We all laughed during Summer Game Fest Kickoff Live when Geoff Keighley introduced us to orchestral music from Sonic Unleashed, but it was just an excerpt from a much larger concert. To celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog's 30th anniversary, SEGA put together a nearly two-hour performance of music from the games. While we didn't catch it live, the full thing is on YouTube, and we'd highly recommend it to fans old and new.
No matter which game in the franchise is your favourite, hearing a full orchestra play memorable tunes from most of them is lovely. It's a particular treat to listen to the 16-bit soundtracks from Sonic 1, 2, and 3 as an orchestral arrangement. Of course, things change gears in the second half, as Crush 40 takes over to reprise fan-favourite songs from later games.
There's something for everyone here, so if you've any nostalgia for the series, give it a listen. Have you been tuning into this 30th anniversary event? Tell us your favourite tracks in the comments section below.
[source youtube.com]
Comments 17
Fun fact: I recently recorded a song with Johnny Gioeli - the singer of Crush 40
@Voltan He's just the nicest guy as well, isn't he? Met him a couple of times, and it's always been a pleasure!
@RogerRoger Unfortunately I never actually met him lol
But he does seem nice
Sonic always had catchy tunes. From the first time I saw the intro to the original game on the megadrive back in 1991 and heard Green Hill theme start up, the music is a big part of the nostalgia. Even on the Master System I can still remember all the tunes.
Just skipped a random section and its Bridge Zone from the Master System, sounds great!
@Voltan Oh, of course. The realities of lockdown, I assume? At least you got to collaborate with him! That's pretty sweet!
The Dr. Robotnik battle theme from Sonic 2 is one of my favourite ever video game themes.
I've been playing Sonic since day one when they came out on both the Master System and Mega Drive/Genesis along with the Game Gear so I've played them all and it's hard to say what my favourite game is but I think overall I'll have to go with Sonic 1 and 2 on the Mega Drive just for the Green Hill Zone and Emerald Hill Zone music. Spring Yard is another tune that will always stand out to me as well.
Sonic Mania is also another favourite mainly because of the Nostalgia that comes from playing it.
Edit: I prefer the slower European versions to the American versions as the slower versions are the ones I grew up with.
@johncalmc Ahh I can never decide which Theme I prefer, the one from Sonic 1 or Sonic 2 because both are so very catchy. Sonic 3D's Theme was VERY catchy too.
It was certainly magical... up until the point it past the Mega Drive games, then I was completely lost.
This helped get today off on the right foot. Hearing orchestrated versions of themes that were burned into my memory as a kid is a real treat.
I loved it watched it live and was mesmerised did really enjoy the crush 40 section at the end.
I was gutted they didnt do the end music of sonic 2 that is probably my favourite.
Starlight zone on orchestra was amazing too
Did love the medley for mania too.
Im going into colours never playing it later this year but its a day one for me does look fun
Sonic Unleashed fans were well fed, and rightly so.
@Orpheus79V yes
Sky Sanctuary was awesome hearing because to me that is the prequel to the final area of the string of connecting levels.
(Lava reef > Hidden Palace > Sky Sanctuary > Death Egg)
The other tracks were cool too but I really enjoyed that bit in particular.
probably to much to ask for but I'd love to have those as options in the re-releases the Mega Drive games are getting.
Honestly the best thing about sonic games has always been the soundtrack
I love that they placed Sonic Mania right after Sonic 3, which confirms it's a direct sequel.
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