Sonic Megamix

Considering how awesome that act looks and how bland the previous Starry Night Zone was by comparison, this is excellent news. Bonus points for having music that's actually original, rather than ripped for something else... never mind that the music is also legitimately awesome.

Not seeing Stardust Speedway, honestly, just a lot of boostpads and what looks kind of like a Sonic CD/Knuckles' Chaotix aesthetic. The boostpads I can actually take, but I can't help but find their prominent inclusion somewhat ironic.

 

It looks cool and all, but for me, I'm not really feeling the dark blue on the level art. Yeah, Starry Night and all, I get that, but at the same time, I'd like to see the dark blues brought up a shade or two.

 

This is just a personal question at best, and not one meaning to steer the topic off course...

I've heard the term "jester-esque feel" used previously one time, and having only heard it used once, I ignored it, but I've now heard it used several times and I'm curious to know, how do you define "jester-esque feel"? I.e. what gives away the identity that it's work of mine? I have been thinking that it could be the dithering or possibly the hi-contrast colours I tend to use, but dithering cannot be seen very well on a YouTube vid, and having only "hi-contrast colours" as a reason shouldn't be reason enough, is there anything else that could define it being mine?

 

Where's Big?

And the music sounds kind of... off. I can't really describe what it is, but it sounds far from a typical Sonic theme. maybe it's the instruments used, I dunno.

 

I love you guys for putting Carnival Island in the background of Starry Night Zone.

You guys really put thought on this one. Amazing artistic and creativity work!

I'm inclined to belive that it's because you are the only one in this community that have an artistic style that is the most similar to the complex art style that is really prominent in the classic Sonic games such as Sonic 2 and Knuckles' Chaotix. That's quite your artistical identity.

 

I think the spriting community would criticise parts such as those gradient bars, but the only problem I saw was that one collision error when Sonic attempted to run up that tube (though I remember reading that was just a limitation with the Mega Drive not being able to calculate this stuff quick enough)

I have to admit though, I'm not overly keen on the music. Not because it's poorly done, but because it doesn't play to the Mega CD's strengths much. The lead instrument sounds as if it could be done through the regular Mega Drive.

 

I came buckets.

As for the music - I've commented on it in your music thread, so repeating myself won't do any good now, would it? :P

 

Interesting.
I like the zone's speedometer and magnetic balls. Doesn't resemble Star Light Zone at all now. Keep it up and we might see something great next year or whenever the hack is finished.

 

I know, right? But in Sonic CD, it felt a lot more fun to be boosted around in certain levels. I don't remember any boost pads in Palmtree Panic, but I do remember them in Stardust Speedway.

I guess you can do right with lots of boosters, or at least well enough if everything else falls into place: music, design, look; design most importantly.

 

This is fantastic work. The level art looks very impressive and it's great to see something that is fresh. Music is well produced and feels fitting with the zone. My only criticism. And it really is just my preference. I'm not a fan of the level layout design. The reason is that it looks very linear. It's a bit like the rest of the other level designs that was in the last Megamix release. This combined with the large size of the level make it feel exhausting and a bit of a chore to play by the looks of things. But other than my little nag this zone is extremely impressive.

There is nothing wrong with having FM in modern tunes.

 

Looking good, can't say much that others haven't said. Keep up the good work!

 

I knew I recognised that from somewhere. Excellent work.

 

Oh wow, this was a surprise to see on Retros front page today. :v:

Going with this; once again Megamix sets the standard for what's a good fan designed level. The orbs are really what make the level unique among others. Markeys level style (way of doing small slopes, majour level art touch ups, etc.) is noticable too.

I'll have to take some notes from this.

As for the art, I think more contrast in colors between the foreground and background in the lower and higher (but not middle) part of the levels would work well. Shame I can't hear the music in the library.

 

yeah, hi-contrast colours are definitely part of your style, aside the great amount of details you put in the tiles and the high quality of your work. Anyway, it's good to see you're providing some art to Sonic Megamix.

 

Jizz. In. My pants.

But seriously, that music sounded good. Is it CD audio or SMPS? + - Also, needs moar speedboosters!  

 

I just noticed that the Speed meter in the level actually works; even nicer touch. :v:

 

Put the "zzwwsszzazwwss" thing on the DAC or whatever Megamix uses to play samples and it seems pretty doable. The song would have Ice Cap Zone syndrome where it's constantly dropping out, though it would have the benefit of not looping.

And I still don't like your layouts.

 

I haven't messed with audio for hacking before, and who knows? They might be working on a CD32X port by now =P All the extra processing and palette options... whooooo boy! That would be cool.