[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjF6kq4MFlo&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Four days later and the new port of Sonic CD revealed on Monday has been made official. The Mega CD/SEGA CD title will be making its way to many platforms this Holiday season, which include Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, PC Download, Windows Phone and Android Phone.
The game is said to feature widescreen graphics, the original Japanese soundtrack, special iOS features, Xbox LIVE Achievements, PSN Trophies, PC Achievements and more. Interestingly, SEGA also says this game is a prequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. A trailer, press release and artwork have also been released, which we have shared for you here.
Check out the press release below:
METAL SONIC! AMY-ROSE! ROBOTS! IT CAN ONLY BE SONIC CD
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO — 25th August, 2011 —SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that Sonic CD™ will debut on mobile phones and consoles everywhere. Originally released for the MEGA CD™ system in 1993 and with Metal Sonic and Amy Rose making their introduction, Sonic CD is coming to digital platforms with music from the original Japanese soundtrack. The beloved prequel to Sonic The Hedgehog 4 ™ Episode I is coming to iPhone® and iPod® touch, iPad®, Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® Network, PC Digital Download, Android and Windows Phone 7 and will be available for download this winter.
“Ask any Sonic fan to name their favourite games, and Sonic CD always ranks near the top of their lists,” said Haruki Satomi, Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA. “Sonic CD marks an important chapter in Sonic’s history, bridging the gap between his oldest adventures and his new digital exploits like Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I. We’ve made sure the re-mastered edition has everything that Sonic fans want to see with all of the original colourful classic zones.”
Following the classic story of the original, Sonic CD sees Dr Eggman plan to cause chaos and take control of the future by stealing Times Stones from the Little Planet. Sonic must speed through levels and travel through time whilst fending off Eggman’s robots to recover the Time Stones, and save Amy Rose from his mechanical twin, Metal Sonic! This fast-paced game will return with brand new features including enhanced widescreen graphics, iOS features, Xbox LIVE Achievements, PSN Trophies, PC Achievements and more.
For more information on Sonic CD, please visit http://www.sega.com/
Source: SEGA Blog
Thanks to Jemma in our comments section for the heads up and to Woun for the YouTube upload!
Prequel to Sonic 4 eh? Well, that fits in with my theory of where it goes in the timeline.
Cool! I loved Sonic CD! Let’s hope for Knuckles Chaotix as well!
Yeah I’d love Knuckles Chaotix too!
So…Sonic CD comes AFTER S3&K? Didn’t see that coming. I like how they’re treating this as more then a port, but as part of the Sonic 4 series. Glad they decided to use the original OST.
Really? I always thought of Sonic CD taking place between Sonic 1 and 2.
It’s a long shot, but I’d love it if there was a way to choose between which soundtrack you wanted.
I thought that too since Sonic CD was being developed shortly after Sonic 2 and the story was unrelated. Because I always thought Sonic 3 took place right after Sonic 2. Sonic landed on the Tornato plane at the end of 2, then used the chaos emeralds to fly off the plane in the third game to get to Angel Island. Sega says CD takes place before Sonic 4 (of course) the real question is which game does it take place after? Sonic 1, or Sonic & Knuckles? And yes it would be nice to have both soundtracks, it is Sega so licensing shouldn’t be a problem. I am hoping for enhanced graphics that we can switch on and off like in Sonic’s Genisis Collection for Xbox 360.
That’s not quite right. Sonic CD was being developed at the same time as Sonic 2. Sonic 2 was being developed in America by one team while Sonic CD was already underway in Japan being made by another team. Sonic CD was actually finished first too, but Sega decided to wait for Sonic 2 to be finished and release that first. Due in part to the user base of the Mega Drive/Genesis being much larger, they hoped by releasing Sonic CD later the Mega CD’s user base could by then be larger and they could make more impact with it’s release, plus it would help with their growing fan bases wait for the eventual Sonic 3. A lot of people seem to think because it came out after Sonic 2 it was made later or takes place after Sonic 2, which isn’t the case, Sonic’s original creator intended Sonic CD to be Sonic 1’s true sequel. But now with this Sonic 4 prequel stuff who knows where it fits >.<
True, I read about when Sonic Cd was being developed before, I must have forgotten yesterday. Thanks. I do agree that Sonic Cd takes place after right Sonic 1. Sonic 2, 3 and Knuckles involve the Death Egg. With Sega blurting out that Sonic Cd is a prequel to Sonic 4 doesn’t mean it came right before, Sonic 3 and Knuckles is the true prequel. It could be their way of promoting Sonic 4 again. I am surprised they waited almost 2 years to release CD. But yeah it was finished first and Sonic 2 was the main focus. Sonic CD could have helped sales on the Mega cd too. Even though it would lead to confusion as to where was Tails and Super Sonic in CD for those who played Sonic 2 first.
I was reading on other sites where people are upset that the US soundtrack isn’t included in the game. I say its a different way to experience the game because I’ve only heard the US soundtrack. I’m still really excited I can finally get Sonic CD on my Xbox360.
Yeah a lot of Anerican fans who played Sonic CD in the 90s grew up knowing that soundtrack. Both soundtracks have mixed opinions, some love them some hate them. I didn’t start playing Sonic CD till it came out on the PC in 1996. That was the same year I found the cutscenes online when I first got the Internet. There are some tracks in the American version I liked such as Quartz Quadant and Stardust Speedway, the music fit in and was rockin’. Tital Tempest was far the strangest, even the bad future. I thought i was going to get in trouble listening to it with that woman moaning in the background, (I’m not going into detail) lol. The animation and music is so 80s-early 90s style. It reminded me of the Felix the Cat movie I guess because the Movie had a video game feeling to it. After listening to the Japanese music in the Sonic Screensaver package the music did fit a little better. Stardust Speedway had more rap in it. My only complaint is the music loop. The tracks last one minute each and will stop and start over rather than blending in like most games. That’s probity why it is called Sonic CD. Music played in CD format.
awesome, can’t wait to play it again ^^
Being that this looks like a proper redeveloped version of the game (see widescreen, achievements etc), on a number of platforms, any bets on this being Taxman’s baby seeing the light of day?
It IS the Taxman’s engine.
I’m interested as long as this doesn’t turn out to be another shoddy Backbone Entertainment port like the SEGA Vintage games.
It’s Taxman’s Retro Engine.
How do you know this? Has this been confirmed?
nevermind. found it lol
IOS!?… YA BABY!
The jap soundtrack?! OMG YES! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
SSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!!! It has the JP/EU soundtrack!! That’s killer news for me!! And I can play it on my android phone too?? Even better!! ^^
WOO! 😀 i can’t wait. now just give me knuckles chaotic!!!!!!! (please). 🙂
I hope to see another newly animated intro and ending, maybe in CGI using the same system as Sonic Generations cutscenes. The first animated was good in SEGA CD standard. The reanimated cutscenes were better but were butchered in the PC version to make them smaller in size, quality and framerate for home computers. They made them full screen and faster on the Gamecube port, the ending cutscene was moving so fast it was litterly blurry (my guess they were recycled from Sonic Jam). I hope Sega gets them right this time, as well as the soundtrack loop with no stops in it during gameplay. Thanks.
That’s funny. I was just thinking that I wanted to play this game…
I forgot to mention something. Did Sonic CD feel rushed in some Zones? Like things overlooked. For example Palmtree Paradise has rings inside of rocks and can’t be reached. I guess they were meant to be in the holes but were off by a few pixels. Sometimes when I go up higher the background will look so pixelated and upside down like in Colision Chaos.
The rings appear to stay in the same locations across Past, Present and Future. You have to travel to different times to get some of them.
No WiiWare?! FFFFFFFFF…
I’m guessing it doesn’t fit in the WiiWare stict file size limit.
The game easily fits, but SOJ wanted the cutscenes in full quality for each release. That put the game over the WiiWare file size limit.
Let’s not put any emphasis on the “prequel to Sonic 4” statement. I see this as just marketing. SEGA had success with Sonic 4 on digital download platforms. SEGA are putting Sonic CD on digital download platforms, with a bigger push than just the equivalent of, say, a Virtual Console title (assumably due to its cult status). SEGA want people who bought Sonic 4 to buy Sonic CD, as a lot of people haven’t played it before. So they call it a “prequel” to Sonic 4. Technically this is not news as clearly it is set before Sonic 4 (classic designs, first appearance of Amy etc.), so is a “prequel” in the same way as every game from Sonic and the Black Knight backwards is a prequel, but is SEGA’s marketing department elaborate way of saying “Hey, if you liked Sonic 4, you’ll like this!”
SEGA forgot their fans take things like this very seriously 😛
I didn’t see that one coming. 😐 Also, I wonder if Taxman’s doin’ the iOS port? :/
it should be on the virtual console too, with the Japanese soundtrack too…
Actually, all the ports are running off Taxman’s engine.
Hmm… Looks like they’re doing this to reintroduce Metal before Sonic 4 Episode 2. Considering the Sonic 4 styled cutscene, and the quote “See how it all started.”
Uh, aren’t all the classic games prequels to Sonic 4? This is just marketing jargon, guys. Nothing to get excited about.
It’s just to set up Metal Sonic for Sonic 4: Episode 2.
really appreciate the Nintendo love in here.
Has Sega stopped making Wii games? I suppose when Sonic sells most on Wii it only makes sense to abandon the platform…
I’m guessing it doesn’t fit in the strict WiiWare file size limit. I can’t see SEGA ignoring that platform for no good reason.
Oh bother! I wanted it to come to 3DS!
Oh well, I’ll just have to get the 360 version.
I wonder if Nintendo has a strict file size limit in place with downloadable games on the 3DS, like with the Wii and DSi. Maybe that’s why it’s not being released on 3DS.
I really hope both soundtracks are present. Both are great!
I grew up on the U.S. soundtrack and I am personally GLAD the Japanese one is the one in the game.
I have never heard the whole thing and it will make it feel fresh.
Also, WTF…about it being the prequel…
Is it possible that it STILL IS the prequel and STILL DID INDEED take place BEFORE Sonic 3?
Maybe they are just calling it the prequel because metal sonic is in Sonic 4.
Not necessarily because Sonic 4 is the sequel to it.
Disappointed that both soundtracks aren’t included, but WOW! Widescreen? Yes please! I’ve been wanting widescreen ports of all of the classics for a while now, Nice to finally get one. And for arguably the best of the series, no less. 🙂
So, no Wii port, huh? Odd, but okay….at least I have a 360 too.
I think a lot of people are misinterpreting what they mean by a prequel and “see how it all started”. Mainly because metal sonic is probably going to have a major role in sonic 4 and this game explains things about metal sonic. It’s his first appearance after all. As i doubt sega would go and re-arrange sonic CD’s placement being in between sonic 1 and 2 timeline wise. And this is also a sign, imo that news of episode 2 are on the horizon. I’m going to bet that sonic 4 ep 2 will get a formal announcement on one of the days sonic 4 hit digital stores.
Exactly when did Sonic CD get officially placed in between Sonic 1 and 2? Somehow this information has eluded me for the past 18 years.
When Sonic CD was revealed by Sega to have been finished development before Sonic 2 but Sega held bac back it’s release. The fact that Sonic’s sprite is an altered Sonic 1 sprite. That there’s no mention of Tails beyond a hidden sound test picture. There’s a fair few random reasons, I’d say the fact it was finished first and was said to be the sequel to Sonic 1 by Sonic CD’s game team and his original creator would be enough for me to accept it’s placing between Sonic 1 and 2.
I don’t think that the creators cared much about a chronological timeline back in the 90s when they were working on the second game on a series that didn’t really focus at all on plot. And Sonic 2 and Sonic CD were made at the opposite sides of the world. If there was communication between the teams, I doubt chronology would be a pressing question.
There was some communication, but not a lot according to the interview, I’m trying to find a link ATM if your interested. Hense the rumors that Sonic 2 would have time travel. And no back then there wasn’t much in the way of caring about chronological placement. But the information about most of that, the development and seperate teams and the games delayed release etc as well as the original creator saying Sonic CD was supposed to be the successor to Sonic 1 came long after their respective releases.
So… basically, there’s no official declaration of where Sonic CD falls in. The game may have been intended as a sequel to Sonic 1, but so was Sonic 2 (hence the ‘2’). The game may have been completed first, but Sonic 2 came out first. I’m not saying that arguing that Sonic 2 took place first is any more logical than arguing Sonic CD took place first, but if SEGA does officially label Sonic CD as a prequel to Sonic 4, then there’s no argument to be made against it. Nothing in-game contradicts moving the ordering of the games chronologically as StH1, StH2, StH3, S&K, SCD, StH4.
By the way, I’m not so sure that they ARE making this a direct prequel. Sure, it shows Sonic 4 assets at the beginning of the trailer, but that means nothing. “See how it all began” might be talking about seeing the events that happened directly before Sonic 4, or maybe they’re just saying ‘see how Sonic and Metal Sonic’s rivalry began.’
I don’t really see why it would matter either way. Whether the canon sequence is StH, SCD, StH2, StH3, S&K or StH, StH2, StH3, S&K, SCD, does it make much difference? If SEGA declares one correct over the other, whatever.
i am confuse, what do they mean how it all started? they cant be saying this is a prequel to sonic 4. i assume they mean this is where he first met metal sonic so it that sense this is where it started, but if not then like my other statement on the plot for generations, they are causing inconsistencies with storylines, but now i take back about sonic generations being the reason for sonic 4 instead they making it seem like sonic cd is the reason which i am not going to go any further on how bizzare that is lol.
Sounds like SEGA is trying to pull a Zelda Timeline on us now.
OH GOD NO!!!
Man, I hope they actually put it on PSP as well as PS3.
iOS release & JP/EU soundtrack?? I am SO gonna get this on my IPod Touch the day it comes out 😀
YOU GUYS! READ THIS!
kid craft 24 says:
“I think a lot of people are misinterpreting what they mean by a prequel and “see how it all started”. Mainly because metal sonic is probably going to have a major role in sonic 4 and this game explains things about metal sonic. It’s his first appearance after all. As i doubt sega would go and re-arrange sonic CD’s placement being in between sonic 1 and 2 timeline wise. And this is also a sign, imo that news of episode 2 are on the horizon. I’m going to bet that sonic 4 ep 2 will get a formal announcement on one of the days sonic 4 hit digital stores.”
This guy is spot on in my opinion.
As I said earlier with this post…
“Also, WTF…about it being the prequel…
Is it possible that it STILL IS the prequel and STILL DID INDEED take place BEFORE Sonic 3?
Maybe they are just calling it the prequel because metal sonic is in Sonic 4.
Not necessarily because Sonic 4 is the sequel to it.”
I KNEW it would make it to PSN, somehow! Ah, but who am I kidding? We all knew how this was gonna turn out!
Are you talking to the website that can’t hear you?
*slight demo hacking related spoilers* This probably means we won’t get Sonic CD included with Generations if this “Genesis” thing they found in the demo is a collection of older games 🙁 They probably wouldn’t want to include a game that they are trying to sell recently on other platforms.
Thanks for bringing it to Nintendo wii shop channel, or Nintendo eshop =/
Will people stop bitching about Nintendo being shunned? It wouldn’t fit the filesize limit, case closed. It’s not SEGA’s fault that Nintendo are still stuck in the 90s.
if sonic cd is not on wii then maybe its a HD version
Hmm… they said the remastered version… what’s gonna be remastered about it? Secret ending??
Any guess on when exactly can we expect this??? I can’t see this being released after Generations… Sonic 4 was also advertised for “Late/Holiday 2010” and was released in early October. Is there a chance we’ll see this in October as well???
YES!!!! the Japanese & European Version and no US Version !!!Bonus!!! (same as Mega CD)
How is it a “bonus” that the US soundtrack isn’t included? Wouldn’t a “bonus” be something more akin to having something extra, like having the US soundtrack included as a music option?
^^; Sorry I got happy because the original music
Finally we can play Sonic CD with a HD console and being the Japanese version is a great bonus for us whom never played the game with the Japanese soundtrack.
About Sonic CD not being on the Wii? It makes sense guys. The wii’s memory is extremely limited even if you save the game on a flash card. All the card does is to temporary copy the game into the harddrive to play it. Sonic CD couldn’t fit into the Wii’s memory because of it’s use of audio files for music, their not sequenced as it is with the Genesis titles and the Wii version of Sonic 4 and likely Sega mite be remasterng the cutscenes as well so that too can be a factor. For Wii owners, You do have the Sonic Gem Collection for the Gamecube, so you guys do have an alternative way to play the game. If you didn’t know that already.
dude I still have 1000 blocks of memory on my wii and I have like 2 demos mario 1 and sonic 4
and the internet and everybody votes channel
Even so, all of the audio tracks in Sonic CD would infact drain alot of memory. Which is why the music of the Wii version of Sonic 4 were not audio files but instead sequenced and Nintendo has a strict size limit when it comes to download games.
How much space is in a “block” of memory, exactly? Nintendo never seems to specify things like that.
Of course the *bleep*heads at sega make the wii owners S.O.L. AGAIN!!!!!!!
Sega could be nice and give the option to choose between the USA and Japanese soundtracks, both are equally good.
I know what mode it will add (lots of the fans already know)
New Game – Start a New game from start
Continue – Continue from last stage (this apply after game over/game beaten)
Note: do not get mix with other type of continue for classic Sonic game Mega Drive (this game got no-no continue)
Time Attack: Race through the stage for the fastest time for Action Stage and Special Stage (complete it will unlock special features mode)
Options Mode: adjust setting, data management (Mega CD Only)
Hopefully it got the hidden special stage with some artwork (level select only) “See you next game” with Tails & his car is a Debug Mode (can be use during demo mode – need 2nd player controller to use “just press start” if it work it may be removed)
but i got one question which version is it Mega CD/Sega CD (1993) or SEGA PC (1996)?