- Original Release: 23rd September 1993
- Developer: Sega
- Publisher: Sega
- Original Platform: Mega Drive CD
- Version Played: Retro Engine (Xbox Series S)
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/soniccd-box-s-143x125.jpg)
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FWIYKSIXwAMQcM7-1024x576.jpg)
Developed alongside Sonic 2, Sonic CD is sort of an “alternative sequel” to Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic CD definitely had ambition, with time travel and exploration playing a prominent role and utilising the abilities of the Mega CD to include some enhanced effects, music and even some short animated cutscenes.
Sonic CD has two separate soundtracks. Which one is better is a matter of preference, as they’re both great. The levels however, are another story. All the levels in Sonic CD are a confusing mess, both visually and in terms of layout. It can often be difficulty to see which elements can be interacted with and which are background/foreground features.
The time travel is an interesting concept. Each level had four layouts: Present, Future and Past are the main ones, but if you destroy a robot transporter in the level, you will unlock the “good” future. While this is ambitious and sounds great, most people will just end up fumbling around the different versions, and a single mistimed touch of the controller can make travelling to a different timezone fail and mess up the current run. It ends up making the game too complex and confusing.
Sonic CD is really not fun to play at all, and I was glad when it was over.
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sonic-cd.png)
Where to get
Mega Drive CD
- Sonic Gems Collection (GameCube/PS2)
Other Versions
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