Compilations in the Sonic series
Encyclopedia
This article covers the number of compilations in the Sonic series.
Dreamcast Collection compilation of four Dreamcast titles; Sonic Adventure
, Space Channel 5: Part 2
, Crazy Taxi
and Sega Bass Fishing
, released for Xbox 360
and the PC on February 22, 2011 in North America and February 25, 2011 in Europe. These games are also being released individually for Xbox Live Arcade
, PlayStation Network and Steam
.
and PlayStation Portable
. Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
are included.
, Sonic & Knuckles
and Sonic 3 & Knuckles, alongside Garfield: Caught in the Act
and Baku Baku Animal
.
-based PC
s, released in 1997. The collection includes: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
, Sonic & Knuckles
, Sonic 3 & Knuckles
, and Blue Sphere. The European and North American versions of the collection also includes Sonic the Screensaver which the player can customize Windows with Sonic themes, wallpapers, icons, and music from Sonic 1, 2, 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, and the Japanese soundtrack of Sonic CD in 11 kHz WAV
format. However, in Japan, Sonic & Knuckles Collection and Sonic the Screensaver were released separately, on the same day. Some tracks from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 were replaced for undisclosed reasons.
, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
, Sonic Chaos
, Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Sonic Drift
, Sonic Drift 2, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
, Sonic Spinball
, Sonic Labyrinth
, Sonic Blast
, Tails' Skypatrol
, and Tails Adventure
. Six of these titles later appear in Sonic Mega Collection Plus, with the other six later appearing in Sonic Gems Collection. It also features Metal Sonic
as a playable character.
developed by The Creative Assembly Australia, under supervision by Sega Australia and Sega of Europe, which is a collection of Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
, Sonic the Hedgehog 3
, and Sonic & Knuckles
. The compilation was officially announced on December 2, 2009 by Sega of America and was released March 2, 2010, although news of this compilation first broke when it was classified by the Australian Government's OFLC
. It features two extra lock-on modes from the originals, which allows the player to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2
and to play the complete version of Sonic 3
(titled "Knuckles in Sonic 3" as opposed to the original "Sonic 3 & Knuckles" title). Sonic 1, 2 and Knuckles (without lock-on) receive the addition of a save option; while players can "save anywhere" as billed, they must restart the act in which they saved. The collection also includes a gallery of images.
for the Sega Mega Drive
containing three previously released Sonic titles: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
, and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
. In 1997
, the Genesis version was released in North America
under the name Sonic Classics 3 in 1 (making it the final Sonic game released for the console). Sonic Compilation was the first collection of multiple Sonic games on one cartridge. In some locations, it was bundle
d with the Mega Drive console during its later years. The three games appear in exactly the same form as in their original release. The only new content is a game selection menu, controlled by using the left and right directions on the D-pad and new sprite renderings of the box art for each of the three games. The menu was changed in later released versions. Once a game is selected, players are not able to go back to the menu unless the console is reset or turned off and on again. This game is one of two that, when "locked on" with Sonic & Knuckles
, will enable players to play the entire Blue Sphere game, instead of just one level. The other game that enables this is the standalone version of Sonic the Hedgehog.
, Sonic the Fighters
and Sonic R
, as well as six Sonic-based Sega Game Gear
titles. The North American and European versions also include the two Vectorman
games instead of questions, whilst the Japanese version featured instead the Streets of Rage
trilogy and Bonanza Bros.
. It was released for the Nintendo GameCube
and PlayStation 2
in Japan
on August 11, 2005 and in Europe
on September 30, 2005. In North America
, only the GameCube version was released on August 16, 2005.
SegaSonic the Hedgehog
was expected to be included on the collection, but Yuji Naka
stated in an interview that it was omitted due to the original game being controlled by a trackball. Knuckles' Chaotix
was also originally intended to appear, but did not for unknown reasons (interestingly though, a whole art section of the game still appears in the museum). Content also differs between the Japanese and Western versions, such as the omission of the Streets of Rage and Bonanza Bros. games from the Western version in order to obtain a lower ESRB
rating. The European version also uses the American soundtrack for Sonic CD.
Reviews of Sonic Gems Collection were mostly positive, with most of the praise due to the inclusion of Sonic CD. Opinions were mixed on the remaining content in the compilation. It sold very well and the GameCube version received Player's Choice status.
Due to technical difficulties with the Sega Saturn code, the PC version of Sonic R was used instead (although the manual artwork of the Saturn version was included).
. It was released for Sega Saturn
in Japan
on June 20, 1997, in North America
on July 31, 1997 and in Europe
on the 28th of August 1997
. By selecting Sonic & Knuckles, the player can use the "lock-on technology" from its original cartridge version in order to link up to the other three games in the collection, making the following games also playable: Knuckles in Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Blue Sphere.
Sonic Jam also included customized versions of the games, with redesigned levels with varying levels of difficulty. When played in "Original" mode, the games are identical to their original Mega Drive/Genesis releases. "Normal" difficulty adds extra rings and alters other aspects of the design to remove some of the challenge (these versions of the levels are used when playing Sonic Jam
feature). "Easy" difficulty removes certain stages entirely, making the game much easier to complete. Also implemented into Sonic Jam was the option to use Sonic's signature move, the Spin Dash in Sonic the Hedgehog (on any of the above difficulties); originally, it did not debut until Sonic 2. There were also fixes of some glitches, particularly in Sonic 3. The games were not simply direct emulations like in later compilations, but rather elaborate ports to utilize the Saturn hardware.
The compilation also includes a 3D
"Sonic World", which allows players to access virtual museums featuring Sonic the Hedgehog history, art, music and advertisements, as well as remastered and uncut animation
sequences from Sonic CD
. Sonic World functioned as both a hub for the extras and as its own game, utilizing missions such as ring-collecting, reaching markers, or finding Miles "Tails" Prower
. Completing all the missions would unlock the credits for Sonic Jam.
A licensed Game.com
version by Tiger exists and features black-and-white versions of Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, and except for the colorized Sonic The Hedgehog, they are very different from the Mega Drive/Genesis originals. Curiously, this version's box art features the same render found on that of Sonic R
.
and later PlayStation 2
and Xbox
as Sonic Mega Collection Plus, containing all the Sonic games released for the Mega Drive/Genesis, including their lock-on combinations, as well as a few other Mega Drive titles. The Plus edition also contains six Game Gear titles.
. It only includes Sonic games previously released on PC for Windows XP/2000; there are no exclusive games present, and games originally released as double CD-ROMs remain as is.
and Game Boy Advance
. These compilations have included Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
and Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
.
(Virtual Console
only), Mega Drive/Genesis, and the Sega Dreamcast
(PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade
, and Steam only) were re-released for the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console, the PlayStation 3
's PlayStation Network, the Xbox 360
's Xbox Live Arcade, and the PC's Steam download services.
Dreamcast Collection
- Main article: Dreamcast CollectionDreamcast CollectionDreamcast Collection is a video game compilation for Xbox 360 and PC. It includes four games from the Dreamcast, Sega's video game console originally released in 1998...
Dreamcast Collection compilation of four Dreamcast titles; Sonic Adventure
Sonic Adventure
is a 1999 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and released on December 23, 1998, in Japan by Sega for the Dreamcast. One of its development titles was Sonic RPG...
, Space Channel 5: Part 2
Space Channel 5: Part 2
Space Channel 5: Part 2 is the sequel to the rhythm action game Space Channel 5, developed by United Game Artists and published by Sega. It was released on the Dreamcast and the PlayStation 2...
, Crazy Taxi
Crazy Taxi
Crazy Taxi is a sandbox racing video game developed by Hitmaker and published by Sega. It is the first game in the Crazy Taxi series. The game was first released in arcades in 1999 and was ported to the Dreamcast in 2000. Subsequently, it was ported to the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube by...
and Sega Bass Fishing
Sega Bass Fishing
Sega Bass Fishing is a video game published for arcade, Dreamcast, Windows and Wii. It was first developed in 1997 on the Sega Model 3 hardware....
, released for Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and the PC on February 22, 2011 in North America and February 25, 2011 in Europe. These games are also being released individually for Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
, PlayStation Network and Steam
Steam (content delivery)
Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute games and related media online, from small independent developers to larger software houses...
.
Sega Mega Drive Collection/Sega Genesis Collection
A compilation of 28 Mega Drive/Genesis games released for PlayStation 2PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
. Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
are included.
Sonic & Garfield Pack
Contains the PC versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 3Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
, Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
and Sonic 3 & Knuckles, alongside Garfield: Caught in the Act
Garfield: Caught in the Act
Garfield: Caught in the Act is a platform game starring the comic strip cat, Garfield. The game, developed by Sega, was released in 1995 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Sega Game Gear, and in 1996 was released for Windows...
and Baku Baku Animal
Baku Baku Animal
Baku Baku Animal is a falling block puzzle arcade game released by Sega in 1995.-Gameplay:The player must line up falling blocks of animals and foodstuffs. When an animal is aligned adjacent to a tile of its favoured food, the animal eats the food...
.
Sonic & Knuckles Collection
Sonic & Knuckles Collection is a Sonic the Hedgehog compilation game for Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
-based PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
s, released in 1997. The collection includes: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
, Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
, Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
, and Blue Sphere. The European and North American versions of the collection also includes Sonic the Screensaver which the player can customize Windows with Sonic themes, wallpapers, icons, and music from Sonic 1, 2, 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, and the Japanese soundtrack of Sonic CD in 11 kHz WAV
WAV
Waveform Audio File Format , is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing an audio bitstream on PCs...
format. However, in Japan, Sonic & Knuckles Collection and Sonic the Screensaver were released separately, on the same day. Some tracks from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 were replaced for undisclosed reasons.
Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut
The Director's Cut version of Sonic Adventure features 12 unlockable Game Gear titles from the Sonic franchise: Sonic the HedgehogSonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
The game's soundtrack was composed by chiptune musician Yuzo Koshiro. He adapted several pieces of music from the original 16-bit version, while the rest of the soundtrack consisted of his own original music. One of his original pieces, the "Bridge Zone" theme, was later sampled in Janet Jackson's...
, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 8-bit 1992 side-scrolling platform handheld console video game developed by Aspect Co., Ltd. and released by Sega for their Master System and Game Gear formats. The Master System version was released in Europe on October 16, 1992...
, Sonic Chaos
Sonic Chaos
Sonic Chaos is a platform game for the Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear, developed by Aspect and published by Sega in 1993...
, Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Sonic Drift
Sonic Drift
The Sonic Drift games were a series of two racing games that featured characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was released for the Sega Game Gear in 1994 and 1995 respectively, and later re-released many years later in several other compilations.-Sonic Drift:Sonic Drift is a kart racing...
, Sonic Drift 2, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
-External links:* at Game Rankings* at The Internet Movie Database...
, Sonic Spinball
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball is an adventure pinball game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was originally released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1993 and later ported to the Game Gear and Master System in 1995.The game title is a pun on pinball and Sonic's famous spin dash move...
, Sonic Labyrinth
Sonic Labyrinth
Sonic Labyrinth is a puzzle-come-platform game for the Sega Game Gear, released 17 November 1995 in Japan and in 1995 in North America and Europe. It is also playable on Sonic Adventure DX and in the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions of Sonic Mega Collection Plus. The game features isometric 3D...
, Sonic Blast
Sonic Blast
Sonic Blast is a video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Aspect and published by Sega for the Sega Game Gear. It is known as G Sonic in Japan. It was released in December 1996 for both North American and European markets...
, Tails' Skypatrol
Tails' Skypatrol
is a platform/adventure video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by JSH and published by Sega for Sega Game Gear. It was originally released on April 28, 1995 as an exclusive game to the Japanese market...
, and Tails Adventure
Tails Adventure
, also known as Tails Adventures, is an action-adventure video game with role-playing elements that was developed by Aspect and distributed by Sega in 1995 for the videogame console Sega Game Gear....
. Six of these titles later appear in Sonic Mega Collection Plus, with the other six later appearing in Sonic Gems Collection. It also features Metal Sonic
Metal Sonic
is a fictional character and a recurring antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. In the series, Metal Sonic is an evil identical robotic duplicate of Sonic the Hedgehog, created by the series antagonist Dr. Robotnik, and is able to match Sonic's every move and even surpass his...
as a playable character.
Sonic Classic Collection
Sonic Classic Collection is a video game compilation for the Nintendo DSNintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
developed by The Creative Assembly Australia, under supervision by Sega Australia and Sega of Europe, which is a collection of Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
, Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
, and Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
. The compilation was officially announced on December 2, 2009 by Sega of America and was released March 2, 2010, although news of this compilation first broke when it was classified by the Australian Government's OFLC
Australian Classification Board
The Australian Classification Board is a statutory classification body formed by the Australian Government which classifies films, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia since its establishment in 1970. The Australian Classification Board was originally incorporated...
. It features two extra lock-on modes from the originals, which allows the player to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
and to play the complete version of Sonic 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
(titled "Knuckles in Sonic 3" as opposed to the original "Sonic 3 & Knuckles" title). Sonic 1, 2 and Knuckles (without lock-on) receive the addition of a save option; while players can "save anywhere" as billed, they must restart the act in which they saved. The collection also includes a gallery of images.
Sonic Compilation
Sonic Compilation is a video game compilation released in 19951995 in video gaming
-Events:*May 11 – Introduction of trade magazine GameWeek *May 11-16 — The 1st annual Electronic Entertainment Expo is held in Los Angeles, California...
for the Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
containing three previously released Sonic titles: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
, and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
-External links:* at Game Rankings* at The Internet Movie Database...
. In 1997
1997 in video gaming
-Events:*October 4 — Gunpei Yokoi dies after a double car accident.*November – Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association launched.*3rd annual E3...
, the Genesis version was released in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
under the name Sonic Classics 3 in 1 (making it the final Sonic game released for the console). Sonic Compilation was the first collection of multiple Sonic games on one cartridge. In some locations, it was bundle
Bundle
Bundle or Bundling may refer to:In marketing:* Product bundling, a marketing strategy that involves offering several products for sale as one combined product...
d with the Mega Drive console during its later years. The three games appear in exactly the same form as in their original release. The only new content is a game selection menu, controlled by using the left and right directions on the D-pad and new sprite renderings of the box art for each of the three games. The menu was changed in later released versions. Once a game is selected, players are not able to go back to the menu unless the console is reset or turned off and on again. This game is one of two that, when "locked on" with Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
, will enable players to play the entire Blue Sphere game, instead of just one level. The other game that enables this is the standalone version of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Sonic Gems Collection
Sonic Gems Collection is a compilation of some of the more obscure titles from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series: Sonic CDSonic the Hedgehog CD
, or Sonic CD, is a critically acclaimed 1993 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team for the Mega-CD/Sega CD. It marked the first official appearance of the characters Metal Sonic and Amy Rose...
, Sonic the Fighters
Sonic the Fighters
Sonic the Fighters is a fighting game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The game's original Japanese title, Sonic The Fighters, is used in North American and European releases of Sonic Gems Collection.-Plot:...
and Sonic R
Sonic R
Sonic R is a racing game developed by Traveller's Tales and Sonic Team for the Sega Saturn and PC, the latter version being ported to the GameCube and the PlayStation 2 in Sonic Gems Collection. It features characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series...
, as well as six Sonic-based Sega Game Gear
Sega Game Gear
The was Sega's first handheld game console. It was the third commercially available color handheld console, after the Atari Lynx and the TurboExpress....
titles. The North American and European versions also include the two Vectorman
Vectorman
Vectorman is a series of run and gun platform games developed by BlueSky Software and published by Sega for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was released on October 24, 1995 in North America and on November 30, 1995 in Europe...
games instead of questions, whilst the Japanese version featured instead the Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game...
trilogy and Bonanza Bros.
Bonanza Bros.
is a 1990 3D-style, 2D shooting platform arcade game by Sega. It is one of the earliest arcade games powered by the arcade system board, the Sega System 24.-Gameplay:Bonanza Bros...
. It was released for the Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
and PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on August 11, 2005 and in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
on September 30, 2005. In North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, only the GameCube version was released on August 16, 2005.
SegaSonic the Hedgehog
SegaSonic the Hedgehog
is an isometric platform game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, released by Sega for Japanese arcades in June 1993. The game supported three players playing simultaneously, and possessed a unique track ball set up for moving on-screen characters. The only other control input was a single button,...
was expected to be included on the collection, but Yuji Naka
Yuji Naka
, is a video game designer and programmer, best known as the former head of Sonic Team, a group of Sega programmers/designers, where he was the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog....
stated in an interview that it was omitted due to the original game being controlled by a trackball. Knuckles' Chaotix
Knuckles' Chaotix
Knuckles' Chaotix, is a platform game spin-off to the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team, and published by Sega for the Sega 32X. The game was released in North America in March 1995, in Japan on April 21, 1995 and finally in Europe in May 1995. The game's only re-release since then...
was also originally intended to appear, but did not for unknown reasons (interestingly though, a whole art section of the game still appears in the museum). Content also differs between the Japanese and Western versions, such as the omission of the Streets of Rage and Bonanza Bros. games from the Western version in order to obtain a lower ESRB
Entertainment Software Rating Board
The Entertainment Software Rating Board is a self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines, and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games as well as entertainment software in Canada, Mexico and...
rating. The European version also uses the American soundtrack for Sonic CD.
Reviews of Sonic Gems Collection were mostly positive, with most of the praise due to the inclusion of Sonic CD. Opinions were mixed on the remaining content in the compilation. It sold very well and the GameCube version received Player's Choice status.
Due to technical difficulties with the Sega Saturn code, the PC version of Sonic R was used instead (although the manual artwork of the Saturn version was included).
Sonic Jam
is a compilation of titles in the Sonic the Hedgehog series originally released on the Sega Mega Drive/GenesisSega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
. It was released for Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on June 20, 1997, in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
on July 31, 1997 and in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
on the 28th of August 1997
1997 in video gaming
-Events:*October 4 — Gunpei Yokoi dies after a double car accident.*November – Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association launched.*3rd annual E3...
. By selecting Sonic & Knuckles, the player can use the "lock-on technology" from its original cartridge version in order to link up to the other three games in the collection, making the following games also playable: Knuckles in Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Blue Sphere.
Sonic Jam also included customized versions of the games, with redesigned levels with varying levels of difficulty. When played in "Original" mode, the games are identical to their original Mega Drive/Genesis releases. "Normal" difficulty adds extra rings and alters other aspects of the design to remove some of the challenge (these versions of the levels are used when playing Sonic Jam
Time attack
A time attack is another term for time trial. The term is commonly used in Japan for individual time trial events for motor vehicles that involves a vehicle running around the circuit in lieu of a qualifying lap and the term is widely adopted outside the country for tuner event and...
feature). "Easy" difficulty removes certain stages entirely, making the game much easier to complete. Also implemented into Sonic Jam was the option to use Sonic's signature move, the Spin Dash in Sonic the Hedgehog (on any of the above difficulties); originally, it did not debut until Sonic 2. There were also fixes of some glitches, particularly in Sonic 3. The games were not simply direct emulations like in later compilations, but rather elaborate ports to utilize the Saturn hardware.
The compilation also includes a 3D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
"Sonic World", which allows players to access virtual museums featuring Sonic the Hedgehog history, art, music and advertisements, as well as remastered and uncut animation
Animation
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. The effect is an optical illusion of motion due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision, and can be created and demonstrated in several ways...
sequences from Sonic CD
Sonic the Hedgehog CD
, or Sonic CD, is a critically acclaimed 1993 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team for the Mega-CD/Sega CD. It marked the first official appearance of the characters Metal Sonic and Amy Rose...
. Sonic World functioned as both a hub for the extras and as its own game, utilizing missions such as ring-collecting, reaching markers, or finding Miles "Tails" Prower
Miles "Tails" Prower
, better known by his nickname , is a character, as well as the main deuteragonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games, comics, animated series and film released by Sega....
. Completing all the missions would unlock the credits for Sonic Jam.
A licensed Game.com
Game.com
The Game.com is a handheld game console released by Tiger Electronics in September 1997. It featured many new ideas for handheld consoles and was aimed at an older target audience, sporting PDA-style features and functions such as a touch screen and stylus...
version by Tiger exists and features black-and-white versions of Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, and except for the colorized Sonic The Hedgehog, they are very different from the Mega Drive/Genesis originals. Curiously, this version's box art features the same render found on that of Sonic R
Sonic R
Sonic R is a racing game developed by Traveller's Tales and Sonic Team for the Sega Saturn and PC, the latter version being ported to the GameCube and the PlayStation 2 in Sonic Gems Collection. It features characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series...
.
Sonic Mega Collection
A compilation released for Nintendo GameCubeNintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
and later PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
as Sonic Mega Collection Plus, containing all the Sonic games released for the Mega Drive/Genesis, including their lock-on combinations, as well as a few other Mega Drive titles. The Plus edition also contains six Game Gear titles.
Sonic PC Collection
Sonic PC Collection is a Europe and Australia/New Zealand exclusive compilation of Sonic the Hedgehog games originally developed by Sonic TeamSonic Team
is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based...
. It only includes Sonic games previously released on PC for Windows XP/2000; there are no exclusive games present, and games originally released as double CD-ROMs remain as is.
Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection/Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection
A collection of 40 Mega Drive/Genesis titles, as well as 9 unlockable Arcade and Master System titles, which can be played with optional widescreen ratios and HD smoothing. The game contains all the main Sonic games released for the Mega Drive though, unlike Sonic Mega Collection, it does not feature the lock-on combinations.Sonic Action 4 Pack
Sonic Action 4 Pack was essentially just a repackaging of games formerly released on PC but without their instruction manuals which were included in various forms on the discs themselves. It contained Sonic & Knuckles Collection, Sonic CD, Sonic R and Sega Smash Pack 2.Sega Smash Pack
A series of Mega Drive/Genesis compilations that have been released for PC, Sega DreamcastSega Dreamcast
The is a 128-bit video game console which was released by Sega in late 1998 in Japan and from September 1999 in other territories. It was the first entry in the sixth generation of video game consoles, preceding Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and the Nintendo GameCube.Dreamcast sales were...
and Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
. These compilations have included Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
and Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball is an adventure pinball game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was originally released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1993 and later ported to the Game Gear and Master System in 1995.The game title is a pun on pinball and Sonic's famous spin dash move...
.
Virtual Console, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Steam
Several Sonic games originally released for the Sega Master SystemSega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
(Virtual Console
Virtual console
A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between...
only), Mega Drive/Genesis, and the Sega Dreamcast
Sega Dreamcast
The is a 128-bit video game console which was released by Sega in late 1998 in Japan and from September 1999 in other territories. It was the first entry in the sixth generation of video game consoles, preceding Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and the Nintendo GameCube.Dreamcast sales were...
(PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
, and Steam only) were re-released for the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console, the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
's PlayStation Network, the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
's Xbox Live Arcade, and the PC's Steam download services.