Game Apologist - Sonic CD

The most divisive title of the classic Sonic games! Today we tackle the duality of Sonic CD. Why do some fans consider this the best of the classic games while others find it next to unplayable?
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[@ZX_STH]

American sound track: You're going against a dangerous power laying dormant. Japanese sound track: You're the power.

[@miguev2738]

Someone: Thinks the amercian soundtrack is better. Me: *Laughs in MetalicMadness Bad future*

[@monsoon7591]

@@miguev2738 Me: *laughs in stardust speedway bad future*

[@idkJuun]

@@monsoon7591 Me: *Laughs in Japanese Soundtrack*

[@86twin]

Migue :v laughs in American Game over

[@cianmoran824]

*Laughs in Palmtree Panic Bad Future

[@meaninglez100]

"The 90's stuff is loud garish and corny" But...that's the best part!

[@SvyatDaBoev]

okay, let's do the music part again Special Stages US: You're in another dimension, the place where ancient artifacts are hidden. (what sp. stages are) JP: You're in a- *yoooo wtf am i on lsd or something how to control this thing* (how sp. stages feel like) Boss Themes US: Battle against an evil dictator JP: Battle against an evil scientist Star. Speed. bad future boss fight US: Race against Metal Sonic *in the bad future* JP: *Race against Metal Sonic* in the bad future Intro music US: yes JP: yes

[@blekiscooler]

yes

[@ricky-sanchez]

Music revisited: JP: We love American house music. US: They stole a ton of samples from us artists. Time for a guitar cover up. World: We like both.

[@ccffreak]

Game Over JP: Ahhh that's the end of the adventure. US: Welcome to HELL!!!!!!!!

[@laundromast]

I find the US boss music creepy and unsettling.

[@ricky-sanchez]

@@laundromast Boss music: Us: Makes you scared, and your happy when you finally beat him. Jp: Makes you wanna stay in the level forever, get up and dance!

[@Crow_Rising]

The Japanese theme is actually called "You can do anything", not "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior", despite those words being repeated a lot in the lyrics. "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" is more just what a lot of the fanbase calls it.

[@gooolixx]

i knew it was called you can do anything

[@Vegitodraws]

@Layne Krusz , me too. Lmao 😂

[@doyoueatpie4829]

@Layne Krusz I thought so to, man that would’ve been better.

[@Noah-pi9cn]

*um actually*

[@8-bitsarda747]

but let's be real, we all know which of those two is the superior name

[@Henke_YT]

One of the most underrated channels I’ve come across

[@GameApologist]

Thanks, man!

[@crashban4t.f.s.b783]

Game Apologist I believe that whether or not Original sonic becomes Adventure or Modern Sonic is dependent on whether original sonic gets all of the time stones or not. Original sonic becomes classic sonic if he meets his futureself.

[@crashban4t.f.s.b783]

Game Apologist If sonic gets all of the time stones then Sonic pocket adventure and then Sonic Adventure takes place. If Sonic doesn’t get all of the timestones then Sonic 4 takes place.

[@crashban4t.f.s.b783]

Game Apologist It’s just a theory. A sonic theory.

[@goldencheeze]

gaming

[@JayMemer194]

18:57 I feel like the US version of the boss fight is more fitting for when you get the bad future version of act 3, as it has a feeling of "you're facing the person who caused the future to be screwed up like this," while the Japanese version fits more when you get the good future version of act 3, as it gives a feeling of "you've saved the future from this clown, now we just gotta run him outta this zone!"

[@KonaKonaKaabisteru]

Ayeee! Didn't expect to hear someone sum my thoughts on this matter. Maybe I'll try to experiment with a "hybrid" OST for this game...

[@marzipancutter8144]

I think the threat conveyed by the American OST is never really that fitting, considering how wacky all of the Boss fights are. Had this Game had impressive Boss fights like Sonic 3 that would have fit nicely, but these Machines are a joke. He barely even attacks you most of the time, and it feels like a kids show villain where his contraptions are set up to kick his own ass if you loosen a single screw.

[@KonaKonaKaabisteru]

@@marzipancutter8144 I guess in that end, Sonic Mania's Eggman Themes hit the best sweetspot on silly yet thrilling encounter with Sonic's nemesis?

[@trevinodude]

Honestly, I think both OSTs are amazing... and I agree with you on the boss themes Jay. I am so greatful to Christian Whitehead and Team for allowing us to switch between the OSTs in the mobile port.

[@marzipancutter8144]

IndyCotton Agreed, Mania really nailed with the Boss themes there. The Boss fights themselves also strike a similar balance between goofyness and no-nonsense action.

[@theadventuresofdonny7122]

Sonic CD is so gosh darn impressive thematically. Each of the four different versions of the zones have an extremely unique feel to them that captures their era perfectly. The past actually feels primitive, the good future is joyous, and the bad futures are plain nightmarish. Couple that with some of the best music in Sonic history, and I can EASILY overlook the jumbled mess that is the level design and still have a great time. Plus...the bonus stages are some of the best in the series. They are fun (if not frustrating at times) and not too tedious. ...Also Mr. Game Apologist sir, I am sorry. You are wrong. The JP boss theme is my JAM. WORK THAT SUCKA TO DEATH FOR DAYS.

[@GameApologist]

wait...You understand what they're saying?!?!

[@troywright359]

@@GameApologist US boss music doesn't even feel like Sonic music, unlike JP

[@some_cartoonist]

When I was younger, I made up my own lyrics. They’re really stupid, but they‘be stuck with me. *aNd IF ThIs COmmEnt gEt’s 1 LikE, I’Ll teLl thEm To YoU*

[@KW36912]

@@GameApologist Jp boss music: More Sonic-y Us boss music: More Atmospheric

[@GameApologist]

@@some_cartoonist BELT IT OUT, PT

[@GFCOLCQuote]

Your analysis of Metal Sonic was scarier than everyone's interpretation of Sonic.exe.

[@jsemkrtek3026]

Quote fun fact: metal sonic is sonic if robotnik/eggman ever wins and sonic survives

[@shade08538]

Im ashamed that exe stills scares me ;-;

[@Wolfie_-xz7hs]

@@shade08538 lol, no offense but he's not that scary, the jumpscares creep me out a bit tho.

[@shade08538]

@@Wolfie_-xz7hs thats why i said im ashamed

[@MilkIsTheOne]

@@jsemkrtek3026 It takes advantage of your reflexes and instincts and blood to signify threats. That's why Exe is unnerving.

[@PretentiousLatinName]

"I prefer the US boss theme" me: OOOOOO HOO HOO HOO!

[@GeospaciallyGone]

You're talking about the final boss, right?

[@OzzyOscy]

UK me: "Work that sucker to death."

[@DubiousDepthsRadio]

Don't act dumb ​@@GeospaciallyGone

[@570y3n]

When I was a kid (obsessed) with SatAM where Robotnik enslaves the population by turning them into robots, I remember playing CD and when I realized how the time travel plotline works, I was horrified. You have to either collect all the Time Stones or go back in time and destroy the robot generators otherwise the future is a horrid, rusty mess of dilapidated machines and scarred landscapes. If you fail to accomplish either of these, in the ending, Robotnik resets everything. Then, if you look at Metal Sonic, he's the ONLY machine of Robotnik's that you don't destroy. He doesn't even really try to fight you, he just wants to race. He's the only version of all the Sonic robots that taunts you, doing the finger wave when you get to him. That's when I realized Metal Sonic wasn't built by Robotnik, he's what happens to Sonic if Robotnik wins. "Sonic, dead or alive, is mine" - Metallic Madness Bad Future lyrics.

[@Acrosurge]

That's a really interesting thought! Its timey-whimey. love it!

[@Hyper_Drud]

The even funnier thing is that Metal thinks he’s the real Sonic. He even acts like Sonic in the movie.

[@pastelxenon]

Sonic CD is my favorite for basically this same reason. The older games had their own serious atmosphere

[@darthestar8791]

SAAAAAAAME!!!

[@570y3n]

@Godzilla In a Scarf Productions. the Japanese version of the sounstrack has a mechanical voice that taunts you in Metallic Madness Bad Future. "You can't win, so don't even try." "Sonic, dead or alive, is mine" "Don't do what Sonic does; get some help."

[@kaelan_123]

America: what happens when you surpass the speed of sound. Japan: Toot Toot Sonic Warrior.

[@MJfromJax]

Toot toot

[@un_canal_de_juegos]

Sonic Warrior

[@smg2219]

The name: "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" is actually just the eroneous fanmade name for "Sonic - You Can Do Anything".

[@andknuckles101]

literally nobody cares

[@8-bitsarda747]

but can you honestly tell me that's a better name though?

[@bazingatronz5114]

@@andknuckles101 well you cared so much that you even replied

[@thefrubblewarrior4678]

@@8-bitsarda747 the fan name seems for fitting for the game.

[@Gemarald]

Honestly the way i would change it would be Japanese boss music for the good future versions and American boss music for the bad future versions. Just seems like it would work perfectly that way.

[@potatoes__tomatoes__2993]

Gemarald Cursed ​ same!!

[@PhoneCrab]

I wanna like but the likes are on 69

[@Gemarald]

snow fox_exe *Dew it*

[@soniton2seg544]

That’s a good idea

[@tylerblade3020]

NO YOU CANT HAVE AMERICAN BOSS MUSIC

[@ClientLost]

I always loved the animated intro and outro of this game. Wish they would revisit the idea. Also, I'm glad someone else also appreciates aspects of the American soundtrack! Great vid!

[@GameApologist]

Thanks! I feel like they kinda' are with the Mania intro and these new Adventure shorts. Might not be Toei, but I'm enjoying what we're getting these days.

[@Victor-um9ce]

But I wish that that Toei design of Sonic was the actual sprite for Sonic in the game.

[@pensamiento3867]

Hope you're happy with the Origins cutscenes now!

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

In regards to the whole "there's no reason to go to the Future" issue, I feel that problem could have been solved if they cut out the Present entirely, leaving only three versions of each level (Past, Bad Future, Good Future). It would feel like a more streamlined experience if Sonic started in the Bad Future, traveled to the Past to destroy the robot generator, and traveled back to the Good Future to finish the level.

[@marzipancutter8144]

Conceptually, the Future has a purpose. At first, the bad future is a punishment. Everything is designed that way. Past signposts become more scarce and Future ones become more common as the difficulty progresses. The Good Future then offers a space with fewer Hazards, creating a space to easily collect rings if you still need some once you've got the Generators sorted out. Especially if you already harvested most of the Present in search of a time travel spot and most of the Past looking for the generator. This rewards you for going out of your way to look for all the shit rather than punishing you with a big risk of not having any rings left in the world if you get hit at that point. That means the Good Future assists to achieve the overarching goal of the game, entering the special zones to get the Timestones. It's not a huge boon, but there's definitely some merit to the future, especially in the harder stages at the end.

[@waitselljones8068]

The problem with that is for the most part if you play it normally you'll be playing through ugly depressing environments which may be a bummer for a game that's supposed to be exciting.

[@BaconNuke]

What also could work is having the level ending be only in the future so then you have to see the effect you've had in action (never played Sonic CD btw so dunno how well it would work actually in game) So like you explore a neutral-ish present, then if you want to, travel to the past where maybe more environmental hazards are (falling rocks, weird rocks, etc.) and then a future (bad having lots of robots, good having well.. good stuff, like maybe lowering amount to get a time stone in the good future by 10 rings maybe, as like a "good job, in case you struggled, here is a reprieve)

[@samuelpierce2.088]

Here are some of my ideas for fixing Sonic CD’s level design: 1. Cut Out the Past Levels Entirely - Simply put, there’s really no reason that the robot generators and the holograms needed to be stuck solely in the Past levels, especially if we’re going by the idea that the Bad Future levels are meant to be a punishment for not completing the level objectives. 2. Rework the Signpost System - I don’t know about you guys, but I find that having to backtrack through a Level just to find the right signpost to be extremely tedious, especially with how confusing and utterly MASSIVE the Levels are. Using the regular checkpoint signposts as the method of traveling between Present and Future Levels would be a great way to not only reduce backtracking, but also give the player a handful of consistent and easily accessible ways to quickly go back and forth between the Present and Future Levels; Think of how the Special Zones were handled in Sonic 2, but swap out the Special Zones for the Present and Good/Bad Future levels. (In this case, checkpoints in the Present Levels will warp you to either the Good or Bad Future Levels, depending on if you’ve completed the Level objectives. For example, if you use a checkpoint in the Present to time travel, and you haven’t destroyed the robot generator yet, you will be sent to the Bad Future. However, if you’ve ALREADY destroyed the robot generator when you time travel using the checkpoint, you will be sent to the Good Future.)

[@demetriuskafkoulas5005]

The future sign posts are meant to make you be more careful as you explore the levels, because if you try to run to the past without scouting out the area too well, right as you're about to timetravel, you can hit a future sign and get teleported to the wrong time zone. Its meant to be a punishment if you try to half-ass your time travel attempt eithout exploring. This can either be viewed as a good challenge or just a pain, But I'm more on the optimistic side.

[@MrCalverino]

that laugh in the American boss music gives me nightmares In Japan its a rave😣

[@lordofmemes6421]

"The American Boss music is just better." *The Sonic Fanbase would like to know your location*

[@TheNerdyKoopa]

More like *Anyone with positive IQ would like to know your location*

[@bagelgod946]

@@TheNerdyKoopa you kinda just proved his point

[@pomelo3108]

@@bagelgod946 he has a point though

[@EWOODJ]

Sonic fans with common sense: Agrees with Game Apologist.

[@EWOODJ]

@@pomelo3108 The point that Sonic fans are assholes. Yes, yes we all are.

[@x-mighty7602]

You can just peelout and roll lol.

[@gdst17]

Yeah I never got why people never brung that up.

[@gdst17]

@@JonatannD Well not really it still has its uses. Sometimes you don't want the full speed of the peelout (or even the half-charged version of it) and the spindash can be used way earlier in its charging than the peelout (at least in the 2011 version with the genesis spindash, because you can use that immediately after starting it while you have to wait a slight bit of time for the peelout to be used). Also if you're in really close proximity to something you need to break like an enemy or an item monitor, sometimes it's not really a good idea to rely on being able to press down and roll before you hit it with the peelout, so the spindash is better in that case.

[@abbaszaffarkhan1872]

honestly the spin dash didn’t even need to be in CD

[@ultimatewolfgaming4171]

YES FINALLY SOMEONE POINTS OUT SOMETHING THAT I ALSO KNEW!

[@aight4494]

Me and the boys when the japanese special stage starts playing: *Vibing*

[@michaelg.1789]

it's like the soundtrack of the ridge racer series. still love it

[@finnbai]

Bro I just ascend into a higher plain whenever it plays.

[@PepperMcLime]

Don’t know if it was mentioned already, but the Japanese opening theme is actually called “Sonic - You Can Do Anything.” I bet like, 40 other people mentioned it already...

[@Znae629]

Nah, only like three other people said this same thing, you’re good.

[@Easmodx]

1:20 "Please, mention the paralell with Mario, please mention the paralell with Mario..." 1:35 AYYYY I love your channel. I seriously do. Except the riff at the JP soundtrack. American pleb, I grew up in Europe and therefore I am objectively qualified to say the JP soundtrack is better in every possible way REEEEEEE*end of hyperbole*

[@2yoyoyo1Unplugged]

Easmodx How can you dislike either soundtrack?

[@GMaster4308]

@Gianni Scardino Have you heard it? If that music doesn't scare the poopy out of you, nothing will.

[@Axxidous]

Isn’t “Toot Toot Sonic Warrior” the fan nickname? I thought the song was officially listed as “You Can Do Anything”. Similar to how the song “Dragonsta Den Tei” (probably massed up the spelling real bad) is nicknamed Numa Numa.

[@GameApologist]

Someone else pointed that out quite a while ago, but you are not wrong, good catch! I was so focused on making jokes I spaced on the name.

[@Axxidous]

@@GameApologist Oh I see. Sorry about that. I actually tried to look through the comments in case someone else had mentioned it, but I couldn't find it. So I thought maybe no one knew. haha I did make this cheesy little video when I was younger where I named it that though. By the way, been watching your videos while I draw lately. Looking forward to more videos from you. :)

[@DaKingofCheckerz]

I believe it's spelled "Dragostea din tei"

[@Axxidous]

@@DaKingofCheckerz Thanks!

[@jamesrgamesoffical]

Even if that’s true it’s still in the song

[@alexanderstilianov]

I get chills whenever I hear Sonic Boom. It's a damn shame that name is associated with *those* games.

[@MilkIsTheOne]

The TV show slaps harder than the game tho. They should've poured budget to the Tv series than the spinoff.

[@michaeldance-payne1862]

"a little tricky to land a hit, maybe that was just me" Nope no it wasn't, to this day I dont think I've completed one of these stages

[@Mike14264]

Hey, you get me! God, I don't know why, but I could never, NEVER land a hit on a single UFu*kin'O.

[@whaleping]

Metal Sonic is in my Top 5 video game rivals of all time. I love it when I hear someone praising him.

[@Dr.Clorox3914]

Metal sonic is my favorite sonic character

[@pastyIe]

Monferno Stole my comment

[@chompingcarnivine8675]

Metal Sonic is the best character in the franchise ever.

[@Dr.Clorox3914]

The best sonic character is an edgy,mute sonic character, and metal sonic fills those requirements

[@fatherpucci1675]

Metal will always be a better rival then Shadow.

[@x-mighty7602]

26:24 this is supposed to be funny. In the Japan soundtrack the funny boss theme plays.

[@juandirection3751]

Yea that's quite a difference with the US soundtrack. *Quite*

[@OtterloopB]

The Japanese version of the level clear music always sounds odd to me. All I ever hear is... *DOOBI DOO BOP BOP BOP... POOP IN YOUR BACKPACK* For whatever inexplicable reason, that's what I hear.

[@vectormantudeidad]

>:v

[@whatthehekudeku583]

I thought I was the only one 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@breadiscool22]

*POO UR BAKPAK SKOO BIPPITY BOP YEA!*

[@vectormantudeidad]

-_-

[@retrozaid1600]

WAAAAAA TELEPORTATION YEAH! SCOOPITY DOO BOP

[@RigbyIsTheMan]

I always preferred the Japanese ost, so much energy

[@starburst9132]

the American soundtrack sounds more 90’s imo especially with tracks like wacky workbench, stardust speedway, and collision chaos they all would go perfectly in an episode of Regular Show and I love it for that

[@stringentstorm5990]

Man, Tidal Tempest US is a 90s American Show Opening.

[@peterbruin5154]

My brain knows the Japanese version is superior. But my word the female chorus in the American version... Mwah! Plus the sheer 'funk' in that special stage track!

[@danielmartin2116]

Every time I see this game, I get an odd feeling from it. It feels...different from any other Sonic game that's come out thus far, but I like that feeling. Maybe it's the music. Anyways, I really do enjoy this game (and apologies if I come off as a blind fan). The gameplay was incredibly solid for me, the look of all the colors feel so right, and don't get me started on the soundtracks. Now for my cons. I think the game is honestly too short. From my experience, Sonic games have always been somewhat short (unless it's some of the 3D titles), so this doesn't really bother me, but it does here. To add to that, there's...not much else to do after the game ends. Granted those two things I don't like are mainly due to the fact that this game came out in a time where gaming was different, a time before my time, but I just couldn't help but notice. And regarding the level design, I don't see how it can be bad other than running into Badniks, Time Post or not. How I can tell if level is designed poorly is if it has a lot of moments that blindside me and basically cheat me out of a life because I didn't know what was up ahead or if the design completely detracts from the main aspect of the series (the reasons I can't enjoy Advance 3 or Lost World 3DS). I can understand what people mean though. Sometimes you can get lost and don't know where to go, which can be a pain if you're looking for Robot Generators. However, the immense joy I get from the game more than makes up for the flaws. I truly think this is a unique take and feel to Sonic we may never see again. I don't think it can even be done again. And because of that reason (and the game being fun), this is in my Top 5 2D Sonic games, obviously being beaten by those other two games.

[@chompingcarnivine8675]

So true

[@Mike14264]

Well, I played Sonic CD on mobile for a while, and it seemed pretty solid! I sucked at the special stages, and I barely managed to find the generators in Palmtree Panic, but hey, what can you do. But I would be lying if I said the zones didn't feel like kind of a mess. Not bad, just a bit messy. Like you don't even know where to go, until you realize the exit is still on the far right of the stage, which is why I feel they could force people into exploring a bit more, as that's where most of the fun is. How? Simple, the exit to the next Act (or Zone, or whatever) is in the Future. Doesn't matter if it's Good or Bad, it's still there. It would give another reason for these to exist. I do also think that the sign system could be tweaked. I lost all the signs I found way too easily! Granted, I could just be bad at the game, but still. Wouldn't mind if going to the past from the future took you straight to the past as well, and vice-versa.

[@knuckykazooie4272]

Ik im 2 years late lol but this is the first sonic cd review ive seen that wasnt nitpicky, extra and or overly negative. Nice job man! This is my favorite game of all time tied with Banjo-Kazooie. Sure the level design can be grueling at times but it just stimulates my mind with how scatterbrain it is and i love the 90s aesthetic and charm to this game. I have an idea with the 2 boss osts that the us version could be good use in the bad future and the jp ost would be good in the good futufd

[@MJfromJax]

Nice essay of an opinion

[@citruslamb9644]

Keep doing what you're doing, my man. The subs will come eventually. You're too good of a video creator to not get noticed eventually.

[@GameApologist]

Thanks! That's not to say I don't already appreciate you guys already.

[@citruslamb9644]

Game Apologist Oh you 😁😁😁

[@guitarspud1723]

I'm here!

[@BlueSatoshi]

8:20 In addition to calling Acts "Zones", Zones were internally referred to as "Rounds", i.e. R1, *R2,* etc.

[@levzurcher8902]

Hehe, R2. Yeah...sure...

[@LonelySpaceDetective]

I know they said R2 was scrapped because it wasn't of good enough quality, but man, I would have totally preferred Marble Zone 2.0 over gotdang Wacky Workbench.

[@x-mighty7602]

14:06 Tails was collecting the chaos emeralds in Tails Adventures.

[@mistersp3753]

Is that the Game Gear one? Is that canon?

[@theparadoxzone2396]

I'm glad I stumbled across this channel being a hardcore sonic fan. Started way back in 1991 when the first game came out. I was a mere 5 years old. The nostalgia is real!

[@PoisonousPen]

6:52 “Then go back in time, so you can make out with Sonics Mom.” 😂😂 That really cracked me up. 1) it gave every furry this series birthed an awful boner. 2) it sounds like you think that was Marty McFlys only goal in the movie.

[@jesterssketchbook]

sonics mom has got it going onnnnnn

[@PhoneCrab]

"I prefer the Japanese intro song" *Gets out a gun* what did you say?! Sonic boom is superior! But it's ok if you don't agree it was a joke

[@realDannyBoi111]

Glad to see another US intro fan. Due to the fact that when people usually say this, people don't take it to well.

[@zoe-janesutherland4359]

@@realDannyBoi111 I'll be honest, I'm JPN/EU soundtrack until I die, but Sonic Boom was a better intro and outro theme for Sonic CD, but as for the rest of the theme tracks, it's JPN/EU all the way baby!!

[@Samburger360]

Me to

[@BoredRalsei]

This is the best channel I’ve watched this year.

[@GameApologist]

smol dragon, big heart.

[@TheRiolan]

Good lord, Metal Sonic is one of my favorite antagonists in the Sonic franchise and I ADORE how you explained him. Music to my ears, man.

[@jcluttrell]

These videos have been a blessing the last few days. Well done.

[@Galvis76]

You deserve more subs! I love these videos!

[@GameApologist]

Thank you!!

[@Galvis76]

Game Apologist no worries!! 💙

[@x-mighty7602]

The american soundtrack represents what the level is and the japanese soundtrack represents what you feel on the level. Egg Rocket (Act 1) is my favourite Sonic theme because it combines both ideas creating a good theme.

[@Mr.OwO2873]

excuse me egg rocket isnt a sonic zone

[@vxcvxmcrposfdsdfulpdfg]

Homeboy what the actual fuck is Egg Rocket Zone

[@Fideothedog2021]

@@vxcvxmcrposfdsdfulpdfgit’s a one act zone in Sonic Advance (2001)

[@raiser4068]

WAIT WHAT?! Alredy over? Time flies uh , great episode as always! *Toot toot sonic warrior!*

[@GameApologist]

Raiser Autista Toot toot!

[@mistersp3753]

17:41: The origin of a catchphrase. Toot Toot, Sonic Warriors! Honestly, I thought it was weird at first, but it has really grown on me.

[@FirePhoenix862]

The American boss music scares me, but hey, bung it in the vid anyway

[@Mike14264]

The US Boss Music sounds like what would play if you were fighting Robotnik... the SatAM Robotnik, that is.

[@FirePhoenix862]

@Kert Paabusk yes, that's pretty terrifying

[@sanosu87]

28:18 lol 😂😂😂 didn't expect that

[@Karanthaneos]

And he made Toot toot a thing. What a lad. Rewatching all your stuff because I love it so much. Keep doing the great work, pal.

[@corel7966]

man i've been watching a lot of your videos lately, especially since it keeps popping up in my recommends. even your older videos are really quality!

[@theparadoxzone2396]

I never knew the goal of sonic CD. Like why a I traveling through time? Is there a purpose for this? As a kid I was confused but as an adult and stumbling across this channel now I know! Thanks Nick! You're the best and your channel is awesome. From one old school sonic fan to another!

[@reckarthack3018]

I know this is a pretty old video, but I wanted to say something about the Time Stones in this game. Since this game was designed at the same time as Sonic 2 & across the globe, at this time there wasn't any story to the Chaos Emeralds, they were just a set of collectibles to get a good ending. While Sonic 2's team decided to add an emerald & with it give the whole set a purpose, Sonic CD decided to give us new set of collectables that would serve the same role as the Emeralds in Sonic 1. Since they were more or less trying to extend the original game, not really expand in the way Sonic 2's team was, this would have made sense at the time of development. Frankly, changing it so late would have just made it feel like a copy of Sonic 2's implementation, much like the Spin Dash does, though this was added before Sonic 2 was released & likely discussed before either project was started. So Tl;Dr: While things like the Chaos Rings & Sol Emeralds were without a doubt an attempt to copy the Chaos Emeralds, the Time Stones were rather an attempt to not reuse a, at the time of CD's development, fairly pointless set of collectables, while still making them feel, at least from a story perspective, unique. I think a good analogy to this would be difference between Power Stars in Mario Galaxy & 64, & the Moons in Mario Odyssey. Besides their appearance & name, they have almost no gameplay differences & their impact on the story is near identical. Sorry for such a long comment, but I just felt like this was important to say since I haven't seen much of anyone try to point this out, usually just referring to it as simply the first of chaos emerald copies. Anyway, I absolutely love your work on here & I hope to see even more of it in the future! (Pun not intended)

[@Grimsikk]

Just discovered your channel and I love your Sonic content, subbed 💙

[@1SWINZ1]

I love how much you love Sonic, man! It reminds me of what I'm like with the Soulsborne games. So now I don't feel completely crazy... Thanks for that, XD!

[@cinnamonpanda6040]

I respect your right to be completely wrong of Sonic CD ost

[@2yoyoyo1Unplugged]

Cinnamon Panda you spelled right wrong

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

@@2yoyoyo1Unplugged I respect your write to be completely wrong about the Sonic CD OST.

[@JP-hk6xw]

@@imveryangryitsnotbutter I respect your right to use write instead of right when right was the right right to use in that situation

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

@@JP-hk6xw All wright.

[@tenshio]

It's nice to see another person who likes the US soundtrack as much as I do! Often times as a kid, it was my favorite soundtrack to listen to while on the go. I loved that the PC version of the game's disc was able to be played as a music CD, so I often did just that. Shoutout to Spencer Nilson for making such an iconic soundtrack very fitting for the game's wild environments.

[@dragoncox6230]

The Sega CD CD was also able to be played in disc players.

[@zac3249]

That whole Metal Sonic explanation just made me want to watch the Sonic OVA again. That movie made the fight against Metal so much more epic.

[@vendeezel]

I truly appreciate this video! I waited a long time 2 get my hands on this game as a kid and 4 all it's shortcomings, it was integral 2 the classic collection of games and got way more right than it got wrong. Plus, I'm a music nut and Sonic Team delivered pretty consistently throughout the classic collection.

[@XentinelSB]

Hate it all you want, the Wacky Workbench US theme never fails to make me smile.

[@jaredargento1511]

Too bad the level itself doesn’t follow suit.

[@Genericname]

Great video my dude! You’re gonna blow up with subs sometime, just wait!

[@kaine2104]

Oooohhhh, so this is where "toot toot, sonic warriors" became your outro catchphrase!!! I've been binging your stuff over the past week & have been utterly confused & wondering where it even came from! Now, I know!

[@temixmixto]

Great review! To add to the soundtrack aspect, one of the reasons I love the JP one is the correlations between time periods. Each one has it's own unique personality, but the main melody remains there, to show that *it is* actually the same place, but much before/much after your first visit. Oh, and I loved the Boss Fights and their uniqueness, hope to see more of this style in future games! Such a shame the original final fight didn't make it into the game. Did you read about it? An undestructible machine that could only be defeated if you traveled back and forth in time and completed certain objetives. Truly the proper finale to a game like this. Instead, we got the windmill xD Well, nice to meet you! Gonna watch the other reviews!

[@williammerkel1410]

I finally found someone that feel the same way about this games music as I do, I put a lot of emphasis on how much the music complements and enhances the level, and the North American version does that almost flawlessly.

[@TheJadeFist]

The peel out was a skill/memorization improvement mechanic. It is amazing when used in the right places and crucial for speed running the game. Infact the entire game is kinda based on that type of player improvement, so much of the game is there simply to waste your time, the player improves by avoiding the time wasting. It kinda makes up for the relatively low difficulty of the game compared to other sonic games, as you can't really die in this game too easily, not too many death pits and the typical ring system and all that. So instead of dying and losing lives, you're losing time.

[@tripplejaz]

KZbin just started recommending all your videos to me and I'm really enjoying your content! Great Sonic-tuber right here folks, covering only the RIGHT Sonic design!

[@captainemerald7477]

I'm watching at 5:50 AM after a nightmare because I dont want fall back asleep. Thanks, this is very calming

[@soapdispenseraliens8865]

Music can really change the feels of a screen of Sonic in his idle finger-waving pose wearing a smile theatre mask with the words "Fun is Infinite with Sega Enterprises" whether it be funny or creepy as hecc

[@backlashD]

I was waiting for you to bring up Stardust Speed way bad version US music. That's one of my favorite Sonic tracks in the series.

[@dragoncox6230]

It is my favorite song from any Sonic game, too.

[@guss1309]

A very thorough discussion of the game covering all the key points I can think of. I still prefer the original version of "Toot Toot" (the one in your video) and was sorry to get a remix substitute in the Steam version. A great video. Keep on tooting, Apologist!

[@braydenb1581]

the intro cinematic blew my mind. Totally worth buying for how often I booted the game up just to watch it

[@Subject-36]

Honestly, I mostly prefer the JP soundtrack. It gives me an energetic feel, which to me, is sonic music in a nutshell. But I can see the good bits of the US soundtrack. Like others have said, the AM boss theme should be for the bad future, with the JP for the good future. I can respect both soundtracks, but I prefer the JP soundtrack as a whole, with US soundtracks here and there.

[@JoeNeutrino]

5 minutes of the video spent talking about why the USA soundtrack is great. Subscribed.

[@blekiscooler]

Stardust Speedway bad future (US version) is awesome

[@axemblack1305]

@@blekiscooler probably my favorite track in the game of both versions

[@darkscythe1334]

Been watching a few of your Classic Sonic videos. Have to say, i appreciate the level of consideration you put into them and the extent that you analyse the various themes and design choices. I do tend to prefer such videos. You’ve earned yourself a subscribe! As far as this game goes, a lot of great points. One thing about the Super Peelout move is that if you hold down immediately, it provides the same protection as the spindash would. While that makes it a little less useful as an attacking manoeuvre on badniks, it does provide some protection when used purely for speed and progression itself. I grew up with the US soundtrack also but there is one point that i cant remember if you raised or not and that relates to past music. In both versions the past music is the same. When i first played with the Japanese soundtrack my mind was blown that there was a certainly level of consistency between the past, present and future. In the US version there are a few cases where the present or both futures are linked but there is a lot of unique themes in the US version. I imagine this is due to how the past themes were stored on the original CD. Ive personally grown to prefer the more consistently themed japanese version but still have a soft spot for some of the US songs. That said i think the Japanese soundtrack better fits ‘Sonic’ (in my personal opinion).

[@MAXfutbol8338]

You should consider bringing back funny end cards like the ending in this video, that clip was perfect. Also it's cool going back to your earlier videos and now I know where one of my favorite outros came from.

[@radilime]

9:16 fool, just do the peelout then roll into a ball bam, spindash

[@levzurcher8902]

Fool

[@marzipancutter8144]

I feel he really underestimated how important the slow spindash is in this game. Normally, going faster would be preferable, but in the context of this game it carries an important function: The spindash lets you move at the slowest possible speed that still allows you to time travel, and you will instantly go at that speed. This lets you time travel using the shortest distance easily. If you were to use peel-out or even just the rev-up spindash, it'd be much less optimal. Most situations will have you hit a wall long before you get to warp. Meanwhile, the super peelout is designed to get speed quickly, which is mainly useful to tackle steep inclines without gathering a lot of momentum. rev-up spindash covers a range between the two in exchange for more flexibility but less control, but in CD it makes more sense to work with set speeds.

[@StRoRo]

I really couldn't get on i with Sonic CD, and Im a massive Sonic fan. I mean, look at my Avatar! I found the purposely placed obsticles to stop your speed very off putting. I think you also brought up a point I never consciencly thought of while playing, and that's the music. At times, especially when trying to explore finding a past sighpost and somewhere to keep my speed up to travel into said past, I found the music an annoyance. It's like my kids screaming and shouting and pestering me WHILE IM TRYING TO FIX THE DISH WASHER AND I JUST NEED A MOMENT TO THINK... *WILL YOU TWO JUST SHUT UP FOR TWO MINUTES!*. Thats what what the music made me feel at times playing it. At times I just wanted it to shut up and give me a moment. I think I need to revisit this and give it another go. Great video as always.

[@GameApologist]

Thanks, and loved the analogy. The game certainly isn't for everyone, buuuuut that's why it's on a show literally called Game Apologist. Good to hear from you as always, kind sir!

[@troywright359]

@@GameApologist I find it funny how you couldn't give an eample of one piece of music from the JP OSt that your prefer over the US. And you barely touched on the hpyocrisy resulting from the identical PAST music in both games.

[@elnstal6878]

Ah yes, who could forget the infamously known pink hedgehog... *PRINCESS SALLY*

[@lPsychoMax]

Tbh I think there is one way to include both soundtracks in sonic CD so everyone can love them AND make them fit the mechanic I have in mind. Imagine Sonic CD used only the Japanese soundtrack but there's one difference, it has a hard mode. On the Hard Mode the game is more difficult, a few more enemies, maybe shorter time and that imposing US soundtrack? Yeah it's here; what better use for a soundtrack that makes you feel you're in a big battle than a challenging Hard Mode? It lets both soundtracks exist together in the same game, uses them to their strengths and makes them unique for each mode they're on for the player. It also keeps gamers happy with an easier casual mode and a challengeing hard mode!

[@WaterKirby1994]

Alternatively being able to change the music at any time from the pause screen would be cool. I will always prefer Sonic Boom over the Japanese Intro & End Themes for CD. You have to wonder if we'll ever get a song with Japanese Lyrics in the Sonic Series? I want my anime feeling Sonic series ok!

[@porobotboyxxx]

18:14-18:27 Sounds like you're listening to Chrono Trigger's in game battle sequence.

[@mistersp3753]

I actually started playing this on PC in the late-90s because I didn't have a Sega CD. It actually plays pretty well.

[@teddybeer6206]

I'm watching your Sonic reviews...and you just got yourself a subscription

[@shade08538]

Yup I’m subscribing this channel is criminally under appreciated

[@maxmatson1578]

I used to have this game on my Sega CD, one of the best in the series!👍 And definitely some of the best music from the American version!👌

[@milimonhlane8802]

I got 10 game overs because of stardust speed ways ups down and all arounds and looking for the generaters is such a chor in that mess of a zone

[@jaredargento1511]

Hell, looking for the generators is a chore in just about EVERY zone in the game.

[@milimonhlane8802]

@@jaredargento1511 true Dat true Dat

[@BitchChill]

@@milimonhlane8802 Even with Tails it was still horrible

[@punk_rock_music_teacher]

I’m glad your sub numbers are starting to accumulate. I remember thinking how does this guy only have 5k subs

[@koskk_]

21:34 the way "fun and noodley" was said absolutely killed me

[@isaacfgarzav]

I disagree that time travel is tedious at all, and that the bad future is a punishment to the player. On the latter, I think of the whole time traveling aspect as just a fun part of the experience of the game, I really don't think of it as a gimmick to get the good ending or anything. Since most of the time I go for the time stones, I need rings more than anything, and the different level design in the time periods have more rings to collect, which in itself is a great way to experience the game. And about the time travel, it's super easy and not tedious as you said, but thats just because I figured out the game and the mechanic itself, and I gotta admit it isn't intuitive for newcomers. Speed isn't what you are looking for time travel, but rather being able to maintain the sparkling so you are succesful. I have a neat way to this with ease that involves the spindash. Just find ANY spring that propels you upwards, then spindash and jump on it immediately, and as long as you keep falling and bouncing off the spring you will timetravel easily. Non-intuitive but my way of handling this mechanic which therefore gives me a better experience with this game. IMO I put this game (the android/IOS version at least) definitely above Sonic 2 and I LIKE it on par with Sonic 3&K no doubt.

[@GameApologist]

That's an interesting perspective, and something that I forgot I found helpful as a kid when I had a harder time maintaining rings. The future portion is definitely a great way to grab some more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@isaacfgarzav]

Game Apologist thank you for doing the review man! Hearing people's opinions on this game in particular is always amazing for me, very polarizing, but great reviews!

[@BonniesDeadlyVlogz]

Amazing video! I agree with almost all your points. I feel that both soundtracks are great in their own right. Also, do you plan on doing Sonic 4 after Sonic 3 and Knuckles or Sonic Adventure after it?

[@GameApologist]

Neither. I'm going to do a trilogy of videos all about the crazy mess that was Sonic on Saturn. That era is actually the reason I started this channel. ...but to actually answer your question, I'm gonna' do the Adventure games before 4. Partially because I think it just makes more sense to talk about these games in chronological order.. ...and secondly, the longer I can hold off talking about 4 the better. Not a bad game, just no real desire to play it right after replaying the classics.

[@BonniesDeadlyVlogz]

Ah! Okay then, can't wait to see them. I didn't even consider the Saturn games. Keep up the great work!

[@NefariousDreary]

I love how crazy the level designs are in Sonic CD. When I finally played it at the age of 26 it was everything I wanted a Sonic game to be

[@videotimebaby90]

Damn this channel is becoming a huge favorite

[@Hwarming]

I feel like the American OST takes advantage of the hardware better, the Japan soundtrack sounds like the same thing a Genesis could put out, the US one sounds like something from a PS1

[@miguev2738]

Someone: Thinks the amercian soundtrack is better. Me: *Laughs in MetalicMadness Bad future*

[@Mr.OwO2873]

me: *puts metalic madness past on spotify playlist*

[@sandclover]

Stardust Speedway JP Bad future: pfft.... P A T H E T I C

[@kavehgaming546]

I love Sonic CD so much because for the view graphics and good future and past songs i just sit at home and listen to the sonic cd soundtracks and makes the good sense to me i enjoy this game and love to play this game again and again...thanks for the video

[@honeybeeami2654]

I remember actively turning down the volume so I wouldn’t have to hear the boss fight music. Legitimately freaked me out.

[@somethingoriginal1707]

Really nice retrospective! You can't convince me that the U.S soundtrack is better though. They both sound 90's as hell but the U.S version just comes off as cheesy while the Japanese version is more charming imo.

[@OtioseFanatic]

TBH Sonic CD is still my favorite classic sonic game. Soo thankful my stepdad had a sega cd or else id have never played it.

[@Samburger360]

Sonic cd is better than sonic 1 and 2 and 3&k

[@DaRedPanda]

Let’s get this man to 50K before 2021!

[@Blaarg9000]

I'm so glad you mentioned the power of a game's soundtrack! I recently played Sonic CD with the American soundtrack for the first time, and I was also thinking about how a soundtrack can change the feeling of the whole package. Although at first I didn't really like it, I eventually learned to appreciate the American soundtrack. They are both amazing in my eyes.

[@jaredlord4009]

The one time I played completely through Sonic CD (despite currently having copies for multiple systems) was at a neighbor's house (incidentally, the same neighbor who had Knuckles Chaotix when I was a kid). I like Sonic CD, and I want to give it a good opportunity to prove itself. The problem is, typically when I'm playing Sonic games, I'm trying to shut my brain off. Sonic 3 and Knuckles, if I'm having a good day, I can practically play blindfolded. Sonic CD, with its huge exploration gimmick, doesn't lend itself to that. Combine that with the fact that I've played it way less than the other classic Sonic games (Hell, I've played Chaotix more), and that makes it incredibly hard to feel in the zone with this game. Again, I like it, and I'd say it has the potential to be my favorite Sonic game. It just would require the significant rewriting of some very in-grained neural pathways for when I sit down with my Genesis.

[@GameApologist]

I think that's kind of why I still enjoy jumping back in. Since I can't remember every single thing off the top of my head, it feels somewhat fresh for me. I'm the same way with Sonic 3. Though in my case, the familiarity might be a bit of a problem. No way I can do a video on it without being extremely biased, and it might prove difficult to find anything new to say that someone hasn't already said before. That's a bit off topic. Anyway, thanks for watching the video!

[@jaredlord4009]

Thank for MAKING this video, man. I love this channel, and I love getting the chance to better articulate my thoughts about games (which your videos help me do).

[@GameApologist]

Jared Lord my pleasure and thanks for commenting! Best part of making the video is chatting with everyone!

[@marche800]

I think the American boss theme is definitely imposing but it seems like a bit much. It seem like it was composed for some other series and just applied to Sonic whereas the Japanese is way more in line with Sonic and Eggman's usually dynamic. Like if you put the American boss theme in any other Sonic game it would sound mismatched af, whereas the Japanese one is definitely in line with the series both at the time and now to some extent. It's kind of the same problem I had with the western cartoons like Sat Am, it has it own merits but I don't think it captures the original charm of Sonic at least for me anyways. I'd also much sooner listen to the Japanese version when I'm not playing the game if that counts for anything

[@ReNDDDG]

The Game Apologist has done it again 👌

[@minimoe2807]

I loved my 90s Trapper Keeper thank you very much! And yes that would have been gold...Sonic the Trapper Keeper!