The Hill Is Always Greener: Recent Episodes

Sonic F

A show where four friends have chill discussions about Sonic the Hedgehog to distract themselves from the inevitable passage of time and their own rapidly waning ability to relate to the youth.

It's no secret that we're big fans of everything Eggman on this show, but any great leader requires a loyal number two (or three, or four, or five) at his side, and we all know the doctor does his best work when he's got a couple of loyal(-ish) minions to play off of. So today we're joined by Paddy of the Sonic Shorts as we look back at the history of the good doctor's sidekicks and rank them to see which toady takes the top tier. From Badniks to backstabbers, cronies to confidants, doppelgängers to dumbbots to daughters, over 20 of Robotnik's right hands are run through the wringer as we settle on the S-tier stooges once and for all.

(0:00:00) Intro/Paddy's history with Sonic
(0:03:44) Main topic: Ranking of sidekicks and henchbots
(0:07:42) Metal Sonic
(0:10:52) Grimer
(0:16:51) Scratch and Grounder
(0:22:03) Coconuts
(0:26:20) Crabmeat
(0:30:13) Cluck
(0:34:42) Snively
(0:45:30) Eggor
(0:51:15) Commander Brutus
(0:57:16) Front and Center
(1:03:02) Sleet and Dingo
(1:10:35) Decoe and Bocoe
(1:20:09) Bokkun
(1:29:03) Mecha "M" Robotnik
(1:35:34) SA-55
(1:41:54) Orbot and Cubot
(1:55:22) Infinite
(2:05:30) Dr. Starline
(2:17:34) Agent Stone
(2:24:13) Sage
(2:38:05) Rearrangement and honorable mentions
(2:47:03) Outro

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⁨Paddy_RL⁩ on YouTube

We are vengeance. We are the night. We are...here to discuss the DC X Sonic the Hedgehog comic series in this latest episode! It's hard not to be cynical seeing two disparate IPs slammed together for maximum brand synergy, but when the meeting of the Justice League and the Sonic Heroes is this charming, it's hard not to find yourself smiling at every page. Can these new super friends put a stop to the evil Darkseid's ambitions? How many headcanon voices for these characters can we name in a single episode? And seriously, why isn't Superman flying around in nothing but gloves and shoes?

(0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: DC X Sonic the Hedgehog
(0:13:15) Part 1
(0:42:22) Part 2
(0:55:43) Part 3
(1:20:45) Part 4
(1:38:11) Part 5
(1:48:43) Final thoughts (and some Metal Legion talk)
(1:58:31) Outro

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Happy Batman Day!

Sonic Central - September 24th, 2024

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog - Chaos Crisis | DC

Spin dash for initiative! It's time to explore the world of the Sonic the Hedgehog Adventure Gamebooks, a set of UK-exclusive stories that bring Sonic's escapades to the world of pen and paper role-playing games. But this is no ordinary retrospective, far from it. Instead, we're actually going to let you live the experience with a live playthrough of the third book, Sonic vs Zonik! The cool blue one's reputation is being soiled by yet another evil doppelgänger, and it's going to take all his speed, quick wits, good looks, and other assorted stats to stop this faker's malevolent mischief...not to mention a few lucky rolls of the dice!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: Sonic Adventure Gamebooks
(0:09:34) Sonic vs. Zonik
(0:14:22) Choosing Sonic's stats
(0:23:44) Green Hill Zone
(0:41:19) Chemical Plant Zone
(1:01:07) Aquatic Ruin Zone
(1:16:45) Casino Night Zone
(1:35:26) Hill Top Zone
(1:37:40) Mystic Cave Zone
(1:43:44) Metropolis Zone
(2:11:33) Sky Chase Zone
(2:19:49) Final thoughts
(2:25:22) Outro

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Sonic Gamebook Origins by ThePowerPlayer

Time for a new episode, Super Sonic style! Stuart Gipp of Retronauts joins us for a discussion about Super forms! This golden godlike state has become a lasting part of the Sonic series' identity. So to celebrate that, we're taking a look at the many super forms featured in the series, from their obvious influence to their many adaptations, along with some other super-ish transformations seen over the years. But be careful, because this episode will only last for as long as you have rings to spare!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Super forms
(0:08:56) Super Sonic
(0:30:39)Other characters' super forms
(0:48:02) Comic super forms (mostly STC)
(1:22:39) Super-adjacent forms
(1:43:30) Who deserves a new super form?
(1:49:20) Jake's take
(1:54:45) Outro

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Merry Hell

Raining Blood - Slayer | Sega Mega Drive Soundfont / Sega Genesis Soundfont

Retronauts Episode 524: Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Part 1

ThanksKenPenders

The plot thickens! As a follow up to our big episode on the Chaotix Casefiles, we're stealing a quick peek at the Chaotix 30th Anniversary Special from IDW! Our favorite detectives take a look back at one of their earliest cases, as a malevolent masked miscreant menaces the Mythsonian Museum! Just who is the phantom thief Enigma? And is there perhaps an even deeper mystery behind the mystery? It’s a riveting story that begs to be told... whether Amy Rose wants it to be or not.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Chaotix 30th Anniversary Special
(0:12:50) Recap
(0:21:22) Vector flashback
(0:32:50) Espio flashback
(0:44:02) Charmy flashback
(0:56:09) Enigma flashback
(1:06:55) Final thoughts
(1:17:48) Outro

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Special appearance by Redasatomato as Megani

Tooth and nail, we've brought it. No stealth, no sting, but all style. This week, we're going full meta and podcasting about a podcast as we break down every episode of The Chaotix Casefiles! Vector, Espio, and Charmy have gotten caught up in the biggest case of their career, one full of old faces, new surprises, and a culprit reveal that genuinely made us go "...wait, really?!" So give us your listen, cause you wouldn't want to miss when THIAG is on the case!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: The Chaotix Casefiles
(0:13:30) Prologue: Chaotix Are on the Case!
(0:30:14) Episode 1: The Case of the Two-Faced Thief
(0:47:22) Episode 2: The Case of the High-Stakes Heist
(1:02:37) Episode 3: The Case of Malicious Museum Misdirection
(1:18:31) Episode 4: Assault on G.U.N. Base X
(1:30:35) Episode 5: The Case of the Catastrophic Copter Crash
(1:48:57) Episode 6: The Case of the Solitary Sage Siege
(1:55:48) Episode 7: The Case of the Red Specter (Part 1)
(2:10:14) Episode 8: The Case of the Red Specter (Part 2)
(2:27:44) Final thoughts
(2:39:24) Outro

Guest edited by Melanie

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The Chaotix Casefiles (complete playlist)

"Chaotix Are On the Case"

"Chaotix Are On the Case" (Original Demo)

Episode 7 fan animatic

The Wait is Over! To celebrate its 20th anniversary, we're taking a look back at Project Chaos, the much beloved fan album released by OCRemix. The brainchild of a whole orchestra of talented artists, the album reimagines the Sonic 3 & Knuckles soundtrack in a whole host of genres and styles, with plenty of surprises hiding just Beneath the Ashes. It's a Breathtaking Vision of Sonic's musical oeuvre as interpreted by some of his biggest fans, so what are you waiting for? Walk on Water over here and hit that download button with your Malicious Fingers, because you're caught in a relapse now!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Project Chaos
(0:23:10) SnappleMan - Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles (Title)
(0:24:52) KungFuChicken! - The Wait is Over! (Data Select)
(0:27:22) Rexy - Divided from Grace (Angel Island)
(0:33:01) Danny Baranowsky - Caution-Echidnas May Eat Your Brain (S3 Boss 1)
(0:35:40) Housethegrate - Walk on Water (Hydrocity)
(0:42:17) Danny Baranowsky - Knuckleduster (Marble Garden)
(0:48:37) Hadyn - Three Ring Nightfall (Carnival Night)
(0:53:33) Hetcenus - That Freezing Feeling (IceCap)
(0:59:21) Gecko Yamori - Elevator Music (Launch Base)
(1:03:15) GaMeBoX - Robotnik Radio (S&K Boss 1)
(1:07:15) GaMeBoX - iMushroom (Mushroom Hill)
(1:13:23) SnappleMan - Dead Batteries (Flying Battery)
(1:18:43) BrainCells - Live at the Sandopolis (Sandopolis)
(1:22:20) Rexy, Hetcenus - Beneath the Ashes (Lava Reef)
(1:27:33) Kanjika - The Secluded Stronghold (Hidden Palace)
(1:33:07) Kanjika - Breathtaking Vision (Sky Sanctuary)
(1:37:03) BrainCells, SnappleMan - Scrambled Eggman (Boss)
(1:40:28) Joker - Before the Storm (Death Egg)
(1:43:59) SnappleMan - Malicious Fingers (Final Boss)
(1:49:02) SnappleMan, Ashane, norg - The Doomsday (Doomsday Zone)
(1:53:27) Red Tailed Fox - So Long and Thanks for All the... (S3 Credits)
(1:58:21) Final thoughts
(2:04:03) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Project Chaos album download

Project Chaos YouTube playlist (does not include Disc 3)

Knuckleduster - Animatic

Team Teamwork - Vinyl Fantasy 7 〜 M.O.P. - Ante Up (Battle!)

ReMix: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest "Re-Skewed"

Project Chaos Music Mod for Sonic 3 A.I.R.

Rudy Ayoub - Habibi Metal

ZREO: Second Quest

Rise and shine, everyone! It's time to start the day off right with a balanced breakfast, and this one's got a little bit of everything! Hot button news stories, morning routines, classic animation, puppet shenanigans, live journalism, and so much more, all with the help of countless friends along the way. It's a smorgasbord of delights that Zigs and Zags every which way, so pull up a chair, pour yourself a bowl and enjoy a Big Breakfast with us here in the THIAG shack!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Gotta Break Fast!
(0:02:28) Waking Up
(0:12:04) South Island News
(0:14:19) Breaking It Down
(0:23:14) Special Interview
(0:30:37) Morning Quickness
(0:49:38) Special Field Segment
(0:57:08) Tabloid Jargon
(1:05:44) It's Cartoon Time!
(1:13:10) Brekkie Recollections
(1:29:07) South Island News
(1:31:21) Cereal Numbers
(1:40:37) Up in the Bedroom with Mon and Vex
(1:50:19) Elevenses
(2:08:28) Outro

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Featuring AE Double, KaiserNeko, YamatoSFX, MysticPyroFreak, MasakoX, Chris McFeely, Abby Denton, Dave Bulmer, Prismaeya, JezMM, LittleKuriboh, Akaru, Green Bones Dommy, TheWax, Boomba

Cross the worlds, go! Racing game connoisseur Lythero joins us to talk about the blue hedgehog's latest kart racer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! And travel rings are scattered all over the track, sending us from topic to topic in no time flat, including controller-breaking S ranks, SpongeBob season 7, the Vyse shaped hole in our hearts, Redline still being a damn good movie, and what we wouldn't give to delete that damn theme song from existence...UGH, it's in my head again, make it stop!

(0:00:00) Intro/Lee's history with Sonic
(0:06:55) That freaking song
(0:08:48) The promo animation
(0:10:26) Main topic: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
(0:13:50) Ticket economy
(0:22:35) Is this the best Sonic racing game?
(0:25:08) Characters
(0:29:45) Soundtrack
(0:32:25) The weird DLC choices
(0:44:50) Extreme gear
(0:48:55) Content rollout
(0:56:00) Single player
(0:59:15) Tracks
(1:15:59) Gadgets
(1:21:37) AI and difficulty
(1:24:21) More DLC talk
(1:28:23) Final thoughts (and gripes)
(1:36:20) Speculation
(1:45:44) Outro
(1:56:11) ???

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - The Animation

Marvel Rivals Shenanigans

Once upon a time, there were four podcasters who desperately sought to recapture their youth. Since they had done so previously through reading old children's storybooks based on classic video games, they decided to do so again with some even older works of literature on this episode of The Book Is Always Goldener. They learned of plumbers and turtles and adventurers and pig wizards, many tales of which were recounted to them by voices from their youth, now seen in a whole new light. They savored every moment, eager to share these books with their many listeners. But wait! This is no book... THIS IS A BOMB!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: More Golden Books!
(0:03:00) Super Mario Bros.: Trapped in the Perilous Pit
(0:28:15) Super Mario Bros. 3: The Secret Bridge
(0:46:13)Super Mario Bros. 3: Happy Birthday. Princess Toadstool
(0:47:16) The Legend of Zelda: Molblin's Magic Spear
(1:08:09) Final thoughts
(1:10:57) Outro

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Interview with Jack C. Harris

Mario Reads a Story

Molblin's Magic Spear DS

It's episode 101, so no big surprise what today's format is: Newbie Education 101 is back! We're joined on the podcast by Carriecore, a Sonic fan who's...never played a Sonic game?! We talk anime, movies, OCs, and more as we once again attempt to dissect what makes the little blue guy and his entourage so lovable. (Except Knuckles. We all know what his deal is.)

(0:00:00) Intro/Carrie's history with Sonic
(0:06:17) Are there any Sonic OCs you'd like to share?
(0:20:48) What makes Sonic Adventure 2 such a beloved entry in the series?
(0:30:00) Minigame: E.G.G. Station
(0:50:07) What are your thoughts on the Sonic movies and predictions for Sonic 4?
(0:59:04) Minigame: I've Come to Make an Announcement!
(1:06:43) Which character would you most want to see get a spinoff game?
(1:19:07) Minigame: Know More Music
(1:13:09) Bonus: Memories of Ultimate Flash Sonic
(1:36:43) Outro

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Wow. Episode 100. What a genuinely impressive and momentous occasion, one that we certainly aren't taking lightly. So to celebrate this incredible milestone, we've decided to take things back to where they all began... No, not Sonic 1, we obviously did that already. No, we're taking things back to where WE all began. Before the podcast, before Sonic F, there were the Sonic Shorts collabs. A passion project helmed by animators on Newgrounds and YouTube, all of whom shared a love for that speedy little spike ball and a desire to share that love with the world (by making him run fast and crash into things). That's why we're looking back at the entire nearly 20 year history of Sonic Shorts with Sonic Paradox cofounders The Wax and Boozerman. We're not stopping there, though, not by a long shot. You'll also get to hear from many of the same artists and voices who have been part of the series, some dating back to the very first volume, to talk about their own history with SP and the shorts. It's a love letter to the project that brought us all together, one we couldn't be prouder to have been a part of, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the big one-double-zero. Thanks for joining us for the last 100 episodes. Here's to 100 more.

(0:01:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Shorts
(0:06:57) Interview: Ter0nik
(0:10:58) Sonic (Paradox) origins
(0:17:02) Volume 1
(0:19:29) Interview: RGX
(0:26:37) Volume 1 continued
(0:30:51) Volume 2
(0:42:26) Volume 3
(0:478:26) Interview: Mahamarr (Gust198)
(0:57:40) Volume 3 continued
(0:59:36) Interview: Lythero (Link3Kokiri)
(1:07:46) Volume 3 continued
(1:13:36) Volume 4
(1:14:30) Interview: Cacti
(1:21:59) Volume 4 continued
(1:27:51) Volume 5
(1:28:58) Interview: Paddy (AtomicBottle)
(1:35:51) Volume 5 continued
(1:37:57) Interview: Mystic Pyro Freak
(1:42:56) Volume 5 continued
(1:47:36) Knuckles Briefs
(1:51:05) George (Bit-Master)
(2:02:39) Knuckles Briefs continued
(2:04:30) Sonic Shits
(2:10:13) Volume 6
(2:18:14) Volume 7
(2:23:00) Sonic Heroes musicals
(2:24:05) Interview: RecD
(2:35:35) Sonic Heroes continued
(2:36:18) Sonic Shits 2
(2:38:33) Volume 8
(2:43:07) Interview: KaDoYuu
(2:52:09) Volume 8 continued
(2:53:15) Interview: Hieifireshadow
(3:04:26) Volume 8 continued
(3:09:20) Graphicn8 (Surging PNSK)
(3:11:43) Volume 8 continued
(3:12:17) Meetup, hiatus, and HD volumes
(3:17:51) Vector's Knickers
(3:25:06) Volume 9
(3:33:08) Volume 10
(3:39:30) Final thoughts (including what's next)
(3:47:55) Outro

Featuring The Wax, Boozerman, Ter0nik, RGX, Mahamarr, Lythero, Cacti, Paddy, Mystic Pyro Freak, Bit-Master, RecD, KaDoYuu, Hieifireshadow, and Graphicn8

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic Paradox on YouTube

Sonic Shorts playlist

Sonic Heroes: The Musical

Sonic Legacy

Episode 100 is a BIG one, so it's going to need a little more time in the oven. In the meantime, enjoy the song and we'll see you in two weeks!

How dare you try to infiltrate our podcast in hopes you may steal our precious episodes? Prismaeya is back to join us on a deep dive about the red-dreaded one we all love (some more than others), Knuckles! While Rad Red has had a remarkably consistent characterization across his various portrayals (with some notable exceptions), his role itself has shifted dramatically over the years. From the original rival to roster filler, from hothead to meathead, from stoic loner to Christ allegory, this echidna has seen and done it all, but which ones feel the most true to the guy who's rougher than the rest of them? Let's discuss and find out!

0:00:00 Intro
0:06:16 Main topic: who is Knuckles?
0:10:39 Sonic's friendly nemesis
0:19:08 Is he actually that gullible?
0:28:00 Sidelined and dumbed down?
0:43:34 Connections to his people (and a long Archie diatribe)
0:59:50 Various cartoon portrayals
1:03:14 The voices
1:17:25 Let's talk about Sonic Boom
1:27:45 Knuckles' future
1:37:20 Love interests
1:45:38 Final thoughts
1:56:00 Outro

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We're once again turning the pages of Sonic the Comic, this time with the arc that introduced everyone's favorite frenemy, Knuckles! In an adaptation of Sonic 3, the red-dreaded one gets bamboozled by the big egg himself into aiding in his sinister schemes! Can Sonic and Tails hold off this newcomer long enough to successfully capture Robotnik? And if so, will that victory come at a much greater cost?

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: STC's Sonic 3 adaptation
(0:09:59) The typical STC disclaimer
(0:16:56) Knuckles: Guardian of the Chaos Emeralds
(0:32:04) Enter Knuckles, Part 1
(0:44:59) Enter Knuckles, Part 2
(0:52:21) Power of the Chaos Emeralds, Part 1
(1:04:10) Power of the Chaos Emeralds, Part 2
(1:14:26) Robotnik's Revenge, Part 1
(1:20:53) Robotnik's Revenge, Part 2
(1:30:18) Final thoughts
(1:35:34) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

A new year means new reasons to look backwards on The Hill Is Always Greener, and we can't think of a better one than to see where it all began for the silliest of Sonic cartoons! That's right, we're taking it back to the Fall of '93 to discuss the origins of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog! But we're not just talking about the first episode, "Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad", recounting the birth of our beloved dumb-bots. No, we're also taking a look at the workprint of the original unaired pilot used to sell the show to advertisers! So join us as we see what changed, what stayed the same, and why we still get a good laugh from this show every single time.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: The beginnings of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
(0:10:53) The pilot
(0:42:11) Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad
(1:33:57) Final thoughts
(1:45:12) Outro

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Pilot

Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad

With 2025 coming to a close, it's important that we end the year on the right note. And by that, we mean an absolutely bonkers game show that quickly descends into madness. Returning guest Prismaeya and Sonic F cast members Kage-Ichihashi and Mystic Pyro Freak are paired up with our hosts in a three-way battle royale to determine the top trivia team. Will speed, fly, or power win out in the end? What kind of devious questions does Faulerro have up his sleeve? And how badly are we going to have to sandbag CyberLink to keep him from running away with the whole thing?

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Mobius Strip Game
(0:07:10) Hog Quiz
(0:19:56) Fast Four Words
(0:31:26) Rise of Lyrics
(0:47:33) What's the Verdict: Sonic Edition
(1:00:55) Blue Lightning Round
(1:09:14) Sonic Survey Says
(2:43:08) Results/Outro

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December is here again, and what better way to get into the spirit of the season than with the most unhinged variety show this side of a galaxy far, far away? That’s right, it’s two hours of holiday hijinks and festive foolishness, filled with crackers, carols, and cold reads aplenty. So grab yourself a nice cup of cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy...whatever the hell this is.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: THIAG Christmas party
(0:11:22) Chaotic Crackers
(0:23:32) Do You Recall the Most Famous Hedgehog of All?
(0:33:13) Wreck the Halls
(0:48:56) Sonic’s Secret Santa
(1:33:41) Sonic Ride Festivity
(1:54:55) Final thoughts
(1:57:03) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sage meets her oshi Miku

We've all asked that question: When is Sega going to remake Sonic's first big 3D outing? And we all know the answer: Probably never. But what if the possibility existed beyond the realm of fantasy? And...what if they asked the four least qualified people in the world to call the shots? That’s right, this episode, we're talking about all the things we'd like to see in a hypothetical remake of Sonic Adventure, one which we've dubbed "Sonic Adventure Kiwami!" (Note: Kiwami means extreme.) From gameplay adjustments to presentational upgrades, new stories and cameos galore, we've opened our hearts to the many possibilities, and nothing is off the table...for better or for worse.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Adventure Kiwami
(0:07:18) Gameplay
(1:25:41) Story
(1:37:34) Voice acting
(2:01:29) Graphics
(2:09:45) Music
(2:48:00) Unrealistic pie-in-the-sky hopes
(2:59:35) Final thoughts
(3:01:40) Outro

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Alphanumeric! We're back to the Martin Adams series to check out Sonic and the Silicon Warriors! Robotnik has abducted the Mobian population, and Tails has found himself trapped in a world inside the computer where man has never been! Now it's up to Sonic and his new friend Iggy to bring them back while fending off robots, security programs, and every (lawyer friendly) cameo under the sun! Can our hedgehog hero survive this digital dimension, or is he destined to be deleted like so much junk data? Tune in to find out!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: Sonic the Hedgehog and the Silicon Warriors
(0:09:29) Prologue: Enter
(0:12:21) Chapter 1: A Shock to the System
(0:21:54) Chapter 2: Mega-Hurtz
(0:31:36) Chapter 3: Building Big Brother
(0:45:03) Chapter 4: User-Unfriendly
(0:56:17) Chapter 5: Silicon Alley
(1:02:50) Chapter 6: System Crashes
(1:12:10) Chapter 7: Terminate and Stay Resident
(1:19:57) Chapter 8: Virtually Reality
(1:32:44) Chapter 9: Operating Systems
(1:42:29) Chapter 10: Garbage In, Garbage Out
(1:53:35) Epilogue: Quit
(1:55:00) Final thoughts
(2:01:00) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic the Comic the Podcast

STCTP interview with "Martin Adams"

Breakfast of Champions press event

You better watch out! She’ll bewitch ya! It’s time to return to the Archie comics... And by that, we mean the LITERAL Archie comics. In celebration of Halloween, we're taking a look back at the multiple late '90s comic crossovers between Sonic the Hedgehog and Sabrina the Teenage Witch! From Super Specials to actual trash comics, we discuss reverse isekais, magical possession, weird mysteries, beloved sitcom animals, and an answer to the question that has long plagued mankind: did Betty and Veronica ever see sense, give up on Archie, and hook up with each other instead?

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic/Sabrina comic crossovers
(0:11:04) Archie & Friends: A Halloween Tale
(0:51:39) Some Enchantra Evening, Part 1
(1:10:29) Some Enchantra Evening, Part 2
(1:21:49) Case of the Haunted Comic Shop
(1:38:58) Final thoughts
(1:45:19) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Thanks Ken Penders - "this but it's the achewood with the motorcycle"

I ain't gonna let it get to me, I'm just gonna creep, and nothing's creepier than these grisly and ghoulish go-to spots on Sonic's world! Special guests GreenBonesDommy and JellyFilledZombies help us determine the top 10 scariest levels from across the franchise, from Sandopolis with its subterranean specters, to Digital Dimension's screaming soulnado, to the hellish halls of Boo's House, and every other horrifying haunt in between. But don't dwell too long, listener, because if you try trick-or-treating here, all you're going to get is a one-way ticket to the afterlife! ...and maybe a full-size KitKat bar if you're lucky.

0:00:00 Intro/Shay's history with Sonic
0:04:37 Main topic: Ranking the haunted theme zones
0:08:42 Sandopolis (Sonic and Knuckles)
0:13:26 Labyrinth of the Castle (Sonic Labyrinth)
0:17:18 Twinkle Park (Sonic Adventure DLC)
0:19:48 Pumpkin Hill (Sonic Adventure 2)
0:23:57 Aquatic Mine (Sonic Adventure 2)
0:25:50 Pyramid stages (Sonic Adventure 2)
0:30:48 Hang Castle/Mystic Mansion (Sonic Heroes)
0:37:45 Cryptic Castle (Shadow the Hedgehog)
0:42:13 Digital Dimension (Sonic Riders)
0:45:16 Skeleton Dome (Sonic and the Secret Rings)
0:48:42 Mystic Haunt (Sonic Rivals 2)
0:51:14 Haunted Ship (Sonic Rush Adventure)
0:54:11 Creeper Gorge (Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric)
0:57:54 Halloween (Sonic Runners)
1:00:17 Haunted Castle (Team Sonic Racing)
1:03:13 Boo's House (Team Sonic Racing)
1:06:02 Nightmare Maze (Sonic Dream Team)
1:09:09 Pinball Carnival (Sonic Superstars)
1:12:58 Wonder Museum (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds)
1:15:28 Kraken Bay (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds)
1:17:48 Sand Road (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds)
1:18:25 Finalizing the list
1:22:55 Addendum: Pumpkin Mansion (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds)
1:24:36 Final thoughts
1:25:40 Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

We've gone Bak 2 School for another new Sonic 101 episode! With Jake out on assignment (i.e. kidnapped by Metal Sonic), Jeff Bakalar of Giant Bomb fills the rotating guest chair this week, ready to learn all about McDonald's happy meal toys, outrunning the Big Bang, children's media featuring GWAR, Sonic's secret Jersey upbringing, bloodthirsty unicorn wizards, and all sorts of other nonsense. But the student also becomes the teacher, as Jeff offers up his perspective as the parent of a young Sonic fan, giving us old farts a rare inside look at how the youth of today actually engage with the Blue Blur and his fast furry friends.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Newbie Education 101
(0:07:45) Jeff's history with Sonic
(0:13:40) The malleability of Sonic
(0:18:26) Jeff and Sonic's transition to 3D
(0:24:40) Do kids play the old games?
(0:35:55) Minigame: A.B.C.D. Station
(1:06:25) How did Jeff's kid first find Sonic?
(1:18:12) Does Jeff think his kid is starting to outgrow Sonic?
(1;26:27) Does Sonic have an origin story?
(1:39:09) Minigame: Know More Music
(1:57:13) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Giant Bomb

What Lies Below the Lilies

Sonic McOrigins Plus

Windii's translations

John Batiste - Green Hill Zone

Grab your Heelys, your Blockbuster membership card, and your iPod Nano with the complete Good Charlotte discography on it, because we're embracing the mid-2000s to properly look back at the original Sonic Riders! Team Sonic's inaugural clash with the Babylon Rogues is remembered for its slick aesthetic, its bumpin' tunes, and its gameplay that rides the fine line between deeply nuanced and utterly incomprehensible. Does this high-speed hoverboarder soar through the sky like a bird on the wind, or does it explode on its way to the finish line? Join us as we trick our way through the streets of Metal City to find out! Just make sure your air tank is full...

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Riders
(0:06:10) Aesthetic
(0:15:15) Gameplay
(0:44:31) Characters
(0:50:55) Story
(1:19:10) Tracks
(1:54:00) Other modes
(2:06:20) Final thoughts
(2:30:28) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

How to Play Sonic Riders

Japanese Heroes Story (Translated)

Japanese Babylon Story (Translated)

Sonic Riders GBA - Lost Media Wiki

It's quadruple trouble in this episode! We're taking another look at Sonic on the Master System and Game Gear, but this time joined by returning guest and 8-bit Sonic aficionado JezMM! Not only are we revisiting Sonic 1 and 2 with Jez's more expert insight, but we're also diving deep on Sonic Chaos and Sonic Triple Trouble, two surprisingly full-featured games for these classic systems! So slip off your rocket shoes and dig yourself a nice little hole to relax in as we take another blast to the past! (But not, like, a Sonic Blast; no one wants to take one of those.)

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: 8-bit Sonic revisited
(0:08:37) Sonic 1
(0:45:18) Sonic 2
(1:18:30) Sonic Chaos
(1:44:21) Sonic Triple Trouble
(2:15:24) Final thoughts
(2:26:32) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic 1 and 2 SMS Remake

AS2R: Another Sonic 2 Remake

Sonic Chaos: Turquoise Hill demo

Sonic Triple Trouble 16-Bit

Sonic Triple Trouble SMS

The one and only LittleKuriboh joins us as we craft our latest fanfic masterpiece! When Wave the Swallow gets upstaged by Dr. Eggm-I mean El Gran Gordo, and his new Tails Doll AI assistant, she decides to take matters into her own hands and sabotage the project. Will she put a damper on the wrestling roboticist's plans, or are things about to get crazy on this freakiest of Fridays? Featuring Kiryu from the Like a Dragon series!

(0:00:00) Intro/Martin's history with Sonic
(0:17:26) Main topic: Let's write a fanfic #3!
(0:20:22) Characters and setting
(0:28:33) Jake - Inappropriate recreation/analog of a real world tragic event
(0:34:10) Luke - Reference an early 2000s Toonami show
(0:36:45) Jeremy - The writer's barely disguised fetish
(0:43:03) Chris - Song lyrics quoted verbatim in dialogue
(0:47:54) Martin - Characters denigrate other video game franchises
(0:51:47) Jake - the bad guy gets a second form
(0:55:47) Luke - Body Swap (and character uses a curse word)
(1:00:43) Jeremy - The author makes up new and exciting fictional slurs and/or curse words
(1:06:56) Chris - One of the main characters has to stop and do their taxes (and character from another Sega franchise appears)
(1:15:23) Martin - Brand new Super form
(1:19:18) Jake - An old one-off villain comes back
(1:29:52) Luke - Sudden deep-cut character appearance to brag to the reader how much we know about Sonic (and romantic moment)
(1:33:00) Jeremy - A cool OC appears
(1:43:52) Chris - Massively expanding upon a canon plot point
(1:50:40) Martin - Heroic sacrifice
(1:55:06) Recap and final thoughts
(2:03:55) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it... But what if Sega refuses to let us forget? In today's episode, Ape of the Hour joins us as we take a look at the curious case of Classic Sonic in the current day. Originally the ONLY Sonic, this little guy found himself shoved to the side when the 2000s rolled around in favor of his new look, only to experience a sudden resurgence in the 2010s. But has he overstayed his welcome at this point? Why does Sega seem so insistent upon a divide between the two eras? And does looking back truly represent the way forward?

(0:00:00) Intro/Ape's history with Sonic
(0:08:42) Main topic: "Modern" Classic Sonic
(0:38:15) Embrace modernity
(1:07:54) A return to his roots
(2:00:59) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

For many years, humanity has wondered, "What would a stage musical based on Sonic the Hedgehog look like?" This...is so much weirder an answer than anyone could have come up with. Today, we travel back in time 30 years to the land down under, back when the Sega World amusement park was a thing that existed, to check out Sonic in Sydney the live musical. It's a strange tale of Sonic, Tails, and Sally teaming up to prevent Robotnik's Aussie assault, one with so many absurd twists and turns that some might consider it a harbor bridge too far. Listen along as we react in real time to the studio recording, then stick around for the extended versions of the songs, and a never-before-heard totally-real we're-not-just-making-this-up-for-a-really-funny-bit recording of the lost puppet show version!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic in Sydney
(0:07:59) The studio recording
(0:41:42) The puppet show
(0:46:47) The lost recording!
(0:57:39) "What Are We Waiting For"
(1:02:33) "Give Me Chaos"
(1:05:35) "Thank You For Being You"
(1:11:44) Final thoughts
(1:15:25) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic in Sydney (live show, version 2, dry run) [TOTALLY REAL FOR SRS]

Featuring:
Jabbajacks as Sally
AE Double as Grounder
Xthedarkone as Knuckles
Faulerro as everyone else

We're getting multicultural on this episode as we do a deep dive on the different ways Sonic has been portrayed between Japan and the West. We all know how Sega of America started making changes right from the jump, with their Robotniks and their Mobiuses and their Hardly, Nebraskas...OK, maybe not so much that last one. But the 30+ years that followed have seen a strange back-and-forth of each side borrowing from one another and slowly reintegrating Sonic into one cohesive vision...unless you're an annoying person on social media, in which case the two portrayals couldn't be further from one another, even to this day. Are Japanese and western Sonic really so separate? Did any of the changes end up being to the franchise's benefit in the long run? Or are they forever destined to be two different worlds? Not like the "two worlds" thing that briefly described the setting, but like, as in...you know what, just listen to the episode, you'll get what we mean.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Japanese Sonic vs. Western Sonic
(0:08:45) Sonic Origins (Not That One)
(0:41:58) Media Adaptations
(1:01:25) The End of an Era
(1:39:50) The Western Revolution
(1:56:05) An "Aligned" Continuity
(2:21:29) Final thoughts
(2:40:41) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Windii on YouTube

We're off the starting line at high speed as we prepare for the release of Sonic's newest racer by taking a look back at some of his earliest! First up, we pop some fresh batteries in our Game Gears to check out the Sonic Drift duology, a flawed but unique attempt to bring the fun of kart racing on the go. Then we stay on track and don’t look back as we continue on to Sonic R, the equally beloved and maligned on-foot racer with a legacy all its own. So join us as we feel the sunshine, dodged some lightning strikes, and hopefully answer the question once and for all... Why the hell is he in a car?

0:00:00 Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff
0:11:48 Main topic: Classic Sonic racing games
0:13:37 Sonic Drift
0:35:30 Sonic Drift 2
0:54:09 Sonic R
1:41:48 Final thoughts
1:46:57 Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic R Updater

Sonic R Improvement Mod

ARK in Radiant Emerald

It takes two to tango, but it takes 12 for an all out brawl! The gang looks back at Treasure Team Tango, the Sonic Universe arc that gave Blaze and Cream their first real spotlights in the original Archie continuity! When the princess of the Sol Dimension comes looking for a missing emerald, she's going to have to team up with a couple of female freedom fighters to find it, especially when three other teams all have their eyes on the same prize. It's the ultimate game of keep away in this madcap adventure, and we're here to dig back into it page by page!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Treasure Team Tango
(0:13:34) Part One: The Salida
(0:55:21) Part Two: The Cruzada
(1:28:38) Part Three: The Llevada
(1:56:45) Part Four: The Parada
(2:09:25) Final thoughts
(2:15:52) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Hey, boomers! It's time to take a look back at the Sega-sational world of the UK in the 1990s! Special guest Chris McFeely of Sonic the Comic the Podcast joins us for a recap of Sonic the Hedgehog Beats the Badniks, a compilation of STC's first four Sonic strips. From the spikeball's speedy start to a clash with a cyborg chum, and from saving Sally's sibling to an encounter with an inorganic imposter, we look back at the comic's earliest days to see how they set the stage for the stories to come.

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:31) Chris's history with Sonic
(0:11:52) Main topic: Sonic the Hedgehog Beats the Badniks
(0:23:04) Enter: Sonic
(0:44:49) Robofox
(1:09:03) Mayhem in the Marble Zone
(1:32:35) Day of the Badniks
(1:47:06) Jake's thoughts
(1:48:20) Final thoughts
(2:24:57) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Sonic The Comic The Podcast

Chris McFeely on YouTube

Grab your sports tape and pump up those muscles, because it's time for our first real deep dive on the Sonic Boom cartoon! This episode, we're looking back at "Robots from the Sky", the four part epic from the show's second season. Sonic and crew get an unexpected visit from some mechanical heroes, starting a chain of events that will take them all the way to a floating utopia under siege! It's a high stakes battle with robots on all sides and our heroes caught in the crossfire, so you’ll definitely want to tune in... Or, you know, we can just hypnotize you into listening; that works too.

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:18) Main topic: Sonic Boom - Robots from the Sky
(0:12:46) Part 1
(0:33:04) Part 2
(0:52:08) Part 3
(1:01:41) Part 4
(1:17:06) Final thoughts
(1:21:49) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Robots from the Sky (Parts 1 and 2)

Robots form the Sky (Parts 3 and 4)

Welcome to the next level in 32X World! The gang is taking a little detour to Sega's ill-fated add-on and reaching into the Combi-Catcher to pull out the bizarre little side story that is Knuckles' Chaotix. With its unique ring band gameplay system, it is genuinely unlike any other Sonic game...but is that necessarily a good thing? Join us in the Newtrogic High Zone to find out! Don't worry, the bee should carry you most of the way.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Knuckles' Chaotix
(0:03:47) Development and the 32X
(0:21:00) The story and characters
(0:51:20) Gameplay
(0:59:06) Stages
(1:10:57) Bonus and special stages
(1:17:35) Final boss and endings
(1:25:16) Final thoughts
(1:42:15) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Knuckles' Chaotix is Fundamentally Flawed

It's our third birthday! So to celebrate it, we're going to be facilitating a different sort of birthday. That's right, for the first time ever, the gang is going to create their own fan character! What kind of animal are they? What's their personality like? Do they have any special powers? Are they a snappy dresser? If they see a guy getting beaten up by an Egg Pawn in a bodega, will they actually do something about it? All these questions and more will be determined as we work together to give life to the newest (unofficial) face of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise!

(0:00:00) Intro/main topic: Let's create an OC!
(0:08:27) The creative process
(1:28:36) We did it!
(1:31:05) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Other artists' takes on the finished character (Part 1/Part 2)

We need your help, listener! Andross has declared...that it's time for The Toad Is Always Slippier, our long running Star Fox podcast that we've totally been doing this whole time is ready to cover the granddaddy of them all, Star Fox 64! This seminal space shooter remains a favorite of N64 players everywhere, and it's time we gave it its due with an extensive deep dive on everything that makes the story of this fox in space an adventure we can't help going back to again and again.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Star Fox 64
(0:10:11) The music
(0:16:47) What is Star Fox?
(0:20:45) We talk for way too long about robot legs
(0:25:49) Star Fox 2
(0:29:25) The Star Fox team
(0:52:50) Star Wolf
(1:01:25) And the rest
(1:09:20) The stages
(1:21:24) The rumble pak
(1:29:43) The ending and Star Fox 64 3D
(1:43:38) Final thoughts and fan content recommendations
(2:01:15) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

BONUS CONTENT: We commentate over the Star Fox 64 promo VHS

Boss B Metal Cover by RichaadEB

Corneria Theme Re-imagined by Tee Lopes (feat Andy Gillion)

Star Wolf theme by warinside

Learning Control remix by Rukunetsu

A Fox in Space

Starship

Starship mods

Ulala-ko [NSFW]

tzarVOLVER [NSFW]

bayboyzone [NSFW]

It's Shadow the Hedgehog, baby! Special guest Abby Denton joins us as we go on another character deep dive, this time on everyone's favorite ultimate life form. In his almost 25 years, Shadow's easily become one of the series' biggest faces, but what exactly makes him who he am? Join us as we explore his past, ponder his future, and...spend a really long time talking about Gogurt for some reason.

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:10) Main topic: Who is Shadow?
(0:15:30) The "amnesia arc"
(0:22:00) Sonic '06
(0:38:58) TV and film
(0:46:50) Archie
(1:03:05) Sonic Boom
(1:07:10) Sonic Forces (Episode Shadow)
(1:12:10) Sonic 3 the movie
(1:41:05) Who is Shadow to you?
(2:08:00) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Gamer Mom: The Mom Who Games on Kickstarter

Remember that sense of delight and wonder you'd get when you'd force your parents to stop off at a fast food restaurant, reach into a bag containing foods that would slowly come to destroy your body over the intervening decades, and pull out a tiny plastic symbol of the power mass consumerism held over the youth of a generation? Well we do, and we're excited to talk about it! That's right, The Hill Is Always Greener is looking back at the history of Sonic the Hedgehog fast food toys! From Sonic 3 the game to Sonic 3 the movie, and from windups to LCD games to "here's some cardboard, make it yourself", we cover the breadth of Sonic's kids meal collectables over the last 30 years! (Warning: this episode may present a choking hazard to children under 3 years of age.)

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic fast food toys
(0:03:17) Burger King (1993, Sega Zip Strips)
(0:07:53) McDonald's (1994, Sonic 3)
(0:17:07) McDonald's (1994, Happy Train)
(0:20:50) Carl's Jr. (1996, Sonic the Hedgehog and Pals Mini-Viewers)
(0:25:50) Burger King (1998, Sonic R)
(0:29:58) Jack in the Box (1999, Sega PC)
(0:32:59) Burger King (1999, Sonic Adventure, cancelled)
(0:36:57) Denny's (2000, Sonic Underground)
(0:40:15) McDonald's (2003, Sonic Adventure DX LCD games)
(0:43:05) McDonald's (2004, Sonic Heroes LCD games)
(0:47:15) McDonald's (2006, Sonic X)
(0:50:23) McDonald's (2007, Sonic X)
(0:51:30) Red Rooster (2012)
(0:53:24) Carl's Jr. (2015, Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice)
(0:56:27) Subway (2018, combining gears)
(0:59:21) Arby's (2019, Sonic Dash)
(1:01:40) Kura Sushi (2020)
(1:03:39) McDonald's (2022, Sonic 2 the movie)
(1:06:39) Burger King (2023, Fidget toys)
(1:08:40) McDonald's (2023, buildable Toys)
(1:10:14) McDonald's (2024, Sonic 3 the movie)
(1:14:06) Final thoughts
(1:17:53) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic McOrigins Plus

We're gonna be blunt: it is amazing we're here right now. If you had said this was even a possibility six years ago, we would have laughed in your face. But it's true: we now have a big-budget live action cinematic adaptation of Sonic Adventure 2, and it's GREAT. Join us as we do a deep dive on the third Sonic movie, which takes one of the series' most beloved stories and "Carreys" it in a bit of a different direction. Are we happy with all the changes they made? Does Keanu live up to our expectations, or is his characterization just a Shadow of the original? And how about those WILD Sonic 4 teases at the end? One thing's for sure: You're bound to live, learn, and laugh a lot as we give this movie its due!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic 3 the movie
(0:05:15) Non-spoiler discussion
(0:26:37) Spoiler warning
(2:44:14) Credits scenes and predictions
(2:56:28) Final thoughts
(3:03:27) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Order up! It's lunchtime, and we're looking to state our appetites with a discussion about all sorts of Sonic related foods! But we're not just stopping at chili dogs, oh no. We've prepared a full course meal, complete with a smorgasbord of savory dishes from both sides of the screen! From oversized sandwiches, scrumptious sundaes, and burgers of questionable quality in Sonic's world, to jammin' jams, cerulean curry, and pasta peripherals in ours, you're guaranteed to be full after this discussion. But make sure to leave room for dessert: our review of the official Sonic cookbook!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic foods
(0:04:00) Appetizers
(0:08:29) Mobian Morsels
(0:35:49) Real-Life Refreshments
(1:13:45) Sonic the Hedgehog: The Official Cookbook
(1:29:31) We Have Food At Home
(1:52:16) Final thoughts
(1:57:15) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Bonus content: GameBuddy makes Sonic Food!

Sandwich Zone (Sonic Generations mod)

An Exhaustive List of Every Sonic the Hedgehog Food Product

Franco American - Sonic the Hedgehog Pasta commercial

Sonic the Hedgehog Milk Ice with Shock Rocks commercial

Things have taken a dark turn for the second half of our “Genuary” discussion, as our favorite antihero emerges from the shadows once more. Shadow Generations put the dark hedgehog face-to-face with his past yet again, with levels and foes alike coming out of the woodwork to take another shot at him. Could this truly be the new defining take Shadow has been waiting for? Does it offer any new roads forward for the character, or just retread old ground? And does this trip through his memories truly live up to the hype, or would we rather spend our time trapped in the Doom Zone? Plus deep dives into the Dark Beginnings prequel shorts, and Gerald's Journal!

(0:00:00) Main topic: Shadow Generations
(0:10:25) Dark Beginnings
(0:19:41) Space Colony ARK
(0:49:20) White Space
(1:10:22) Rail Canyon
(1:23:41) Challenge acts
(1:32:33) Biolizard
(1:41:35) Kingdom Valley
(1:48:02) Sunset Heights
(1:52:23) Metal Overlord
(2:07:25) Chaos Island
(2:15:38) Mephiles
(2:33:27) Radical Highway
(2:46:25) Devil Doom
(3:01:06) Gerald's Journal
(3:38:16) Final thoughts
(3:46:45) [Extra] Tokyo
(3:53:06) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Shadow Generations (Matt McMuscles) - YouTube

Let's do the time warp again! It's the first half of our unofficial "Genuary" celebration, as we take a look back at Sonic Generations, one of the blue blur's most beloved adventures. A celebration of Sonic's first two decades, now back on store shelves with a shiny new remaster, is this trip down memory lane as good as we remember, or has time not been so kind? Plus, we'll be taking a look at its often neglected 3DS counterpart as well!

(0:00:00) Main topic: Sonic Generations
(0:08:54) Classic Sonic
(0:19:34) Green Hill
(0:35:51) The story
(0:49:57) Chemical Plant
(0:52:56) Sky Sanctuary
(1:07:03) Challenge stages
(1:09:43) Metal Sonic
(1:13:50) Death Egg Robot
(1:18:27) Speed Highway
(1:24:02) City Escape
(1:32:14) Seaside Hill
(1:37:25) Shadow
(1:40:58) Perfect Chaos
(1:44:40) Crisis City
(1:49:25) Rooftop Run
(1:55:28) Planet Wisp
(2:00:58) Silver
(2:04:00) Egg Dragoon
(2:14:52) Time Eater
(2:22:31) The 3DS version
(2:44:48) Final thoughts
(2:53:29) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

The promised time is upon us... That's right, we are FINALLY talking about the Sonic X anime! Friend of the show JezMM returns as we revisit the show's take on the events of Sonic Adventure 2. Does this version of the story live up to the original? Do its additions and changes actually improve the narrative? And could replacing characters from the original story with Chris Thorndyke...actually be to the show's benefit? A frightening concept, to be sure.

(0:00:38) Intro/Main topic: Sonic X - The Shadow Saga
(0:24:38) Episode 33
(0:53:30) Episode 34
(1:24:22) Episode 35
(1:39:48) Episode 36
(2:00:20) Episode 37
(2:26:33) Episode 38
(3:09:18) Final thoughts
(3:23:02) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

It's that time of year again, and the gang is getting into the spirit of the season with a new creative exercise: coming up with their very own Sonic holiday specials! From a tale of Tangle trying to find the perfect present for her BFF, to the Freedom Fighters looking to bring some festive flair to their little hole in the ground, plus Tails getting some gift-giving tips from old Saint Nick, and even a Sonic F twist on some holiday hijinks from the Archie archive, these four forays into festive fiction are sure to show you what this time of year is truly all about: acquiescing to corporate mandates.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Pitch Attention - Holiday Specials
(0:09:45) Tangle's Not-So-Silent Night (Jeremy's pitch)
(0:35:30) Sonic the Hedgehog's Big Festive Bash (Chris's pitch)
(0:55:34) A Two-Tailed Christmas (Jake's pitch)
(1:13:24) The Sonic F Ostensibly Nondenominational Holiday Spectacular (Luke's pitch)
(1:40:26) Final thoughts/Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

It's a dark and stormy night...the perfect time to revisit an all-time classic Sonic comic, IDW's Scrapnik Island! Sonic and Tails have crash landed on the island of misfit tech! Will old foes become old friends, or are some grudges just programmed in too deep? It's time for the gang to take a look back and find out!

(0:00:00) Intro/main topic: Scrapnik Island
(0:17:22) Issue 1
(0:43:42) Issue 2
(0:59:08) Issue 3
(1:10:46) Issue 4
(1:30:57) Final thoughts
(1:40:04) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

It's an adventure in time and space as The Hill Is Always Greener finally gets a chance to read the seminal classic novel, Sonic the Hedgehog in the Fourth Dimension. The second of the Martin Adams books, it sees Sonic and Tails sent back and forth through time on a quest to save planet Mobius, and perhaps the universe itself, from not only the machinations of Dr. Robotnik, but from forces outside of time and space as we know them. Does this chronicle of corrupted chronology stand up to the test of time, or is it best left in the past? It's time to activate our Mark-0 Gauss-Coyne prototypes and find out!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic in the Fourth Dimension
(0:15:26) The Sonic Story So Far/Prologue
(0:17:55) Chapter 1: Baffled, Bothered, and Befuddled
(0:35:49) Chapter 2: Yesterday Is Here Again
(0:45:56) Chapter 3: Judgement Of The Science Dudes
(0:52:47) Chapter 4: Arrival On - Where?
(0:58:29) Chapter 5: Meister Blaster
(1:05:05) Chapter 6: Everybody Needs A Mum
(1:12:10) Chapter 7: Some Historical-Type Explaining
(1:20:50) Chapter 8: When Are We Now?
(1:25:03) Chapter 9: As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs
(1:29:17) Chapter 10: Luck Of The Hedgehog
(1:38:07) Chapter 11: Larceny Most Foul
(1:44:10) Chapter 12: Infinity Is Nice, But I Wouldn't Want To Live There
(1:53:35) Chapter 13: Sonics (Again)
(2:16:30) Epilogue
(2:20:00) Final thoughts
(2:28:15) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic the Comic the Podcast

STCTP interview with "Martin Adams"

Spooky times are here again, and we're celebrating by taking a look at issues 13 and 14 of Archie's Sonic X comic, a terrifying two-parter that features the return of King Boom Boo following his appearance in the show. But the only thing more terrifying than being trapped on an island with a host of possessed people out for your head...is the quality of these issues! OoOoOoOOH! ...Is that too mean? That might be too mean.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Archie Sonic X - "Hare 'em, Scare 'em"
(0:05:55) Issue #12 recap
(0:07:13) Issue #13
(0:34:43) Issue #14
(1:12:32) Final thoughts
(1:17:20) Outro

Oh man, these Sonic games sure are great! But what if you could get a little something extra to give you a reason to go back after you finished it? That's exactly what we're going to answer in this episode, as we take a look back at the history of downloadable content in the Sonic series! From free little bonuses and contests in the Dreamcast era to the elaborate expansions and deluxe versions of today, Sonic's online offerings have continued to change with the industry, both for better and for worse, creating a fascinating legacy all its own. But one thing's for sure: listening to this downloadable episode will leave you very content.

(0:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff
(0:07:00) Main topic: A history of Sonic DLC
(0:09:09) Sega Channel/Dream Library
(0:12:54) Sonic Adventure
(0:41:44) Sonic Adventure 2
(0:48:56) Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
(0:55:03) Sonic Unleashed
(0:59:51) Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
(1:02:43) Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing
(1:08:11) Sonic Generations
(1:11:14) Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed
(1:17:26) Sonic Lost World
(1:24:24) Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric
(1:25:09) Sonic Mania
(1:26:02) Sonic Forces
(1:38:59) Sonic Colors Ultimate
(1:40:11) Sonic Origins
(1:47:40) Sonic Frontiers
(1:58:05) Sonic Superstars
(2:07:50) Sonic X Shadow Generations
(2:10:46) Final Thoughts
(2:30:00) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic Adventure DLC on a Real SEGA Dreamcast

Interview with Sonic Adventure Reebok DMX competition winner Neil Riddaway

It's time for another listing party, as we tackle perhaps the most controversial Sonic soundtrack(s) ever composed. Special guest RecD chimes in as we look back at Sonic 3 & Knuckles, a soundtrack that is perhaps known less for the music it features and more for the many mysteries behind its creation. Which are better, the original tracks, or the "original" tracks? Whether you're a dedicated fan or just a stranger in Moscow, listening to the gang's thoughts just might be the happiest days of your life.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic 3 & Knuckles listening party
(0:17:45) Title track
(0:20:52) Menu themes
(0:27:07) Jingles
(0:40:25) Bonus/special stages
(0:51:26) Knuckles theme
(0:56:41) Boss themes
(1:02:02) Multiplayer stages
(1:08:00) Angel Island
(1:12:52) Hydro City
(1:16:10) Marble Garden
(1:20:17) Carnival Night
(1:30:58) Ice Cap
(1:41:38) Launch Base
(1:53:58) Big Arms
(1:56:21) Mushroom Hill
(1:59:30) Flying Battery
(2:02:35) Sandopolis
(2:05:46) Lava Reef
(2:09:36) Sky Sanctuary
(2:13:41) Death Egg
(2:16:34) Doomsday
(2:18:55) Credits themes
(2:26:17) Other tracks
(2:30:00) Final thoughts
(2:37:46) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

RecD on YouTube

What we know about the Sonic 3 soundtrack

We're back, and we're ready to teach! Special guest Sreddous joins us for another newbie education episode, as we answer her questions about crossovers, pushing boundaries, and which part of the world Crash Bandicoot ACTUALLY hails from.

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:03:37) Main topic: Sonic Newbie Education 101
(0:05:16) Which games are the closest to the lore you guys accept?
(0:23:01) What game do you wish you could reprogram to fix your issues with it?
(0:32:27) Quiz game: A.B.C.D. Station
(0:57:12) Can you identify any moments where a creative wanted to push things a little further and Sega said no?
(1:08:39) Quiz game: Sonic Said
(1:29:03) Other than the Olympics, what other framing of a Sonic and Mario crossover do you think could be really fun?
(1:32:39) Quiz game: Know More Music
(1:46:55) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sreddous's favorite meme

We're locked and loaded, and ready for action. It's time for a look back at Shadow's self-titled spin-off, so the gang is joined by Midnight_Ky, who has played this game more than anyone probably should! Is Shadow a force for good? Evil? Somewhere in between? It's time for us to pick our route and show everyone that this is who we are!

(0:00:00) Preamble
(0:01:05) Intro
(0:04:37) Midnight's Sonic history
(0:08:06) How we played/obtained the game
(0:15:13) Main topic: Shadow the Hedgehog (the game)
(0:23:12) GameBuddy's big rant
(0:42:03) Music
(0:54:38) Gameplay
(0:59:27) Levels
(1:32:34) Routes and endings
(1:46:09) More thoughts
(2:02:24) Final boss
(2:27:40) Final thoughts
(2:33:37) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Midnight_Ky on Twitch

Original Shadow the Hedgehog press release

Shadow the Hedgehog | Complete Story (Japanese, Translated)

Windii on YouTube

Windii's translations on WordPress

Shadow the Hedgehog Reloaded

shadow the hedgehog op but its nu metal

I Am (All of Me) - Disco Version (w/ Vocals)

"Broken" by Sins of a Divine Mother

Maria Better Eyes mod

How to REALLY Play Shadow the Hedgehog🥨

How to Criticize a Translation Effectively (and How to Identify Bad-Faith Criticism)

With CyberLink's voice temporarily out of commission, we're joined by voice actor, writer, and fanfiction connoisseur Marin M. Miller as we flex our creative muscles and improvise yet another fanfic! In this world unique & beyond what you know from the Sega games, Vector and Jewel are two hopeless college students just looking to graduate, but when a chance encounter brings them together, they find themselves pegged by a hidden figure to join him on a quest beneath the university in search of untold riches. But can this mysterious benefactor be trusted? Is someone else secretly pulling all the strings? And as this spooky yarn reaches its climax, our heroes had better hope that they ain't afraid of no ghost...

(0:00:00) Intro/Marin's history with Sonic
(0:06:51) Main topic: Let's write another fanfic!
(0:10:34) Character select
(0:13:54) Chris - Dramatic speech that is in some way cut off for comedic effect
(0:22:13) Jake - Everything gets spooky
(0:27:58) Jeremy - Tragic backstory out of nowhere
(0:35:00) Marin - Truth or dare
(0:42:47) Chris - Characters denigrate other video game franchises
(0:47:59) Jake - Inexplicable crossover that doesn't compliment either universe
(0:53:28) Jeremy - Another character blocks the way, looking for a fight
(1:01:07) Marin - Finale
(1:12:10) Final thoughts
(1:14:30) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Marin's website

It's time to go back. Back before Mega Man crossovers, before echidnas turning green, before even cheap character deaths. No, we're going back to where it all began as we revisit Sonic Firsts, a graphic novel compiling some of the earliest Archie adventures! From the first comic ever printed to Bunnie's big break, from a Super Sonic spotlight to a red rival's reveal, this mega collection of early comics is not to be missed, no matter what the CCA might tell you!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Firsts
(0:12:54) A brief divergence about the Comics Code
(0:21:48) "Don't Cry for Me, Mobius!" (Issue #0)
(0:40:40) "Rabbot Deployment" (Issue #3)
(0:56:02) "The Lizard of Odd" (Issue #4)
(1:13:24) "This Island Hedgehog" (Issue #13)
(1:33:30) Final thoughts
(1:43:41) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

The sun is out, the water is cool, and it's time to get away from it all and enjoy the summer! The only question is...where? That's what The Hill Is Always Greener plans to settle today, as we try to create a list of the top 10 summer vacation destinations in Sonic's world. Is it better to be near civilization or out roughing it? What kind of activities does each spot offer? And is a beach still a beach if it only touches water during a crisis? So pop your shades, grab one of those those little umbrella drinks, and kick back as you join us for some fast-footed fun in the sun.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Top 10 Sonic summer vacation destinations
(0:05:38) Emerald Hill
(0:07:19) Green Hills
(0:08:27) Angel Island
(0:11:38) Carnival Island
(0:15:06) Resort Island
(0:17:22) Station Square/Emerald Coast
(0:20:10) Neo Green Hill
(0:21:20) Emerald Town/Emerald Beach
(0:23:49) Seaside Hill/Ocean Palace
(0:26:44) Sunset Hill
(0:29:48) Water Palace
(0:31:03) Splash Canyon/Red Canyon
(0:33:50) Soleanna/Wave Ocean
(0:36:05) Southern Island/Plant Kingdom
(0:38:56) Blue Coast
(0:40:42) Apotos/Windmill Isle
(0:43:06) Adabat/Jungle Joyride
(0:46:09) Tropical Coast
(0:47:26) Dolphin Resort
(0:50:22) Seaside Island
(0:53:21) Northstar Islands/Bridge Island
(0:55:32) Scrambled Shores
(0:57:39) Trimming the list
(1:01:39) Re-ordering the list
(1:33:33) The final list/Our personal picks
(1:40:40) Final thoughts
(1:42:00) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Knock knock! It's time for the gang to take a long, hard look at Knuckles, the TV spin-off of the Sonic Cinematic Universe! Since its release, the show has proved INCREDIBLY controversial with Sonic fans, largely eschewing a traditional Sonic adventure in favor of a lighthearted sendup to classic sports comedies. Are the escapades of Wade Whipple and his furry red sidekick truly the harbinger of doom for all things Sonic, or does this miniseries carry just enough heart, humor, and unnecessary product placement to stand proud with the rest of the SCU?

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:40) Sonic Symphony report
(0:10:23) Main topic: The Knuckles show
(0:27:27) The Warrior
(1:09:35) Don’t Ever Say I Wasn't There for You
(1:15:14) The Shabbat Dinner
(1:33:30) The Flames of Disaster
(1:47:51) Reno, Baby!
(2:05:31) What Happens in Reno Stays in Reno
(2:19:46) Final thoughts

Amie Waters on Linktree
(2:33:40) Outro

Sonic Movie: It's Cool! Special guest KaiserNeko joins us to take a look back at Sonic's live action theatrical debut. We reminisce about the long road to its 2020 release, talk about everything we thought did and didn't work, and discuss whether live action as a medium can ever truly hope to capture the essence of Sonic the Hedgehog. Plus, a brief look back at some of the bizarre movie treatments that (thankfully) DIDN'T get off the ground!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:02:59) Kaiser's history with Sonic
(0:11:49) Hollywood's other attempts at a Sonic movie
(0:23:32) History of the 2020 movie
(0:35:05) Kinda plot summary
(1:23:16) Final thoughts
(1:25:55) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

TeamFourStar

FourStarBento

Giga gigloo! Special guest Jolene joins us as we do a deep dive on Sonic Adventures: Dans Les Griffes de Robotnik, a one-off French comic from the early 90s! It's a very different take on Sonic and Tails' escapades on Angel Island, full of charming art, nonsensical phrases, incredibly dated stereotypes, and so much more. By the name of a sailed egg, you won't want to miss this!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:02:18) Jolene's history with Sonic
(0:04:09) Main topic: Sonic Adventures: Dans les Griffes de Robotnik
(0:09:23) The fan translation
(0:13:48) The art
(0:17:06) Comic recap
(1:02:31) The "sequel"
(1:05:27) Final thoughts
(1:09:12) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic Adventures In The Claws Of Robotnik [English Fanslation]

They say big things come in small packages, and nowhere is that more true than today's subject, as the gang takes a look back at Sonic Pocket Adventure! Developed by SNK, this pseudo-remix of Sonic 2 has been left to the wayside, with Sega not even acknowledging it exists, but does it really deserve to be forgotten? Join us as we rediscover this hidden NeoGeo gem and the surprising influence it had on the early years of modern Sonic games. The future is now!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:29) What's a NeoGeo Pocket Color?
(0:16:59) Main topic: Sonic Pocket Adventure
(0:28:50) Neo South Island Zone
(0:34:28) Special Stages
(0:40:48) Secret Plant Zone
(0:45:18) Cosmic Casino Zone
(0:49:44) Aquatic Relix Zone
(0:56:42) Sky Chase Zone/Aerobase Zone
(1:04:17) Gigantic Angel Zone
(1:13:05) Last Utopia Zone
(1:17:22) Chaotic Space Zone
(1:21:44) Final thoughts
(1:28:59) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

King of Fighters Retrospective - Fighting Game Retrospectives

Have no fear! Amy Rose is here! Prismaeya returns to the podcast for a discussion about the female face of our favorite franchise. Amy's a character that's changed a lot over the years, running the gamut from starry-eyed fangirl to confident girlboss, and people are VERY vocal about their own preferences. Follow me and listen as we look back at this pink hedgehog's storied career, and try to hammer home whether there's a true balance to be found for a character that is so many people's sweet passion.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Who is Amy Rose?
(0:08:03) Classic Amy
(0:14:40) Modern Amy
(0:39:00) "Postmodern" Amy and Boom Amy
(0:53:46) Archie Amy and STC Amy
(0:59:45) Amy's theme songs
(1:09:23) Amy's weapon(s) and abilities
(1:19:56) Mika's Amy origins
(1:31:01) Prime Amy(s)
(1:36:15) Amy voices
(1:52:45) FangGuu chimes in!
(1:54:59) Ship talk
(1:57:46) Final thoughts
(2:13:35) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Welcome to a world unique and beyond what you know from the Sega games! A world where black is white, up is down, and everyone's favorite blue hedgehog is...EVIL?! That's right, the gang is getting creative again today as they craft their own take on a mirror Sonic universe that we're calling "Scattered Rings"! What catastrophe could have left the world in such a state? What threat do our former heroes pose now that they've turned to the dark side? And just who is going to be left to stop them? You'll have to listen to find out as we take a peek through the looking glass at what could be...

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Let's create a mirror universe!
(0:03:26) previous mirror universe fiction
(0:19:37) "Scattered Rings"
(0:22:40) Sonic/the status quo
(0:42:53) Eggman
(0:49:30) Knuckles
(0:58:32) Tails
(1:08:16) Amy
(1:16:50) Metal Sonic
(1:23:18) Shadow
(1:45:26) Rouge
(1:50:49) Team Chaotix
(1:54:19) Cream
(2:00:34) Team Hooligan
(2:03:35) Blaze
(2:06:50) Silver
(2:09:50) Babylon Rogues
(2:10:43) Deadly Six
(2:11:20) Infinite
(2:12:53) Big
(2:14:20) Omochao, Orbot and Cubot
(2:17:20) Final thoughts
(2:19:16) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Transformers: The Basics on Shattered Glass

It's our second anniversary, and we're ready for another year of talking about everyone's favorite hedgehog! So why don't we kick off year three by talking about...well, Sonic himself? That's right, all of...er, MOST of the gang are diving deep today into what really drives Sonic as a character. What are his the core aspects of his personality? How about his greatest flaws? Why do so many people believe Black Knight is "peak" as the kids call it? And at the heart of it all, they try to answer the big question: is there really one TRUE Sonic characterization...or does there even need to be?

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:03:00) Main topic: Who is Sonic the Hedgehog?
(0:10:49) Real quick recent Sonic-y stuff
(0:13:30) Who is Sonic "objectively"?
(0:27:36) Sonic's pre-Adventure "essence"
(0:39:50) Older Sonic media that "gets it wrong"
(0:44:30) Perfect examples of what makes Sonic "Sonic"
(1:07:06) Black Knight and Unleashed
(1:44:15) Sonic's flaws
(2:10:17) What should Sonic NEVER do?
(2:21:34) Our Sonic headcanons
(2:37:46) Who is Sonic to us specifically?
(2:51:40) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

The Animation of Sonic Frontiers

Hot Coffee by Adam Bryce Thomas

Hoo boy, folks. Our journey through Sonic Prime has finally come to an end, as heroes and villains from across the Shatterverse come together for one final showdown against an emotionally compromised child and his robot army. Is it the grand finale we were all hoping for? Or would this ending have been better left banished to the darkest corners of the void? Tune in to find out!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:05:10) Year of Shadow, baby!
(0:11:19) Main Topic: Sonic Prime "Season" 3
(0:14:00) Grim Tidings
(0:30:20) Dome Sweet Dome
(0:35:30) No Escape-The Devil is in the Tails
(1:05:40) From the Top
(1:28:57) Final thoughts
(1:50:40) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Police Story reference

Get ready... GO! It's time for a new episode of The Wood Village is Always Greener, as we hop in our cars, hovercrafts, and planes, traveling back to the late '90s so we can reminisce on a beloved classic kart racer, Diddy Kong Racing. We take a DEEP dive looking back at everything this game has to offer, from its colorful cast, to its many scenic circuits, to all the attempted follow-ups that never quite left the starting line.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Diddy Kong Racing
(0:07:25) Development history
(0:11:09) The characters
(0:40:18) Gameplay
(0:47:27) Battle mode
(0:49:16) Adventure mode
(0:59:07) Dino Domain
(1:01:48) Snowflake Mountain
(1:05:20) Sherbet Island
(1:09:29) Dragon Forest
(1:15:39) Wizpig's First Strike
(1:21:14) Future Fun Land
(1:24:31) Wizpig Strikes Back and other features
(1:29:10) Diddy Kong Racing DS
(1:44:48) The almost-sequels
(1:56:23) Other media and merch
(2:04:20) N64 vs. DS listening party
(2:20:59) Final thoughts
(2:22:41) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Diddy Kong Racing's Krunch -- Designing For Frustration

Donkey Kong Racing trailer

Diddy Kong Pilot prototypes

Diddy Kong Racing Adventure

The Fast and the Furriest

Mickey's Speedway USA beta maps

Rare Racers pins at Fangamer

DKR64.com

After much teasing, the gang is finally beginning their journey through the UK Sonic novels written by Martin Adams, who is totally a real person that exists, we swear. First up is Sonic in Robotnik's Laboratory, as Sonic and Tails race to rescue their friends from Robotnik's FAROUT machine, a device that is anything but. It's a tale filled romance, betrayal, fast food, rats, toasters, obscure localizations, bad-taste jokes about public figures, incomprehensible cockney rhyming, and a bunch of other stuff someone saw in a video once...what more could anyone ask for?

(0:00:00) Intro/our recent Sonic-y stuff
(0:06:01) Main Topic: Sonic the Hedgehog in Robotnik's Laboratory
(0:20:21) Story recap
(2:09:56) Final thoughts
(2:16:16) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic the Comic the Podcast

STCTP interview with "Martin Adams"

Sonic the Hedgehog in Robotnik's Laboratory

People don't always say what they mean, and things are not always what they seem. For example, we could say "the Sonic Underground episode 'Friend or Foe', Knuckles' first appearance in a western Sonic cartoon, is terrible and nobody should watch it." But what we actually mean is "we and special guest Green Bones Dommy watched this terrible episode, and had a blast laughing at its ridiculous animation, its often nonsensical plotting, and the Sonic franchise's all-time wolf-face power couple." So grab a plate of Krupnik and join us for our first ever look back at Sonic Underground...for better and for worse.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Underground - "Friend or Foe?"
(0:12:15) The history (and OUR history) of Sonic Underground
(0:30:50) The cast and thoughts on some other episodes
(0:48:43) Theme song
(0:53:13) "Friend or Foe?" episode discussion
(1:37:56) Final thoughts
(1:42:57) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic Underground - Friend or Foe

Ben Hurst interviews - Saturday Morning Sonic

Sonic Underground: The Greatest Hits

Sonic Underground commercial

"The Best of Anime II" commercial

We've locked on and locked in for the second half of our Sonic 3 & Knuckles retrospective! And this week, it's all about the "& Knuckles" part, as Sonic continues to clash with Robotic and his new red-dreaded rival across mushrooms, deserts, lava, and even space, in the conclusion to this epic Mega Drive duology.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic & Knuckles
(0:03:07) Mushroom Hill Zone
(0:17:08) Flying Battery Zone
(0:26:12) Sandopolis Zone
(0:37:15) Lava Reef Zone/Hidden Palace Zone
(0:56:00) Sky Sanctuary Zone
(1:10:26) Death Egg Zone
(1:27:49) The Doomsday Zone/Ending
(1:38:40) Other bits and bobs
(1:48:09) Final thoughts
(1:57:09) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Happy anniversary to us! To celebrate 50 episodes of The Hill Is Always Greener, we're taking a look back at a game currently celebrating its own milestone anniversary, Sonic the Hedgehog 3! The capstone to the original trilogy provides for endless discussion, including how a whole separate game was made because of McDonald's, the multiple renditions of many music tracks, and the ongoing debate as to just what color Knuckles actually is. In fact, this episode ended up being so huge that, much like Sonic 3 itself, we had to split it in two! Tune in next week for our second half, all about Sonic & Knuckles!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (& Knuckles)
(0:08:45) The box art
(0:11:38) The split/"lock-on technology"
(0:21:58) Competition mode
(0:24:55) Knock knock, it's Knuckles
(0:28:20) Other changes and new features
(0:36:32) The story
(0:40:19) Our various versions
(0:46:47) Angel Island (and Blue Spheres)
(1:04:25) Hydro City
(1:11:36) Marble Garden
(1:17:32) Carnival Night
(1:23:30) Ice Cap
(1:30:03) Launch Base

Amie Waters on Linktree

The Sonic 3 and Laputa Connection

Retronauts Episode 524: Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Part 1

Retronauts Episode 542: Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Part 2

I've heard of killing a franchise, but this is ridiculous! Sonic has been found dead, and everyone is under suspicion! To figure out just whodunit, it's going to take our crack team of podcast detectives, joined by special guest and visual novel creator Gospel, to find all the clues, interrogate all the suspects, and discover the truth behind what makes this free game from the Sega social media team such a delightful labor of love. And make sure you keep an eye out in the coming weeks for a full playthrough of the game by the cast of Sonic F!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:05:23) Main topic: The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
(0:18:45) Tutorial
(0:30:57) Think!
(0:42:09) Saloon car
(0:51:00) Library car
(0:55:40) Casino car
(1:05:50) Lounge car
(1:09:27) Conductor car
(1:19:26) The finale
(1:28:19) Final thoughts
(1:45:00) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog

The Making Of The Sonic Murder Game That Took The Internet By Storm - Kotaku

How Sega Murdered Sonic The Hedgehog - Game Informer

SHINRAI - Broken Beyond Despair

We've once again reached that strange point where we have to talk about a new game released post-podcast, and this time, Sega is playing the classics once again with Sonic Superstars. Multiple playable characters, giant levels, Emerald powers... It's a whole lot, but the real question is: is it good? Well, that's what we're hopefully going to find out in today's exciting episode.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Superstars
(0:03:10) Development history
(0:26:09) The game itself
(0:41:43) Level layouts
(0:53:32) Special stages and Emerald powers
(1:09:42) Easter eggs!
(1:13:00) Bosses
(1:22:15) The second story mode
(1:36:11) Trip's characterization
(1:41:50) The true final boss
(1:56:03) Multiplayer
(2:03:27) The music
(2:16:25) Final thoughts
(2:27:57) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

"Stupid liberal lizard"

How to beat THAT boss

Windii's translations

We're heading back to South Island and Westside Island to take in the local sounds! Special guest CyberneticPinkeye joins us to look back at the soundtracks for the first two Sonic the Hedgehog games, along with the original demos for each track by composer Masato Nakamura. Listen in as we try to get more insight on two collections of music that really made our dreams come true.

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:28) Main topic: Sonic 1 and 2 soundtracks
(0:07:32) Shared jingles and incidentals
(0:27:30) Sonic 1 incidentals
(0:35:05) Green Hill Zone
(0:40:36) Marble Zone
(0:45:52) Spring Yard Zone
(0:49:38) Labyrinth Zone
(0:52:57) Star Light Zone
(0:56:14) Scrap Brain Zone
(1:00:44) Final Zone and ending
(1:06:28) Sonic 2 incidentals
(1:15:39) Multiplayer stages
(1:24:54) Emerald Hill Zone
(1:28:27) Chemical Plant Zone
(1:32:46) Aquatic Ruin Zone
(1:36:40) Casino Night Zone
(1:42:37) Hill Top Zone
(1:46:20) Mystic Cave Zone
(1:49:19) Oil Ocean Zone
(1:52:40) Metropolis Zone
(1:57:16) Sky Chase Zone
(2:01:18) Wing Fortress Zone
(2:04:14) Death Egg Zone
(2:08:13) Final boss
(2:11:05) Ending (Sweet Sweet Sweet/Sweet Dreams)
(2:22:42) Unused song ("Hidden Palace")
(2:25:06) Final Thoughts
(2:29:23) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Nightmare City

MegaDriver - Chemical Plant (MetalHog)

Video Game History Foundation - Sonic 2 Lost Stages Revealed

This is the unabridged How Metal Sonic Stole Christmas radio play, written and produced by GameBuddy in 2008. It is fully unaltered from its original presentation, save for the removal of one piece of copyrighted music. If you want to hear our commentary, please listen to episode 46 of The Hill Is Always Greener. Thank you so much, and happy holidays.

(00:00) How Metal Sonic Stole Christmas
(18:18) Credits
(20:43) Blooper reel

'Tis the season for nostalgia, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la la la! As a special holiday treat, we're getting a little more personal and going back 15 years to look at "How Metal Sonic Stole Christmas", a fan radio play written by GameBuddy that most of us participated in. This was the first project that we and much of the Sonic F cast worked on together, so in the spirit of the season, we'd like to share something that meant quite a bit to us with all of you. Happy holidays, everyone, and thank you for continuing to support the show.

(Note: if you want to hear the original radio play without any of our dumb commentary, it'll also be available in the podcast feed the same day this goes up, so make sure you download that as well.)

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:03:28) Main topic: How Metal Sonic Stole Christmas
(0:18:00) The cast
(0:42:38) Commentary begins
(1:01:42) Post-commentary discussion
(1:16:52) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

We've equipped all our best skill cards and are ready for a new episode all about one of Sonic's more unique spinoffs, Sonic Battle! This GBA fighting game starring an adorable robot OC had a surprisingly extensive single-player campaign that gave a lot of characters some much-needed time in the spotlight...though for one character, that's not really a good thing. Does the story still hold up? Is there more depth to the combat than at first glance? And why haven't we seen a new Sonic fighting game since? Well, it's time to head back into the blocky 3D arena and find out!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:02:25) Main topic: Sonic Battle
(0:21:43) Emerl
(0:27:35) Sonic's story
(1:00:54) Tails' story
(1:05:09) Rouge's story
(1:12:19) Amy's story
(1:25:05) Knuckles' story
(1:31:22) Cream's story
(1:35:52) Shadow's story
(1:43:06) Emerl's story
(2:00:27) Minigames and adaptations
(2:03:48) Final thoughts
(2:14:09) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Sonic Battle - Game Script

Prof. Gerald's Journal

It's still thinking, and 25 years later, we still wanna talk about it! To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Dreamcast launch, we're joined by former game journalist Ryan MacDonald to talk about our memories of Sega's final home console, including Ryan's time covering it on the press side for GameSpot. Join us as we revisit the highs of its launch, the lows of its discontinuation, and all the weird, wonderful games that made Sega's last hurrah so special for so many people.

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:19:57) Main topic: Sega Dreamcast
(0:37:55) Retro consoles and collecting
(0:53:33) The games
(1:28:07) What went wrong?
(1:44:02) Aftermarket and legacy
(2:00:21) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Ryan’s YouTube channel

Sega CD CES demo

General Chaos

The Getaway: High Speed 2

Hidekazu Yukawa Commercial Compilation

"It's Thinking" Commercial Compilation

Mario 64 grading scandal

Sega Heat.net

E3 1995 - "$299"

VM2 on IndieGogo

How do you follow up a game that changed gaming and created an entertainment icon? ...I dunno, but they did it. The gang is joined by VTuber Boomba to reminisce on the 1992 classic, Sonic the Hedgehog 2! Sonic Team's sophomore outing changed things up significantly from the original, not least of which through its introduction of a little two-tailed pal for our fast-footed hero! Does this speedy sequel stand up to the test of time? And just how much of the game got left in the dust in its mad dash to make the holiday season? Well, toss your younger sibling the second controller and listen in to find out!

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:09:26) Main topic: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
(0:18:10) The spin dash
(0:23:51) Tails!
(0:36:23) 2P versus
(0:37:40) Super Sonic
(0:40:33) Title screen
(0:41:33) Emerald Hill Zone
(0:45:54) Special stages
(0:57:52) Chemical Plant Zone
(1:03:59) Aquatic Ruin Zone
(1:09:35) Casino Night Zone
(1:18:04) Hill Top Zone
(1:26:31) Mystic Cave Zone
(1:34:07) Oil Ocean Zone
(1:43:04) Metropolis Zone
(1:50:01) Sky Chase Zone/Wing Fortress Zone
(1:59:27) Death Egg Zone
(2:05:58) Ending
(2:09:00) Hidden Palace Zone
(2:15:55) Other cut zones
(2:22:15) Other versions
(2:31:55) Final thoughts
(2:37:04) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog 116 - Tails' New Home

A Day to Remember - You Be Tails, I'll Be Sonic

TailsTube #1 (feat. Sonic)

Tee Lopes - Hill Top Zone

Real Life Smash Bros Brawl Trailer! + Real Life Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trailer (Less-Potato Quality)

Sonic 2 Special Edition - Let's Play!

Don't. Turn. Around. On this most frightening of nights, The Hill Is Always Greener looks back at the bizarre phenomenon that is the Tails Doll. From its seemingly innocent origins to its horrifying legacy birthed by the Sonic fandom, we peer deep into the soul of this little ball of fluff until we too can...feel...the...sunshine...

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: The Tails Doll
(0:04:02) The origin
(0:07:03) The fan stuff
(0:18:49) Comic appearances
(0:25:30) Other cameos
(0:28:46) Final thoughts
(0:36:19) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

"Prophecy" by Asher Tye

"Who REALLY Started the Story of the Tails Doll Curse?" by TheMentok

Ted the Caver

Candle Cove

NES Godzilla Creepypasta

Sonic Shorts playlist

Comickpro

Karl Bollers talks about Tails Doll

We're ready for primetime once again as we take a look at the second batch of episodes for Sonic Prime! With all the shatterverses now introduced, worlds start to collide as the Chaos Council spreads their influence and Sonic attempts to recover all of the missing shards, but new enemies and old friends both stand in his way. Has our opinion on the show changed with this new batch? How do we think the whole series will conclude? And seriously, what is it going to take to get rid of that freaking baby forever?

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Prime "Season" 2
(0:04:14) Avoid the Void
(0:27:24) Battle in the Boscage
(0:34:21) Second Wind/No Way Out
(0:49:20) A Madness to Their Methods
(0:56:35) Double Trouble
(1:03:29) Cracking Down
(1:09:44) Ghost of a Chance
(1:22:56) Final thoughts
(1:32:00) Series finale speculation
(1:40:30) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

"Avoid the Void" on YouTube

"Battle in the Boscage" on YouTube

Tweet from Dejimon11 that is 100% correct

Tweet from animator Junni Enriquez showing some easter eggs snuck into Sonic Prime

Oh boy. This is going to be a rough one. Were going back in time to the, uh..."birth(?)" of the Classic Sonic renaissance with Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode I. Released in 2010, this downloadable title sought to recreate the feel of the original Sonic games, with...questionable results. Does it feel any better to go back to today? What about the weird soundtrack? And does this game really have any sort of lasting legacy all its own?

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
(0:18:20) The music
(0:24:50) How we played the game
(0:33:15) The title screen
(0:36:04) Splash Hill
(0:49:25) Special stages
(0:56:18) Casino Street
(1:02:26) Lost Labyrinth
(1:16:23) Mad Gear
(1:23:30) E.G.G. Station
(1:25:58) Ending
(1:29:10) Episode II...and III?
(1:32:48) What is the legacy of Sonic 4 Episode I?
(1:40:24) Super Sonic
(1:43:18) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

CVG report on the delay of Sonic 4 Episode I

We've all been there. We've all got that one thing that we're super deep into, but one of our friends doesn't really get it. Maybe it passed them by, maybe it's just not their thing, who knows? Whatever the reason, perhaps being on the outside looking in has left them with plenty of questions that they've never quite been able to get the answers to. Well, this is something that we at The Hill Is Always Greener are aiming to change with our new series of "newbie education" episodes, where we bring on a guest who is NOT a Sonic fan and attempt to better explain what draws us to the franchise, as well as answer any of those burning questions they might have. And for this first episode, friend of the show Derek returns to ask all about environmentalism, getting into the comics, the lack of new RPGs, and much more. Plus, he'll have to answer a few devious questions of our own...

(0:00:00) Intro
(0:04:49) What is it about Sonic that has made you stick with it?
(0:13:17) Is the Sonic Cycle still relevant?
(0:18:51) Quiz game: A.B.C.D. Station
(0:41:32) Was Murder of Sonic a deliberate attempt to experiment with putting Sonic in a different genre?
(0:45:59) Did Sonic Chronicles really poison the well for Sonic RPGs?
(0:51:03) How do I get into the comics?
(0:58:42) Quiz game: Animal Abstraction
(1:21:38) Derek's trivia question
(1:23:54) Why did they gate the best endings behind special stages?
(1:28:30) Does Sonic still have environmentalist themes?
(1:33:34) Quiz game: Know More Music
(1:57:29) What was so bad about Sonic 4?
(1:59:45) Do you think things have gotten better or worse since Yuji Naka left?
(2:07:40) If you had to recommend one Sonic game to a newcomer, what would it be?
(2:17:29) Outro

Amie Waters on Linktree

Derek's Twitch

Sonic Free Riders No Kinect Patch

Dick Kicker (Giant Bomb Remix)

Dreamcast: Where It Went Wrong with Sega's Mark Subotnick - The Retro Hour

Hello! ¡Hola! Willkommen! Bienvenue! Konnichiwa! Alooooha! How ya doin'? Yo! And in any language, welcome to The Hill Is Always Greener! In celebration of the recent release of the Lego Sonic the Hedgehog theme, the gang takes a look back at Sonic's guest appearance in the toys-to-life crossover Lego Dimensions, a subject that CyberLink knows all too well. Join us as we break down the Sonic level pack and its many references and callbacks brick-by-brick, and how it set the stage for more Lego Sonic on the screen and on toy shelves! It's the most comedic celebration of Sonic that you'll find in any dimension!

(0:00:00) Intro/Sonic Superstars initial thoughts
(0:06:51) Main topic: Lego Dimensions
(0:13:23) Sonic Dimensions
(0:17:15) The (close-enough) music
(0:22:56) Green Hill Zone
(0:24:35) Special Stages
(0:28:16) Emerald Coast Clash
(0:31:30) Formidable Foe Fiasco
(0:34:35) Metropolis Zone Mayhem
(0:38:25) Marble Zone Meltdown
(0:41:57) The Labyrinth
(0:43:13) Death Egg Showdown
(0:49:31) Adventure world
(1:02:35) Character interactions
(1:07:27) Other Sonic stuff
(1:08:43) Lego ideas Sonic
(1:10:30) Lego Sonic theme
(1:13:10) Final thoughts
(1:20:35) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

The Lego Dimensions Tracker co-authored by CyberLink

BricksToLife - List of Canceled Year 3 plans for Lego Dimensions

Lego Ideas - Sonic Mania

Lego Sonic the Hedgehog sets - Announce trailer

Brace yourselves, folks: you're in for a weird one. In the spirit of creativity, The Hill Is Always Greener have decided to stretch their writing muscles and craft their very own Sonic the Hedgehog fanfiction...by gamifying the process in the most absurd, ridiculous way possible. Filled with violent gamer rage, age-related injuries, taxes, body horror, and even the unexpected return of a much beloved abridged series, this is one episode that needs to be heard to be believed.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Let's write a Sonic fanfic! (0:02:13) Our history with Sonic fanfics (0:11:05) Excerpt: "Metal Mastermind" by Turrican23X (0:14:10) Setting our ground rules (0:18:31) Luke - Characters denigrate other video game franchises (Change!) (0:25:40) Jeremy - Sonic is unable to run for some reason (0:31:37) Chris - Character uses a curse word (0:37:56) Jake - Inexplicable crossover that doesn't compliment either universe (0:41:55) Jake - Christian rock music (It's On You!) (0:45:53) Luke - Karaoke (0:47:53) Jeremy - Drastic character change (Change!) (0:53:18) Chris - Truth or Dare (0:56:50) Chris - Tragic backstory out of nowhere (Put This In!) (0:58:46) Jake - Incongruous Intercourse (1:03:06) Luke - One of the main characters has to stop and do their taxes before continuing the story (1:05:44) Jeremy - Coffee Shop AU (1:09:23) Chris - Eggman wins (1:14:40) Jake - Reference an early 2000s Toonami show (1:18:53) Luke - Breaking the fourth wall in a bad attempt at humour (1:20:34) Chris - Breaking the fourth wall in a bad attempt at drama (It's On You!) (1:23:55) Jeremy - War is on the brink, and can only be stopped if 1 character can deliver something, but 2nd character is stopping them (1:27:36) Chris - Friend gets hurt (1:30:31) Chris - Character from another SEGA franchise appears (1:32:57) Jake - Heroic snack-rifice (1:35:11) Jake - Brand new Super form (Put This In!) (1:39:58) Luke - Romantic moment (Change!) (1:43:50) The full story recap (1:53:05) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Marin Miller

"Whose Line Is It Anyway: Love Hina Edition" by JonJ

"Sonic: Chaos in the System" by Faulerro

"Trial and Error: Speedy Turnabout" by CyberLink420

"Metal Mastermind" by Turrican23X

What happens when you take a team of talented creators with ties to the Sonic fanbase, and give them Sonic Team's blessing and guidance? You get one of the greatest Sonic games of all time, that's what! Special guest Ginger Hail joins the team to talk about the one and only Sonic Mania, a game with the most unlikely of origins that remains one of the blue blur's most lauded adventures. We dissect this game from top to bottom, from its snappy gameplay, to its many surprising additions and callbacks, to its incredible soundtrack, to...okay, let's be honest, this is just gonna be us gushing nonstop for two and a half hours, so if that sort of thing sounds up your alley, tune in!

(0:00:00) Intro (0:04:03) Main topic: Sonic Mania (0:19:55) The music! (0:34:20) Green Hill Zone (0:47:07) Special Stages (0:55:24) Chemical Plant Zone (0:59:43) Studiopolis Zone (1:10:06) Flying Battery Zone (1:16:01) Press Garden Zone (1:19:30) Stardust Speedway Zone (1:28:24) Hydrocity Zone (1:35:33) Mirage saloon Zone (1:44:49) Oil Ocean Zone (1:51:36) Lava Reef Zone (1:58:27) Metallic Madness Zone (2:06:27) Titanic Monarch Zone (2:16:24) Egg Reverie Zone (2:19:48) Other modes (2:23:54) Final thoughts (2:31:55) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Ginger Hail on Twitter

carnivalnight.zone

Egg Reverie + Fist Bump Vocals

Studiopolis Zone (Act 1) Jazz Cover by insaneintherainmusic

Motobug the Badnik in Sonic the Hedgehog

It's time to dip back into Sonic Adventure once again, but perhaps not in the way you expect. Special guest FangGuu joins the gang as they take a look at two VERY different and very controversial comic adaptations of Sonic's first real foray into 3D. First, Archie Comics desperately attempts to make the game's story work within its universe at the eleventh hour, with questionable results. Then, Sonic the Comic almost wholly abandons the source material in the name of attempting to give the comic a proper send-off for its final storyline. Shocking character death, backstories upon backstories, controversial endings, and so much more await, so tune in to see how that rough transition to 3D translated to the page.

(0:00:00) Intro (0:02:35) Archie Comics (1:18:17) Sonic the Comic (2:26:13) Final thoughts (2:29:38) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

FangGuu on Twitch

Sonic Adventure Fan Comic

Special guest Prismaeya joins the gang to look back at Sonic Advance, one of the blue blur’s first appearances on a Nintendo system! What was it like seeing Sonic show up on “the competition” for the first time? How well does Amy adapt to the gameplay of a traditional Sonic sidescroller? And does Dimps’ freshman outing with the Sonic series still hold up to this day? All this and more await, so grab your link cables and get ready to experience Life Advanced!

(0:00:00) Intro (0:03:12) Main topic: Sonic Advance (0:16:22) Music (0:20:36) Multiplayer (0:23:09) Tiny Chao Garden (0:25:43) Gameplay (0:31:40) SonicN (0:33:45) Amy is playable! (0:43:33) Special Stages (0:46:57) Neo Green Hill Zone (0:48:00) Secret Base Zone (0:56:37) Casino Paradise Zone/Ice Mountain Zone (1:00:00) Angel Island Zone (1:05.40) Egg Rocket Zone/Cosmic Angel Zone (1:12:08) X-Zone (1:16:57) Moon Zone (1:31:52) Sound Test (1:34:40) Final thoughts (1:39:28) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

prismaeya on Twitch

2D Illustration Shader mod for Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Adventure 2 (Dark Story + Final Story) | Real-Time Fandub Games

Happy birthday Sonic! To celebrate the blue blur's 32nd anniversary, friend of the show JezMM joins us for a discussion all about the game that started it all, 1991's Sonic the Hedgehog for the Genesis/Mega Drive. Listen in as we reminisce over the catchy soundtrack, the (sometimes) high speeds, and our collective terror every time the Labyrinth looms before us.

(0:00:00) Intro (0:03:16) Main topic: Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) (0:11:29) Starting the game (0:16:31) Green Hill Zone (0:22:50) Special Stages (0:31:10) Marble Zone (0:40:25) Spring Yard Zone (0:48:09) Labyrinth Zone (0:57:14) Star Light Zone (1:04:27) Scrap Brain Zone (1:10:56) Final Zone/The music (1:17:54) The ending (1:22:45) The Master System version (1:30:18) Other ports (1:35:55) Final thoughts (1:43:22) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

JezMM on Twitter

Can ya smell what the Doc is cookin'?! Because the podcast has officially entered the squared circle to talk about one of the greatest wrestlers of our era, the inimitable El Gran Gordo! No one knows the true face beneath his crimson mask, but rest assured: He's here to lay a muy grande smackdown on anyone who stands in his way, be it Sonic the Hedgehog, Andes the Ginormous, or the sinister forces of that handsome devil Dr. Eggman! So join us as we look back at this legendary career of the best there is, was, and ever will be in the pages of the Sonic X comic series from Archie Comics. And that's the bottom line, because El Gran Gordo said so!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: El Gran Gordo! (0:13:01) Issue 26: La Layenda del Gran Gordo! (0:34:00) Clip: Parallel training montage (0:42:51) Clip: Sonic defeats Eggman (0:46:37) Issue 27: Conquest is Like a Box of Chocolates (0:57:52) Clip: Emperor Bokkun (1:06:42) Clip: You fell for it! (1:09:16) Issue 31: The Return of El Gran Gordo (1:18:22) Clip: Forty cakes (1:34:57) Issue 32: Title Mismatch (1:44:40) Clip: Go badnik army! (1:55:20) Final thoughts (2:00:33) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Liv Brown on Twitter

Exposed - Pro Wrestling's Greatest Secrets

The Real Eggman

There are people who say that any hero is only as good as their villain... So it's a good thing that sonic fans have one of the most recognizable and memorable villains in all video gaming. That's right, our first ever character deep dive is all about the one and only Dr. Eggman, as the gang takes a look back at his MANY incarnations. From his humble origins, to his wildly divergent takes in western media, to his more nuanced, characterization of the modern day, we dissect just what makes Eggman "Eggman" and ponder what the future may hold for this evil genius. It's a packed episode, so sit back, tune in, and get a load of this!

(0:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (0:07:26) Main topic: Dr. Eggman (0:10:25) Eggman's origins (0:15:56) AoStH Robotnik (0:23:40) SatAM Robotnik (0:26:20) Archie Robotnik (0:31:06) StC Robotnik (0:34:45) Modern Eggman (0:47:55) Boom Eggman (0:52:45) Movie Robotnik (1:01:45) Eggman's Family (1:10:39) Eggman's regime (1:22:35) The sliding scale of Modern Eggman (1:36:30) Eggman's many henchmen (1:42:00) Eggman and Sonic's dynamic (1:47:45) What's next for Eggman? (1:52:19) Eggman Nega (1:56:35) Final thoughts (1:59:25) Outro (2:03:45) Bonus: Eggman medley by Faulerro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Early Eggman concept art

Buckets of Blood

It's time for another all-out brawl as Sonic and Knuckles go head to head in two specials from the early years of Archie! First, a clash between the blue blur and his friendly nemesis scales up considerably when Chaos Emeralds get involved in Super Sonic vs. Hyper Knuckles! Then Sonic is roboticized and forced under Robotnik's control, and the only one who can stop him is a newly roboticized echidna who's ready to throw down in Mecha Madness! Which one of the two will come out on top? And do the stories of these tussles between the two titans still hold up to this day? All that and more, plus some backup stories nobody cares about, on this all new episode!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Archie's Sonic vs. Knuckles specials
(0:05:07) Super Sonic vs. Hyper Knuckles
(0:34:28) Clip: Sonic and Knuckles transform
(0:44:59) Backup strip
(0:53:20) Mecha Madness
(1:21:22) Clip: Mecha Knuckles' explosive finale
(1:42:17) Backup strips
(1:50:50) Final thoughts
(1:55:47) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Jonny Quest gets iced by Rattrap

The BBFC, and its war on the headbutt - Film Stories

That's no moon...that's the subject of our new episode! In celebration of Revenge of the 5th, the gang takes a look at one of the most memorable recurring locations in the Sonic franchise, the Death Egg! While rooted in popular culture, this fully operational battle station has been a focus of many of the most iconic Sonic stories in games and comics. And we're going to take a long look back at its legacy, including its many imitations, the robots Eggman has used to defend it, and our lingering fears that it will one day doom us all. Help us, Sonic the Hedgehog. You're our only hope.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: The Death Egg
(0:13:15) Sonic 2
(0:18:25) Sonic 3
(0:21:10) Sonic & Knuckles
(0:28:37) Sonic Battle
(0:29:48) Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
(0:32:00) Sonic Generations
(0:35:00) Sonic Forces
(0:37:14) Lego Dimensions
(0:38:23) The Death Egg in comics
(0:51:39) Other Death Egg-likes
(1:04:47) Final thoughts: Is it more than just a Death Star ripoff?
(1:15:19) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Sonic The Hedgehog (Animated) Japanese Commercial

With apologies to STCTP for parroting their recurring jokes

Well, that's just prime! Sonic is back on TV at long last, so it's only fitting that we take a deep dive into the first eight episodes of his latest small-screen adventure, Sonic Prime. Left lost and alone due to his own careless actions, Sonic will need the help of a few familiar but different faces if he ever hopes to return home. But does his dimensional journey shatter our expectations, or is it better left adrift in the void? It's the first act of a multiversal epic, and we're ready to watch along every step of the way.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: Sonic Prime (Part 1)
(0:10:07) Episode 1-3
(0:35:51) Episode 4-5
(0:50:35) Episode 6
(0:54:47) Episode 7-8
(1:05:04) Further thoughts
(1:34:35) Future predictions
(1:40:25) Final thoughts
(1:44:34) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

'Sonic Prime' Leads Reveal the Souped-Up Secrets of the New CG Netflix Series | Animation Magazine

Thanks, Ken Penders — Sonic Prime!

Super Lesbian Animal RPG

It's our anniversary! That's right, The Hill Is Always Greener has been podcasting for a year straight! And to celebrate, we're taking another look at our very first episode subject, Sonic Adventure! After talking about it pretty briefly in our first episode, we decided to give it a much deeper dive this time around. So pull up a chair, cuddle up with your chao, and watch out for orcas as we dive in! (Warning: first few rows WILL get wet.)

(0:00:00) Intro/Our first anniversary!
(0:05:30) Main topic: Sonic Adventure revisited
(0:08:00) Sonic's story
(0:44:30) Tails's story
(0:51:29) Knuckles's story
(0:59:35) Amy's story
(1:02:50) Big's story
(1:08:10) Gamma's story
(1:12:32) Last story
(1:19:57) Adventure fields
(1:23:13) Gameplay
(1:47:15) Chao
(1:52:51) The music
(2:03:50) Mods
(2:09:15) Final thoughts
(2:11:17) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Translated Sonic 3 manual

Eizo Sakamoto - Open Your Heart (Live at the Tokyo International Forum, 8/22/1998)

Eizo Sakamoto - Open Your Heart (unofficially recreated studio demo)

READY! / J×J album info

SADX Mod Installer

Other mods mentioned:

Sonic Adventure Retranslated [Sonic Adventure DX] [Mods]

Better Tails AI [Sonic Adventure DX] [Mods]

SA2 Conversion [Sonic Adventure DX] [Mods]

Heroes Conversion [Sonic Adventure DX] [Mods]

Shadow (SA1-Styled) [Sonic Adventure DX] [Mods]

SA2 Shadow Voice Clips [Sonic Adventure DX] [Sound Mods]

All Hail Shadow for any mods of Shadow [Sonic Adventure DX] [Sound Mods]

Perfect Chaos Music Swap [Sonic Adventure DX] [Sound Mods]

Better Radar [Sonic Adventure 2] [Mods]

Yes, folks. After a solid year of doing a Mario podcast, we're finally tackling what is easily his most controversial game, Super Mario 64. Mario's first true 3D outing was a rough one that made a lot of questionable choices, but it's hard to look back on it without being clouded by our own nostalgia. Is this "classic" truly deserving of its reputation, for good or for ill? Join us and find out!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Super Mario 64
(0:15:17) ???
(0:19:48) Okay, back to it
(0:27:42) The music
(0:32:47) The decompilation and ROMhacks
(0:38:51) Super Mario 64 DS
(0:41:45) Final thoughts (and some brief movie talk)
(0:45:14) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

sm64pcbuilder2

Super Mario 64 Through The Ages

Kaze Emanuar on YouTube

Waluigi's Taco Stand 64

Well, we're here, reaching far across those new frontiers. It's time for us to take a long, VERY long look at Sonic's latest mainline outing and one of the most dramatic reinventions of the series to date, Sonic Frontiers. Was it worth the five year wait since Forces? Is this truly the foundation we hope to see future games built upon? And will we ever stop talking about how good the writing is? (Let's be honest, that last one's easily a no.) So walk forward through the cold dark, and join us for what is easily our biggest episode to date.

0:00:00 Intro/Main topic: Sonic Frontiers
0:03:26 How did we get here?
0:10:58 Game feel
0:46:48 Minibosses and aesthetics
1:05:30 Story (Kronos Island)
1:45:00 Ares Island
1:58:16 Chaos Island
2:16:15 BIG and the Egg Memos
2:27:00 Rhea Island
2:37:37 Ouranos Island and final boss
2:54:40 The ending
3:07:05 The music!
3:30:08 Final thoughts
3:35:12 Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Frontiers comic by JezMM - Twitter

Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence

Sonic Frontiers | Complete Story (Japanese, Translated)

Sonic Frontiers: Sonic's Back, Baby!

Once upon a time, there were four podcasters who desperately sought to recapture their youth. To do this, they gathered around to read the Sonic Golden Books, a trilogy of children’s storybooks from the early ‘90s. Their discussions of Sonic and his Freedom Fighter friends landed on many strange topics, from Tails eating literal garbage, to the perfect chili dog recipe, to Bunnie Rabbit’s art commissions. They even made a brief divergence into the Sonic Joke Book! Charmed by their pleasant simplicity, the four podcasters hoped all their listeners would tune in and read along with them, to enjoy a delightful trip back to yesteryear. The End.

(0:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff(0:09:10) Main topic Sonic Golden Books(0:14:19) Sonic’s Shoes Blues(1:11:03) The Secret Admirer(1:50:08) Up Against The Wall(2:19:49) Final thoughts(2:22:10) Sonic the Hedgehog Joke Book(2:25:27) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Sonic Forces Classic Sonic Improvement Mod (Chaos 0 Boss Fight)

Going Deep With Sonic The Hedgehog (John Michlig)

Sonic the Hedgehog: Sonic's Shoes Blues

Every Sonic game is blasphemous | Unraveled

Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Secret Admirer

Sonic 2 Special Edition: Let's Play!

Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Up Against The Wall

The Sonic the Hedgehog Joke Book

On this belated Valentine's Day episode, love is in the air, and no Sega mandate is going to stop us from talking about it with special guest Akaru. Over the years, there have been multiple attempts to pair Sonic off with someone (let's be real, mostly in the pages of Archie). Some have come up time and time again, others were little more than a quick fling, and a few are probably best left forgotten. So we're taking a look back at each one to see if we think they're a good match for everyone's favorite speedster...or, quite frankly, whether he should be romantically involved at all.

(0:08:32) Main Topic(0:31:58) Madonna(0:37:45) Sally Acorn(0:53:28) Amy Rose(1:03:41) Breezie the Hedgehog(1:06:56) Mina Mongoose(1:12:54) Bunnie Rabbot/Fiona Fox/Rouge the Bat(1:17:06) Blaze the Cat(1:20:30) Princess Elise(1:33:12) Shahra(1:35:57) Lah(1:37:25) Knuckles/Shadow(1:43:32) Eggman(1:46:20) Final thoughts(1:53:20) Outro

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Akaru on Twitter

Evan Stanley on Tumblr

Sega Mega Drive 1990 Tech Demo feat. Sonic and Madonna (Master System theme)

The gang is joined by game developer and former fan game creator Sam Beddoes of FreakZone Games to talk about the long and storied history of Sonic fan games, and the profound effect they've had on the franchise over the years. From their humble beginnings using whatever assets and tools were available, to their massive expansion in scope and scale, to many creators going on to develop their own original games, we cover some of the most interesting and memorable examples that have stuck with us over the years. Expect splat sounds, flashing neon signs, Tenchi Muyo references, massive character rosters, and so much more in this jam-packed episode, by and for the fans!

(0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: Sonic fan games(0:06:06) Sonic Boom, 1995, Martin Braid(0:19:24) Sonic Robo Blast, 1998, Johnathan Wallbank (Sonikku)(0:23:50) Sonic Chaos and its (many) sequels, 1999-2002, Kadir Aytaç Aksu (MagicgrafX)(0:31:44) Super Mario and Sonic, 1999, FreakZone Games(0:40:34) The Search for Knuckles, 1999, Johan Leion(0:49:21) When Tails Gets Bored, 2000, Sonic Vegemite(0:50:35) Tale of Two Sonics, 2001, Ashura Hedgehog(0:58:51) Retro Sonic, 2002-2008 (demo), Christian Whitehead (The Taxman)(1:01:30) Ultimate Flash Sonic, 2004, Dennis Gid(1:05:34) Sonic Before the Sequel + After the Sequel + Chrono Adventure, 2011-2013, Felipe Daneluz (LakeFeperd)(1:10:24) Sonic Utopia (demo), 2017, MrLange and Murusaki(1:18:34) Sonic World DX, 2014-present, Sonic World DX Team(1:21:42) Sonic GT, 2020, Gabriel Gonzalez(1:23:50) Sonic Smackdown, 2020, ArcForged(1:24:51) Sonic and the Fallen Star, 2022, StarDrop(1:27:43) Big's Big World, 2021, Michael Ropple(1:29:40) Sonic Dreams Collection, 2015, Arcane Kids(1:31:35) Final thoughts(1:37:48) Outro(1:41:10) Sonic Boom (remix) by Faulerro

Amie Waters on Twitter

FreakZone Games

Spectacular Sparky

Sonic Boom

François Lionet

ClickTeam

Bubba in the Turd Dimension

Sonic Robo Blast

Sonic Robo Blast 2

Sonic Chaos

Super Mario and Sonic

Super Mario and Sonic Return

Freddie The Frog

The Search for Knuckles - Internet Archive

Chaomega

When Tails Gets Bored

Tale of Two Sonics

Big Punch Studios

Retro Sonic

Ultimate Flash Sonic

Sonic Before the Sequel

Sonic After the Sequel

Sonic Chrono Adventure

Sonic Utopia

Sonic World DX

Sonic GT

Sonic Smackdown

Sonic and the Fallen Star

Big's Big World

Sonic Dreams Collection

Freedom Planet

Spark the Electric Jester

Project Rascal

Brock Crocodile

Advent NEON

Lightspeed Lina

Midi & Melody

It's time for another listening party as the gang pick things up where they left off last episode with a look back at the dual soundtracks of Sonic 3D! On one side, a 16-bit sound team at the peak of their ability. On the other, rich CD-quality sound that feels right at home on the Saturn. Hear cartoon sound effects, robots raving, and even some surprising connections to future Sonic games, as we take a look back at some of the unsung great tracks of the classic Sonic era.

(0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic 3D listening party(0:11:00) Openings(0:17:21) Main Menu(0:20:00) Invincibility/Speed Up(0:24:00) 1-Up/Stage Clear(0:27:02) Special Stage(0:32:33) Boss Battle(0:38:14) Continue/Game Over(0:40:30) Green Grove(0:50:28) Rusty Ruin(1:01:30) Spring Stadium(1:11:46) Diamond Dust(1:21:25) Volcano Valley (1:29:13) Gene Gadget (1:37:20) Panic Puppet (1:48:09) The Final Fight(1:52:10) Unused tracks(1:58:43) Ending/Credits(2:06:05) Final thoughts(2:13:23) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

GameHut

Continue - 30th Sessions Version feat. Lyn

Sonic 3D Blast LOST BITS | Prototypes & Unused Content [TetraBitGaming]

Sonic 3D Blast OST || Panic Puppet Zone Act 2 || Metal cover by #ProgMuz

Back in 1996, the Sonic series marked the end of one console generation and the start of another with Sonic 3D Blast/Flickies' Island, a radical and controversial departure from previous series entries. Now, some two and a half decades later, the gang decides to give this oddball adventure another fair shake and see if it's stood the test of time. Join us as we discuss its ties to an early Sega arcade game, the wild variation between its versions, and a definitive way to play the game born from 20 years of hindsight.

(0:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff(0:06:10) Main topic: Sonic 3D(0:13:28) Sega Saturn version(0:19:50) Our personal histories(0:27:05) Visual and soundtrack differences(0:35:35) Special stages(0:39:58) The story(0:41:58) Green Grove Zone(0:46:46) Rusty Ruin Zone(0:50:18) Spring Stadium Zone(0:54:52) Diamond Dust Zone(0:56:32) Volcano Valley Zone(0:58:51) Gene Gadget Zone(1:01:03) Panic Puppet Zone(1:04:37) The Final Fight(1:11:28) The Director's Cut(1:19:32) Sonic 3D In 2D/Sonic Blast (Game Gear)(1:22:19) Final thoughts(1:28:06) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

SAGE 2022

Sonic Fan Game Bot

Sonic the Hedgeblog

Sonic Encore

Mekanikko

Seaside Fireflies

GameHut

Coding Secrets

Sonic 3D Director’s Cut

Sonic 3D in 2D

It's the last episode of the year, but we're not about to leave you out in the cold. Instead, the gang is pitting 12 ice-themed stages from across the Sonic series against one another to figure out how they rank. Which ones best use their winter theming? How much does their music leave an impact? And can any stage hope to dethrone the one everybody expects to take first place?

(0:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff(0:11:48) Main topic: The Twelve Zones of Christmas(0:13:34) Icy Isle(0:16:57) Ice Cap(0:29:57) Robotnik Winter(0:36:40) Diamond Dust(0:42:53) Ice Paradise(0:51:07) White Acropolis(0:56:08) Blizzard Peaks(1:02:13) Cool Edge(1:09:31) White Park(1:15:44) Frozen Factory(1:21:32) Kodiak Frontier(1:27:08) Press Garden(1:34:09) Final ranking and thoughts(1:40:30) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Sonic Triple Trouble 16-Bit

Sonic and the Fallen Star

Unleashed Project

Sonic Lost World Improvement Mod

The holiday season is upon us, so the gang is curling up by the fire with mugs full of cocoa to revisit some festive Sonic content spanning 25 years. First up is "Sonic's Christmas Blast", where the coming of a new Santa Claus also marks the end of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Next, they'll jump forward a few decades to watch the ball drop in the Sonic Boom episode "New Year's Retribution". Finally, it's a double dose of short, 2D animated goodness, with the Sonic Mania Adventures, Holiday Special and the "Chao in Space" short. So put your Chao and your Flickies to bed, enjoy the delicious slow-cooked roast, and join us in celebrating the festivities with everyone's favorite blue Santa stand-in.

(0:00:00) Intro/Sonic's Christmas Blast(0:37:40) Sonic Boom - New Year’s Retribution(0:56:44) Sonic Mania Adventures - Episode 6(1:02:54) Chao in Space(1:11:34) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Sonic Christmas Blast | Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog - YouTube

Sonic Mania Adventures - Part 6 (Holiday Special) - YouTube

Sonic Presents: Chao In Space - Official Animation - YouTube

Chao World Extended

We're traveling through time yet again as the gang finally look at their first SatAM episode with the "Blast to the Past" two-parter! Our hosts join Sonic and Sally in going back in time to witness Robotnik's takeover of Mobius, with some surprising reveals along the way. Expect discussions of forgotten lore, Robotnik's lineage, the oh so dulcet tones of Tim Curry, and so much more!

(00:00:00) Intro/Main topic: "Blast to the Past"(00:20:07) Part 1(01:23:57) Part 2(01:49:59) Final thoughts(02:03:06) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Ben Hurst Interviews

Colin Kintobor

One Man's Quest To Eradicate Every Goku In Dragon Ball FighterZ

Poo-Chi

It’s a mega-sized episode this week as we look back at a collection of collections! Over the years, Sega has released quite a few compilations of classic Sonic titles to make sure the blue blur and his origins stay relevant to the current audience. These collections have played a big role in bringing in new Sonic fans over the years, so join us as we take a look at all the ways they (Sonic) Jam-packed these gems into one tiny package.

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:08:11) Main topic: Sonic compilations (00:12:21) Sonic & Knuckles Collection (00:20:44) Sonic Jam (00:34:42) Sonic Mega Collection (00:55:35) Sonic Mega Collection + (01:05:24) Sonic Adventure DX (1:08:12) Sonic Gems Collection (01:22:15) Sonic Classics Collection (01:28:05) Other compilations (01:32:25) Sonic Origins (02:00:38) Final thoughts (02:03:56) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

The History of Sonic Game Collections

Sega PC Reloaded

Sonic Mega Collection print advertisement

Stealth comments on Sonic Origins

Sonic Origins devs on how the game came to be

Sega Is Delisting Multiple Classic Sonic Games In May Ahead Of Sonic Origins Release

Sonic Origins 1.04 patch notes

It's time for another new episode to drop, and this time we're mixing things up by taking a look at an entirely different Sega franchise, Puyo Puyo! This classic puzzle game series was first and most closely tied to Sonic through Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine in 1993, but the blue hedgehog and those multicolored blobs have proved to be a match-4 made in heaven, and continued to create combos right up to this very day. So listen in find out just how deep the connection between the spiny speedster and the Sorcery Saga spinoff goes.

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:02:34) Main topic: Puyo Puyo (00:14:01) Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (00:43:01) Sonic Mania (00:47:02) Puyo Puyo Fever: Carnival Edition (00:49:08) Puyo Puyo Quest (00:50:50) Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (00:55:15) Sega All-Stars series (00:58:30) Sonic Forces (00:59:10) Sonic Runners (01:02:34) Final thoughts (01:08:57) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Puyo Puyo Quest Sonic collab cards

Sonic Runners Revival

The spooky season is upon us, and even though CyberLink's mic is haunted by evil spirits (sorry about that!), the gang unites for a special Halloween mini-sode to talk about Sonic: Night of the Werehog! So grab your cameras and step into the moonlight as we look back at a delightful little short that deserves to be considered as timeless and eternal as its ghostly antagonists!

(00:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic: Night of the Werehog (00:02:25) Behind the scenes (00:12:03) Full recap (00:32:14) Alternate ending and original storyboards (00:36:03) Final thoughts (00:42:04) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Night of the Werehog storyboards

OK class, settle down. Welcome to Sonic Educational Games 101. As it states in your syllabus, we will be covering the surprisingly wide variety of Sonic games intended to teach younger players. Individual lessons include the histories of the Sega Pico and various Leapster handhelds, the identification of several common music tracks, and a mathematics lecture by visiting professor Christopher Thorndyke. Make sure you take notes, as this will all be on the exam...

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:05:55) Main topic: Sonic educational games (00:08:00) What the heck is a Sega Pico? (00:13:07) Tails and the Music Maker (00:22:35) Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld (00:32:25) Sonic's Schoolhouse (00:50:40) Sonic X (Leapster) (00:59:13) Sonic the Hedgehog (LeapFrog Didj) (01:10:00) Sonic's Edusoft (01:16:25) Final thoughts (01:23:37) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

SEGA Pico flashcart

Tails and the Music Maker - Full Playthrough

Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld - Full Playthrough

Sonic's Schoolhouse - Full Playthrough

Sonic's Schoolhouse - The Cutting Room Floor

Cartoon, Music Theme 03 - Sound Ideas (SFX Library)

Sonic Robo Blast 2 - Sonic's Schoolhouse Mod

Sonic X (Leapster) - Full Playthrough

Numbers on the Run: Count on Zero

Sonic the Hedgehog (LeapFrog Didj) - Full Playthrough

What goes up must come down, and nowhere is that more true than with our latest topic as the gang looks back at the series' first major multiplatform release, Sonic Heroes! This follow-up to the Adventure duology had a lot of interesting ideas that stumbled in execution thanks to an infamously troubled development cycle, and is seen by many as the start of the series' downfall. Can our hosts sort through their mixed feelings and find this game's redeeming qualities, or is even the real super power of teamwork not enough to salvage this one?

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:14:15) Main topic: Sonic Heroes (skip past the eating noises) (00:16:43) Development history for perspective (00:21:52) Initial thoughts (00:39:14) The story (00:50:27) Seaside Hill/Ocean Palace (00:56:23) Grand Metropolis/Power Plant (01:11:03) Casino Park/Bingo Highway (01:16:51) Rail Canyon/Bullet Station (01:22:47) Frog Forest/Lost Jungle (01:27:04) Hang Castle/Mystic Mansion (01:29:25) Egg Fleet/Final Fortress (01:40:10) Other teams (01:58:27) Last Story (02:00:37) The music (02:05:58) Final thoughts (02:10:35) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Jake's drum cover of "Open Your Heart"

The Fall of Sonic Team: Sega's Collapse, Crunch, and Chaos in the Early 2000s

Lani Manella’s comments on directing the English versions of the Sonic games

Where to start with the Sonic Heroes PC version on modern systems

Unfinished Sonic Heroes cutscenes

Jake is out this week, but in his place, Dave Bulmer from Sonic The Comic The Podcast joins us for the finale of our Sonic CD episode trilogy to look back at three different comic adaptations of Sonic’s adventures on the Little Planet. From early STC to the end of Archie, it’s a wild journey through time and space as Sonic and Metal Sonic square off thrice over. Whether you’re an Archist or a Boomer, you won’t want to miss it!

(00:00:00) Foreword (00:00:40) Intro (00:12:13) The Sonic Terminator (STC) (01:01:44) Prank #1: Archie's Metallix story (01:06:29) Jake's take: The Sonic Terminator (01:11:06) Go Ahead, Mecha My Day (Archie) (01:40:18) Prank #2: SatAM Mecha Sonic concept art (01:43:30) Jake's take: Go Ahead, Mecha My Day (01:51:38) Genesis of a Hero, Part 3 (Archie) (02:17:02) Jake's take: Genesis of a Hero (02:19:07) Prank #3: The American Sonic CD manual (02:26:06) Final thoughts (02:30:41) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Dave Bulmer on Twitter

Dave Bulmer on YouTube

All the images we used to prank Dave

Sonic The Comic The Podcast

Jon Gray explaining the recolored digital Archie issues

Retronauts on Sonic Comics (with Dave Bulmer and Bobby Schroeder)

Thanks, Ken Penders

It's the battle of the Sonic CD soundtracks as the Japanese and American music go head-to-head, track-by-track. Have we got the power to save the land, and can we reach the other side of the rainbow? Is there a deeper level of symbolism behind some of the tracks? And when the dust settles, which of the two soundtracks will reign supreme?

(00:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Battle of the Sonic CD soundtracks (00:05:58) Opening themes (00:14:07) Jingles (00:22:08) Special Stage/Boss theme/Game Over (00:33:26) Palmtree Panic (00:49:28) Collision Chaos (01:02:33) Tidal Tempest (01:17:44) Quartz Quadrant (01:31:20) Wacky Workbench (01:43:38) Stardust Speedway (02:03:54) Metallic Madness (02:17:01) JP-exclusive bonus tracks (02:22:27) Ending themes (02:29:46) Final thoughts (02:36:43) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

VGMpire 116 – Sega CD with Spencer Nilsen

VGMpire 117 – Sonic CD with Spencer Nilsen

This episode, the gang takes a trip back in time to revisit Sonic CD! Once one of the series' more obscure entries, the game has since established itself as a core piece of Sonic's past, and a major influence on his future. But is Sonic's adventure on the Little Planet worthy of the praise it's received, or would it be best left as the game time forgot?

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:08:09) Main topic: Sonic CD (01:20:30) Secrets and cut content (01:39:40) Final thoughts/Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

PMEX Remix v.0.95

Sonic CD USA manual

Beta Bonus Stage

Time Travel concepts for Sonic 2

Cut level R2

Sonic CD Hidden Content

Desert Dazzle

Final Fever

This is it, folks! After a long wait, it’s time for the gang to discuss Sonic’s latest cinematic adventure, Sonic the Hedgehog 2! Did the sequel live up to everyone’s expectations? What are our predictions for the future of the franchise? And will it ever stop feeling weird to say the words “Sonic Cinematic Universe” out loud? Almost certainly not!

(00:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 the Movie! (00:02:53) Our few gripes (00:18:45) Gushing about the rest of the movie (01:45:33) The post-credits stinger/predicting what comes next (01:59:57) Final thoughts (02:04:50) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

You might have seen the new Sonic movie, but that's not going to help you since we're talking about an old Sonic movie! Strange, isn't it? The gang takes a look at the much-beloved anomaly that is the Sonic OVA from the mid-90s to discuss curious accents, memorable fashion choices, and why Metal Sonic is still so gosh darn cool all these years later.

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:06:35) Main topic: The Sonic OVA (00:07:55) Behind the scenes details (00:23:13) Part 1 recap (01:08:46) Part 2 recap (01:46:27) Final thoughts (01:50:10) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

SM64 Generations mod

Sonic OVA (OST Reconstruction) playlist by Mr Kingalocious (SoundCloud)d

Ben Schwartz reads iconic Sonic lines (YouTube)

Long before Sonic became a household name, he was just getting his (running) start, and Sega wasn't quite sure what to do with him. That's where we come in. The gang takes a look back at Sonic's earliest days via the various revisions of the original American production bible. From the brainchild of a dead fighter pilot's widow, to a Nebraskan boy who loses the closest thing to a father he ever knew, to the cocky hero planet Mobius deserves, this is your chance to learn the REAL Sonic origins!

(00:00:00) Intro/main topic: the original Sonic lore bibles (00:07:37) The original Japanese story concept (the Fighter Pilot origin) (00:10:30) The original American bible draft (Hardly, Nebraska) (00:38:54) Revision 1 (Mobius) (00:53:08) Revision 2 (Mobius, expanded) (01:01:17) Stay Sonic (01:12:17) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Fighter Pilot origin

Sonic the Hedgehog's logo has a secret, weird backstory - GamesBeat

Sonic: Wonders of the World failed movie pitch

Sonic the Hedgehog - GameTap Retrospective (2009)

Sonic the Hedgehog Bible

Sonic the Hedgehog (promotional comic)

Stay Sonic

8 - THE ORIGIN OF SONIC! - Sonic the Comic the Podcast

Every Sonic game is blasphemous | Unraveled

Sonic: Chaos in the System

It's a blast from the past as we travel back in time to revisit the one time Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog attempted serialized storytelling, "Quest for the Chaos Emeralds!" As Dr. Robotnik scours history for the fabled gems, your Supreme High Podcasters discuss attempted robot crucifixion, the difference between invincibility and immortality, Robotnik's masochistic side, an abundance of dogs, Sonic's casual disregard for the sanctity of life, and so much more!

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:07:51) Main topic: AoStH "Quest for the Chaos Emeralds" (00:17:14) Episode 48: "Black Bot the Pirate" (00:41:41) Episode 49: "Hedgehog of the 'Hound' Table" (00:58:00) Episode 50: "Robotnik's Pyramid Scheme" (01:13:49) Episode 51: "Prehistoric Sonic" (01:30:10) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Black Bot the Pirate on YouTube

Hedgehog of the "Hound" Table on YouTube

Robotnik's Pyramid Scheme on YouTube

Prehistoric Sonic on YouTube

Final round! In this second part of our "Champions" arc retrospective, friendships are reforged, schemes are hatched, and punches are thrown left and right as the tournament comes to a head. It all comes down to this, so tune in to see just who will be the last one standing! Featuring even more dramatic reenactments!

Featuring:

KaniDay as Breezie
Kage-Ichihashi as Tails
Scott Frerichs as Nack
YamatoSFX as Bean
RedAsATomato as Honey
Mystic Pyro Freak as Amy

(00:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Archie Sonic "Champions" Part 1/Issue 270 (00:01:25) Clip: Breezie meets Neo Metal Sonic (00:06:06) Clip: Sonic comforts Tails (00:14:41) Clip: Nack beats Bean (00:15:55) Clip: Vector calls Espio (00:20:52) Clip: Sonic vs. Honey (00:23:30) Clip: Sonic beats Honey (00:28:48) Clip: BreezeMedia (00:30:03) Clip: Knuckles vs. Nack (00:35:56) Issue 271 (00:37:26) Clip: Sonic vs. Knuckles (00:38:57) Clip: Sonic vs. Knuckles part 2 (00:44:54) Clip: Sonic and Tails corner Metal Sonic (00:47:40) Clip: Honey confronts Breezie (00:54:32) Clip: Gregorios cliffhanger (00:58:23) Outro (01:02:15) Bonus clip: Off-Panel

Amie Waters on Twitter

Sonic Man show concept art (via Tracy Yardley's Twitter)

Round 1! Fight! The gang takes a look back at the first half of the "Champions" arc, one of their most beloved stories from Archie's later years. Featuring the reinvention of a forgotten femme fatale and the proper debut of a furry fashionista fighter, is this Sonic the Fighters adaptation still a knockout, or is fated to go down in the first round? Plus dramatic reenactments of scenes from the comic by an all-star cast!

Featuring:

KaniDay as Breezie
Mystic Pyro Freak as Amy
RedAsATomato as Honey
Kage-Ichihashi as Tails
Scott Frerichs as Nack
YamatoSFX as Bean

(00:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Archie Sonic "Champions" Part 1 (00:15:22) Issue 268 (00:20:37) Clip: Sonic meets Breezie (00:30:14) Clip: Eggman calls Breezie (00:40:36) Clip: Sonic and Breezie "negotiate" (00:43:02) Clip: Amy meets Honey (00:43:53) Clip: Honey offers to help (00:44:55) Clip: Team Hooligan arrives (00:48:05) Issue 269 (00:49:11) Clip: Breezie betrays Sonic (00:54:12) Clip: Wes Weasley's ad break (00:55:45) Clip: Honey defeats Tails (01:04:55) Clip: Nack calls Eggman (01:07:10) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

The Lawsuit that Reshaped Sonic the Hedgehog Comics by Bobby Schroeder

Thanks, Ken Penders

Super Lesbian Animal RPG - DEMO VERSION (Bobby's game demo, out this year TBD)

Ever since we were young boys, we’ve played the silver ball…but we’ve never been any good at it. But pinball is baked into Sonic's DNA, so we figured it's time we took a look back at all the times Sega (and a few passionate fans) have put their own spin on things. Plus a special guest joins our pinball party to see how well these virtual tables stack up to the real thing!

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:14:58) Main topic: Sonic pinball games (00:20:45) Sonic Spinball (00:34:32) Sonic Adventure - Casinopolis pinball tables (00:39:12) Sonic Spinball (Derek's take) (00:53:40) Sonic Pinball Party (01:00:33) Sonic Pinball Party (Derek's take) (01:06:19) Sonic Generations - Casino Night DLC (01:08:20) Sonic Generations - Casino Night DLC (Derek's take) (01:14:20) Sonic Pinball Panic (fangame) (01:18:25) Pinball-themed Sonic toys (01:21:04) Sonic Pinball Panic (Derek's take) (01:26:20) Sonic Spinball (the fanmade physical table) (01:34:58) Derek signs off (01:38:30) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

Dertek on Twitter

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog Blu-ray (RightStuf)

Smash Remix: Version 1.1.0 Release - EXPANSION PAK REQUIRED

Sonic Adventure 2: REIMAGINED (Animated Music Video)

Sonic 30th Anniversary Song: CRUSHING THIRTIES feat. Johnny Gioeli of CRUSH 40 Animated MV

1993 Tomy Sonic The Hedgehog Supersonic Pinball | Tabletop Pinball Repair

Sonic Pinball Panic

Sonic Stadium interview with Ryan McQuaid, creator of the Sonic Spinball machine

Sonic Spinball by Ryan McQuaid (YouTube)

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball | Homebrew pinball | Pinside.com

2D Con

This week, we've got a pocket full of quarters and we're headed to the arcade! While most of his coin-op career never made it out of Japan, Sonic's managed to do it all. From laying the smack to making snacks to rolling a ball that tracks, there have been a lot of Sonic arcade games released...and at least one that wasn't. So hop in your space cruiser and watch out for the fuzz as the gang does their best to cover them all!

(00:00:00) Intro/Our recent Sonic-y stuff (00:09:10) Main topic: Sonic arcade games (00:16:27) Flicky (00:18:57) Mega-Tech/Mega Play Sonic 1 and 2 (00:24:06) Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car (00:31:34) SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter (00:36:36) SegaSonic Popcorn Shop (00:41:16) SegaSonic the Hedgehog (00:55:02) Sonic the Fighters (01:06:14) Redemption games (01:09:16) Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (01:11:13) Sonic Dash Extreme (01:13:22) Mario & Sonic at the 2016/2020 Olympic Games (01:17:29) Joypolis arcade games (01:22:07) SegaSonic Bros. (cancelled game) (01:32:39) Outro

Amie Waters on Twitter

The Animation of Sonic Games - New Frame Plus

Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car - Arcade - Attract and 3, 4, 5 Star Ranked playthroughs

SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter (Arcade) Translated Playthrough

SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter - English Dub found (Twitter thread)

SegaSonic Popcorn Shop Walkthrough

SegaSonic Popcorn Shop (off-screen footage)

SegaSonic the Hedgehog (Arcade) Translated Playthrough

SegaSonic the Hedgehog (Arcade) English Playthrough

Sonic the Fighters in 5'09''42 (SGC) SUPER SONIC [1080p] [TAS]

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Arcade

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ARCADE EDITION

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Arcade Edition

SEGASonic Bros Gameplay - Prototype Sega Sonic Arcade Puzzle Game

The gang decides to take a look back at two all time classics, Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2...but probably not the ones you're thinking of. The Master System and Game Gear get their time to shine this week, as we talk about catchy soundtracks, screen crunch, stage gimmicks, rad fan remakes, and the unfortunate demise of one Miles Prower.

Amie Waters on Twitter

Creative Araya

Sonic SMS Remakes

Project '06 - Shadow Release v1.6 Trailer

SM64: Sonic Edition Plus Release Trailer (DL in description)

Following up their previous discussion from the previous week, the gang looks back at the end of an era and the start of a very different one with Sonic Adventure 2! Join them as they live and learn all about edgy theater kids, thinly-veiled child murder, and how Big the Cat could have singlehandedly saved us all.

Amie Waters on Twitter

Amie Waters on Bandcamp

UniversalDertek on Twitch

Why E-102 Gamma Matters - NezumiVA

Sonic X Pilot 1 [Full]

Windii Gitlord - YouTube, [SUB] Sonic Series Translations - YouTube

Sonic Adventure 2 Retranslated (Mod), Sonic Adventure 2 Retranslated + (Mod)

MarkAndFlops on Tumblr

Sonic Adventure 2 - The Truth of 50 Years Ago...

Super Shadow: The Light in the Darkness - Game Apologist

Ah, yeah! This is happenin'! In this inaugural episode, the gang introduces their history with Sonic before diving into the franchise's first major 3D outing with a look back at the seminal Sonic Adventure. The Dreamcast launch title led to big changes for the Sonic franchise, but are the hosts' hearts still open to it, or is it a perfectly chaotic mess? Join us to find out!

Amie Waters on Twitter

Amie Waters' music on BandCamp

Sonic The Comic The Podcast

SADX Mod Installer

Knuckles E3 1999 voice (video)

Knuckles E3 1999 voice (mod)

Lani Minella interview by GameSpot (June 30, 2000)

Lani Minella interview by Josh AKA Knuckles Echidna (April 21, 2001)

Sonic the Hedgehog (character) on TFwiki