Sonic Gems Collection/Sonic CD

[Grapple Convoy]

Sonic CD is one of those games I've always wanted to get round to play, and as tracking down an old copy and a Mega CD console isn't really an option for me at the moment I'd thought I'd pick up Sonic Gems.

I have two options, pick up the Gamecube version or the PS2 version.

I've got a PAL Wii, with Homebrew Channel and Gecko, so any region Sonic Gems will do. Unfortunately, the GC Sonic Gems seems rarer and more expensive.

My PS3 is a PAL 60gb model so it can play some PS2 games, and the PAL PS2 Sonic Gems is much more plentiful, but I don't know if Sonic Gems would actually work on the model of PS3 I own, and I'm concerned that the PS2 version might not have a 60Hz option.

So, what would be the best option?

[Fastware]

The windows port is 100% spot on, might also be an option.

[Phar]

Only downside to the PS2 & Gamecube PAL versions is the awful American Rock soundtrack, why the f*ck did we end up with that when we originally got the Japanese soundtrack for the PAL Mega CD release.

[Grapple Convoy]

The windows port is 100% spot on, might also be an option.

My computers are all Macs.

Shame about the music BTW.

[C']

Both the Gamecube and PS2 PAL versions lacked a 60hz option so I'd advise you avoid them if you can help it.

The JPN version of Gems Collection is a far better disc not only because you get the original soundtrack to Sonic CD but also because they have extra games to unlock (most notably the 3 Bare Knuckle/Streets of Rage games).

In terms of Sonic CD, the music on the Gamecube version is dependant on the region of the disc (JPN soundtrack on the JPN disc, US soundtrack on the US/PAL disc). However the PS2 disc contains both soundtracks with the one being played depends on the language setting on the PS2 dashboard.

[Phar]

However the PS2 disc contains both soundtracks with the one being played depends on the language setting on the PS2 dashboard.

Cool, never knew that, I mainly just fire Sonic Gems up for Sonic the Fighters these days since now owning the original MCD Sonic CD, wish I'd known that while playing through the PS2 version at the time.

[C']

It wasn't really of much benefit to anyone who owned a PAL or US PS2 as the Japanese language setting was locked out on those.

[sj33]

I have the Japanese version of Sonic Gems, and it will always revert to 'English' mode on PAL hardware, thus play the US music. However, I found a hex edit code that could be applied to the game to force Japanese music. So I ripped my game, patched it, got music on everything except the FMV.

You could save yourself that hassle by just getting the Japanese GameCube version, though. In fact, doesn't Genesis Plus play MegaCD games?

[Grapple Convoy]

Both the Gamecube and PS2 PAL versions lacked a 60hz option so I'd advise you avoid them if you can help it.

Thanks. Avoided.

Now I guess all I need is the Japanese or US Gamecube versions of Sonic Gems. I hope they aren't mega rare and expensive on the secondhand market.

Shakey, as far as I can tell, GenPlus on Mac OS X doesn't play Mega CD games. Oh well.

[samanosuke]

Shakey, as far as I can tell, GenPlus on Mac OS X doesn't play Mega CD games. Oh well.

Kega Fusion does however, and quite nicely too

[Grapple Convoy]

Kega Fusion does however, and quite nicely too

It does indeed. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Sketcz]

I run it on a modded Xbox - the UK version forced to run in 60Hz. Works a treat with the S-type pad.

[nickgodfrey]

Dare I say this?--I'm not sure which music I like best. I think the American version is underrated.

[samanosuke]

I run it on a modded Xbox - the UK version forced to run in 60Hz. Works a treat with the S-type pad.

Just about everything 16-bit and older runs oh-so-sweetly on the old 'box. 'Tis my favourite machine by far for emulation, especially using MAME/FBAxxx Pro with my MASSystems 6-button stick

[chis]

Only downside to the PS2 & Gamecube PAL versions is the awful American Rock soundtrack, why the f*ck did we end up with that when we originally got the Japanese soundtrack for the PAL Mega CD release.

That's crazy talk! Each to their own, but I find both soundtracks have many excellent tracks, they're just very different. There's some truly superb, racuous, and very rocking guitar parts on the USA Sonic CD sountrack. And some crazy, deranged, future-Sega-rave-funk tunes on the Euro/Japan soundtrack. Different. Good.