slice of the profits. Quite clever actually, earning money from the rival platform under the cover of darkness.

Wishful thinking there mate....


Don't believe this news.

(Also PSP has Wipeout Pure)


-SB

 

[Koshiro]

Don't believe this news.

I would be inclined to AWTP.

Spoiler

It was bullshit taking the piss out of a previous post.

 

[dark10x]

I still have a hard time understanding why people often hold up Sonic CD as their favorite in the series. I replay the Sonic games fairly often, and SCD is actually one of the least enjoyable at this point. My main complaint revolves around the level design. The levels are simply too short and too many of them take on the slower paced, maze like approach that I've always disliked in the series (ala Labyrinth Zone).

Tidal Tempest was never particularly enjoyable from a gameplay perspective. It's short and slow. The atmosphere is excellent (thanks to the music), but it isn't all that fun.

Wacky Workbench never appealed to me either. It feels like a chore despite the fact that I have the thing nearly memorized at this point. I don't load up WW when I'm looking for a quick dose of Sonic...

Metallic Madness isn't really very good either. There are some interesting ideas to be found within, but they just aren't that fun or exciting.

I really do not enjoy those three stages much at all, and with only six stages in the game, that's a pretty big deal. The other three stages are much more enjoyable, but none of them really stick out.

SCD features some stunning visuals (outside of Sonic's sprite, which is based on Sonic 1), amazing tunes (both JP and US tunes are great and I alternate between the two versions), and tons of variety. There are plenty of great ideas in the game, but the core level designs just aren't very fun to play!

 

[jarrod]

The reasoning for passing on Sonic CD in Mega Collection was that Sonic Team couldn't get MegaCD sound emulation working properly in time for a Christmas release on GameCube. It was intended actually, in fact preview builds had a menu selection for the game. There's no real excuse for leaving it off the Plus PS2/Xbox ports, though Sonic Team's MegaDrive emulation wasn't that great there anyway so maybe they figured MCD wasn't worth the effort.

I'd like to see Sonic Team do a multiplatform anthology disc collecting their various MegaCD/Saturn games. Sonic CD, NiGHTS, Christmas NiGHTS, and Burning Rangers all on one disc please (maybe even throw in Sonic R and Sonic 3D Blast). The current Sonic Mega Collection would also make an excellent DS/PSP release.

 

[dark10x]

Sound emulation? The only other feature they'd have to deal with is the addition of digital music. How difficult could that be?

 

[jarrod]

Sound emulation? The only other feature they'd have to deal with is the addition of digital music. How difficult could that be?

Well, I don't know the particulars but that was the reason Naka gave. They wanted to include Sonic CD but couldn't at the last second. :/

 

[Koshiro]

Sound emulation? The only other feature they'd have to deal with is the addition of digital music. How difficult could that be?

The Mega CD had its own soundchip, which Sonic CD made heavy use of, as well as the Megadrive soundchip.

 

[jcjimher]

I still have a hard time understanding why people often hold up Sonic CD as their favorite in the series. I replay the Sonic games fairly often, and SCD is actually one of the least enjoyable at this point. My main complaint revolves around the level design. The levels are simply too short and too many of them take on the slower paced, maze like approach that I've always disliked in the series (ala Labyrinth Zone).

Tidal Tempest was never particularly enjoyable from a gameplay perspective. It's short and slow. The atmosphere is excellent (thanks to the music), but it isn't all that fun.

Wacky Workbench never appealed to me either. It feels like a chore despite the fact that I have the thing nearly memorized at this point. I don't load up WW when I'm looking for a quick dose of Sonic...

Metallic Madness isn't really very good either. There are some interesting ideas to be found within, but they just aren't that fun or exciting.

I really do not enjoy those three stages much at all, and with only six stages in the game, that's a pretty big deal. The other three stages are much more enjoyable, but none of them really stick out.

SCD features some stunning visuals (outside of Sonic's sprite, which is based on Sonic 1), amazing tunes (both JP and US tunes are great and I alternate between the two versions), and tons of variety. There are plenty of great ideas in the game, but the core level designs just aren't very fun to play!

I agree with you so much... Sonic CD is very overrated IMO among Sonic fans when, although it's a good game, is clearly the worst of the 16-bit series from a gameplay point of view, and only because of the level design (ths sound and visuals were top-notch).

However, I disagree with you about Wacky Workbench, because it's probably my favourite zone in the game. While all the other ones added little new to the gameplay, the intermitent jumping floor on WW was an interesting twist that, at least, provided a new exprience.

 

[Saturnman]

Who was the guy behind Sonic CD? I havn't played the game in years but I remember the game being quite a bit of fun.

The same guy at Artoon. Naoto Oshima. How the mighty have fallen.

The only thing Sonic CD has is the art (although sloppier) as it is essentially a remake of Sonic 1 anyway.

 

[dark10x]

The Mega CD had its own soundchip, which Sonic CD made heavy use of, as well as the Megadrive soundchip.

In what way? The sound FX were nothing special and were straight Genesis (even the quick voice clips) and the music was redbook.