[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEbehshkzsw&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

Sonic Retro forum member RGamer2009 has revealed that SEGA’s digital download Sonic CD port does not feature the vocals in its soundtrack that were present in its original Mega CD release. RGamer2009 recorded the above footage from the GameStop Android tablet version, and at the 40 seconds mark you can see the game’s animated intro with just an instrumental version of Sonic – You Can Do Anything.

Christian Whitehead aka “The Taxman” followed the discovery up with the below message at the Sonic Retro forums suspecting legal rights issues.

I know it’s a bit of a bummer that the vocals had to be left out. It’s definitely not something due to laziness or something silly. I couldn’t tell you the circumstances, but at least from my understanding there are some rights associated with the lyrics themselves.

My guess is that since Casey Rankin is no longer alive, there might be problems negotiating the use of the lyrics outside of Japan. Please, don’t take this as gospel though since I don’t work in legal

Sources: RGamer2009 and The Taxman at Sonic Retro

Thanks to Sean at the SSMB for the heads up!

What are your thoughts on this development? Let us know in the comments.