Sonic CD is basically a slightly enhanced version of the first Sonic game, which makes sense given when it was in development.

Being that the game was originally CD-based (duh), the music is of higher quality, and it’s a bit shorter than Sonic 1, but unfortunately, that’s where the improvements end. Everything that annoyed me about Sonic 1 (too much platforming, cheap enemy attacks and deaths, water levels, etc.) is present here, but layered on top is a time travel mechanic that doesn’t appear to do anything other than change the music and color scheme of the level.

I suppose I enjoyed this game more than Sonic 1, but just narrowly.

Reviewed on Jan 04, 2023


3 Comments


1 year ago

If I recall, time traveling to the past or future has different level design. I haven't played Sonic CD in years, so I could be wrong. However, I remember the level design being different when I traveled to the past and future.

1 year ago

ye the level designs become different and the past version of each level has a hidden machine to destroy. it's an alternate way to get the good ending instead of doing the special stages

1 year ago

It has different design.