Retro Review: Sonic CD (1993)

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

When Sonic CD launched in 1993 for the Sega CD, it brought a new layer of innovation and depth to the series with its time-travel mechanics, sprawling level designs, and unique art style. Developed alongside Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD provided fans with an experience that emphasized exploration and replayability. Known for its atmospheric presentation, memorable soundtrack, and the introduction of iconic characters like Metal Sonic and Amy Rose, Sonic CD stands as a beloved classic in the Sonic series, offering a distinct approach that emphasizes discovery and player choice.

Gameplay & Mechanics

At its core, Sonic CD maintains the fast-paced, platforming gameplay that the series is known for, but with an added twist: time travel. Each level in Sonic CD features “Past,” “Present,” and “Future” versions that players can access by hitting special signposts and maintaining speed to trigger time travel. These different eras aren’t just aesthetic changes; they alter the level layouts and offer new challenges, encouraging players to explore each time period to find secrets, defeat enemies, and achieve a “good” future by destroying Dr. Robotnik’s machines in the past. This mechanic adds a layer of replayability, giving players reasons to revisit stages to uncover alternate pathways and outcomes.

Time travel also influences the gameplay pacing, rewarding players who balance speed with exploration. Racing through stages is still an option, but to fully complete the game and unlock the best ending, players must explore each version of the levels, searching for hidden machines in the past. This mechanic makes Sonic CD one of the more exploration-heavy titles in the series, appealing to players who enjoy a blend of fast-paced action with a side of strategic planning.

Level Design

Sonic CD’s level design supports its time-travel theme with intricate, open-ended layouts that encourage players to explore and experiment. Zones such as Palmtree Panic, Collision Chaos, and Wacky Workbench feature multiple routes, secrets, and environmental changes depending on the time period. Each level feels expansive, with routes optimized for speed alongside hidden sections that require platforming precision and careful navigation.

The variety in the levels is substantial. For example, Stardust Speedway is known for its intense, winding race against Metal Sonic, which culminates in one of the most memorable boss battles in Sonic history. Another standout, Quartz Quadrant, challenges players with tricky platforming sections and moving conveyor belts, while Metallic Madness features complex platforms and traps that take full advantage of the time-travel mechanics. The added emphasis on exploration over pure speed gives Sonic CD’s levels a distinct feel from other classic Sonic games, making each stage feel dynamic and alive.

The level design can feel overwhelming to some players, especially those used to the more straightforward design of Sonic 2 or Sonic 3. The open-ended layouts demand exploration, and the stages can feel maze-like at times. However, for players who enjoy the freedom to explore and discover secrets, Sonic CD’s levels provide a rewarding, depth-filled experience.

Graphics & Presentation

Sonic CD took full advantage of the Sega CD’s hardware, offering vibrant, detailed graphics with a distinctive art style. The color palette is striking, and the game’s visuals incorporate detailed backgrounds, unique enemy designs, and flashy effects that enhance the game’s surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. Each time period (Past, Present, and Future) has its own visual identity, with backgrounds and textures shifting to reflect the changes in each era, creating an immersive sense of progression and consequence.

Character animations are smooth and expressive, from Sonic’s determined look while speeding up to his idle tapping when waiting. The environments are visually dynamic, with lush forests, glittering metal cities, and futuristic landscapes that change based on the actions players take in the past. The contrast between a polluted, desolate future and a peaceful, “good” future rewards players visually, creating a tangible incentive to complete each level’s objectives.

The special stages in Sonic CD also stand out for their unique, pseudo-3D design. Players chase down UFOs in colorful, rotating arenas, providing a fun break from the main gameplay. Although these stages can be challenging due to limited time and a steep learning curve, they offer a satisfying reward for those aiming for a 100% completion.

Sound & Music

The soundtrack of Sonic CD is widely celebrated and unique, with both Japanese and North American versions offering distinct soundscapes that suit the game’s atmosphere. The Japanese soundtrack, composed by Naofumi Hataya and Masafumi Ogata, is upbeat, with tracks like “Palmtree Panic” and “Stardust Speedway” reflecting the game’s futuristic vibe. The North American soundtrack, composed by Spencer Nilsen, leans more toward atmospheric, ambient sounds, with moody tracks that create a different tone. Both soundtracks feature memorable themes, though they evoke contrasting emotions depending on the version.

The time travel mechanic also impacts the music, with each level’s Past, Present, and Future having its own unique version of the soundtrack. The “good” and “bad” futures alter the music to reflect the player’s choices, adding to the immersive storytelling and enhancing the sense of player agency. Tracks like “You Can Do Anything” (Japanese version) and “Sonic Boom” (North American version) capture the game’s energetic spirit, further defining Sonic CD’s iconic soundscape.

Story & Characters

Sonic CD introduces Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, two characters who would go on to become series mainstays. The story begins with Sonic traveling to the Little Planet, a mysterious world where time functions differently, only to find that Dr. Robotnik has already seized control. Robotnik has chained the planet and aims to harness its time-altering abilities to conquer the world, and it’s up to Sonic to stop him.

Amy Rose, a young hedgehog with a crush on Sonic, is kidnapped by Metal Sonic, an antagonist introduced as a robotic doppelgänger with speed to match Sonic’s. This conflict culminates in a memorable race against Metal Sonic in Stardust Speedway, which remains one of the series’ most iconic scenes. Sonic CD’s story is simple but effective, and its new characters and set pieces add depth and charm to the world of Sonic.

Difficulty & Replayability

Sonic CD’s difficulty level sits between Sonic 1 and Sonic 2, with levels that challenge players to think about time management, exploration, and platforming. While it’s possible to rush through levels, players who aim for the best ending will need to search each stage thoroughly, adding a layer of difficulty for those willing to tackle every objective.

Replayability is high, as completing the game with all Time Stones (gained by completing special stages) and achieving “good” futures in each zone offers a more rewarding ending. The game’s time-travel mechanics give players a reason to revisit stages, experimenting with different routes and time periods to uncover secrets. Each level’s alternate paths and collectibles add to the game’s longevity, making Sonic CD a title that encourages repeated playthroughs.

Legacy

Sonic CD is often cited as a fan favorite, thanks to its unique mechanics, memorable soundtrack, and iconic new characters. Its influence is seen in later games that experimented with branching paths and alternate endings, and Metal Sonic remains one of the franchise’s most enduring rivals. The game’s unusual design and experimental spirit helped Sonic CD stand out, cementing its place as a distinctive, beloved chapter in the Sonic saga.

Despite its polarizing level design, Sonic CD has maintained a strong legacy, with remastered versions on various platforms bringing the game to new audiences. Its lasting appeal lies in its ambition, originality, and the way it combined Sonic’s speed with a sense of exploration that few other entries replicate.

Final Thoughts

Sonic CD is a unique, innovative entry in the Sonic series that pushes the boundaries of platforming with its time-travel mechanics and exploration-focused gameplay. While its unconventional design may not be for everyone, its distinct style, memorable soundtrack, and replayable levels make it a rewarding experience for those willing to dive into its world. Sonic CD remains a testament to the series’ ability to evolve and experiment, offering a richly layered adventure that rewards patience and exploration.

Rating: 9/10