TNL: You may remember that the last time I talked about a Sonic the Hedgehog game I dropped this little nugget: "Now the thing to keep in mind is that my two favorite entries in the franchise are the first game and Sonic CD." Well here we are. This is a review of Sonic CD, or more specifically the excellent port that was just released on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network (in Europe), and smart phones. It's necessary that I explain my reasons for absolutely loving this game, because it's considered a "black sheep" of the series.
The Outerhaven writes: My Arcade debuts the Sonic the Hedgehog arcade mini-cabs, the mighty player and joystick player at CES 2025.
The Sega CD (aka Mega CD) had some classics that still live on today. Here's the 7 best Sega CD games & how to play them on modern consoles.
Series X/S + Dev Mode. It's a shame the retail mode emulators got removed, dev mode looks like a pain in the ass.
I use the Analogue Mega SG console coupled with a Mega SD everdrive that allows me to play Sega CD games through the cartridge without the need for the CD add-on. Have the 8-bitdo Sega Genesis 6 button wireless controller and it's the closest thing I can get to playing it as it was originally without owning old hardware.
Final Fight was a great game on the CD, not only on the system but as a fighting game of the time as well. Up there in some ways with Streets of Rage 2 IMO. It's too bad they didn't continue putting the rest of them on there, the music is top notch too.
I bought FF CD as a young teen after having loved the arcade/SNES version (despite the latter being watered down). Loved how immaculate a port it was.
There is some wrong information in this article. I just checked for Sonic CD and Shining Force CD on Nintendo Switch eShop (as stated in the article) across 4 different regions, and they are not available.
I know it's on Steam, but I don't recall seeing either of those games on Switch Eshop, I'm curios as to what region he found them on.
Yea, I checked US, UK, JP and Portugal (my region), not on any of those.
I'd want these handheld, so hopefully I can get a Steam Deck by the end of the year 🙏
Sega teased big things coming to the Sega Ages line of games but tapped out after about a year. I can't find any evidence that it was added to the Switch. The author must of mistaken it for the Shining Force 1 but even then that's part of the Sega Genesis collection not Ages.
Sonic CD is in the Sonic Origins Collection, that's what he meant.
As for Shining Force CD, I don't know if its on the eshop, but it seems unlikely.
Well I'm really happy you responded with this!
I must have completely missed or forgotten about Sonic Origins. I was just looking at it, and it has the Game Gear titles too on the Plus version! (I had a Game Gear back in the day) Man, especially in handheld, that should be great. I just wishlisted it and will pick it up on the next sale.
Thanks a ton!
Glad to have reminded you, but I do recommend checking out reviews on Sonic Origins Collection, while I own it (because I wanted the Japanese exclusive swag that comes with the Deluxe Pack), a lot of people are disappointed by it, and the Game Gear emulation, so some video reviews should help.
A lot of people complained that Sega should have emulated the superior Master System versions of the game, since they run at a higher resolution than the Game Gear ports.
Even if the Sega franchise strikes you as dabbling in old school gaming, it is well worth a look at the systems. Some of the original Sega CD (or Mega-CD in Europe) games have an astounding amount of appeal that lovers of all things gaming should consider giving a try.
Silpheed, Android Assault, Lords of thunder, Solfeace, flying squadron. That's why I own Mega cd.
Maybe one day Konami won’t be lame and they can release a Sega CD collection with Snatcher.
the only problem with owning a Sega CD is the hardware is less than reliable nowadays. I have an Analogue Mega SG which is an updated version of a genesis along with a Mega SD cartridge which allows me to play Sega CD games off of it. I have the entire Genesis / Sega CD library on the cart and it's great. Although many of these games do not hold up well, lol.
To be honest I own the original tech, but i also have a raspberry pi build with all Mega cd games I want. So the old tech doesn't die.
