Vocals Dropped for Sonic CD Port’s Soundtrack

[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.

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Sonic CD Gets Second Playable Character, Out December, Today on GameStop Tablets

SEGA has just given some big news on their blog regarding the upcoming Sonic CD re-release. From today, those who purchase a GameStop branded Android tablet will get Sonic CD as a pre-installed game way ahead of the game’s newly announced December release on all platforms. Finally, SEGA has revealed that Sonic’s two-tailed friend Miles “Tails” Prower will be an unlockable playable character. Players will be able to take control of Tails and his flying ability on their second playthrough of the game.

SEGA also released 9 new screenshots of the game, which we have for you below.

Sonic CD will be re-released in December on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, PC, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, Android Phones and Windows Phone 7.

Source: SEGA Blog

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Sonic CD Port Officially Announced, Coming This Holiday To Many Platforms

[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!

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Sonic 4: Episode 1 Priced and Dated For Windows Phone

Microsoft has priced and dated its line-up of what they’re calling ‘Must Have Games’ for Windows Phone. Six titles are planned for release on Xbox Live individually each week from Wednesday May 25th and they will all feature achievements, leaderboards and more. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will launch on June 15th and will cost you £5.49/$6.99 to download. Check out an official screenshot and gameplay footage of the Windows Phone version at the 0:34 mark in the trailer below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkdornqZQis[/youtube]

Here’s the full line-up of Windows Phone games:
Hydro Thunder Go

Microsoft Game Studios
Release date: 5/25/2011
Price: £3.99/$4.99

Doodle Jump

GameHouse
Release Date: 6/1/2011
Price: £2.49/$2.99

geoDefense

Microsoft Game Studios
Release Date: 6/8/2011
Price: £2.49/$2.99

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I

Sega
Release Date: 6/15/2011
Price: £5.49/$6.99

Plants vs. Zombies

PopCap Games
Release Date: 6/22/2011
Price: £3.99/$4.99

Angry Birds

Rovio
Release Date: 6/29/2011
Price: £2.49/$2.99

Sources: SocialTimes.com, Windows Phone UK Facebook page and Xbox.com

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