Sonic CD (Sega CD, 1993)

Of all the Sonic games, and there are a lot, the best 2D platformer would be this one, Sonic CD.

Gameplay is much like what you'd expect from Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. It has fast paced on rails linear platforming action.

The graphics and sound are great in Sonic CD. There's nothing wrong with the levels - Eggman keeps coming up with interesting and colorful challenges for our blue hero. As usual, Sonic Team keeps the Sonic series fresh with new ways to get from point "A" to point "B".

Sonic fans really need to treat themselves to this game. This was released near the end of the 16-bit cycle so it really shows how good 16-bit games could be. It shows the best that Sega could do with their little blue hedgehog in a 16-bit world using technology that was, by now, 6 years old.

If you have the Sega CD expansion module, then this game BELONGS in your collection.

I'm not really sure why everyone on here seems to be so harsh on this game, but any true fan of the Sonic games will fall to their knees at the greatness of Sonic CD. In my opinion, it's the best Sonic game ever made and is my favorite. Most people who have enjoyed a Sonic game have never tried this one out because most people never owned the Sega CD (also very underrated), and if you are one of them, pick this up, you are in for a huge treat. This game is massive and beautiful. Every level features an AMAZING full cd quality soundtrack performed by Spencer Nilsen, it sounds like no other Sonic game. It should also be noted that the Japanese version has a totally different (in my opinion, a little better) soundtrack, but both versions have equally amazing quality and most sonic fans still argue about which version is better. The concept of time travel in a Sonic game fits very well, I'm surprised it wasn't used in a newer title. Also, the special stages RULE, they are BY FAR the most enjoyable special stages in ANY sonic game. The replay value is very high here as you try to find all the robot machines in the past stages to make good futures and get the best ending. I'm a hardcore gamer with a somewhat impressive collection, I've played every game system and own most of them, no game has topped this one from being my favorite of all time. If you own a Sega CD, buy this, if you don't, either buy one to play this great game, or buy it on Sonic Gems collection for gamecube. Don't miss out on this amazing game!

Lots to like here: Graphics are well done with good use of color and shows off some of the Sega CD's scaling/rotation capabilities. Sound and music are top notch. Levels are challenging without ever being too hard. One downside I saw was in the gameplay, its REALLY fast, too fast at times which can be frustrating. Also, the controls in the bonus stages are a little off and its hard to judge the targets you're trying to hit. None of this really affects my overall opinion though. The added bonus of time warping is interesting and changes the game, giving it some more replay value to go back and experience each stage in the past and future ( the look and music change when you warp, and if you find Robotniks machines it will change the present when you warp back ). I know some didn't like the whole time travel thing, but to be honest, it's not a big deal one way or the other. The game would have been great without it and is great with it.

Pros:
You know him, you love him, Sonic arrives on the Sega CD. The controls in Sonic CD are as tight as in any other 2-D Sonic games. The game developers took a bold step off the beaten Sonic formula with the 'time travel gimmick'. First Sonic must touch a sign with 'past' or 'future' written on it, next he has to run very fast and presto he warps to a different time. When Sonic arrives in another time the level's layout and background will be different. This somewhat adds to the level variety in Sonic CD.

Cons:
Sonic CD's graphics look exactly like that on the Genesis! In fact Sonic's model has been ripped directly from Sonic 1 for the genesis. The design of most levels is sloppy, Sonic's speed becomes hindered by this. Levels look and feel jumbled, lacking theme. The music in the title is also lacking in quality as a whole, although there are some catchy songs. When you add everything up, Sonic CD is not on par with great 2-D Sonic titles like Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles for the genesis.

This is a fun game it is similar to sonic 2 but without tails. It is better than the first one in that you get the spin dash and the CD sounds are good.

The gameplay is facepaced like to be expected from a sonic the hedgehog game. The time warp feature is a good adition, seeing the same level in the past and in the future adds to the content.

Not the best sonic game, but a nice adition for any collection.