Sonic CD

About

Sonic CD is a classic platformer game where Sonic the Hedgehog races to stop Dr. Robotnik from controlling Little Planet and reshaping time. Players can travel between past, present, and future versions of levels by reaching signposts and collecting CDs. With its fast-paced gameplay and time-travel mechanic, Sonic CD offers a unique experience in the Sonic franchise.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,594 reviews

music441 positive mentions

grinding16 negative mentions

Sonic CD is considered the best classic Sonic game, with a unique time travel mechanic that adds depth to gameplay.
The game features two amazing soundtracks (US and Japanese), both of which are highly praised by players.
The remaster by Christian Whitehead enhances the original game with improved graphics, controls, and additional features like playable Tails.

The level design can be confusing and frustrating, often punishing players for trying to go fast.
The time travel mechanic is poorly implemented, making it difficult to achieve the good ending without extensive exploration.
Boss fights are generally easy and lack challenge, which can detract from the overall experience.

music
1,044 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
55%
3%
The music in Sonic CD is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the game's two distinct soundtracks: the upbeat and funky Japanese version and the more atmospheric American version. Players appreciate the ability to switch between these soundtracks, enhancing the overall experience and replayability. The soundtracks are considered some of the best in the Sonic franchise, with many fans favoring the Japanese version for its energetic compositions that perfectly complement the game's vibrant visuals and time travel mechanics.
- “The music and theming help give this game its own identity, something only this game can replicate.”
- “The music (both soundtracks) is phenomenal, and most of the levels are really pretty, especially the past & good futures.”
- “The soundtrack is probably the best I've heard in a Sonic game.”
- “The music is so unique in comparison to the other soundtracks in the Sonic series.”
- “The only blemish on this version is the lack of vocals in the Japanese soundtrack.”
- “The music disrupts any sort of nostalgia you may have had for this game.”
gameplay
404 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
60%
6%
The gameplay of Sonic CD is characterized by its unique time travel mechanic, which allows players to explore different versions of levels, adding depth and replayability. However, this mechanic can be frustrating due to convoluted level design that often hinders Sonic's speed, leading to a more exploration-focused experience compared to other classic Sonic titles. While the game features enjoyable mechanics and a fantastic soundtrack, the execution of its gameplay elements can feel inconsistent and challenging for players unfamiliar with its structure.
- “Everything works hand in hand: the soundtrack, the levels, the gameplay, and the visuals, the amazing colors, and all the little details.”
- “The time travel mechanic adds a lot of dimension and replayability, making the gameplay experience unique and engaging.”
- “The gameplay is great as it's always been, and the extra twist of time travel adds to the experience.”
- “The level design is terrible and the time travel mechanic ironically slows the game to a crawl when attempting to actually make use of it.”
- “The gameplay just doesn't feel right.”
- “The time travel mechanic adds a lot of dimension and replayability (though also convolutes the gameplay slightly, you can easily change time periods without ever intending to, and getting the 'good' ending requires completing certain objectives in certain time zones that becomes so complicated that I just don't bother).”
graphics
178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
55%
2%
The graphics of Sonic CD are widely praised for their vibrant colors, detailed pixel art, and unique aesthetic that stands out among classic Sonic titles. While some reviewers noted that the visuals can feel cluttered or slightly outdated compared to modern standards, many appreciated the game's artistic design and the ability to switch between different graphical filters. Overall, the visuals are considered a significant highlight, complementing the game's engaging soundtrack and gameplay.
- “Everything works hand in hand: the soundtrack, the levels, the gameplay, and the visuals, with amazing colors and all the little details.”
- “The graphics are bright and vibrant, and each area differs in aesthetic, with the color palette changing to match the tone of the time period.”
- “The graphics are some of the best from classic Sonic, featuring a psychedelic feel to the aesthetic, and the visuals are vibrant and detailed.”
- “Graphically, it looks no different either, which is disappointing since this game was originally released for the Sega CD but hardly justifies ever owning that expansion, let alone any other game for it.”
- “The graphics feel slightly outdated, however, and feel like a continuation of Sonic 1's graphics rather than the update given to Sonic 2.”
- “The game is also a little tough at times, not only because it is genuinely challenging, but because the graphics aren't pronounced well enough to see concealed robots or environmental obstructions.”
story
87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
70%
5%
The story of Sonic CD is generally viewed as simple yet charming, revolving around Sonic's quest to thwart Dr. Eggman's plans and save Amy Rose, while introducing notable characters like Metal Sonic. While some players appreciate the time-travel mechanics that add depth to the narrative, others find the overall plot to be mediocre and lacking in clarity. Despite its simplicity, the game is praised for its engaging visual storytelling and the nostalgic appeal of its classic Sonic elements.
- “Sonic CD's story is simple: 'Eggman steals Little Planet and Metal Sonic kidnaps Amy Rose.' It features animated cutscenes for the first time, animated by Toei, who also made the Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon animes.”
- “Throughout the story, Sonic is tasked not only with defeating Robotnik and his various minions, but also traveling through time to save the future from becoming a nightmarish dystopia ruled over by the mad doctor himself.”
- “With its unique time-travel mechanics and rich storyline, Sonic CD is a must-play for fans of the blue blur and newcomers alike.”
- “Besides that, the story is mediocre, which you would expect from a Sonic game. There's really not much to talk about; just stop Eggman from taking over an inhabited planet - the end. Not much to expect.”
- “I do not know what they did with the level design and story, but it does not work.”
- “The story is short, and while you can play as Sonic and Tails, it gets sort of boring once you finish it.”
replayability
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
46%
5%
Sonic CD is praised for its high replayability, attributed to its unique time travel mechanic, multiple pathways, and the inclusion of achievements and unlockables. Players enjoy exploring the vast levels across different time periods, which enhances the game's depth and encourages experimentation. Despite its relatively short length, the game offers a wealth of content that keeps players engaged, making it a standout title in the classic Sonic series.
- “This game is extremely replayable (just look at my playtime lol) and has some interesting secrets + achievements.”
- “You basically get three versions (past, present, and future) of every level, giving this the most replay value of any classic Sonic game.”
- “The game is also highly replayable and rewards you for experimentation.”
- “It's pretty short, so don't come in expecting a huge amount of replay value.”
- “The game has multiple endings which are supposed to give it replayability, but multiple endings only really work when the game has a plot.”
- “Anyway, I really did enjoy this game overall, even though it is really short in terms of a Sonic game and sort of lacks replayable content.”
atmosphere
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
70%
17%
13%
The atmosphere in Sonic CD is highly praised, with reviewers noting the impressive soundtracks that enhance the game's environments—particularly the American version for its darker, more atmospheric qualities, and the Japanese version for its groovier, energetic feel. The game's visuals and level design contribute to a unique and immersive experience, effectively conveying a sense of urgency and dystopia, especially in the "bad future" scenarios. Overall, the combination of music, graphics, and narrative creates a captivating atmosphere that stands out within the Sonic franchise.
- “In stark contrast, the US soundtrack takes more focus on the state of the world around our protagonist and is designed to build atmosphere, which it does pretty well.”
- “The graphics are bright and flashy, atmospheric, and basically everything you want from a Sonic game.”
- “I am completely satisfied with Sonic CD, from the dark atmosphere to the metallic, beautiful level design and the soundtracks.”
- “Every bad future has an intense atmosphere of why Eggman winning leads to the complete destruction of all life.”
- “By default, the past is an ancient, primal form of the stage and the future is when the stage has been taken over by Robotnik, and the atmosphere is very much dystopian.”
- “The splendor of each environment, visually and in audio, as well as in lore-building and atmosphere, is among what I must withhold for this review.”
grinding
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
89%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, often requiring excessive backtracking and repetitive tasks to achieve 100% completion. While the time travel mechanic and level design have their merits, many reviews highlight that the overall experience can feel meandering and overly challenging, particularly in later levels and boss encounters. Despite these issues, some players still enjoy the game for its fun gameplay and engaging soundtrack.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Overly frustrating level design and some tedious parts, like the Quartz Quadrant boss, where you must just wait for the simple pattern to recur like 15 times. This game is overall easy, especially the bosses.”
- “And lastly, overall level design is meandering and tedious, with abrupt stop-and-go platforming and stages so big and non-descript that you are essentially guaranteed to get lost on your first playthrough, only adding to your frustration as the level drags on.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a mix of exhilaration and nostalgia, with players feeling a rush from high-speed gameplay and the satisfaction of mastering levels. However, some express discomfort with the game's darker themes and the emotional ambiguity of its soundtrack, particularly in contrast to the more lighthearted elements of the gameplay. Overall, while the game evokes strong feelings of excitement and tension, it also raises questions about its narrative depth and character development.
- “As an adult, he's writing a very heartfelt Steam review.”
- “I tried to like it, but as soon as I reached Collision Chaos, I felt something no soundtrack has ever made me feel.”
- “Very atmospheric progressive rock music that is kind of emotionally ambiguous... until you get to the bad future.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
90%
30%
The humor in the game is described as a mix of lightheartedness and irony, with players finding amusement in the character dynamics and the game's quirky elements. While some aspects are genuinely funny, others reflect a more sarcastic tone, particularly regarding the game's porting and marketing choices. Overall, the humor contributes to an enjoyable and engaging platforming experience.
- “It's abundantly clear that this is supposed to be Dr. Robotnik laughing at us.”
- “Funny thing being that this game is actually a port for phones but is on Steam because, whatever.”
- “I strongly recommend this game, for a fast-paced addictive platforming experience with great visuals, amazing music, and stages that range from hilarious to flat-out challenging.”
- “This is not funny.”
- “The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
- “I expected more clever humor, but it just didn't deliver.”
stability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
Overall, the stability of the remastered game is mixed; while many users report smooth performance and the absence of major glitches, some still encounter minor issues like clipping when playing at a slower pace. The remaster effectively eliminates many of the original's bugs, leading to a generally positive experience, though concerns about optimization for PC and occasional bugs remain.
- “It runs great; no CD loading slows it down.”
- “I have found no glitches, and everything works great.”
- “Very good port; runs great on my setup.”
- “It's super buggy, not really optimized for Steam/PC.”
- “If you take the game at a slower pace, you'll find some glitches with clipping.”
- “But they just had to take it all down to help sell their overpriced collection of subpar buggy remasters.”
optimization
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The optimization of the game is mixed; while some users report smooth performance at 60 fps and commend the inclusion of modern features and tweaks, others highlight significant bugs and a lack of proper optimization for PC and Steam. Overall, it appears to be a solid version for fans, especially at its low price, but technical issues remain a concern.
- “Widescreen support with modern resolutions, Japanese and American OST options, performance tweaks for the 2.5 special stages, and small touches and new features like the Sonic 2 spin-dash and Tails as a playable character make this the definitive version.”
- “I have played this game plenty of times on console and it plays and runs smoothly like it does on console.”
- “It's super buggy, not really optimized for Steam/PC.”
- “The best Sonic game in the franchise, for 5 bucks, extra features, remastered music, optimized for PC.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The monetization model for the 2011 remaster of Sonic CD is straightforward, requiring an upfront payment with no in-game purchases or ads, making it a preferable choice over the ad-supported mobile version. Users appreciate the lack of intrusive monetization tactics, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- “I'd recommend this release of the 2011 remaster of Sonic CD over the mobile version because while you do have to pay for this upfront, there are no ads.”
- “[*][b][u]In-game purchases[/u][/b]: none”
- “I have gifted this game to friends with no regrets, and if you want to try it for free, there's always the Android version with ads.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development in the game is highlighted by the impressive designs of characters like Amy and Metal Sonic, with Metal Sonic featuring one of the series' standout boss battles. The attention to detail in animation and pleasing character designs enhances the overall experience, complemented by effective parallax scrolling that adds depth to the visuals.
- “Amy and Metal Sonic have really cool character designs, and Metal has one of the best bosses in the series dedicated to him.”
- “Every little detail has about 12 billion frames of animation. The enemy and character designs are simple but pleasing, not to mention the parallax scrolling, which is done incredibly well within the game, giving a great sense of depth.”