True Colors Soundtrack Review

Vocal tracks are nothing new to Sonic games. They've been around since the early 1990s since (to my knowledge) Sonic CD with popular numbers like Sonic Boom (from the USA version of Sonic CD), and Cosmic Eternity (from the Japanese version of Sonic CD). However, it seems that they've become more the norm with Sonic Adventure. Practically every Sonic game since then has seen it's share of lyrical tracks.

You know something else that isn't new? Sega's love for releasing compilation albums. I've lost count of how many of these have come out, let alone the ones that have specifically focused on everyone's favorite blue hedgehog. That's OK, because True Colors: The Best of Sonic the Hedgehog Part 2 (they really need to work on making shorter album titles) could very well be the best Sonic compilation album. At least until Sega finally decides to give Sonic a mammoth sized multi disc album release that the Phantasy Star Shinobi and Dayton games have seen. But until then, we'll just make do with True Colors, which is still a pretty sweet collection.

With so many vocal tracks on the numerous Sonic games, it can be hard to keep up with all of them, so True Colors is a welcome "greatest hits" compilation, and in my opinion, the best one yet. It spans numerous Sonic games, taking songs from some of the best (Sonic CD) and worst (Shadow the Hedgehog) titles. I think one thing most Sonic fans would agree with is that the music from the games has been overall solid throughout the hedgehog's history. 

I actually listened to this album far more times than I imagined I would. Among my favorite songs are Un-gravify, Dreams of an Absolution (both versions on this album rock) the aforementioned Cosmic Eternity, Waking Up, and E.G.G.M.A.N. Of the 18 tracks on this album, only two of them are non vocal; Sonic3 MegaD Mix, a sound effects style remix of Sonic 3, and the very awesome Theme of E-102y. There are a ton of other popular songs they could have used from Sonic Adventure in place of Theme of E-102y, (My Sweet Passion is also a part of this collection as is a remix of Open Your Heart) but I think they made the right choice. That track has always been one of the best Sonic tunes ever composed. 

Remember the Sonic the Hedgehog animated movie from the '90s? If so, sorry to trudge up bad memories, but a rather obscure, but fan favorite track made it's way to this album and it happens to be from that abomination of a movie. There were three things good about that flick; Sonic yelling "SHUT UP, TAILS!", the kickin' South Island track and the ending theme, Look-a-like. Regrettably, South Island is absent from this collection, but a short version of Look-a-like is here. To my knowledge, this is the first time Look-a-like has ever seen an album release. Pity the full version isn't here, but we'll take what we can get.

I really can't say there are any bad songs on this album, but there are some songs I'm in less favor of like Lazy Days and maybe the remix of Open Your Heart, but it's not like either of those songs make me cringe when I listen to them. Far from it. They just aren't my bag. Personally, I think this is the best collection of vocal Sonic tracks and maybe even the best compilation Sonic album. Recommended for any and all Sonic fans.

4.5/5

Full album info

OCR Turns 10

As of December 11, 2009, Overclocked Remix is now ten years old. As I've said in the past, I wasn't there in the beginning, but when I discovered the site, it became a companion for video game remixes. There's a lot of tallented peopled that have helped make OCR the site it has become and I honestly believe many of them could make music professionally someday if they choose to do so.

Happy 10 year anniversary OCR! Here's to another 10 years!

Arrrgggh, Not Again!!!

Built in 1957, the Laguna Seca is one of the most famous tracks in all of racing. It's also known for being that one level for some gamers and has once again become the bane of my existence.

The Laguna Seca has haunted me since Gran Turismo 2, both in license tests and in actual races. It was also a track I dreaded running my tires over in Gran Turismo 3. I started up Gran Turismo 4 over the weekend and guess what real life track has returned? The track has 11 turns, the most (in)famous being "the corkscrew." This blind turn has messed me up more times than I can count, even when I know it's coming. I must have done a license test the other day for over 20 minutes because of this stupid track. I can only imagine the horrors this track has caused actual racers in real life.

The above image gives you a better view of what the curve looks like. It may not look all that threatening and to those that haven't raced on it, well, ignorance is bliss.

It's been a while since this track has gotten me this worked up and since I just started GT4, I doubt this is the end of my frustration.

Best. Picture. Ever.

That is all.

The "Evolution" of Bad Mega Man Box Art

The American cover for the original Mega Man game has... shall we say, come along way. Many of us consider it the epitome of horrendous game box art, but it's grown to a so-bad-it's good status. In an unbelievable shout out, Capcom actually made the American box art for Mega Man 9 resemble that of the very first game. Heck, it even made it on t-shirts!

The upcoming Mega Man 10 looks to be repeating the trend and I must say, it looks even more bad-awesome. I especially like how they designed Proto Man. This game cannot get here soon enough!

Mega Man 10 is Coming

If I had taken off my headphones when this news first hit the net, I bet I could have heard countless Mega Man fans all over the world shouting "YES! YES! THANK YOU, GOD, YEEEEESSS!!!" Me, I'm as giddy as the anyone else, but not without some reservations. I'd like to be able to slide and charge this time around.

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays, everyone! Stay warm and safe. Just don't be a jerk like Sonic here.

The Greatest Sig Ever?

You Decide. Props to the creator.

IGN's Top 10 Mario Suits

One of the many awesome things about the Mario games over the years have been the various suits Mario gets to use. A tux? Old news. Real men roll out with green boots (Kuribo's Shoe), Raccoon Tail's, Frog Suit's Metal Caps, and Penguin gear. IGN has selectd ten of their favorite Mario suits. I may not agree with everything on the list, but it is a nice, interesting, brief read, nonetheless. You'll hear no complaints from me with their number one choice, though.

Another Freebie

Once again, I have received another free game from my friend and co-worker Anthony. The game comes in the form of the PS2 version of Resident Evil 4. I'm not exactly a stranger to the RE series. I owned the GameCube remake of the first RE years ago, but I never came close to finishing it (the control scheme was one of the things that drove me nuts) and I traded it in.

Now I'm not a huge fan of RE but since RE4 was given to me from a good buddy, I've decided to not only play this one through, I'm going to keep it in my collection. Thanks again, Anthony!