In September of 2019, Data-Discs released their original vinyl pressing of Sonic CD. Sonic CD, a 1993 Sega CD game that never realized its full potential. The Sega CD sold fairly well, but paled in comparison to its Genesis predecessor (and co-partner, if you will). If the Sega CD had sold better, there’s no doubt in my mind that Sonic CD would have been met with wider critical and financial acclaim. But alas, here we are. Data-Discs has an uncanny ability of taking somewhat forgotten soundtracks and bringing them back to life. Their collection is eclectic, to say the least. They appeal to hardcore retro gaming fans fed up with corporate BS, eschewing mass-production to deliver the feel of a small-business on each and every pressing. Overall, their concept is brilliant and their product quality is exemplary and unmatched.

An artwork insert from the package

There’s no build-up introductory paragraph needed when it comes to Sonic CD. Incredible graphics, outstanding music, sterling gameplay, and so much more. Sonic CD was a shining example of how to take advantage of disc-based software at a time when cartridges still ruled the home-console landscape. And Sonic Team did more than just “take advantage,” easily exceeding fans’ expectations, most notably in the quality of sound and music.

Using a compact disc format allowed the music department to create with almost no technical limitations. Said Naofumi Hataya, Sonic CD’s composer:

“We had previously worked on sound for Sega’s Mega Drive console, which had two internal chips for the music and sound effects. These allowed us to handle six FM channels, three PSG channels, and one noise channel. However, Sonic CD was developed for the new Mega-CD home console instead, which had digital Compact Disc audio capabilities. This gave us much greater possibilities for the sound production. For this reason, Sega started investing much more into the music creation, with the intention of making more realistic, high quality music.”

Sonic CD‘s soundtrack is truly masterful, if not legendary. Sega has always been impressive with their soundtracks, from the Master System to the Dreamcast, and even into their current software. And here, on Sonic CD, they remain faithful, even going as far as to add to their stellar reputation. Drawing inspiration from popular British audiences, Hataya wound up doing something new on a personal level:

“…in retrospect, it was the first time I really focused on building a concept in my game music.”

Even with Hataya’s desire to incorporate techno and house music, it was always important that the team stay relevant to the game. “Time Warp” is a major part of Sonic CD’s gameplay, it could almost be called a “mechanic” of the game. With traveling between past, present, and future, Hataya found it easy to incorporate some motifs from club music.

Back of the sleeve

It wasn’t all easy, however, as Sonic’s original designer and Sonic CD’s director, Naoto Ohshima, had the soundtrack composition team redo their work many times. Nonetheless, despite many songs being left on the cutting-room floor, the final product is near flawless. Many of the songs have an identifiable Sega and Sonic sound and feel, but a few tracks date themselves with their early 90’s hip-hop themes (see: “collision chaos” below). But isn’t that what made Sonic so damn cool? He exuded attitude and his style was edgy and raw. These tunes are much like the hip-hop-esque percussiony tune when we were first introduced to Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Even though those particular songs date themselves, it is in no way a negative thing. It reminds us of our roots and the popular sound of the times.

There’s not much more I can say about Sonic CD that hasn’t already been said. It’s a tight and solid game with stunning visuals and exceptional tunes. Some songs are catchier than others, but overall the soundtrack boasts some of the 16-bit eras most astounding compositions. Composer Naofumi Hataya and his team, as directed by Naoto Ohshima, deliver one of the best game soundtracks of the era. Full disclosure, I may be a little partial as I have exceptionally strong nostalgic memories of the soundtrack. As a child, I used to take my Sega CD games with me in the car for family road trips. I would put the game discs into my portable CD player (probably some crappy Magnavox thingy) and listen to their soundtracks for hours (yes, this works). Sonic CD was easily my favorite.

It’s absolutely worth noting that the tracks on the vinyl are from the Japanese and European versions of the game, so you may notice one glaring omission from this collection: “Sonic Boom.” The opening title song was far and away the catchiest riff in the whole game, effortlessly sticking to your brain for days on end. Why this rockin’ track never saw an inclusion is beyond me, but I’m sure they have their reasons.

On my bedroom floor.

Among Sonic fans, Sega fans, platforming fans, etc, Sonic CD is often regarded as one of the best, if not THE best, Sonic game ever created. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 may have outsold Sonic CD by a large margin, but Sonic CD’s development was a massive undertaking for the time. And the end-result honors the hard work its creators and team put forth. While the soundtrack is one of many nostalgic moments to cherish, its remastered re-release on Data-Disc’s vinyl format brings nostalgia to a whole new level. Data-Discs pairs true and honest Sonic CD reproduction with thoughtful and sleek packaging. The inclusion of sprite artwork, a full blurb from Hataya, and myriad other little surprises (there’s Chaos Emeralds hidden on the inside of the sleeve!), Data-Discs delivers a musical experience like none other.

Check out data-discs.com and be sure to sign up for their newsletter and press releases! It’s not easy getting the limited edition pressings like this one, so you’ll want to be prepared to make a transaction when they send you a pre-order email! If you ask me… When Data-Discs says “jump,” you say “how high?”

Front cover

Hidden chaos emeralds!!