December 7th, 2022 marks the release of the Official soundtrack to Sonic Frontiers, “Stillness & Motion”.
The soundtrack will be available as a physical release in Japan for the sum of ¥8,000, and will include a gargantuan library of 150 tracks across 6 CD package:
Additionally, the soundtrack will also be available to listen to via Spotify:
Our friends over at Sonic Merch News have spotted two new action figures being added to the JAKKS Pacific Sonic line up, with a decidedly Sonic Adventure theme!
The listings were spotted on the Smyths Toys website in the UK, with a release date (at least in this country) of March 2023; US stores will likely see these figures stocked even earlier.
Since the launch of the game in 1998, this will be the first time Chaos Version 0 has seen an action figure incarnation. The figure also appears to be transluscent, to emulate the liquid composition of the character.
Stay tuned for more JAKKS Pacific toy news as it comes!
The Official Sonic the Hedgehog twitter account has today revealed a new Sonic Frontiers synopsis video, that includes detals on the game story, and new tidbits on progression and gimmicks that will feature throughout!
Included in this video are a multitude of facts such as:
With a little over two months until the release of Sonic Frontiers, we are likely to see more tidbits about the game emerge. Stay tuned for more information as it comes!
An image taken from this year’s Gamescom event in Germany appears to confirm that Big the Cat will feature in Sonic Frontiers.
A tweet from @Bibouboul today shows two show-goers watching an in-game scene with the massive mouser alongside Sonic, who appears to have a fishing rod in hand.
While there is no official confirmation as to Big’s role in the game, it does tease elements of the fishing game that is purported to be returning to the series.
Stay tuned for more on Frontiers as it comes!
Video game soundtrack label Data Discs have announced that their next release will be the score to the 1993 SEGA Megadrive / Genesis title Sonic Spinball.
The soundtrack, composed by the SEGA Technical Institute team lead by Howard Drossin, sees this remastered cut taken from archival files and a Japanese Mega Drive console.
The release will see three versions:
The track list is as follows:
A1. Logo / A2. Title Screen / A3. Introduction / A4. Toxic Caves / A5. Emerald Collected / A6. Boss / A7. Lava Powerhouse / A8. Bonus Stage / B1. The Machine / B2. All Emeralds Collected / B3. Showdown / B4. Credits/Options / B5. Lava Powerhouse (European Ver.) / B6. Game Over
Pre-orders will go live at 7pm BST / 2pm EDT / 11am PDT on Saturday, 9th of July, 2022, and shipping in August.
Pre-order link: DATA025 – Sonic Spinball
Word on the grapevine is that Funko will be soon expanding their Sonic the Hedgehog line to include several character yet to receive a vinyl figure incarnation.
Sonic Merch News via twitter reports sources are expecting the release of a large expansion to the Sonic the Hedgehog range, including a modern Super Sonic with Chaos Emeralds, Metal Sonic, Amy Rose, and a special Team Chaotix 3-pack.
While no release dates are known yet, be sure to stay tuned to TSS for more on any potential future releases!
New footage seen from Summer Game Fest appears to confirm that Sky Sanctuary will feature as one of the Cyberspace stages in Sonic Frontiers.
New images from the show, shared by Saihati72 on twitter, appear to confirm the Sonic & Knuckles stage, revisited in Sonic Generations, through the presence of the ascending Death Egg in the background.
While the zoomed-in footage is of low resolution, the image of the Death Egg is now undeniable.
Fans have been quick to point out previously that there are many similarities to the Generations design, to the point that it appears Frontiers may be using recycled assets from the 11 year-old title.
UPDATE: Another Twitter user has shared a second video that displays the stage a little clearer in the background. Thanks to ‘JL’ via email for the news tip!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Screenshot from @Tracker_TD via twitter.
2022 marks the return of Georgia’s premier SEGA-themed convention, Sonic & SEGA Fan Jam!
The event, which began back in 2014, is dedicated to celebrating everything SEGA and Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates the company’s eclectic video game history, playing host to industry figures (such as Sonic Adventure voice actor Ryan Drummond) and prominent creators in the fan community.
The one-day event is pipped to take place on November the 12th, 2022, and this year has elected to crowdfund the event via Kickstarter.
Pledge levels include virtual attendance for those who can’t make it in person, all the way up to event sponsorship.
At current time of writing, the event has just passed the 50% mark to reaching it’s goal of $7,500.
The second Sonic the Hedgehog Movie is absolutely jam-packed with references to the games and even a nod to one of Ben Schwartz’s previous shows, Parks and Recreation. In addition to these, there are a plethora of movie references and tropes featuring throughout the 2-hour run time. While some of these are very obvious (such as Officer Wade Whipple’s referral to Ghostbusters’ infamous candy Kaiju, The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man), some will only have been spotted by the most avid movie buffs!
Below are our 7 favourite subtle movie references in Sonic’s latest cinema outing…
Be warned – movie spoilers ahead!!!
Before Knuckles makes his appearance through the ring, Dr Robotnik welcomes the three nameless warriors with the very strange greetings of “Klaatu Barada Nikto!”. Classic sci-fi fans will know this as the famous phrase that originated in the 1951 film The Day the Earth Stood Still – uttered to pacify the giant robot Gort and prevent him from destroying the world. Ironic considering the final act of the movie!
Sonic sets about trashing the Wachowski household minutes after Tom and Maddie depart for Hawaii, starting with a slide into the living room with his back to the camera. Those with a keen knowledge of 80’s coming-of-age flicks will recognise this as a homage to the underwear dance scene from 1983’s Risky Business performed by a young Tom Cruise, in which Cruise’s character Joel has also just been left home alone in his parents’ house.
When Robotnik returns to Earth at night and confronts Sonic in the Wachowski house he threatens Sonic, finishing his line with “…AND YOUR LITTLE DOG TOO!”. The quote references the threat given by the Wicked Witch of the West to Dorothy in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. The threat is often used as a trope when a villain wants to prove how evil they are.
The name of the Wachowski family dog? Ozzy, of course.
Robotnik’s descent into complete madness when he is exiled to the Mushroom Planet is staved off when he creates a replica Agent Stone out of, well, a stone. This bears semblance to 2000’s Cast Away, in which Tom Hank’s character Chuck creates an inanimate companion, Wilson, from a flotsam Volleyball after being marooned on a remote uninhabited island.
Knuckles and Robotnik’s navigation through the Labyrinth Zone sees the two antagonists chased down corridor by a huge boulder. While this has most certainly become an adventure movie and video game trope, the idea originated in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first Indiana Jones movie. The trope doesn’t go unnoticed by Robotnik, as he says “I refuse to die like this; it’s derivative!”
During the fight between our heroes and the Death Egg Robot and shortly before the destruction of the biplane, Robotnik begins to mockingly swipe at Tails as he manoeuvres around the mechanical juggernaut. This is of course a tribute to the 1933 classic King Kong, in which the final scene sees the colossus batting away attacking Curtis Helldiver biplanes.
The second Sonic movie ends where the first started in the Green Hills baseball field, with our protagonist getting his wish of having others to play with. After Knuckles’ “Power bump” that sees him hit a home run, a familiar horn riff plays as declares his conquering of the bases. Soundtrack enthusiasts will recognise this as the theme to 1983’s The Natural, Barry Levinson’s love letter to one of America’s favourite sports.
Have we missed any subtle movie references in Sonic 2? Let us know in the comments!
UPDATE: Just hours after this article went live, the character went on sale over at GE Animation.
You can find buy her here for $29.99.
Original article and image of Tikal below.
We reported in February that GE Animation, amongst their fantastic line up of plushes of supporting Sonic characters, were planning on producing a stuffed toy of Sonic Adventure fan favourite Tikal.
Today we have seen the first images of the plush via a listing on Amazon, spotted by our friends at Sonic Merch News on Twitter.
The plush joins recent releases that have included other characters that have seldom seen stuffed toy incarnations (either recently or never), such as Emerl, Mephiles, and E-102 Gamma.
Stay tuned for more merchandise news!
For those who couldn’t make it to the cinema to see the second Sonic the Hedgehog movie (or those who can’t wait to see it again), you don’t have long to wait until it is available to stream!
Multiple sources including Games Radar have confirmed that Sonic 2 will be available to stream via Paramount Plus (at least in the US) from the 24th of May, just over 6 weeks since it’s State-side release.
There is currently no infomation as to when the movie will be available in other territories, but stay tuned for news as it comes!
First 4 Figures have today announced the launch of their Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary statue.
The Statue, modelled on the 30th Anniversary logo depicting modern Sonic leaping through a ring was teased via social media, with the official launch day being pinned as April the 5th, 2022. The statue will be revealed in full via stream (including Youtube) at 16:45 BST.
The only detail currently confirmed by First 4 Figures is that there will be both a standard and exclusive version of the statue available.
Following the launch stream, the statue will become available for pre-order, however the price of the premium item is yet to be confirmed.
In the meantime, fans can also enter a free competition for a chance to win a statue of their own.
More information as it comes!
In an interview with Sonic Revolution, Sonic Mania lead Christian Whitehead made several revelations about the development of the 2017 title.
Along with tidbits about the origins of the Hard-Boiled Heavies and the nature of whether or not animals are inside of them, Whitehead also spoke about Sonic Team’s initial concept to include Sonic Forces’ antagonist Infinite in the 2D platformer.
Listen to the answer in it’s entirity below:
Great Eastern Entertainment continue their incredible line of Sonic-themed plushes with everyone’s favourite frog-finding robot E-102 Gamma!
The plush is the first incarnation of the Sonic Adventure character since the game’s release in 1998, and commands a significantly lower price than the ultra-scarce original fetches via online auctions.
The plush joins the 12″ range which also recently added Emerl and Tangle the Lemur to the roster.
The plush is now available via GE Entertainment’s website, grab them before they fly off the shelves!
Japan anime statue manufactuerer S-Fire have revealed they have a Sonic Adventure 2 statue, complete with Shadow and Sonic, sporting his SOAP shoes, in the works!
The statue was revealed at this year’s Wonfes 2022 in Japan, ith the press release on their blog announcing the “Super Situation Figure: Sonic and Shadow.”
This statue will mark the first use of the SOAP shoes model of Sonic since the early 2000’s.
Sonic the Hedgehog Creative Director Kazuyuki Hoshino announced via Twitter that he has been involved in the inception of the statue:
Currently, there is no release date for the statue, but I’m sure you’ll agree that this statue will excite many fans of the Sonic Adventure era!
More to come!
Source: S-Fire Twitter account
Great Eastern Animation list a 10″ soft toy of the Sonic Adventure character as “coming soon” on their website!
The company continue their line of fan favourite incarnations (in recent months they have released plushes of Tangle the Lemur, Fang the Sniper, and Emerl).
While there is no further info beyond the listing on the GE Animation website, Sonic Adventure fans will surely be excited at the prospect of getting this plush 24 years on from the release of the game.
More info to come!
Many thanks to @treasurehuntingsonic for the info!
GamesRadar recently caught up with Sonic Team’s head Takashi Iizuka, to talk about what we can expect from the new Sonic the Hedgehog mainline title, due later this year.
While Iizuka remains tight-lipped about the detail of he drops tid-bits of information in the interview, including the introduction of “new combat styles” in the 2022 release.
GamesRadar were particularly probing about what Sonic Team have meant about “Open-zone freedom” and if this is the same as fully open world, but Iizuka still remains evasive:
“One of the biggest questions hanging over Sonic Frontiers is whether it will be set throughout a fully open world or whether the various biomes of Starfall Islands will be self-contained. SEGA has been careful with its language so far, referring to the 2022 release as being set in the ‘franchise’s first ever open-zone-inspired experience’ or explaining that it will offer ‘open-zone freedom’. When I ask Iizuka for clarity, he’s only willing to confirm that further details will be coming soon: “We don’t have too much more to share regarding the environment just yet, but stay tuned for more details this year.”
As always we will keep you up-to-date on any new developments with Sonic Fronitiers!
Source: GamesRadar
Sonic Channel have announced a new rock-themed Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise line and campaign, in conjunction with the release of new arrangements of some of the best-loved songs from the series.
Rock ‘N’ Sonic the Hedgehog Sessions! a new EP featuring new Sonic the Hedgehog artwork and containing new arrangements of Live and Learn, Escape from the City, and more tracks to be confirmed, is set for a February 2022 release.
In addition, a merchandise line including a T-shirt, face towel, acrylic stand, and badge set, will be released simultaneously.
The merchandise can be ordered via the dedicated Amazon.co.jp storefront, which allows shipping worldwide.
Amongst a host of new figures from the toy retailer JAKKS Pacific comes what all automata-aficionados have been waiting for – an action of the ultimate E-series robot, E-123 Omega!
The figure has been listed on UK retailer Smyths Toys website this week, amongst other figures in this and the next wave (wave 7 and 8) of the line, including Silver the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat.
Other than a figurine contained in the Sonic Battle Racers board game, this is the first action figure fans have seen of this much-loved merciless mecha; images of the (sizable) figure can be seen below:
According to the website, the figures are expected to be available in the UK around March 2022, however this might be earlier for those in the US.
Numskull Designs have today launched pre-orders for a Sonic-themed scent, as part of a SEGA-themed line of fragrances!
SEGA Shop UK introduces the fragrance:
“A gorgeous, refreshing scent to your everyday life with this invigorating Sonic the Hedgehog ‘Blue Blur’ unisex cologne! Given the seal of approval from the famous speedy hedgehog himself, this cologne boasts an aroma of fresh citrus, a zing of grapefruit zest and exotic lemon and lime, topped with the scene of the ocean breeze and chilled melon fade. Take pleasure in the rich base tones of leather, suede, and cedar.”
SEGA Shop Europe
The fragrance joins a line which also includes Yakuza and Shenmue-themed scents.
The fragrance will hopefully be available in time for December, and is available for pre-order now for £29.99 – a great Christmas gift for any Sonic the Hedgehog fan!
Source: SEGA Shop Europe
Capcom today have confirmed that a update to Monster Hunter Rise which includes a Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration will release on the 26th November, 2021.
The announcement, via trailer, introduces players to some rather hillarious looking layered armour for you and your buddies to give you feline friend the appearance of Sonic, or your huge wolf dressed up in a Tails-themed “Canyne Tails” costume.
It also appears that the Sonic Gear armour has a Super Sonic mode as well.
Additionally, the trailer also features ring collectables, although there are no details on how these will be incorporated into the event quest.
Source: Capcom Youtube Channel
SEGA Shop Europe have announced the latest character to join their TUBBZ rubber duckie line, SUPER SONIC!
The “Swanical” figure joins the Sonic TUBBZ line, which currently includes Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Eggman.
The duck is now available to preorder from SEGA Shop Europe for the “poultry” sum of £14.99, and promises to be out for Christmas, along with the incredible Advent Calender at the end of this month.
We already know what we are hoping for in our stockings this year!
Preorder link: Super Sonic TUBBZ
Christmas has come early for Sonic fans!
SEGA Shop UK have announced pre-orders for a Sonic the Hedgehog Countdown advent calendar!
Designed by Numskull, the calendar allows sonic fans to construct a high-quality Sonic the Hedgehog figurine of Sonic sonwboarding his way through the Ice Cap Zone over the course of 24 days, with each door every day revealing a new part of the model.
If the images are anything to go by, this figurine looks absolutely phenomenal!
Pre-orders have now gone up on the SEGA Shop website, and you might want to hurry as we suspect this will be a very popular calendar indeed!
The calendars are expected to ship by the end of November.
To pre-order, follow this link: https://www.segashop.co.uk/collections/sonic/products/official-sonic-the-hedgehog-countdown-character
UK distributors Zavvi yesterday opened preorders for an exclusive version of the Sonic Colours Ultimate 2LP vinyl soundtrack through their store, and have followed up today with a new range including T-Shirts, a hoodie, and mobile phone accessories.
The items for sale include two shirt designs that come in women’s, men’s, and children’s sizes, and can be seen in the images below.
At time of writing, all items are still available through the Zavvi UK store.
Precious metal dealers APMEX have released their Sonic the Hedgehog 30th anniversary collaboration range of coins struck by their mints.
They are currently offering a range of items including 1 oz bullion and colourised Silver coins at around $30 each, which include designs of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Eggman.
Additionally, the mint are also offering proof coins in a limited run of 300 (struck to the same standard but with extra detailing) in both silver and gold variants and including a presentation tin, with the silver version currently sold out at time of writing.
The 1 oz gold proof coin is smaller than the silver version due to the density of the metal (32 mm as opposed to 39 mm) and will set you back a whopping $2000.
The Sonic the Hedgehog social media channels today announced that Sonic Sound Director Jun Senoue will be joining the cohort of composers involved in reworking tracks for the soundtrack of Sonic Colors Ultimate!
A sample of one of Senoue-san’s hard-hitting remixes, “Vs. Rotatatron & Refreshinator), was also shared on Youtube, which you can listen to below!
Not so long ago we reported on the teaser from boutique clothing brand STRAY RATS about an up-and-coming line that promised to be full of that wonderful 90s aesthetic we Sonic fans love so much. They did not disappoint!
Today, STRAY RATS have revealed the full range via their website – and it is nothing short of fantastic! The line draws upon a style not seen since the early days of Sonic, with many items paying testament to classic titles such as Sonic CD…and even Sonic the Fighters!
Some of you might also recognise the immense Sonic the Hedgehog collection in the backdrop as none-other than that of TreasureHuntingSonic!
SEGA Europe have posted a video via their Youtube channel made up of some of many Sonic the Hedgehog fans whose lives he’s been part of for the past 3 decades.
You can watch the video in full below…and keep an eye out for some Sonic Stadium folks too!
Depending on which region you grew up in, you might have come to know one of Sonic Triple Trouble’s main antagonists as either Fang the Sniper in Japan or Nack the Weasel in the west. But why the two names? Character creator ‘TOUMA’, explained to fans via twitter this week as to the origin of the two aliases, amongst other bits of character information!
Continue reading Fang the Sniper or Nack the Weasel? Character Creator TOUMA Explains The Two NamesNothing beats a good bit of funk – especially when it’s a big band cover version of the theme to Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s Hydrocity Zone!
Composer Tyler Mire leads a big band ensemble complete with reeds, horns, and rhythm section in this phenomenal tribute to one of the greatest 16-bit era Sonic sounds. You’ll want to listen to this more than once to properly aborb all of the layers to this!
A listing on Penguin Random House’s website reveals that IDW comics are planning to release a mini series covering Sonic’s adventures between the first and second movies!
According to the pre-order page for the Official Movie “Pre-quill” (this listing is for a collection of what will comprise the comic series in it’s entirity), the 4-part mini series will cover the antics of Sonic, Tom, and Maddie, in the run-up to the second movie, due out in 2022.
From the source:
Catch up with Sonic and friends—if you can!—in this exclusive prequel to 2022’s most anticipated family film!
Life is good in Green Hills for Sonic the Hedgehog. Maybe too good. He’s starting to get bored, and when Sonic gets bored, things become a lot less boring for everyone else—fast!
Quicker than you can say “Chili Dog,” the Fastest Thing Alive is saving the day and causing all sorts of chaos along the way! Can Tom and Maddie help him keep his secrets now that he’s gotten a taste for heroics? Plus, new and returning characters starring in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 take the lead in stories of their own!
Source: Penguin Random House
Thanks to VisionaryofSUPER for the heads up!
Video game and cult IP statue maker First 4 Figures is set to finally reveal their latest figure in the Sonic the Hedgehog range – Super Shadow!
Computer generated renders of the statue were shown off several months ago, however this will be the first occassion the actual statue will be shown off, complete with Shadow throwing a Chaos spear.
The launch stream, after which the staute will be available for preorder, will take place on Tuesday the 6th of July 2021, at 9:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM BST.
Possibly one of the rarest Sonic the Hedgehog arcade cabinets, a SEGASonic Cosmo Fighter Galaxy Patrol children’s ride which includes an English translation, has been found by a fan!
SEGA Arcade aficionado IAMAMAZING100 on twitter recently shared images and footage of their recent acquisiton of the ride-in space ship, including footage of the cabinet up and running:
The children’s ride was made as part of the Waku Waku children’s line in Japan which is where many cabinets were deployed, with a limited deployment in predominently English speaking countries (for example, a unit was based at SEGA World Sydney).
There are also several subtle differences, besides the language, between the two versions such as sprites used in the game:
The ROM of the English translation for the game has yet to be dumped and shared, making this an exciting find for arcade buffs.
We’d love one ourselves…though we think it might be difficult to fit in one now!
Source: IAMAMAZING100 via Twitter
A defining element of the Sonic the Hedgehog series is the superb soundtrack that has accompanied our favourite characters across 30 year’s worth of adventures. Here’s the top 10 of what our resident music maniac T-Bird considers the best of three decades of music featured in the Sonic Universe!
Often dismissed as cheesy (but come on folks, Sonic is often super cheesy), the Sonic R soundtrack is the first entry on my list. While not everyone’s cup of tea, very few Sonic series soundtracks come close to being anywhere near as upbeat at this first foray by Sonic into a more contemporary sound, drawing from late 90s dance and Eurobeat. Authored by the one-and-only veteran composer Richard Jacques and embellished with vocals provided by TJ Davis (previously of D:Ream and Gary Numan) Sonic R is packed with plenty of guilty pleasures – not that there should be any guilt of course! We think Sonic R has a solid-gold track listing, and we will always sing Can You Feel The Sunshine at Karaoke, given the chance!
Highlights: Can You Feel the Sunshine?, Living In The City, Number One.
Follow in on the coat tails of the Sonic Adventure series, the Sonic Heroes soundtrack continued the tradition of maintaining a thematic landscape, heavily drawing on the rock sound that worked so well for the last two titles. Sonic Sound Director Jun Senoue once again utilises his links to the world of melodic rock to recruit the vocal talents of Ted Poley (Danger Danger) and Tony Harnell (TNT) for We Can, in addition to two belting themes from Crush 40. Employing industrial electronic act Julien-K to provide an angsty theme to Shadow the Hedgehog’s team in the form of This Machine is perfect. There are far too many great stage themes to list in this game, but the fact that Wave Ocean and Bingo Highway have seen so many reworks and remixes since 2003 is testament to the enduring nature of this soundtrack!
Highlights: What I’m Made Of, This Machine, Wave Ocean
A unique entry to this list are the funky tones of the Sonic Rush soundtrack. Lead by the rather eccentric Hideki Naganuma (if you don’t believe me check out his Twitter), the genius behind the unforgettable Jet Set Radio soundtracks, provides an infusion of funk, soul, drum and bass, and a mountain of samples from every corner of the music industry. Naganuma’s approach delivers something that is seldom replicated anywhere else, and will leave anyone earworms for days to come. From the happy-go-lucky Back 2 Back to the darker tones of Wrapped in Black for the final boss, you won’t believe that something so powerful can output from a DS.
Highlights: What U Need, A New Day, Wrapped In Black
In a tonal shift from most other Sonic titles, sound director Tomoya Ohtani elected to take the soundtrack to Sonic Unleashed down a more orchestral avenue, to reflect the more cinematic qualities of the game, the environment, and the exploratory nature of the game’s hub worlds. What is delivered is a grandiose performance from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, interjected with fast-paced and floaty drum and bass day tracks, and the cool jazz strings and flutes for night stages, more often than not arranged by an unsung hero of Sonic sounds, Fumie Kumatani. Although the Werehog battle theme finds itself being overused, its hard not to adore this soundtrack for its variety.
Highlights: Apotos Day, The World Adventure, Cool Edge
It doesn’t get much more definitive than the theme to Emerald Hill Zone (with the exception of Green Hill of course) and as such Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s soundtrack ranks high in this list. Composed by Dreams Come True superstar Masato Nakamura, the music collection featured on the title is one of the most definitive to have featured on the Mega Drive / Genesis, exploiting the full range of channels available to deliver a soundtrack with depth and character, with catchy hooks and brilliant basslines. The game concludes with a rendition of DCT’s Sweet Sweet Sweet, to bring the feels as you save the planet once again.
Highlights: Emerald Hill Zone, Chemical Plant Zone, Mystic Cave Zone
The most recent entry into this list is the soundtrack to Team Sonic Racing, another titled directed by Senoue-san. Not only is TSR packed with rearrangements and mash-up tracks from previous Sonic games, The SONIC ADVENTURE MUSIC EXPERIENCE, including long-time Crush 40 session bassist Takeshi Taneda and Crush 40 percussionist Akht, drive the heart of this assembly of octane-fuelled compositions, with a massive supporting cast including TORIENA, Hyper Potions, Tee Lopes, and Tyler Smyth (Dangerkids). As such, Senoue and company have delivered what is definitely one of the high-water marks in Sonic the Hedgehog music of the modern era.
Highlights: Ocean View Lap Music, Frozen Junkyard Lap Music, Boo’s House Lap Music
I am going to have to cheat here in that this entry is a two-for-one and include both the American and Japanese soundtracks here (controversial, I know..and not the only time I will cheat either!) for quite different reasons. Naofumi Hataya and Masufumi Ogata’s masterful works are lined with J-Pop sounds, that while might sound a little contemporary and dated, are some of those associated most with Sonic games by the old guard. Spencer Nilsen’s soundtrack on the other hand delivers a much more ambient and darker tone to the game, completely changing the atmosphere; it really goes to show that a soundtrack can completely change the feel of a game. Regardless of which camp you fall into, you can’t deny that both games come armed with a great opening and closing vocal tracks.
Highlights: Sonic Boom, Tidal Tempest (US), Stardust Speedway – Bad Future (US), Comic Eternity (JP), Metallic Madness (JP), Boss!! (JP)
A modern classic. I probably don’t need to say much more than I have previously, in that Mania’s soundtrack is nothing short of a love letter to Sonic music through the ages. Fan-turned-professional musician Tee Lopes’s universal understanding of the DNA that comprises Sonic the Hedgehog soundscapes is nothing shy masterful, and has set a lofty standard for whatever follows in it’s wake in 2D Sonic titles. Lopes takes the best of the existing material and gives it a polish, breathing new life into well known tracks without detracting from what made them so brilliant in the first place. Additionally, Lopes demonstrates repeatedly throughout that his own compositions are just as phenomenal. Indeed, this is a soundtrack for the ages, and it feels criminal to select just three tracks as highlights!
Highlights: Prime Time – Studiopolis Zone Act 2, Blossom Haze – Studiopolis Act 2, Skyway Octane – Mirage Saloon act 1
A close call between this and the number 1 spot for sure, but many will hardly be surprised to see this game near the top of the listings. The songs of Sonic 3 & Knuckles are a culmination of tracks that are the very epitome of what makes Sonic soundtracks so good – a completely unique aural experience that has been much emulated but never replicated. Whether it’s the incredible “guitar” licks of Flying Battery, the “steel drums” of Angel Island, or the even the driving basslines of Ice Cap, this game sounds incredible even to this day, and further augments this great game. The calibre of the soundtrack is hardly surprising given that it’s authors include the likes of Senoue-san, Michael Jackson music director Brad Buxer, and in all likelihood the King of Pop himself!
Highlights: Hydrocity Act 2, Flying Battery Zone Act 1, Sky Sanctuary Zone
The crowning jewels of the music of Sonic the Hedgehog are the timeless masterpieces that are the soundtracks of the Sonic Adventure series – and yes, I couldn’t pick a favourite. Pulling out all of the stops, Senoue et al. pulled out of the collective minds not one, but TWO massive musical landscapes to embellish the plethora of game environments, with no constraint on musical genre. Songs like the pop-punky Escape from the City and the spectacular power anthem that is Open Your Heart are unmatched in their power, driven home with a triple threat of galloping guitar work, thunderous percussion, and soaring vocals.
Nearly every playable character across the two games have their own distinct theme tune and genre, so their really is something for everyone. This format extends to the stages but is never forced, in fact quite the opposite; breaking into a vault to a jazz soundtrack has never felt so sincere to a 1960’s secret agent film with I’m A Spy…For Security Hall, or the slow Hawaii-esque guitar twangs of sitars that rings throughout Azure Blue World as Sonic adventures across the beach of Emerald Coast. I’m sure many fans will have stopped in Station Square, Mystic Ruins, and even a Chao Garden or two, to just pause and take in the atmosphere delivered by this soundtrack.
A perfect soundtrack for one of the most celebrated games of the series.
Highlights: Too many to list!
Here’s a handful of soundtracks that just missed out on featuring in the top 10:
Sonic Triple Trouble (Game Gear) – there are lots of 8-bit gems that missed out here, but Sonic Triple Trouble is a real diamond in the rough; Sunset Park Act 3 is a real highlight, and Fang the Sniper’s theme exudes a Mexican standoff – perfect for this rootin’ tootin’ sharp shootin’ Wolf. Or Gerboa (who knows!)
Sonic Colors (Nintendo Wii) – A tonally different game once again, Colors deserves a mention here as it’s soundtrack perfectly complements the lighter tone of the game itself, and Tomoya Ohtani gladly provides this in his distinct fashion.
Sonic Forces – Controversial, but why not! Forces, while being one of the poorer outings of Sonic in recent years, has some crackers in the soundtrack, and a smattering of catchy drum and bass-centric vocal songs. Let’s also not forget the heavy hitting Theme of Infinite provided courtesy of the Dangerkids!
Sonic Generations – This has probably missed out on the top 10 for being more of a revisiting of old soundtracks, but is nonetheless brilliant, and there are some phenomenal reworkings of Sonic CD’s Sonic Boom, and a blistering version of Heavy Arm’s theme.
Shadow the Hedgehog – Not to everyone’s taste, but I adore this soundtrack, which is heavier than a heavy thing, and a firm favourite of metal fans for sure. The theme song, I Am…All Of Me, is one of the most powerful Crush 40 songs going, and never fails to get the blood pumping.
Sonic Underground soundtrack – Apologies to the Sonic Underground gang, but this falls firmly in the sin bin – and although I am often one for a bit of cheese, this is too difficult not cringe through. Sonic and his band should probably not give up their day jobs! I will make one exception here – and that is the theme song, performed powerfully by Michael Lanning. That rocks.
Wonderman by Right Said Fred – During the advertising campaign in the early 90s, SEGA teamed up with dance-pop act Right Said Fred to create the bizarre Wonderman, which while making tenuous mentions to spin attacking and power sneakers in the lyrics, has little else to do with Sonic. It peaks at number 55 in the British charts, which tells you everything you need to know. Watch the bizarre music video below:
Sonic Jam (Games.com) – Barely a soundtrack, this game features single-channel renditions of stages from earlier Sonic games, that are unrecognisable due to having their tempo reduced by an order of magnitude.
Agree with our list? Don’t agree with our list? Let us know your favourite Sonic songs and soundtracks in the comments!
Sonic Station Live today featured the first appearance of Sonic the Hedgehog in CGI VTuber form, and voiced by Japanese Sonic the Hedgehog voice actor Jun-Ichi Kanemaru!
Continue reading Sonic Makes His Debut As A VTuberAn official press release from SEGA has revealed that the team behind Sonic Forces and Sonic Generations are working on the officially untitled (but also totally caled Sonic Rangers) game due for release in 2022.
In a tidbit missed by many, Noisy Pixel picked up the factoid, confirming that the long-serving team will be making their return in the first major installment of a Sonic title in the 2020’s.
While this new information doesn’t bring to light any further detail regarding the new title, it does reinforce that this game is set to be the next major title in the Sonic series.
Stay tuned for more Sonic 2022 / Sonic Rangers news!
