Categories #Cartoons

UPDATED: Sonic Mania Adventures Animated Short Series announced

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Author Alex Peal
6 Comments

Live from SXSW, SEGA has revealed a new series of Sonic Mania-themed animated shorts. The series will comprise 5 episodes which will be shown on YouTube, created by the same team that created the Sonic Mania opening short, headed by the one-and-only Tyson Hesse, and soundtracked by Mania composer Tee Lopes.

The short series will take place after Sonic Forces, and will cover what happened to classic Sonic after he returned to his world after the events of Sonic Forces.

The first episode of Sonic Mania Adventures will debut in the next 30 days.

UPDATE: The Sonic the Hedgehog Youtube has released a 30 second sample of the series:

Check out the array of concept art for the series shown at SXSW in the gallery below!

 

Categories #Games

‘Sonic Mania Plus’ Physical Game Release Announced, Comes With Two New Characters

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Author Dreadknux
19 Comments

SEGA has announced a physical version of Sonic Mania will be released later this year. The game, dubbed ‘Sonic Mania Plus’, will also be something of a ‘micro-update’ as it will essentially be the same game with the added bonus of two new playable characters. And, for fans of SEGASonic the Hedgehog Arcade… you’d better be sitting down. Continue reading ‘Sonic Mania Plus’ Physical Game Release Announced, Comes With Two New Characters

Categories #Community

GaMetal Unleashes a Double Whammy of Sonic Boss Theme Covers

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Author VizardJeffhog
3 Comments

Among the bevy of VGM cover artists I follow on the web, one standout artist in particular shines with his rock/metal arrangements of classic gaming themes in the form of “GaMetal.”

Week by week, Jonny Atma wows the scene with all sorts of fantastic VGM covers featuring his trademark solos, covering nearly every song under the sun from the popular to the obscure, and fan-favourites from the Sonic series is no exception. While he has covered a handful of tracks from the franchise in the past, Atma wrapped up the month of February with not just one, but two remixes of some of the best boss tracks Sonic the Hedgehog has to offer.

Continue reading GaMetal Unleashes a Double Whammy of Sonic Boss Theme Covers

Categories #Games

Sonic Mania’s Soundtrack Officially Released on Digital Platforms

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Author Alex Peal
8 Comments

As of today, Sonic Mania’s soundtrack is no longer a vinyl exclusive, as it has finally hit digital music platforms as Sonic Mania Selected Edition. This version of the soundtrack is more comprehensive than the vinyl, containing all forty-seven music tracks created for the game. The soundtrack can be downloaded for $15.99 on iTunes, $14.49 on Google Play, and $18.99 on Amazon. Individual tracks can be had for $1.29, $0.99 and $1.29 on each service respectively.

While the soundtrack is pretty comprehensive, there is a reason why it is called the “Selected Edition”. The album lacks the tracks that were originally composed for Sonic 1 and 2.

Categories #Games, #Merchandise, #SEGA & Sonic Team, Features

Sonic Talk 49: Unstoppable Forces vs. Immovable Objections

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Author Jason Berry
1 Comment

Sonic Forces has come and gone and the Sonic Talk crew of Jason, Alex, GX and special guest (and occasional header artist) Cory Holmes weigh in on the game. We go in and critique every detail of this new 3-D outing from Sonic Team. Is it as good as we’d hoped or as bad as we feared? Listen in to find out.

By the way, sorry this one is so late,, but I had a ton of computer problems after I had this originally set up, so the audio in this month’s episode is done by our own GX Echidna.

 

 

Categories #SEGA & Sonic Team

It’s Official: John Carpenter is a Sonic the Hedgehog Fan

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Author Dreadknux
10 Comments

What do you think the legendary horror movie director John Carpenter does to unwind and relax? Well, as it turns out, the visionary behind Halloween, The Thing and They Live has one major vice that he’s been unable to shake off for twenty years straight – Sonic the Hedgehog games. Continue reading It’s Official: John Carpenter is a Sonic the Hedgehog Fan

Categories #Merchandise, Features

TSS Review: Sonic Mania Soundtrack & Vinyl

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Author Adam Tuff
6 Comments

Growing up in the early 90’s it was impossible to avoid the music scene pervading daily life; seductive R&B tones danced through ear-worm melodies, from songs that would https://www.sonicstadium.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=50098&action=edithang at the top of the charts for weeks. From this musical era came the Sonic CD soundtrack, of which I speak specifically the Japanese/European version, which for many forms the epitome of the classic Sonic the Hedgehog sound. Twenty-something years later, we see the classic series revived through Sonic Mania – complete with a brand new soundtrack. But how does this compare to it’s 1990’s predecessors?

Continue reading TSS Review: Sonic Mania Soundtrack & Vinyl

Categories #Cartoons, #Community, #Games, Features

Sonic Talk 47: Sonic Mania is Runnin’ Wild!

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Author Jason Berry

Well let me tell ya somethin’ brother!! I was at Venice beach pumpin’ iron when I heard someone listenin’ to a podcast! It had these three nerds, Jason, Alex and GX, all talking about that new Sonic game, Sonic Mania and heapin’ a bunch of praise on it! Jason was reviewing that new Sega game, Yakuza Kiwami and giving his hands on impressions about Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. They also talked a bunch about all the news on Sonic Forces and reviewed some of the latest episodes of Sonic Boom! Continue reading Sonic Talk 47: Sonic Mania is Runnin’ Wild!

Categories #Merchandise

Amazing Sonic Merchandise Up For Grabs at Tokyo Game Show

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Author Dreadknux
3 Comments

If you’re heading to Japan this year for Tokyo Game Show, then you’ll be happy to know that SEGA has prepared a metric tonne of incredible merchandise for you to buy on the show floor. Not only will there be interesting new Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces-themed items on sale, but a number of fresh items in a brand new ‘With Sonic’ range. Continue reading Amazing Sonic Merchandise Up For Grabs at Tokyo Game Show

Categories #Games

7 Amazing Things That Went Unused In Sonic Mania

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Author Adam Tuff
22 Comments

The PC version of Sonic Mania hit Steam last week, and it didn’t take long for the Sonic hacking community to construct tools to unpack, data mine and mod the game. We’ve assembled a list of the seven most interesting things the community have found lurking inside the game’s source code! Continue reading 7 Amazing Things That Went Unused In Sonic Mania

Categories #Community, #Games

Meet Omelette, Sonic Mania’s Accidental New Boss Character

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Author Dreadknux
55 Comments

It was only a matter of time before someone managed to completely misread the sprites in Sonic Mania and create a brand new character out of it. We just didn’t think it would happen so soon! One player in particular has captured the hearts and minds of the Sonic community by epically misinterpreting one of the bosses. Introducing ‘Omelette’ / ‘Eggette’ / ‘Ovoid Robotnik’! Continue reading Meet Omelette, Sonic Mania’s Accidental New Boss Character

Categories #Games, #SEGA & Sonic Team

Sonic Mania Arrives on Steam With Bug Fixes And DRM

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Author Jason Berry
7 Comments

After a two-week delay, Sonic Mania finally sees its PC release today on Steam. As a reward for their wait, PC gamers can expect a version of the game that includes several bug fixes that are still present in the console versions, in addition to the Super Sonic transformation that can now be activated via a dedicated button (and allowing continued use of the drop dash once the player has collected more than 50 rings with all Chaos emeralds in their possession). Continue reading Sonic Mania Arrives on Steam With Bug Fixes And DRM

Categories #Community

Sonic Mania: The Twitter Experience

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Author Alex Peal
3 Comments

While Sonic Mania is taking many gamers back in time to the nineties, much about the Sonic hype experience is very different to that enjoyed some twenty-plus years ago. One of the biggest changes to the gaming experience has been the emergence of social media, which allows developers, critics and fans to react and interact in a way that simply did not exist back when Sonic was rocking in 16-bit. Continue reading Sonic Mania: The Twitter Experience

Categories Features

The Spin: The Notion of ‘A True Threat To Sonic’

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Author Dave Luty
21 Comments

[This article will contain some spoilers for Sonic Mania, so if you’re waiting for the PC version, see you next week]

You know how some people have these phrases that they use to try and articulate their feelings? Especially when it comes to Sonic games? Well today we’re going to look at one of them; this one:

“I want the villain to be ‘a true threat to Sonic”

Continue reading The Spin: The Notion of ‘A True Threat To Sonic’

Categories #Games, Features

Sonic On The Road: Playing Mania on Nintendo Switch

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Author Dreadknux
2 Comments

Sonic Mania has officially released on a number of home consoles, but perhaps the most interesting release has to be on Nintendo’s newly-launched Switch platform. With its home-portable hybrid design, it makes it relatively easy to play the latest Sonic platformer on the move. So, a couple of our TSS reporters went walkies with their Switches to see if the experience was any good. Some of them found a pretty blurry line between the real world and the Sonic world… be careful out there, Switch users. Continue reading Sonic On The Road: Playing Mania on Nintendo Switch

Categories #Community, #Games, #Merchandise, #SEGA & Sonic Team

Sonic CE Statue Contains An Actual LED Light And Can Be Modded to Work.

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Author Jason Berry
1 Comment

A twitter user by the name of Jojo has discovered that if you open up the Genesis/Mega Drive stand of the Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition statue, there is an actual LED light in the display! (NOTE: Doing so would void any warranty you might have on it.) What’s more, you can make it work! The tiny circuit board for the “SEGAAA!” sound includes two holes marked “LED”. All you need is a bit of copper wiring and a screwdriver. You can check how he did it on Jojo’s Twitter page, but man! What an easy mod! It makes you wonder though. Sega seemed to back out of the LED light working at the last minute. Why?

 

Categories #Community

Sonic Stuntman In Parkour Panic Rescue Act 1!

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Author Dave Luty
2 Comments

A Facebook user by the name of Devin Super Tramp who describes himself as a ‘stuntman’ has uploaded a rather amazing video to show his excitement for Sonic Mania, dressed Sonic, he runs through the countryside and performs a number of Sonic inspired stunts and acrobatics through trees, walls and even some old ruins, as he rushes to rescue his Amy Rose. Continue reading Sonic Stuntman In Parkour Panic Rescue Act 1!

Categories #Games

Sonic Mania’s Secret Ending! [SPOILERS]

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Author Adam Tuff
7 Comments

So you’ve gathered all of the Chaos Emeralds. You’ve defeated Egg Reverie. You have screamed your way through 32 taxing Blue Sphere levels, and collected a gold medal from each of them. You’ve beaten the game with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles… and you’ve honed your speed-running skills in Time Attack…

You might be thinking you’ve seen all that Sonic Mania has to offer…but think again! Continue reading Sonic Mania’s Secret Ending! [SPOILERS]

Categories #Games

Sonic Mania Achievement / Trophy Guide

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Author Dreadknux
16 Comments

So Sonic Mania is out and available to download on home consoles. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, there are a range of Achievements and Trophies to collect and challenge yourself with. If you’re having trouble getting some of them, why not look through our Game Guide for some pointers?

NB: Spoilers inside, obviously. Continue reading Sonic Mania Achievement / Trophy Guide

Categories #Community, #Games

You Can Now Download Hyper Potions’ “Friends” from the Sonic Mania Opening

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Author VizardJeffhog

“Porta Vista,” “Checkpoint,” and “Time Trials.” Hyper Potions have become synonymous with promotional Sonic music over the past year, and their contributions to the brand have finally reached a head with Sonic Mania‘s release tomorrow on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

The opening animation to the highly anticipated throwback to the classics (of which you can read our TSS review with Svend and Adam here) was accompanied by Ian and Kevin’s newest nostalgia-inducing single: “Friends.” The full version of the track made its debut alongside the opening’s unveiling, and today, it is now up for grabs on digital markets such as iTunes and Google Play.

Continue reading You Can Now Download Hyper Potions’ “Friends” from the Sonic Mania Opening

Categories Features

Sonic Mania ‘Drawn Back to the 90s’ Competition: THE WINNERS

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Author Dreadknux
9 Comments

WOW! Last week, we asked you all to ‘draw like a 90s kid’ to celebrate Sonic Mania’s launch tomorrow, and boy have we been bowled over by the humungous response (and amazing talent)! It seems like everyone’s nostalgia-bone has been well and truly tickled. Let’s take a look at the winners – and some honourable mentions – below! Continue reading Sonic Mania ‘Drawn Back to the 90s’ Competition: THE WINNERS

Categories #Games, Features

TSS REVIEW: Sonic Mania

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Author Dreadknux
10 Comments

Note: This review qualifies as ‘spoiler free’, but it does contain information on stages, gameplay elements and story concepts that have already been made public by official SEGA marketing channels. Be aware, if you’ve been on a total media blackout.

In the middle of Sonic Mania’s main adventure mode, Sonic is warped to the Little Planet and finds himself in a spectacularly familiar place. Golden speakers line a series of curvy narrow chutes that catapult our blue hero into the sky, against a starlit backdrop. Continue reading TSS REVIEW: Sonic Mania

Categories #Games, #Merchandise, Features

Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition & vinyl soundtrack back in stock; new t-shirts

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Author Ian
11 Comments

Sonic Mania is out now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and set to release on Tuesday 29th August on Windows PC. Here’s all you need to know about getting a hold of the game on your system of choice, and all the merch we know of!
Continue reading Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition & vinyl soundtrack back in stock; new t-shirts

Categories #Community

Sound Test Saturday: Pre-Mania Launch Edition!

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Author VizardJeffhog
2 Comments

We’re just one last, impossible weekend away to Sonic Mania, so I feel it’s only appropriate to highlight one celebrated aspect of the game: its music! The news of Tee Lopes’ hiring as Mania‘s composer was met with widespread acclaim across the Sonic community, and over the past year, we were gifted with a number of his contributions to the soundtrack.

For the occasion, I am bringing back Sound Test Saturday and have catalogued one remix for every Zone confirmed by SEGA in Sonic Mania, as well as a few bonuses! Don’t forget to support and follow these artists in the links provided below. Now, enjoy!

Continue reading Sound Test Saturday: Pre-Mania Launch Edition!

Categories #Games, Features

TSS Roundtable: Our Hopes and Expectations for Sonic Mania

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Author Dreadknux
2 Comments

It’s the final weekend before Sonic Mania is released, and boy has this been a game that a lot of fans have been waiting a long time for. A pure sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles is what a lot of people have asked for, and this collaborative effort between Christian Whitehead, HeadCannon, PagodaWest Games and SEGA aims to fulfil just that. So, with that in mind, what does our Sonic Stadium team think of the project, and what are our collective hopes and expectations for the game? Take a look, below. Continue reading TSS Roundtable: Our Hopes and Expectations for Sonic Mania

Categories #Games

Sonic Mania’s PC version delayed

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Author Alex Peal
10 Comments

Aaron Webber has announced via a Sonic Official youtube livestream that the PC version of Sonic Mania will be delayed ‘for further optimization,’ to ensure it runs on all variations of PC hardware. As an apology, anyone who’s pre-ordered the PC version of Sonic Mania will be receiving a free copy of Sonic 1 on PC. Continue reading Sonic Mania’s PC version delayed

Categories Features

SONIC MANIA WEEK: Your One-Stop Shop for Mania News and Info!

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Author Dreadknux
6 Comments

Welcome to ‘Mania Week’ on The Sonic Stadium! To celebrate the upcoming release of the SEGA/Whitehead/HeadCannon/PagodaWest collaboration project, we will be spending the next week producing a whole heap of awesome content – all about the Mania! This post will house links to all of the stuff we have planned, in one easy location, so keep this page bookmarked and come back often! Continue reading SONIC MANIA WEEK: Your One-Stop Shop for Mania News and Info!

Categories #Games

VIDEO: Sonic Mania Opening Animation Officially Released

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Author Alex Peal
6 Comments

While today’s leak of Sonic Mania will have us dodging spoilers for the next five days, there is one upside to it: SEGA has decided to release Sonic Mania’s opening animation early! Originally scheduled for the 14th, this animation continues where the animated pre-order trailer left off. Like the pre-order trailer, this was directed by former Archie Sonic artist Tyson Hesse. Continue reading VIDEO: Sonic Mania Opening Animation Officially Released

Categories Features

Sonic Talk 46: Comic Con Carne

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Author Jason Berry

In this month’s episode, Jason talks about his trip to the San Diego Comic Con and we discuss all of the big Sonic news that happened during the event along with recent news, including some Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces discussion, Archie’s Sonic cancellation, IDW’s Sonic acquisition and much, much more! Continue reading Sonic Talk 46: Comic Con Carne

Categories #Games

Sonic Mania Street Date Broken: Game Is Leaking

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Author Dave Luty
20 Comments

Well… This isn’t good.

Earlier today, a number of users on Reddit noticed that some Gamestop and Best Buy stores in the US had the Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition in stock. Whilst some stores were refusing to sell the game, others have in fact sold the game to customers. Continue reading Sonic Mania Street Date Broken: Game Is Leaking

Categories #Games

Mania OST Sampler: “Danger on the Dance Floor,” for Mini-Boss

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Author VizardJeffhog
9 Comments

Only six more days remain to Sonic Mania‘s highly anticipated release on modern digital platforms. To savour the wait even more, we now have yet another juicy sample from its soundtrack dropped from the Sonic social channels, following on from last week’s music preview of Stardust Speedway Act 1. Continue reading Mania OST Sampler: “Danger on the Dance Floor,” for Mini-Boss

Categories Features

SONIC MANIA COMPETITION: Drawn Back to the 90s [CLOSED]

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Author Dreadknux
40 Comments

Sonic Mania is right around the corner, and you’ve probably pre-ordered the digital version a hundred times over (definitely not an exaggeration), right? What’s that? Something missing? You wish you had the money to grab yourself a Sonic Mania Collector’s Edition on PS4, or that you had the chance to get it before it sold out? Well, boy are you in luck – because we have five of these bad boys to give away courtesy of SEGA Europe.

[This contest is now closed – please stay tuned for winner announcements]  Continue reading SONIC MANIA COMPETITION: Drawn Back to the 90s [CLOSED]

Categories #Games

Video: First Footage of Sonic Mania’s Competition Mode

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Author Alex Peal
3 Comments

With only one week to go until Sonic Mania’s release, SEGA has revealed the game’s competition mode! For those wondering if the mode is playable online, the Sonic twitter specifically mentions friends can be challenged “locally”, so this would appear to be an offline-only mode. Continue reading Video: First Footage of Sonic Mania’s Competition Mode