Sonic CD#Music

File:SonicCDTimeTravel.png

Sonic CD is a side-scrolling platform game similar to the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Players control Sonic the Hedgehog as he ventures to stop his nemesis Doctor Robotnik from obtaining the magical Time Stones and conquering Little Planet. Like previous games, Sonic can destroy enemies and objects (such as certain walls and television monitors containing power-ups) by rolling into a ball, and collects rings as a form of health. Sonic can also perform a "spin dash" and a "super peel-out", both of which increase his speed.{{cite magazine |last=Rand |first=Paul |date=November 1993 |title=Review: Sonic CD |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d0/CVG_UK_144.pdf#page=87 |magazine=Computer and Video Games |issue=144 |page=87 |access-date=August 29, 2017}} The game has seven levels; each is split into three zones, the third of which ends in a boss fight against Robotnik. Players start with three lives, which are lost when they suffer any type of damage without rings in their possession; losing all lives results in a game over.

Sonic CD is differentiated from other Sonic games through its time travel game mechanic, which allows players to access different versions of rounds set in the past, present, and future. The music changes within the different time zones, as remixes of the present music. Sonic starts the first two zones in the present. The third zone is always set in the future, its timeline dependent upon whether the player destroyed both transporters in the past. He travels through time by hitting signs labelled "past" or "future", maintaining his speed afterward. By default, future stages are neglected and littered with machinery after Robotnik has conquered the Little Planet, appropriately named "bad futures." Players are encouraged to convert each zone into a "good future", with bright colors, thriving nature, and few enemies. To achieve a good future in each zone, players must travel to the past and destroy a hidden transporter where enemy robots spawn. Achieving a good future in every zone unlocks the best ending.

By finishing a level with more than 50 rings, Sonic can access a special stage, in which he must destroy six UFOs in a pseudo-3D environment within a time limit. Time is reduced swiftly if the player runs through water, though a special UFO that appears when time is running out grants extra time if destroyed. If the player destroys all the UFOs before the time runs out, they earn a Time Stone. Collecting all seven Time Stones automatically creates a good future in every zone, unlocking the best ending. The game also features a time attack mode, where players can replay completed levels for the fastest time possible; a "D.A. Garden", where players can listen to the music of completed zones; and a "Visual Mode", where players can view the opening and closing animations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/53880-sonic-cd-ps3-cheats|title=Sonic CD PS3 Cheats|date=January 5, 2012|website=Game Revolution|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405221323/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/53880-sonic-cd-ps3-cheats|archive-date=April 5, 2019|access-date=February 10, 2018}} The game also includes a save feature, which uses the back-up memory of the Sega CD.{{cite book|author1=Sonic Team|title=Sonic the Hedgehog CD instruction manual|date=November 1993|publisher=Sega}}{{rp|20}}

At Never Lake, an extraterrestrial body, Little Planet, appears in the last month of every year. Sonic's nemesis, Dr. Robotnik, has chained the planet to a mountain and begun transforming it into a giant fortress with his robot army. To execute his plan, Robotnik uses the Time Stones, seven diamonds which control the flow of time, hidden in the different zones. Sonic ventures to the planet, followed by the besotted Amy Rose, his self-proclaimed girlfriend.{{efn|In the North American manual, Amy is incorrectly identified as Princess Sally, a character from DIC's Sonic the Hedgehog television series.}} Robotnik dispatches his newest invention, Metal Sonic, to kidnap Amy at Collision Chaos, luring Sonic into danger.

After outrunning Metal Sonic in Stardust Speedway and saving Amy, Sonic fights and defeats Robotnik in his lair, Metallic Madness. Two endings exist, depending on whether or not the player collected the Time Stones or achieved a good future in each level. In the good ending, Little Planet thanks Sonic with a shower of stars and leaves Never Lake; in the bad ending, Little Planet still leaves, but Robotnik uses the Time Stones to bring it back and the player is urged to replay the game to achieve the good ending.

File:Naoto ohshima gdc 2018.jpg at the 2018 Game Developers Conference]]

The original Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) was developed by Sonic Team at Sega. It was a major commercial success and positioned Sega as Nintendo's main rival in the console market.{{cite magazine|date=January 2002|title=This Month in Gaming History|magazine=Game Informer|volume=12|issue=105|page=117}} The lead programmer, Yuji Naka, dissatisfied with Sega of Japan's rigid corporate policies, moved with several members of Sonic Team to the United States to develop Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with Sega Technical Institute (STI).{{cite magazine|last=Smith|first=Sean|date=June 2006|title=Company Profile: Sonic Team|url=https://archive.org/details/RetroGamerIssue026-030/page/n23|magazine=Retro Gamer|publisher=Imagine Publishing|issue=26|pages=24–29|access-date=October 12, 2019}}{{cite magazine|last=Day|first=Ashley|date=March 2007|title=Company Profile: Sega Technical Institute|magazine=Retro Gamer|publisher=Imagine Publishing|issue=36|pages=28–33}} Meanwhile, Sega planned to release the Sega CD add-on for its Genesis, and wanted a Sonic game that would demonstrate its more advanced features. Naoto Ohshima, the designer of Sonic, was Sonic CD{{'}}s director; the remainder of the team comprised Sega staff who had developed The Revenge of Shinobi, Golden Axe II, and Streets of Rage. The team built Sonic CD using the original Sonic the Hedgehog code as a base.{{cite web|last1=Linneman|first1=John|title=DF Retro: Sonic CD - under-appreciated but still brilliant today|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2018-revisiting-sonic-cd-retro|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=April 8, 2018|date=April 8, 2018}}

Sonic CD was conceived as an enhanced port of Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega CD, but it gradually developed into a separate project. It was titled CD Sonic the Hedgehog{{cite magazine|date=March 1993|title=CD Sonic the Hedgehog|url=https://archive.org/stream/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20044%20%28March%201993%29#page/n119/mode/2up|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=44|page=122|access-date=October 12, 2019}} before being renamed Sonic CD.{{cite magazine|last1=Kai|first1=Norton|date=April 1993|title=Sonic CD Splits Up|magazine=Sega Force|issue=16|page=12}} Ohshima does not consider Sonic CD a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog or Sonic 2, although the artist Yasushi Yamaguchi said its story may be set between the two.{{cite web |title=Sonic CD – Developer Interview Collection |url=http://shmuplations.com/soniccd/ |website=Shmuplations |access-date=March 24, 2020 |date=March 24, 2020}}

Sonic the Hedgehog had a balance on speed and platforming; STI built on the speed with Sonic 2{{'}}s more focused level designs. However, Ohshima's team sought to focus on the platforming and exploration aspects. Ohshima said, "our ideas were to make the world and setting larger, and to add more replayability, so it would be something you could enjoy playing for a long time". According to artist Kazuyuki Hoshino, because it was a Sega CD game, the team wanted Sonic CD to stand out compared to previous Sonic games. The visuals were designed to resemble CG imagery; the Sonic sprite on the title screen was based on a Sonic figurine by Taku Makino that the team photographed and scanned.

Sonic CD marks the debuts of Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, both designed by Hoshino. Although Hoshino created Amy's in-game graphics, many staff members contributed ideas to her design. Her headband and trainer shoes reflected Ohshima's tastes while her mannerisms reflected the traits Hoshino looked for in women at the time. Hoshino designed Metal Sonic in response to Ohshima wanting a strong rival for Sonic. Hoshino had a clear image of Metal Sonic in his mind from the moment he was briefed, and his design emerged after only a few sketches. The character graphics were created using Sega's proprietary graphics system for the Genesis, the "Sega Digitizer MK-III", featuring a bitmap and animation editor. The team mostly used Macintosh IIcis. Graphics data was stored on 3.5-inch floppy disks, which were handed to the programmer to work into the game.{{Cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|publisher=Read-Only Memory|year=2014|isbn=9780957576810|pages=289–290|chapter=Interview with Kazuyuki Hoshino, Art Director}} Though Naka was not directly involved with Sonic CD, he exchanged design ideas with Ohshima.

Ohshima cited the film Back to the Future (1985) as an influence on the time travel.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132596/out_of_the_blue_naoto_ohshima_.php?page=2 |title=Out of the Blue: Naoto Ohshima Speaks |last=Sheffield |first=Brandon |date=December 4, 2009 |website=Gamasutra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424130056/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132596/out_of_the_blue_naoto_ohshima_.php?page=2 |archive-date=April 24, 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 15, 2017 }} The developers designed four variants of each stage, one for each time period.{{cite web |title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks! |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223003348/http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p2.html |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |access-date=June 16, 2017 |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN}} Ohshima hoped for the period to change instantly with a "sonic boom" effect, but the programmers argued this was impossible and produced a loading sequence instead. Sega did not pressure the team developing Sonic CD as much as the one developing Sonic 2. Ohshima felt this was because Sonic CD is not a numbered sequel; he considered it a recreation of the original game. The total Sonic CD game data is 21 megabytes (MB), compared to Sonic 2{{'}}s 1 MB. Sonic CD includes animated cutscenes produced by Studio Junio. The videos used the STM format, which provided uncompressed imagery to the video display processor, creating better results than the Cinepak compression used for other Sega CD games. The special stages feature Mode 7-like background plane manipulation effects. An underground dungeon stage was cut early in development as it did not fit the Sonic gameplay.{{Cite web |last=Baxter |first=Daryl |date=2023-12-22 |title=EXCLUSIVE: From Sega CD to iPhone SSD, Sonic designer Naoto Ohshima talks 30 years of Sonic CD, Sonic Superstars, secret levels and sequels |url=https://www.imore.com/gaming/for-me-sonic-cd-isnt-just-a-sequel-sonics-designer-speaks-to-imore-for-its-30th-anniversary |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=iMore |language=en}}

The Sonic CD soundtrack was composed by Naofumi Hataya and Masafumi Ogata.{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=2020-02-13 |title=Sonic CD's soundtrack remains gaming's strangest controversy |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/sonic-cd-soundtrack-controversy/ |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}} According to Hataya, Sega allocated a large audio budget to showcase the audio functionality of the Sega CD, aiming for CD-quality music superior to video game music of the time.{{cite web |date=March 24, 2020 |title=Sonic CD – Developer Interview Collection |url=http://shmuplations.com/soniccd/ |access-date=March 24, 2020 |website=Shmuplations}} The team worked with the Japanese music production company Being, and enlisted Keiko Utoku to provide vocals. The music was recorded in the Being studios.

Hataya and Ogata's first demo songs were rejected by Ohshima, who wanted a more bold, experimental sound. They instead composed music inspired by the increasing popularity of house and techno in Japan, citing inspiration from acts including C+C Music Factory, Frankie Knuckles and the KLF.{{Cite book |last=Stuart |first=Keith |title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works |publisher=Read-Only Memory |year=2014 |isbn=9780957576810 |pages=312 |chapter=Interview with Naofumi Hataya}} They were also inspired by the popularity of Sonic in British DJ culture at the time. The team composed music to match the past, present and future versions of each stage. While most tracks use CD audio, the past stages use sample-based PCM tracks to evoke a "prehistoric" feeling. An album of remixes by Hataya and Ogata was released in Japan in late 1994.{{cite web |title=Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix |url=https://sonic.sega.jp/sonicadv/snd/other_05.html}}

Sega of America delayed the North American release of Sonic CD for two months to have a new soundtrack composed by Spencer Nilsen, David Young and Mark Crew. Nilsen said Sega of America "wanted something a little more musically rich and complex", with a theme song they could use in marketing.{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2008 |title=Sega-16 – Interview: Spencer Nilsen (Composer) |url=https://www.sega-16.com/2008/12/interview-spencer-nilsen/ |access-date=2021-01-17 |language=en-US}} The new theme song, "Sonic Boom", was composed by Nilsen and performed by the female vocal trio Pastiche.{{cite web |last1=Horowitz |first1=Ken |date=December 9, 2008 |title=Interview: Spencer Nilsen (Composer) |url=https://www.sega-16.com/2008/12/interview-spencer-nilsen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512085155/https://www.sega-16.com/2008/12/interview-spencer-nilsen/ |archive-date=May 12, 2018 |access-date=June 28, 2017 |website=Sega-16}} Den of Geek described the American soundtrack as "more orchestral and 'rocking' ... a bit more 'epic' and almost mournful", with "a sense of dread" compared to the "bouncy and joyful" Japanese soundtrack. Nilsen said the two soundtracks represented "completely different musical philosophies and approaches".

Sonic CD was released in Japan on September 23, 1993,{{cite web|url=http://sega.jp/archive/segahard/mcd/soft.html|title=[セガハード大百科] メガＣＤ対応ソフトウェア|publisher=Sega|access-date=2015-05-30|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216042003/http://sega.jp/archive/segahard/mcd/soft.html|archive-date=December 16, 2009}} and in Europe a few weeks later in October. After being delayed for the new soundtrack, it was released in North America in November 23, 1993, alongside Sonic Chaos and Sonic Spinball as part of Sega of America's "Sonic Three on One Day" release strategy.{{Cite magazine|title=Sonic the Hedgehog CD|magazine=GamePro|volume=6|issue=1}}{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1993 |title=Sega names the day |pages=13 |work=Evening Post |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/820094030/?terms=%22sonic%20cd%22%20%22november%2023%22&match=1 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |quote=On November 23 Sega will be releasing their trio of Sonic titles. Sonic Three on One Day, as it will now be known sees the worldwide release of Sonic CD (Mega CD), Sonic Spinball (Mega Drive) and Sonic Chaos on Master System and Game Gear.}} Sonic CD was the flagship game for Sega CD and its only Sonic game.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-rise-fall-and-deafening-crash-of-sonic-the-hedgehog/|title=The rise, fall and deafening crash of Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Elston|first1=Brett|website=GamesRadar|date=April 9, 2008|page=1|access-date=10 February 2018}} An enhanced version of the original Sonic the Hedgehog and a Sonic-themed port of Popful Mail were canceled.{{cite magazine|date=August 1992|title=Coming Attractions|magazine=MegaPlay|volume=3|issue=11|page=30}}{{Cite magazine|date=August 1993|title=Sonic's Dad!|url=https://archive.org/stream/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20049%20%28August%201993%29#page/n71/mode/2up|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=49|page=71|access-date=October 12, 2019}}

File:Sega-CD-Model1-Set.jpg (seen here attached below the Genesis).]]

Two versions of Sonic CD were released for Windows: one in 1995 for Pentium processors, and another in 1996 for DirectX. The Pentium version was only bundled with new computers and never sold in stores; Sega worked with Intel to make the game work properly. The DirectX version was released under the Sega PC label,{{cite web|author1=Sega |title=Windows |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/gametitle/Windows.html |website=Sonic Channel |access-date=April 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024152154/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/gametitle/Windows.html |archive-date=October 24, 2016 }} and it was released in North America on July 8{{cite web|title=Sonic CD [1996] - PC|url=http://www.ign.com/games/sonic-cd/pc-8740|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=August 29, 2017}} and in Japan on August 9. This version is mostly identical to the original release,{{cite web|last1=Blevins |first1=Tal |title=Sonic CD (1995) Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-cd-review/1900-2533119/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=April 21, 2017 |date=September 19, 1996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518151919/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-cd-review/1900-2533119/ |archive-date=May 18, 2017 }} but loading screens were added and it is only compatible with older versions of Windows.{{cite journal|last1=Procter |first1=Lewie |title=No Disc Required: Sonic CD Heading To PC |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/09/05/no-disc-required-sonic-cd-heading-to-pc/ |journal=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=April 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517144352/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/09/05/no-disc-required-sonic-cd-heading-to-pc/ |archive-date=May 17, 2017 }} Both Windows versions use the North American soundtrack.

The 1996 Windows version was ported to the GameCube and PlayStation 2 in August 2005 for Sonic Gems Collection.{{cite web|author1=Sketcz|title=Blog: I like burning hedgehogs|url=http://blog.hardcoregaming101.net/2009/10/i-like-burning-hedgehogs.html|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|access-date=24 February 2018|date=October 22, 2009}} This port uses the original soundtrack in Japan and the North American soundtrack elsewhere.{{cite web|title=Sonic Gems Collection - IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/19/sonic-gems-collection |website=IGN |date=August 19, 2005 |access-date=November 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418210734/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/19/sonic-gems-collection |archive-date=April 18, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Gibson |first1=Ellie |date=July 4, 2005 |title=Sonic Gems line-up in doubt |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news040705sonicgems |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304123606/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news040705sonicgems |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2017 |website=Eurogamer}} The ports introduced some graphical problems, such as a blurry anti-flicker presentation, but the opening animation is presented in a higher quality fullscreen view.{{cite magazine|title=Sonic Gems Collection|magazine=Nintendo Power|date=September 2005|issue=195|page=40|publisher=Future plc}}

In 2009, independent programmer Christian Whitehead produced a proof-of-concept video of a remastered version of Sonic CD, using his Retro Engine, running on iOS.{{cite news|url=http://derstandard.at/2000011074333/Lieblingsspiele-neugemacht-Die-bewundernswerte-Kunst-der-Fan-Remakes|title=Lieblingsspiele 2.0: Die bewundernswerte Kunst der Fan-Remakes|first=Rainer|last=Sigl|date=February 1, 2015|newspaper=Der Standard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124013140/http://derstandard.at/2000011074333/Lieblingsspiele-neugemacht-Die-bewundernswerte-Kunst-der-Fan-Remakes|archive-date=November 24, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Hodapp|first1=Eli|title=Christian Whitehead On 'Sonic CD' and His Retro Engine|url=http://toucharcade.com/2009/07/29/christian-whitehead-on-sonic-cd-and-his-retro-engine/|access-date=23 July 2016|work=TouchArcade|date=29 July 2009}} Sega released this version in December 2011 for Android, iOS, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, and later in January 2012 for Windows via Steam with assistance from BlitWorks in the PC and console ports.{{Cite web|title=BlitWorks - SONIC CD|url=https://blitworks.com/sonic_cd/|website=BlitWorks}} The remaster features enhancements such as widescreen graphics, fine-tuned collision detection to make time traveling more consistent, refined visuals and frame rate for Special Stages, the option for spin dash physics from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, both the Japanese and North American soundtracks, the ability to unlock Tails as a playable character, and achievement and trophy support.{{cite web|url=http://watchplayread.com/proof-of-concept-of-enhanced-sonic-cd-on-iphone/|title=Proof Of Concept Of Enhanced Sonic CD On iPhone | WatchPlayRead - "It's What We Do!"|date=2009-07-28|publisher=WatchPlayRead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503192211/http://watchplayread.com/proof-of-concept-of-enhanced-sonic-cd-on-iphone/|archive-date=2012-05-03|url-status=live|access-date=2011-11-23}}{{cite web|url=http://watchplayread.com/sonic-cd-coming-to-xbla-psn-and-more-this-holiday/|title=Sonic CD coming to XBLA, PSN and more this holiday | WatchPlayRead - "It's What We Do!"|date=2011-08-25|publisher=WatchPlayRead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504104437/http://watchplayread.com/sonic-cd-coming-to-xbla-psn-and-more-this-holiday/|archive-date=2012-05-04|url-status=live|access-date=2011-11-23}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2011/11/01/sonic-cd-spins-onto-tablets-at-gamestop/|title=SEGA Blog | Sonic CD Spins Onto Tablets at GameStop|publisher=Blogs.sega.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201065454/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/11/01/sonic-cd-spins-onto-tablets-at-gamestop/|archive-date=2011-12-01|url-status=live|access-date=2011-11-23}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2011/08/25/segapax-%E2%80%93-sonic-cd-announced/#more-9208 |title=SEGA Blog | #SegaPAX – Sonic CD Announced! |date=2011-08-25 |publisher=Blogs.sega.com |access-date=2011-11-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019184453/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/08/25/segapax-%E2%80%93-sonic-cd-announced/ |archive-date=2011-10-19 }} Whitehead designed two original stages, but they were excluded as Sega wanted to keep the game faithful to the original release.{{cite web|last1=Nelson|first1=Jared|title=Play 'Sonic The Hedgehog 2' Hidden Palace Zone in Prototype Form with this New Easter Egg|url=http://toucharcade.com/2014/05/06/sonic-2-hidden-palace-zone-playable-prototype/|website=TouchArcade|date=May 6, 2014 |access-date=June 23, 2017}} The remaster was not released on the Wii as it exceeded the WiiWare download size.{{cite web|last1=Holmes |first1=Jonathan |title=Sonic CD is too big to come to WiiWare |url=https://www.destructoid.com/sonic-cd-is-too-big-to-come-to-wiiware-210001.phtml |website=Destructoid |date=August 27, 2011 |access-date=April 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910134154/http://www.destructoid.com/sonic-cd-is-too-big-to-come-to-wiiware-210001.phtml |archive-date=September 10, 2015 }} It was included in the 2022 compilation Sonic Origins,{{Cite web |last=May 2021 |first=Hope Bellingham 27 |date=2021-05-27 |title=Sonic: Origins brings Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, 3, & Knuckles to current gen consoles |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-origins-brings-sonic-the-hedgehog-1-2-3-and-knuckles-to-current-gen-consoles/ |access-date=2021-08-16 |website=gamesradar |language=en}} which removed voice lines for Sonic and Amy.{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=2022-06-25 |title=Sonic CD's Voice Lines Have Been Removed In Origins, For Some Reason |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-origins-cd-voice-lines-im-outta-here/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}} Amy and Knuckles also became selectable characters in a later update to Origins.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/23/sonic-origins-plus-adds-amy-as-playable-character-game-gear-games-and-more-this-june |title=Sonic Origins Plus Adds Amy As Playable Character, Game Gear Games, And More This June |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323162108/https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/23/sonic-origins-plus-adds-amy-as-playable-character-game-gear-games-and-more-this-june |url-status=bot: unknown }}

{{Video game reviews

| title = Reception (Sega CD)

| CVG = 85%

| EGM = 34/40{{efn|EGM provided four scores of 9, 9, 8, 8 from individual reviewers.}}

| GameFan = 400/400{{cite magazine |last1=Halverson |first1=Dave |author1-link=Dave Halverson |last2=Rickards |first2=Kelly (K. Lee) |last3=Cockburn |first3=Andrew |title=Viewpoint |magazine=GameFan |date=November 1993 |volume=1 |issue=12 |pages=21–3 |url=https://archive.org/details/GamefanVolume1Issue12/page/n21/mode/2up}}

| GamePro = 5/5{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ec/GamePro_US_054.pdf |title=Sega CD ProReview: Sonic the Hedgehog CD |magazine=GamePro |author=The Unknown Gamer |date=January 1994 |pages=64–68}}

| rev1 = Electronic Games

| rev1Score = 92%

| rev2 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev2Score = A−{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1994/02/11/sonic-cd-sonic-chaos-sonic-spinball-sonic-3/|title=Sonic CD; Sonic Chaos; Sonic Spinball; Sonic 3|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}

| rev3 = Sega Force Mega

| rev3Score = 85%{{cite magazine|author2=Mark|title=Sonic the Hedgehog CD|magazine=Sega Force Mega|date=January 1994|volume=2|issue=7|pages=102–4|author=Chris}}

| rev4 = Sega Magazine

| rev4Score = 87%

| rev5 = Sega Pro

| rev5Score = 90%

| award1Pub = Electronic Gaming Monthly

| award1 = Best Sega CD Game of 1993{{cite magazine |year=1994 |title=Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly}}

| award2Pub = GamePro

| award2 = Best CD Game of 1993{{cite magazine |title=Editor's Choice Awards |magazine=GamePro |date=February 1994 |issue=55 |page=24 |publisher=IDG}}

}}

The Sega CD version sold more than 1.5 million copies, making it the system's best-seller.Official Gallup UK Mega-CD sales chart, February 1994, published in Mega issue 17{{cite book|title=Guinness World Records 2016: Gamer's Edition|date=2015|isbn=978-1910561096|publisher=Guinness World Records}} In the United Kingdom, it was the top-selling Mega CD game in December 1993.{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/4c/CVG_UK_147.pdf |title=Charts |magazine=Computer & Video Games |publisher=Future plc |issue=147 (February 1994) |date=15 January 1994 |page=12}}

The game received critical acclaim. The presentation, visuals, and audio were praised. Computer and Video Games wrote that, although Sonic CD did not use the Sega CD's capabilities to its fullest, the graphics and sound were excellent, calling the music "from the likes of 2Unlimited and Bizarre Inc". Electronic Games said that the game looked similar to older games and used the Sega CD's special features minimally, but this did not detract from the quality. The music was singled out as making Sonic CD "stand above the crowd"; the reviewer wrote that it helped add richness.{{cite magazine|last1=Camron|first1=Marc|date=December 1993|title=CD Gallery|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:ElectronicGames2_US_15.pdf&page=140|magazine=Electronic Games|volume=2|issue=3|page=140|access-date=December 19, 2017}} The reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) praised the animated cinematics and sound, but noted frame rate drops during special stages.{{cite magazine|date=November 1992|title=Review Crew: Sonic CD|url=https://info.sonicretro.org/index.php?title=File:EGM_US_052.pdf&page=48|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|volume=6|issue=11|page=48|access-date=December 19, 2017}} Retrospective opinions of the presentation have also been positive. IGN praised its vibrant colors and felt the game looked nice,{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/16/sonic-cd-review-2|title=Sonic CD Review|last1=DeVries|first1=Jack|date=December 15, 2011|website=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104204644/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/16/sonic-cd-review-2|archive-date=November 4, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2017}} and GamesRadar thought its music stood the test of time, writing: "What must've dated very quickly in the 1990s is somehow totally fresh today."{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-cd-review/|title=Sonic CD review|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|date=December 16, 2011|website=GamesRadar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022057/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-cd-review/|archive-date=November 17, 2015|access-date=December 20, 2017}}

Critics were divided over the change of soundtrack in the North American version. GameFan, which had given the Japanese version of Sonic CD a score of 100%, lambasted the change.{{cite magazine|author1=Skid|author2=Sgt. Gamer|author3=K. Lee|author4=The Enquirer|title=Sonic CD - Sega CD - 1 Player|url=https://archive.org/details/GamefanVolume1Issue12/page/n21|magazine=GameFan|date=November 1993|page=22|access-date=January 1, 2020}}{{cite magazine|author1=Skid|author2=Sgt. Gamer|author3=K. Lee|author4=Brody|title=Sonic CD Re-Review - Sega - Sega CD - 1 Player|url=https://archive.org/details/GamefanVolume2Issue02January1994ALT2/page/n17|magazine=GameFan|date=January 1994|page=18|access-date=January 1, 2020}} GameFan editor Dave Halverson called the change "an atrocity that remains the biggest injustice in localization history".{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/17-videogame-soundtracks-ahead-of-their-time/2/|title=17 videogame soundtracks ahead of their time|last1=Elston|first1=Brett|date=April 28, 2009|website=GamesRadar|page=2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405125504/https://www.gamesradar.com/17-videogame-soundtracks-ahead-of-their-time/2/|archive-date=April 5, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2018}} The reviewer for GamesRadar said he shut his GameCube off in disgust when he realized Sonic Gems Collection used the American soundtrack. Nilsen said the criticism was "blown out of proportion", as if they had "replaced the music for Star Wars after the movie had been out for a while".

The gameplay was widely praised. EGM admired the diverse levels and felt the time travel added depth. Electronic Games wrote that Sonic CD played as well as previous Sonic games, and that the time travel—coupled with large levels rich with secrets and Super Mario Kart-like special stages—added replayability. Sega Pro also noted the expanded environments and the replay value travel added by the time travel, writing that "the more you play Sonic CD the better it gets", but felt it was too easy.{{cite magazine|date=November 1993|title=Sonic the Hedgehog CD|url=https://info.sonicretro.org/Review_-_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_CD_(Sega_Pro,_November_1993)|magazine=Sega Pro|type=Review|pages=38–40|access-date=February 8, 2018}} In its debut issue, Sega Magazine said Sonic CD was "potentially a classic".{{cite magazine|title=Review: Sonic CD|magazine=Sega Magazine|date=January 1994|issue=1|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/19/SegaMagazine_UK_01.pdf}} GameSpot singled out the "interesting level design and the time-travelling gameplay" as a major selling point, saying it provided a unique take on the classic Sonic formula.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-cd-review/1900-6348147/|title=Sonic CD Review|last1=Kemps|first1=Heidi|date=January 3, 2012|website=GameSpot|access-date=February 8, 2018}}

Critics wrote that Sonic CD was one of the best Sega CD games. Electronic Games called it a must-have, and Sega Pro said it was "brilliant", imaginative and worth more than its price. Destructoid described it as "a hallmark of excellence", creative, strange, and exciting, and said that "to miss Sonic CD would be to miss some of the franchise's best".{{cite web|last1=North|first1=Dale|title=Review: Sonic CD|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-cd-217985.phtml|website=Destructoid|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=May 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519105751/https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-cd-217985.phtml|url-status=dead}}

Reception to later versions of Sonic CD varied. GameSpot considered the 1996 Windows version inferior, criticizing its technical performance and "tedious and monotonous" gameplay. The reviewer wrote that "those who have played Sonic on a Sega game system will find nothing new here" and that it was not worth its $50 price. Reviews of the version in Sonic Gems Collection were favorable. IGN remembered Sonic CD as one of the best things about the Sega CD and called it a standout for the compilation, and a major selling point. Eurogamer wrote: "Rejoice for Sonic CD... Just don't rejoice for anything else [in Sonic Gems Collection], because it's mostly rubbish."{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicgems_gc|title=Sonic Gems Collection|last1=Bramwell|first1=Tom|date=October 6, 2005|website=Eurogamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622012355/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicgems_gc|archive-date=June 22, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2018}} According to Metacritic, the 2011 console version received "generally favorable reviews",{{cite web|title=Sonic CD for PlayStation 3 Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-cd/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|website=Metacritic|access-date=February 8, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Sonic CD for Xbox 360 Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-cd/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|website=Metacritic|access-date=February 8, 2018}} while the iOS version received "universal acclaim".{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-cd/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Sonic CD for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2016-08-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829170928/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/sonic-cd |archive-date=2016-08-29 }} Sonic CD is frequently named among the best Sonic games and platform games.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-sonic-games/3/|title=The best Sonic games of all time|author1=GamesRadar Staff|date=October 29, 2013|website=GamesRadar|page=3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322124406/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-sonic-games/3/|archive-date=March 22, 2017|access-date=February 8, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|title=Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games|author1=USgamer Team|date=August 8, 2017|website=USgamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821165925/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|archive-date=August 21, 2017|access-date=February 5, 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/why-sonic-cd-one-greatest-games-all-time/|title=Why Sonic CD is one of the greatest games ever made|last=Towell|first=Justin|date=2013-02-06|work=GamesRadar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517072538/http://www.gamesradar.com/why-sonic-cd-one-greatest-games-all-time/|archive-date=2017-05-17|access-date=2017-04-15}}{{cite magazine|last=Noble |first= McKinley| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128020812/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/210106/the-20-best-platformers-1989-to-2009-page-3 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/210106/the-20-best-platformers-1989-to-2009-page-3|title=The 20 Best Platformers: 1989 to 2009|magazine=GamePro|archive-date=January 28, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-iphone-ipad-games-of-2011 |title=25 Best iPhone and iPad Games of 2011 |date=December 31, 2011 |website=Metacritic |access-date=January 9, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227104234/http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-iphone-ipad-games-of-2011 |archive-date=2012-12-27 }} In 1997, EGM named it the 17th best console game of all time, citing the bonus levels and animated intro.{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=100 |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=November 1997|page=148}} Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article (on page 100) explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.

The story of Sonic CD was adapted in the twenty-fifth issue of Archie Comics' Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series. The adaptation featured some changes to the story, such as Tails being an important character and Metal Sonic having the ability to talk.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TcdDBPG-39YC&q=Sonic+CD&pg=PT24|title=Sonic: The Games - Classic|last1=Flynn|first1=Ian|last2=Penders|first2=Ken|last3=Gallagher|first3=Mike|last4=Kanterovich|first4=Mike|publisher=Archie Comics|isbn=978-1619883437|date=July 18, 2012|access-date=11 February 2018|via=Google Books}} British publisher Fleetway Publications published their own adaptation in Sonic the Comic.{{cite magazine|date=2009|title=Paper with Attitude|magazine=GamesTM}} The final issue of Archie's comic, #290 (December 2016), also featured a retelling of the game's story.{{cite web|url=https://comicsalliance.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-290-preview/|title=Meet Amy Rose For The First Time (Again) In 'Sonic the Hedgehog' #290 [Preview]|last1=Sims|first1=Chris|date=December 27, 2016|website=ComicsAlliance|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517104725/http://comicsalliance.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-290-preview/|archive-date=May 17, 2017|access-date=April 16, 2017}}

Two characters introduced in Sonic CD, Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, became recurring characters in the Sonic series. Metal Sonic appeared as an antagonist in Knuckles' Chaotix (1995), the Sonic the Hedgehog anime film (1996),{{cite magazine|date=March 1995|title=Chaos Over Knuckles|url=https://archive.org/stream/mean-machines-sega-magazine-29#page/n7/mode/2up|magazine=Mean Machines Sega|issue=29|page=08|access-date=October 12, 2019}} Sonic Heroes (2003),{{cite video game|title=Sonic Heroes|date=December 30, 2003|developer=Sonic Team USA|publisher=Sega|level=Metal Overlord}} Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (2012){{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/sonic-4-episode-2-locks-on-to-episode-1-to-add-metal-sonic/|title=Sonic 4 Episode 2 'locks on' to Episode 1 to add Metal Sonic|last1=Fletcher|first1=JC|date=April 10, 2012|website=Engadget|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016032528/https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/sonic-4-episode-2-locks-on-to-episode-1-to-add-metal-sonic/|archive-date=October 16, 2018|access-date=February 10, 2018}} and Sonic Mania (2017). Amy Rose most notably appears in Sonic Adventure.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/23/sonic-adventure-review|title=Sonic Adventure Review|last=Gies|first=Arthur|date=September 23, 2010|website=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306201121/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/23/sonic-adventure-review|archive-date=March 6, 2013|access-date=April 20, 2013}} The Sonic CD animated sequences were included as bonuses in the compilations Sonic Jam (1997) and Sonic Mega Collection (2002), and "Sonic Boom" was used as one of Sonic's themes in Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008).{{cite web |last1=Horowitz |first1=Ken |date=December 9, 2008 |title=Interview: Spencer Nilsen (Composer) |url=https://www.sega-16.com/2008/12/interview-spencer-nilsen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512085155/https://www.sega-16.com/2008/12/interview-spencer-nilsen/ |archive-date=May 12, 2018 |access-date=June 28, 2017 |website=Sega-16}}{{cite web|url=https://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/music/music24_list.html|title=Full Song List with Secret Songs - Smash Bros. DOJO!!|access-date=January 3, 2021|via=smashbros.com}}

In 2011, Sega released Sonic Generations in celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, which includes a remake of the boss battle against Metal Sonic.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/07/13/metal-sonic-charges-into-sonic-generations.aspx|title=Metal Sonic Charges Into Sonic Generations|last=Thomas|first=Kurt|date=July 13, 2011|magazine=Game Informer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913230944/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/07/13/metal-sonic-charges-into-sonic-generations.aspx|archive-date=September 13, 2011|access-date=November 23, 2011}} Sonic Mania, produced for the series' twenty-fifth anniversary, features updated versions of Sonic CD{{'}}s Stardust Speedway and Metallic Madness levels, including a boss battle against Metal Sonic.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/14/sonic-mania-review|title=Sonic Mania Review|last=Kemps|first=Heidi|date=August 14, 2017|website=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815001145/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/14/sonic-mania-review|archive-date=August 15, 2017|access-date=August 14, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/sonic-mania-metallic-madness-zone-act-1-gameplay/2300-6440369/|title=Sonic Mania Metallic Madness Zone Act 1 - Gameplay|last1=Sampson|first1=Aaron|date=August 14, 2017|website=GameSpot|access-date=February 8, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/08/16/sonic-mania-fighting-metal-sonic|title=Sonic Mania - Fighting Metal Sonic|date=August 16, 2017|website=IGN|access-date=February 8, 2018}}

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (2027) is set to be a film adaptation of Sonic CD's main plot.{{Cite web |author1=Bradley Russell |date=2025-01-21 |title=New Sonic 3 concept art may have spoiled what Metal Sonic will get up to next in Sonic 4 – and it could involve Eggman and time travel |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/new-sonic-3-concept-art-may-have-spoiled-what-metal-sonic-will-get-up-to-next-in-sonic-4-and-it-could-involve-eggman-and-time-travel/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}

{{Notelist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [http://www.sega.com/games/sonic-cd-2011/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004152438/http://www.sega.com/games/sonic-cd-2011 |date=October 4, 2011 }}
• [https://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-cd Sonic CD] at MobyGames

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