Sonic Mania Plus is the game that really cemented for me that I just don't like 2D Sonic games. It is so widely praised but I barely got through it, not because of difficulty but just because I wasn't having fun playing it. The music, however, is quite good. No argument there.
OST So Good! #18: Sonic Mania
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 On 02/24/2022 at 10:37 AM by The Last Ninja See More From This User » |
Switch/PS4/Xbone, 2017
Composer: Tee Lopes
While the Genesis Sonic games have great music, Sonic Mania somehow manages to outdo them. Tee Lopes (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite VG composers) takes the style and themes of the old games and breathes new life into them. The music has that Sonic flare, but then turns it up to 11. Most of the OST is very heavy dance and hip-hop styles, which results in some very vibrant, infectious, and fun themes. I love the variations of themes with the two acts as well, Act 1 usually being the basic theme, and then Act 2 being something more exciting or simply different, but always great.
Green Hill Zone Act 2
Act 2 of Green Hill Zone takes the beloved theme of this level and makes it even more awesome. It sounds more tropical than usual, which is fine with me—in fact, it sounds like something that would play at a beach party. It’s more enjoyable to listen to than the original version imo. Lopes does a great job of infusing the theme with life by using excellent instrumentation and sounds.
Chemical Plant Zone Act 2
Another great Act 2 theme. Everyone loves this song, but the second Act is, once again, more exciting than the original. The melody is traded between trumpets and organ, which works very well. There’s a lot going on in the background too—drums, techno sounds, and the trumpets are constantly echoing the action when they’re not playing the melody. The song never slows down, which makes the level really fun to play as well.
Studiopolis Zone Act 1
This is the best song in the game, hands down. It’s a huge fan favorite. The composition here is masterful, with a very heavy jazz style, but dance is infused in it too. The 56-second mark is when the song becomes unforgettable as the trumpets do a repeated succession that will make you want to dance. There’s a lot going on here—jazz piano, drums, those freakin’ trumpets, and the melody, but don’t forget all the stuff in the background too. Lopes somehow balances out everything to sound sensational. I never get tired of hearing this one.
Hard-Boiled Heavies Boss
This song is nuts. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I first played this. This song is pure adrenaline, infused with a very heavy dance style. Trumpets steal the show as they blast and move around constantly. There are some weird noises and voices in here, but they only help in making the song more exciting. The other boss themes are great too, but this one stands out the most to me.
Titanic Monarch Zone Act 1
I really like this song because it’s so different from the other themes. It sounds more grand, giving off the feeling of the last level (which it is, I think). It’s certainly slower than other themes, but it’s still exciting and moves at a good pace. Guitars crunch in the background as well as some kind of harpsichord, which is really cool. The song ramps up to a climax before looping. Once again, a strong composition where everything fits together very well.
Also check out: the Genesis Sonic OSTs
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