The Blerd Blog

Introduction

Hey everybody, I hope you’re doing well! Welcome back to Video Game Vibes! For this installment, we’re talking about Sonic once again, and this time the game Sonic Colors, which released in 2010 as a Nintendo exclusive, both on the Wii and the DS. This game immediately followed Sonic Unleashed, and was built off the same style of gameplay, with 2D/3D hybrid levels.

The basic premise is that after years of trying to take over the world, Dr. Eggman has decided to make it up to Earth by opening an interstellar amusement park. Of course, no one’s buying this, especially Sonic and Tails, who head to space to investigate. They find out the mad doctor is actually using this park as a ruse, and his true plan is to kidnap and hoard the alien inhabitants known as Wisps, to use their power for his latest evil plans.

Sonic finds out he can use their power as well, in a partnership, to grant him extra abilities. Using these new skills, Sonic and Tails travel to each chained planet to free the Wisps and stop Eggman once again!

Setting Influences Music

One of the best parts of playing a video game is the ability to be immersed in its world, and that is done both through audio and visual elements. Of course, the visual element includes things like cutscenes and gameplay. The audio element includes things like sound design, and most important for this discussion, music.

Having an interstellar adventure gave the developers a chance to make extremely unique and fun locales, and they definitely delivered! Each level in Colors is super fun and energetic, and the music plays a big part of that.

I should mention before I get into this, that this game has levels with six acts, meaning six levels that make up a world. Basically, this means the first act is usually the full level, and the remaining five are bite-sized versions, both in gameplay and music. Because of this, I’ll be talking about the Act 1 tracks, but in the future I may get into the other levels music, because it’s still great – I just want you to experience the full tracks on first listen!

With that in mind, let’s get into some recommendations!

Recommendations

#1 – Reach for the Stars – Vocal Theme, by Cash Cash, Jean Paul Makhlouf, and Tomoya Ohtani

The main vocal theme for Colors isn’t done by series regulars Crush 40, but instead primarily by Cash Cash, and so it has a different vibe, but focuses on Sonic’s desire to keep moving forward and having new adventures! It’s a fun, energetic tune that also works as a great inspirational song if you’re down, much like Endless Possibilities from Unleashed, which I talked about in the last installment.

#2 – Tropical Resort Act 1 – by Tomoya Ohtani

The first level of the game starts you off in the resort of the park, with a fun and bouncy track that really makes you feel like you’re in space with the light chip sounds in the background (sorry I don’t know what the instrument is). A perfect way to start off the adventure!

#3 – Sweet Mountain Act 1 – by Kenichi Tokoi

This level takes place in a giant world made of food like dounts, burgers, and candy! This track gives off strong retro vibes, kind of like a surfer or 50’s vibe in my opinion. It’s a strange combination that works so well together, much like all the food on this planet 🙂

#4 – Starlight Carnival Act 1 – by Tomoya Ohtani

This level takes place at a huge interstellar carnival, with bright lights, music, balloons and fireworks, and this track definitely captures that vibe. It just feels like a huge parade is coming through, and the energy is so high! Especially the opening section before it really gets into it just hypes you up!

#4 – Planet Wisp Act 1 – by Kenichi Tokoi

This is the fan favorite level of the game (at least from what I’ve seen), and it’s the homeworld of the Wisps themselves. The track somehow feels fun but mysterious, and almost calming as well. This is their home, and it makes Eggman’s invasion feel even more obnoxious, as the music gives you a sense of how serene this planet is. Those opening piano keys are iconic at this point too!

#5 – Aquarium Park Act 1 – by Tomoya Ohtani

This level combines an underwater aesthetic with Japanese culture, creating a unique vision, and the music reflects that with a sort of submarine-like quality combined with a more fast-paced Japanese vibe. It’s another cool and unique combination!

#6 – Asteroid Coaster Act 1 – by Kenichi Tokoi

This level is really cool – a high-speed rollercoaster through an asteroid field, and the track feels appropriate. Very rock and roll centric, with a strong emphasis on guitar and drums. It also feels very similar in vibe to a lot of the tracks of the Adventure games, which I’ll get into in another installment…

#7 – Terminal Velocity Act 1 – by Kenicki Tokoi

This final level before the final boss sees Sonic have to do a mad-race to the finish, as the space station starts to break down. What’s cool about this track musically is that you can hear elements of all the other level themes in it, so can see if you can hear them all!

#8 – Vs. Nega-Wisp Armor, Phase 2 – by Tomoya Ohtani

This final boss theme, much like many Sonic games, remixes the main voal theme into an epic orchestral version, and this one is no exception with violins, percussion, trumpets, and even vocal elements. It’s an epic track for a big final battle against Eggman, using all the Wisps at once for help!

Conclusion

Sonic Colors has become a divisive game for the fanbase, with many enjoying its gameplay and creativity, but not enjoying its more “Saturday-morning cartoon” writing and dialogue. Mileage varies, but I grew up with this game, and I still really enjoy it. The gameplay is fun, the cheesy dialogue is kind of fun to me, and the music is fantastic, and this was just a sampling!

Let me know if you want me to talk more about this game, whether it’s the soundtrack or about gameplay, story, etc. Also, let me know what you thought of this post by commenting, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog, so you don’t miss future posts!

That’s all for this one guys, see you soon, and have a good one!