Sonic CD Classic Reviews

by Original Name 025181

I love this game for it’s soundtrack and it’s exploration based gameplay, which is why this is my favorite classic Sonic game. However, the Ads can make the game almost unbearable to experience. First of all, menu navigation is less than exceptional. A few times I scroll and accidentally hit the remove ads button in the bottom right corner. I don’t mind that, but I think that the other button on the opposite corner is weird as it just shows you an Ad slideshow. The worst thing is that after I see an Ad, a number of times the menu breaks, and all the buttons and graphics with that classic game look (bigger pixels) disappear and the menu goes invisible, so it is impossible to directly select an option or a save file. Plus, the Ads that break the menu also mute the in game music and most sound effects don’t play at all, Which really upsets me because of how I like the soundtrack. I know that probably all my problems will be solved if I buy the Anti-Ads, but I don’t use my money to remove Ads, as I use my cash for much better things than that. I home you will fix this problem with the Ads, as that will be the reason I’m upgrading my review from 3 stars, to 5.

by Nastalgic Reviewer

History seems to repeat itself, it’s been proven many times, and just like in the 90’s, they tried selling this lost piece of hot garbage as a game with aggressive ads. The only difference is... THEY MADE IT WORSE!!! How do you screw something up that has so much potential, here’s some issues, the time stones disappear from your collection, making the good ending IMPOSSIBLE, how do you screw up an important mechanic like this , and good luck getting even close to obtaining these disappearing gems because the UFO’s are rigged to move away from you in directions you can’t reach, and usually, you just end up diving into water, draining your time, all that stress just to have those gems gone! The only thing you did right was the freaking options, and even those are bugged, if you are gonna release a classic game mobile, especially a bad game, then have the decency to fix that game, if you can completely change up sonic 1/2 levels, and mechanics, then this game shouldn’t be too hard either.

by Narles

Updated: 2/5/18
I’m glad Sega updated it for the iPhone X aspect ratio but did anyone at Sega actually try play testing it with an iPhone X? Immediately from the title screen there are graphics artifacts. Ok, no big deal, just a little unsightly. However, partway through the first act of Palmtree Panic and after passing through the first time travel post, the graphics start warping all crazy over a black screen rendering the game unplayable. It seems clear that Sega is not adequately testing these releases for iPhone X compatibility what with Sonic 1 being unable to be completed past Spring Yard Zone’s boss and this title being unplayable after an extremely short amount of game play. Please fix these games!

Original Review:
A Sonic game that gives fans exactly what they want and so much more. Well done Sega. I would buy any and all other Sonic games given this kind of treatment (retina, soundtrack, widescreen, alternate play styles, Taxman's engine, etc). Please consider giving this treatment to Sonic 3 & Knuckles and even go back and do it for Sonic 1 & 2.

by Peterpopmr

This game is seriously broken on my iPhone X. Some sprites aren’t completely transparent and have white boxes around them. Even worse, when I start to play the game, it’ll last about 10 seconds before the graphics go completely haywire and turn into flashing and rotating triangles. It’s so broken it almost seems fake, like it was done on purpose. These triangles aren’t just limited to a couple of sprites... no, the entire screen starts randomly convulsing with colors to the point where you can’t tell what’s going on and it’s completely unplayable.

Another issue: I purchased this game full price when it was first released. So there shouldn’t be ads every time I play it. There shouldn’t be a Sonic 4 Ep II ad whenever I start it up, and there shouldn’t be a Sonic Forces logo that pops up in the top left inexplicably after the menu animation.

The ads I could live with, but it’s the graphics issues that really make this a one star rating. The flashing triangles make it so you can’t even see the game, and there’s even another issue where the menu elements don’t space out correctly, so the act # ends up mashed in with the zone name which is already mashed into itself due to some other glitch. All in all, the serious bugs need to be fixed in order for me to recommend this game. In its current state, I’d skip it.

by Hyper Cy

I have been a fan of the sonic series ever since I was 5 and I had always played sonic 1 and sonic 3, then when I was 8 I played sonic 2 and sonic cd. That time I had never done time attack because I didn’t really care at the time. Now just a few minutes ago I was playing the sonic cd time attack mode after curiosity (and so I can get all the achievements) and I was playing the 3 act on the carnival zone (I don’t remember what it is called all I remember was it was the third act of the second zone) and I had finally made it to the thing where sonic gets hit up to the metal ground to jump up and defeat the boss. Right as I hit robotnik (or eggman which ever you prefer) and the first hit sonic glitched through the floor and it was just stuck on eggman.

The person who typed way too much for this, Hyper Cy-

by Thelifeofa

Sonic the Hedgehog CD works great. Sonic CD remains one of the best games ever made for fans of classic Sega games. Sonic CD was Sega’s most ambitious Sonic game ever made at the time of its release with 3 possible endings depending on Sonic’s choices in the main game. This version contains the original game and it allows players to choose specific levels they want to play once they have completed the main game. However, the Chaos Emeralds have somehow become harder to obtain in comparison to playing Sonic CD on other platforms. While the amount of ads can be overwhelming, the ads can also be helpful. For example, a player could be near the end of a level or in the middle of a boss fight and make a mistake… POOF! An ad appears that gives the player another chance without the player having to start all over! The controls; however, can sometimes be glitchy. The glitchy controls are especially noticeable in the Chaos Emerald levels.

by Generic Dynamics

This game is a classic, originally released in 1993 on the Sega CD by Sonic Team and Sega of Japan. This rerelease is a fun time for any kid looking to pass some time by, wether it be in a long car ride, or waiting for a dentists appointment, although this game was rereleased amazingly by the outstanding Sonic Mania team (Christian Whitehead, and Head Canon), this is still dragged behind a little bit because of the core game. This game was one of the more weird sonic games, where you can time travel, and don’t get me wrong the visuals can look awesome and opening/ending cutscene created by the animators of the Sonic OVA was awesome! But there’s some graphics and animation in the old game that aren’t the best, and the movement could use some work, but other than that, this is a fun time, and the definitive way to play Sonic CD, (Until Sonic Origins Releases)

by Uphuy

Sonic CD-the long lost and now found 2-D Sonic game. I first played Sonic CD when I got my GameCube in 2016 which came with 23 games. It just so happened one of them was Sonic Gems Collection. I hated the Spin Dash in that version and the soundtrack. But the mobile port. The “Saving Grace” (Get it cuz new save feature) version of it with a choice between the Gems Collection soundtrack (North American) and September 1993 soundtrack (Japanese). Also choice between original Spin Dash and Sonic 2/3/& Knuckles Spin Dash. And Tails. Never beat game but I’m sure Tails ain’t canon... either way welcome addition. Dang though the game didn’t have ads before but now... wait is there... YEP! SEGA FOREVER ruined another classic port! Also don’t know if it is just my iPad but it keeps crashing though normally at times when I need it to like about to fail a Special Stage (If you exit the game before failing the Special Stage you can retry it without having to do another level and beat it with 50 rings. I also experience some lag. Overall great game, some lag, ads, crashes, so I give this game 4 ⭐️ out of 5 ⭐️.

by FreakyFaisal

While Sonic CD is a great game, and this remake is even better, my biggest gripe with the game is the scam that is the ad removing purchase. You would think that paying to remove the ads would remove ALL of the ads, but it does not. You will still get an ad for Sonic Dash when opening the game, and there is still the ad for the Sonic Forces mobile game on the top left of the main menu. While these aren’t that intrusive, I still expect them to be removed considering I paid 1.99 for exactly that. Otherwise, this game is a blast with not one, but TWO amazing soundtracks, crazy level design, and they even added a playable Tails! But Sega, please actually remove all the ads when your customers buy the ad remover.

by A Cool Person 234

The reason why I said just no words in the title is because this game is one of the best classics in history to the showdown with metal sonic to the absolutely phenomenal music. This game is amazing but you may be thinking “why did you give it four stars instead of five stars?” i’m here to answer that question. There are so many ads that when I was playing, I died on the final boss because an ad showed up. I cannot believe the amount of product placement is in this game, not pacifically the game itself, but there are so many terrible ads that show up that I practically could’ve gotten five stars because it the game is really amazing but the ads ruin the experience I almost quit because how many ads there were it was insane look away for two seconds add finish level add breathe for one seconds add it is insane but since it’s one of the best classics, I have to give it a good rating or else that would just be weird would recommend although if you’re not gonna buy the verse the version with no ads be warned it is going to be ad mania!!

by Chr1ztopher

So I am editing my review for the third time. This game is great. Really brings me back (had sooo much fun with Sega cd!) The only issue I had was over the advertising however that seemed to resolve itself, guess there was some lag when I restored purchases but it’s working fine with one caveat. While most advertising is removed upon paying, you will still be greeted with SEGA adds at launch. This is displayed on the purchase/restore screen, albeit in small text but I deleted and reinstalled it just to see that screen again and sure enough it’s there. If the premium purchase was truly 100% add free this would be a 5 Star game. Having paid for it, a 85% add free experience gets 4 Stars. If you don’t mind seeing a pop up for Streets of Rage whenever the game loads then the paid version is great. 4 Stars

by Lilythehomeschooler

Wow this is a nice colorful level! Wait why am I sparkling like that?!? WHAT!? Wait.... Why does the level look so freaking different.. And sad... What happened to it.... Oh lord, The sparkles again! WAIT DID SOMEONE SAY "pAsT" WHY IS THIS SO CREEPY THE MUSIC IS SO EERIE AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-

Anyway, Actual review time.

So the game is the best, It's just debug is completely dead. It doesnt work because back on the Sega CD, You could use debug because of all the buttons. Thanks to the lack of buttons on the mobile port, You can only see your X and Y coordinates.
Super Sonic would be nice, To motivate you to get the time stones.
Sure, It's not in the story cause Time Stones don't have the same power as Emeralds, But maybe you could make a new Super form type for this port? I was thinking Time Sonic where you could time travel without
Having to touch a sign. Anyway, At least normal Supersonic? Please? It's pretty obvious you guys aren't gonna even read this cause after all, This IS another one of those crappy SEGA forever games. The game is good, But did I mention sega forever BROKE Sonic 1 and 2?! I have a screenshot if you want, But there's ads covering the screen now in the middle of gameplay. Stupid sonic forces ads with some other crap there just so you can have all your greedy money. :(

by LilOrangeFella

This game is great, with large, expansive levels and unique gimmicks like the time traveling changing the level design and music. The addition of Tails being playable is great, and the bonus content is nice too. But there’s some bugs that have shown up since these games became free to play with ads. Sometimes, after an ad finishes and you close it, the game gets weirdly stretched and cropped, so it’s nearly impossible to play. Also, sometimes the music and all but a few sound effects get completely muted, which is a shame since this game has an amazing soundtrack. The screen cropping issue also happens in the Sonic 1 and 2 remakes too. If you fix these bugs this review would easily go up to 5 stars. Also release the Sonic 1 and 2 remakes on consoles and Steam please.

by WhatamIfightingfor

What a good majority of these kids don’t realize that this game was originally released on the sega cd back in 1993 which is where this remake originated from. And to answer a few questions: 1: To get tails beat the game for the first time and then start a new game as him ( He does not have cutscenes like sonic does and his ending does not change). 2: They won’t remove the metal sonic fight or add new zones because the creators of this remake want it to be as close to the original game as possible 3: To unlock all the secrets like D.A. Garden and etc go look at a different review also from what I know I think you will need to be signed into Game Center to get those secrets. And yes I understand the concerns with the ads but that does not apply to my because I just don’t lets ads ruin my experience with the game. Also don’t listen to some of the 1 star reviews if you want because a good majority of them are just 9 year olds saying and I quote “WoRsT SoNIc GAme EVAR” And yes that is how they spell ever. And I should have said this earlier but Tails is free of charge you don’t have to pay to unlock him. Also if you like the game have fun then.

by ChangeableAoa9

This game is great, I’m glad they brought it back, (although we are still waiting for a certain game *cough* 3 and K) it does however have some issues. Like the previous review, you do not get a level select after beating the game, however the original level select is still available through time attack, as is debug which doesn’t work at all, sound test, DA garden, and visual mode. In order to get those, you have to get certain times on time attack and special stage time attack. The ads are not an issue for me, because if you are able to turn a vpn on your phone or iPad then it blocks all the ads in the game except for those from Sega. If they are going to add tails to this game, then they might as well add knuckles. So basically what I’m saying is if you make debug mode work and minimize the ads a little you will have five stars from me. Also maybe add super sonic to give a little motivation for getting the time stones BESIDES the good future.

by Tjgoodrich2693

This is one of my favorite games of all time and it’s awesome to be able to have it on my phone. Although since this game was originally updated for the iPhone X it has been full of problems. Yes, there was a patch recently to fix the game so it’s actually playable, but there’s still 2 minor problems with the game.

1: At the title screen there’s a white square area to the right of sonic. And when you start the game it turns black. I wish the title screen wasn’t buggy like that, it seems like a simple fix.

2: When 2 or more sound effects play at once the sound becomes very distorted. For example, when jumping through the level complete sign, both sounds (the sign and jump sound) play at their max volume and the sound clips very badly.

And sure, these are minor issues, but the game was practically perfect before the iPhone X release. Effort was put into the game supporting ads in its main menu, but the overall quality of the game was decreased. I hope this game can be completely fixed, as it is awesome otherwise. Thank you SEGA, and please fix these minor issues!

by Thegamebreaker4

Sonic cd is a great game that is still cherished till this day. since 1993 to 2022, something about this game is so special to me. The first zone is so good, even at the start it was so appealing to me. The devs do NOT play with the music. Each song is an absolute banger to listen to in the Japanese version. The American version sounds pretty disorienting. The only music that sounds good in the US version is the special stages and the opening cutscene which actually has lyrics! However the special stages and the opening cutscene sound even better in the JP version. That’s enough about music, now next. the worst part. SOME BOSSES ARE LITERALLY A COMPLETE JOKE THAT REQUIRES NO SKILL,FOR REAL. and why is the final boss FOUR HITS? the only boss that’s good in this game is the metal sonic fight in stardust speedway. But the special stages are 3D and I love 3D special stages! I mean there’s nothing wrong with that, heh right? ok. With a few shortcomings, its by far one of the best sonic games ever

by Chungly Brungo

Sonic CD wasn’t originally much special, especially considering the fact that S3K exists. However, its new mobility along with short length has led me to replaying over and over. I don’t even know how many times I’ve replayed this game. I don’t know what draws me to keep on doing it, but it just happens. This is probably one of the best mobile games ever, and left an impact unlike those boring endless games featuring nothing but solid colors, basic geometry, and gameplay that will have you hooked for ~5 minutes tops. Sonic CD is more than that. It’s endless not because of a genre, but because you’ll find yourself constantly playing it. Honestly, the original game isn’t even that special, it’s the device of which it was ported to that makes it the most substantial experience you can get on a mobile device.

by Skyler915

I really think you guys did a good job with the 3 first classics (even though we’re waiting on the definitive way to play Sonic 3) and when I first got this port (2018 aka when I knew what sonic was, and when I was 6) these things got me excited like sonic and tails fall sprite, the peel out, but now I just agree with another review: WHERE IS MAJIN SONIC AND FUN IS INFINITE?!?!?!??!? (anyway) what also got me excited was years later I found out about the “I’m outta here” easter egg and tho there ads but they don't bother me (not a lot like people say) and tho my fav is S3 this would be my second fav. Keep up the good work. Now to things I don’t like (warning they may sound silly the way im saying it): THE FIRST BOSS IS TOO EASY AND THEN THE DEBUG MODE DOESN’T WORK!! MAKE IT WHERE TOU TAP THE TIME, SCORE, AND RINGS SPOT LIKE THE FIRST 2 PORTS. I dont have anything else to say so see ya!

OH YEA THE MUSIC IS BANGING- wait what is happening? Who is that grey fox? And why does sonic have blood from his eyes and why is his pupils red? Wait there coming closer what what what? Father wake up mother- did I hear the tv fall?- wait they can’t climb out right? OH GEEZ THERE IN MY HOUSE WAIT IM SMOKING WAT STOP OW OW WAIT I SEE HUGGY WAIT NO STOP GET AWAY NO

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

by Bbsmith119

Man, this game is great. I’ve beaten it with Sonic and Tails, both with all good futures and time stones. I’ve gotten all the secrets (Tails, D.A. Garden, Stage Select, Sound Test, and Visual Mode) and beaten the game with the two characters you can play as (Good Ending and Bad Ending for both Sonic and Tails). I’ve found the secret statue in Wacky Workbench Act 1 Past (Haven’t done the bad future one yet). I don’t have the achievement thing, though. It just says “Unable To Connect”. Can you help me? Otherwise, this is the best! Edit: I have encountered a glitch. I was listening to the American soundtrack, and I was playing as Sonic. I had all the time stones, and I went into the past of Metallic Madness Act 2. After completing that, I went into Act 3, the final act of the game. But something odd happened. It said I had made a good future in act 2 (keep in mind I had all the time stones which makes a good future in every level), but in act 3, it was a bad future. After defeating the final boss, I got the good ending. It isn’t game breaking, but it’s weird.

by SwimmerZ6

First of all this review is really short second I really like this game. That’s why I gave it a five star rating and last how do you access debug mode I’m watching a tutorial but I can’t really understand it. Oh, do you also remember that secret final boss you removed from the 2011 remake can you just add that? Also, I feel like it would be a good idea for instead of having to collect all the time stones maybe after you defeat, the egg spinner, I think that’s what it’s called that final boss you removed and hopefully will just add again we just appear out of nowhere and like people get so surprised. Also, I’ve beaten the game as both sonic and tails I haven’t collected any of the time stones but how come I have not unlocked the the four secret things in the extras area of the main menu. OK it might’ve not been that short.

by RunRunRun150

Ok, I literally just got this game and it’s amazing. I discovered the “Im outta here!” Thing and I completely flipped out. I’m only on collision chaos right now where (SPOILER ALERT) Amy gets stolen by Metal Sonic. This game is awesome. One question: WHERE IN THE FLIPPIN HECK IS FUN IS INFINITE?!? I LOVE THAT EASTER EGG!!!! Please add it ASAP! (Although don’t scare me with it randomly when im peacefully playing the game) Alright. That’s all. I’m outta here! - RunRunRun150 P.S: Sonic has an unused sneezing sense that SEGA forgot about! Edit: So I was playing as tails getting all of the time stones until soon when I got one, I went to my save files and I saw that it said I was missing one. I don’t know if this is a glitch or part of the game, but I’d like a chance to get the time stone im missing. Also, we are waiting for a certain game known as Sonic 3 and K N U C K L E S. So GET TO WORK SEGA MAKE A MOBILE PORT OF SONIC 3 AND K N U C K L E S!!!! I’m (actually) outta here! - RunRunRun15

Edit 2: WHAT IN THE KENTUCKY FRIED WORLD?! SONIC AND TAILS HAS A FALL SPRITE?! I was on that second ramp on palmtree panic (sorry I like doing replays I actually completed the game sense I have tails) And I accidentally went back down the ramp without going on that one barrier on it and saw Sonic FALLING WITH HIS OWN FALLING SPRITE?!? That is crazy!! Keep up the good work Sega!

by Dannydomo2004

I had played Sonic CD on the Xbox 360 and iOS on my iPad. It is a really fun game for any Sonic fans like me. I beat the whole game on the Xbox 360 version with all 12 achievements and 200G total. The game seems to look hard at first, but the game length for completing the game at any percentages isn’t that hard at all, it is almost the same time length as Sonic the Hedgehog 1 for Sega Genesis. The game also feels like Sonic Mania as well, but slightly hardcore. The soundtracks for Sonic CD are really cool. The best part about playing Sonic CD are the Cutscenes that you see in the beginning and the end of the game with any endings, and you play as Tails when you beat the game, but there’s really nothing special when you’re playing as Tails in Sonic CD.

by Angel Cova

I like sonic cd and it definitely deserves to be in sonic jam,sonic mega collection and mega collection plus. my only problem with it is the bees before the final boss of the game.
If the spikes didn’t make you lose all your rings then the bees definitely did. Most of the times they spawn higher then you can jump and when you try to get them but missed it is guaranteed that you land directly on or next to its laser hitting or even killing you. Atleast with the spikes and the the bottom least put before that it can be done with decent movement and with the spikes less than average iq. I hope with sonic origins they nerf these bees so their max height is slightly below sonic’s max height and travels shorter distances