These Genesis Era Sonic Tracks will Give you Instant Nostalgia

Death Egg Zone (Act 1), Sonic 3 (& Knuckles)

When you think about the Sega Genesis, you likely think of a small blue hedgehog with the sweet red sneakers who was “way past cool,” and with good reason. Sonic and his companions were a video game staple in the 90’s and to this day serves as the mascot for Sega. Something that you might not give a lot of thought to, however, is the music. It’s got to be good to be looped nine or ten times in the span of ten minutes, right? But you were probably too busy screaming at Sonic because you couldn’t time that jump just right to make the spinning platform in Carnival Night Zone Act 2 to notice. (We don’t blame you. We got frustrated, too.)

Still, the music pushed the limits of the Sega Genesis sound chip in a way that the SNES wasn’t able to, and the franchise has a slew of memorable and timeless tunes to show for it. Below are the best tracks from the Genesis Era, in no particular order.

It’s a shame that much of this track is covered up by the whirs and beeps of the machines in this level, because it’s fantastic. It has a fast-paced industrial vibe that perfectly fits the urgency of stopping Doctor Robotnik from putting his evil plans into motion.

This post was originally written by Katrina Convey.

Aquatic Ruin Zone, Sonic 2

This track sounds exactly how you’d expect it to. It’s upbeat, mysterious, and has that nautical undertone that is somehow in every single water level in every game ever. Still, there’s something mystical about it that when you close your eyes you have the sudden urge to go all Indiana Jones and explore aquatic ruins.

Casino Night Zone, Sonic 2

The brassy melody and walking bass are a perfect combination to snap your fingers to (assuming you have a free hand whilst traversing various brightly lit slot machines and flinging Sonic from one end of the screen to the other via pinball flippers). There’s a swanky jazz feel to the track that just screams VEGAS BABY! Okay, not literally, but you get the idea.

Ice Cap Zone (Act 1), Sonic 3 (& Knuckles)

This bass heavy track is a fan favorite (possibly because of the association it and a couple of other tracks from this game have to Michael Jackson). There are a few light chimes in the loop that mesh nicely with the icy theme in this level, and if you’re playing as Sonic, you get that sweet snowboarding sequence at the beginning.

Marble Zone, Sonic 1

https://youtu.be/TdrQp2hA6NI

The melody in this track is just fun, not to mention that the game gives you plenty of time to enjoy it because for a hedgehog that’s “gotta go fast,” this level moves so slow.

Anyway, the bass line is simple but constantly moving, and the background trills do a great job of adding a sense of wonder to the overall feel. You know, as well as you can add a sense of wonder to a 90’s sound chip.

Green Hill Zone, Sonic 1

https://youtu.be/y-78CMKME4o

If you’ve ever played a Sonic game in your entire life, you probably know this track. It’s gotten some upgrades over the years, but it’s still the loveable, classic beginning of all things Sonic video games. It’s cheerful, and there’s no real sense of urgency yet. You’re just discovering that things aren’t quite right, and then whoa! Boss time! Suddenly it’s not so happy-go-lucky and flowery, and you’re on your way to save the world.

Star Light Zone, Sonic 1

So, the track itself is pretty light-hearted, if not even a bit sweet with the poppy, high chimes in the melody. It kind of reminds us of something that would play during a night on the town sequence in a cheesy chick flick. Looking at it that way, the urban, run down city vibe of the overall level aesthetic makes more sense.

Sandopolis Zone (Act 2), Sonic & Knuckles

This is the only Act 2 track that made it onto this list, and with a good reason. We all know that the first act music is supposed to hook you into the level and set the overall tone, but this act does it slightly better with the darker undertones in the melody that gives it an almost foreboding feel, which is rather fitting since you’re trapped in a pyramid with ghosts that get larger the longer you leave the lights off.

Endless Mine (Competitive Stage), Sonic 3

How many of you remembered there was a Competition mode in Sonic 3? Be honest. These were five stages that didn’t appear anywhere else in the game and had their own unique tracks and feels to them. Endless Mine, for those who played the previous installment of the Sonic, has a reminiscent feeling towards Mystic Cave Zone.

The track itself, however, flows nicely and is even a little eerie with the slight echo in the melody, which we suppose is a good thing since you’re running through an abandoned gold mine.

Lava Powerhouse, Sonic Spinball

You didn’t think we would forget this gem of a game, did you? And yes, there were more levels than the first one.

The whole soundtrack to this title is phenomenal, but Lava Powerhouse really forced the Genesis’s sound chip to work for it. The rattling sound (which sounds kind of like the Twist it sound effect on a Bop It), the muffled bassline, and electric twangs bring this track to life amidst the lava and impending doom.

Hidden Palace Zone, Sonic 2

This track has a whole different feel to it. There’s no urgency, and it’s more dramatic and tension-inducing than anything. It has its own magical waltz feel with its three-beat tempo and synchronized chords. It almost sounds out of place with the rest of the game, but we appreciate the change of pace now and then.

Launch Base Zone (Act 1), Sonic 3 (& Knuckles)

If you don’t groove to this track while you’re playing, you’re a liar and you should feel bad. The music chants “Go!” as you traverse through the gold and purple buildings and teleporters, and cheers you on during your final stretch as you go on one last hunt for the evil Doctor Robotnik. The bassline is rhythmic, and the horns blare triumphantly. Go you! Kick some robot ass!