Due to the technology and methodology used to record and add the “Past” level songs to the game data, they could not be replaced, meaning the had to keep the original Japanese created music. In addition, despite the fact that the US attempted to keep (unsuccessfully) the same level of cohesiveness between the tracks for different time periods of the same stage, this was ultimately all for naught. Some stage songs even manage to miss the mark entirely when trying to convey a certain feel for a level, notably Stardust Speedway (Present) and Metallic Madness (Present). Notable tracks include Sonic Boom, Palmtree Panic (Present), Collision Chaos (Present), and Stardust Speedway (Bad Future). Although uninspired, there are several tracks that manage to stand out amongst the crowd, but that isn’t really all that hard when the bar was already set so low. Tracks feel very uninspired and dare I say, “generic”. The end result of this one month labor was a soundtrack that was very ambient with a heavy rock emphasis and slight alternative and hip-hop influences. This pretty much all came from people who were that the Japanese and European versions had different soundtracks then there US counterpart. Upon release, the soundtrack was almost immediately met with backlash from the gaming community for switching up the music. The music composer that was in charge or rescoring the entire soundtrack only had about one month to get this accomplished – meaning it was going to be a bit of a rush job. Due to this, the North American release was delayed by about two months. To accomplish this, the game would have to move away from the electronic/dance-type music that was then popular. Sega of America wanted the Amerian version of the game to have its own distinctive vibe and would require a more “rich and complex” soundtrack. The use of synthesizers, distorted vocals, sirens, record scratches, and the like really give the disturbing feeling that all is lost. The music now becomes more electronic and synthetic, symbolizing Eggman’s reign. Eggman has succeeded in taking over the stage and technology has overrun the flora and fauna of the area now, turning everything dark and polluted. However, if we make it to the “bad” future, the complete opposite happens. We did it, we foiled Eggman’s plans for this area! The level design in this future area displays technology and nature harmoniously intertwined into one and the serenity of the music just drives this home. If one travels to the “good” future, the music becomes calmer and introduces instruments such as the harp, flute, and piano into the arrangement, giving a sense of tranquility. In some cases, the timing of the music is slowed down a bit to invoke a feeling of being less complicated in an age before Eggman sullied the environment with his technology. Traveling to the past has the music sounding a bit primitive and rudimentary. The “present” is the level’s standard tune and is remixed into a slightly different arrangement dependent on when you time travel to.
The future is different in that it can have two outcomes – a “good” future (where Sonic was able to thwart Eggman’s plans) and a “bad” future (where Sonic was unsuccessful in stopping Eggman). This new character then narrates to us the situation and what is at stake while we are exploring the game.ĭue to the time-traveling game mechanic, levels take place within the present, past, or future. These elements meld wonderfully together and breath life into the gameplay experience by transforming the atmosphere into a character in its own right – no different than Sonic or Eggman. House, techno, new jack swing, hip-hop, funk, and jazz heavily influence basically all of the tracks that you will encounter while playing. Sonic CD was released in 1993 and musically it definitely sounds like it. What makes the Japanese soundtrack so great is that it is a love letter to the state of music during the early 90s. People need to know the truth, and this is a hill that I am adamant about dying on!
This is one lie that I just can’t let go uncorrected. One such thing is the people that dare fix their mouths to say that the North American soundtrack to the game Sonic CD is better than it’s Japanese counterpart. There are a few things that will get my boxer-briefs in a bunch, though. I may razz you a bit if our views differ, but at the end of the day, I typically don’t care. I’m usually a pretty chill person when it comes to other peoples’ opinions.
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