Taking Sonic CD Out For Another Spin

I was a bit timid when I first heard Sonic CD was being rereleased
on PSN and XBLA. I missed out on the fan pet as a child, having
skipped out on the gaudy Sega CD Genesis attachment absolutely. Curious
to see what all the fuss over Sonic CD was all about, I busted out the
Sonic Gems Pool a couple years ago and gave it a try. I cruised
owing to the stages effortlessly, never truly grasped the time travel
mechanic, and was eventually underwhelmed by the overall encounter. I
wrote the title off back then as not living up to the Genesis-era Sonic
games. Until this day I've always had the petty feeling that I didn't
really give Sonic CD a honest shake. Revisiting the game on my 360, I'm
pleased to say that it permanently clicked. I get it. Sonic CD is a wonderful
treat for fans of the series and 2D platforming alike.

Sure, you could do what I did years ago and breeze owing to the
stages, but you'd be gone out. Early Sonic games were rarely all
about speed. The introductory Green Hill Zone-type levels cater to
flashy loop de loops and nonstop sprinting, but eventually it's all
about exploration. Sonic CD encourages exploration with a unique time
travel mechanic. Given that Dr. Robotnik is constantly trying to screw
over mother nature, the only way Sonic can truly erase the mad
scientists massive eco trace is by roving back in time and
destroying his environment-mortifying apparatus.This involves quick a
sign marked Past, in succession at high speeds incessant, and blasting
back in time. Hunting down the assess time travel signs forces players
to inspect every inch of the map. You must also scout out a excellent stretch
of ground to run along to pick up speed like in Back to the Future. The mechanic is inventive, fun, and forces you to do more vital thought than it would just to run owing to the stages.

The level design is some of the best in the series. Each zone has
visibly matured upper, middle, and bottom routes to take owing to stages.
I really loved how the layout of the level changes depending on where
you are in time. Roving into the past takes you to an
industrial-free zone, complete with woodland creatures scampering about.
Destroying Robotnik's diabolical apparatus in the past and roving to
the future reveals a peaceful place with no enemies and plenty of rings
to assemble. I also be thankful for that there are very few never-ending pits,
which allows you to relax a bit while exploring. The environments
themselves are gorgeous, made even better looking thanks to this
update's skill to smooth out the pixelation if you so desire.

While roving owing to time and saving the future is a lot of fun,
the game takes a few huge missteps. Sonic CD has hands-down the worst
unique stages in the entire series. These faux 3D arenas task players
with taking out 2D UFOs, a simple goal made irritating due to the fact
that gauging the space of a 2D sprite is a pain. Excellent luck being paid
all the Time Stones (no Chaos Emeralds here), because I know it's going
to take me some time and patience. A additional gripe I have with the game is
the music. While you can choose between the Japanese and US
soundtracks, these songs just don't fit in with the rest of the series.
Maybe it's due to the fact that they aren't 16-bit, or a touch I can't
place my finger on, but these tracks ooze 90s cheesiness. Lastly, I'm not
a huge fan of the boss fights in Sonic CD. All the bouts with Robotnik
(except for one creative fight on a conveyer belt) feel too simple and
uninspired. Bouncing my way owing to a pinball-themed encounter.and
exploiting a wimpy bipedal mech's evident flaws just didn't do it for
me.

Complaints aside, I've really loved the recent time I've spent with
Sonic CD. The game starts to shine after you get accustomed to
roving owing to time and exploring each unique level. This
downloadable rerelease is an simple choice for fans of the series or
anyone attracted in some pure platforming goodness.

Tags: Another, Sonic, Spin, Taking