Opening with the Epic login. Brilliant. That in combination with the sitcom bit had me laughing in the first minute. I totally wasn't expecting a shoutout. I'm incredibly touched
Mystic Cave's connection to Pinball Carnival Act 2 goes even deeper when you consider what Yuji Naka said about it. "The feel here is a haunted-house (obakeyashiki), isn't it. But we ended up making a cave stage instead." According to an interview with an American Sonic 2 dev, there was a possible level that featured roller coasters and giant clown heads. Sound familiar? We find both of these things in Pinball Carnival. Perhaps the haunted house level was the precursor to Pinball Carvial?
That does make a LOT more sense. I always wondered why a stage that's basically a crystal mine has a haunted theme. Ironically the 2P version sounds a bit more fitting as the melody's tone kind of staying in the same lane gives that feeling of "riding a cart through a long spacious tunnel" with the crystals reflecting the little notes that "sprinkle around". Mystic Cave being more like "Mystic Mansion" (shoutouts Sonic heroes) makes a WHOLE lot more sense. but at least the "monster mash" kind of melody does fit the theme of exploring a dark spooky cave thanks to the enemy designs, those strange moving boxes, and the stalagtites that keep crushing you and the hanging vines that pecariously save you from falling to a bottomless pit of spikes. I do love when these old ideas are realized though.
"which may be the last tolerable zone of the game." Lol, you should try those last few levels playing with small children. My kids got me Superstars as a Christmas present, to play together. I have 4 kids. Now I want you to remember how the game handles camera snapping in multiplayer, and then think about the first phase in the final robotnik fight with the infinite circular plane.
I think the premise behind the "Sonic 4 sound" is to sound like a more advanced version of the Genesis games' sound, the premise behind the VST plugin that makes up a lot of that sound (Vacuum) is to simulate an analog synthesizer. But I think they had a lot of better options; my personal pick would've been to instead swap the Genesis' 4 operator YM2612 for a 6 operator digital FM Synthesizer such as the Yamaha DX7 (there's some DX7 recreations of old Sega songs on TH-cam, they sound pretty cool.) Or if they really felt analog or virtual analog was superior to digital, they could've gone with analog FM synthesis. Alternatively, they could've done for the whole OST what Egg Fortress Zone Act 2 does and paired Vacuum with more other instruments along with using a real drummer for the whole thing. Honestly I wouldn't mind them making an OST out of a mix of styles from previous Sonic games if it actually felt like that was the intention. Because what we have is most of the OST sounding like Sonic 4, a few tracks sounding like Mania, two tracks sounding like Frontiers Cyberspace, and one each sounding like 3D Blast Saturn (I disagree that Lagoon City sounds like CD, it sounds like 3D Blast Saturn to me, it's maybe too much a rip off of Rusty Ruin, not to mention being a tonal mismatch) and a Genesis game that isn't Sonic. No tracks that sound like either CD soundtrack, an actual Genesis Sonic game, the 8-bit games (as a non-music theory guy I do think despite being limited to a PSG, Triple Trouble manages to have a lot of it's own distinct sound.)
Sonic 4 music kinda gives off the same vibe as the Dragon Quest series synths, but instead of kinda sounding like an off-brand SNES, it sounds like an off-brand Genesis
For a hot minute I genuinely was like "Wait, since when do I need an epic games account to...watch a youtube video? Alex Yard when did you get sponsered and what pull did you get to do this? XD"
i will say that senoue's genesis mimicry has improved significantly since sonic 4, he just needs an actual '80s fm synthesizer. that being said, i'm still waiting for the grand return of the butt rock style that's been absent since generations.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "The circus of horrors in the scary caves," I'd have 2 dollars, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
I’m of the opinion that SuperStars is a good game and the OST is better than people give it credit for. Then again, I’m someone who tolerates Senoue’s Sonic 4 compositions (except for Frozen Base Act 1, since that track feels genuinely unfinished).
I was cracking up from the get-go! This has by far become my favorite channel on TH-cam. It's a relentless, withering assault on my exact sense of humor (Snoop's migos flow rant has been living rent-free in my head and voila, it's in here), and I deeply appreciate every little effort in the top-notch motion graphics presentation. I also commend the sheer surgical diplomacy with which you addressed how we all feel about Sonic Superstars' uneven soundtrack quality. Your classy presentation reminded me that it's simply always best to not waste our limited time on this earth by instead choosing to celebrate the positives in things, and it even helped me to genuinely appreciate some of the tracks that aren't considered "one of the good ones" from the latest offering. Thank you again Mr. Yard! I hid all this sappy stuff below the Read more in da you-toob comments, in hopes dat nobody notices...
I have zero music background but I still mostly understand what you’re saying here, really a testament to how effective your use of visual aids and analogies are. 10/10, would watch again
Senoue sound-directing Generations while also making Sonic 4's music and arranging some of Superstars' (with the same Sonic 4 style) is wild, given just how different (and subjectively better) Generations' music was
Oh my god what if the sonic 4 sounding songs are just unfinished, i have proof, you see jungle zone or whatever its called act 1 has a beta version with sonic 4 instruments used instead of mania instruments. Sega should just f*ck off and let game makers do their job please.
Kinda disappointed that the Sonic 4 tracks in this game didn't get an analysis, as if the instruments used in them somehow change the underlying notes and the way they interact with each other.
Hello there, Sir Alex Yard! Do you think a You Can Do Anything/Toot Toot Sonic Warrior mention around 2:30 sounds similar in melody to the "Bridge Island Zone Act 1" theme from "Sonic Superstars"? Could you make a video called "Music Theory: Sonic Unleashed's Vs. Egg Dragoon"?
This has the most diverse quality of any Sonic game musically. One level will be a pleasure to the ear, the next can be a cacophony! (The worse ones are just using bad instruments IMO, looking at you, Sonic 1 snare and cat noises)
Anyone else hear a bit of Prince’s ‘Little Red Corvette’ in part of the Cyber Station music? (Specifically a bit just like the five notes where Prince sings the song title in the chorus)
Love how understandably brutal you are at points. Love the shoutout to Docfuture too, I think I recall you posting covers/remixes in Cybershell’s LP thread on SA way back when, glad to see you doing well.
I have to say, while I don't like the Sonic 4 music, I do have to give credit where credit is due, it's worth exploring the compositions as if the songs were written with a better soundfont, half of them would genuinely have been good tracks Akin to like Sylvania Castle act 1, or Sky Fortress Act 2. I personally love Frozen Base Act 1 as it really harkens back to the bassline used in Death Egg (Someone pointed it out in a comment and I saw it) which makes sense as it's the point where Eggman's about to launch his "xth" attempt at getting a space station, but the more upbeat tone gives you the sensation of "We're about to go to space too!" and builds up perfectly to the nice homage to Fantasy Zone. I also LOVE Golden Captial Act 3 (2 if you ignore Act Knuckles...I'll get to THAT one though), as while it sounds kind of strange to be upbeat and almost like a marching step, the exotic sound partially through kind of hints that there's a secret to be revealed in that stage. You finally are getting close to figuring out what the secret of Golden Capital is, and thus Trip (as in Act Knuckles, you got the chaos emeralds from a vault assuming you didn't already have them). That reveal of Trip's super form was the reward for getting through one of the longest acts in the game and easily the longest boss fight, but it was satisfying since it was something we never saw before. I also want to give an honorable mention to Press factory as I feel that stage gets way less love than it deserves for being a unique take of a level. However, honorable mention because the music isn't particulaly special. I just feel the music drags down the stage a bit unfairly. Now for the criticism I mentioned about Act Knuckles.... Act Knuckles is the worst song in the game...and probably the series.... I already don't like Golden Capital Act 1 as it sounds kind of cliche and "high and mighty" for a spacious pinball level boasting it's wealth.... almost bragging about it, but i can forgive it because that's kind of the point of the song (even if it's not very fun to listen to), but Act Knuckles.....they missed hard with that one. It...really sounds almost...depressing, like Knuckles has no idea where he is and neither does the game. the melody progression sounds almost "drunk" and the setting being late sunset doesn't help either since it kind of feels like you're just "turning in for the night". the ONLY thing that really helps is the reveal of the mural at the end indicating something's "off" about this castle, and then you get the emeralds from the vault, but....... even if you find out what the "off" thing is.... it doesn't feel satisfying like "OH! now I get why this song sounds weird" cause the story doesn't really explain the "off thing" (avoiding spoilers deliberately) well enough for you to have any emotion for it. It's just a one off mural, and why IS the song so depressing for KNUCKLES in particular? What does HE have to do with the "off" thing? Nothing! It's Sonic and Trip's issue to deal with later (and Trip only by association, she doesn't actually solve the problem). One could say it dampens your mood in the middle so that it makes the build up in act 3 feel so much more exciting, like "But there's a solution!" but again..... no one's going to know there's a problem in the first place until AFTER they 100% the game, then think back to the "blink and you'll miss it scene". I personally would've liked it better if the "drunk part" of the song was more subtle and near the end before the loop while it plays something more fitting for "digging for treasure" to indicate "yeah you're gonna find something nice if you keep digging, but...be careful...something weird lurks below" but the whole song.... yeah... its my top 3 most disliked Sonic songs, only really beaten by Green Hill in Sonic Forces (the classic version, Lost Valley is excellent and Guardian Rock...it's not my favorite but it's not the worst. the song fits the setting and I LOVE the Crab chase version a lot). and just as a side note if you're curious, my top 3 favorite songs are: Bridge Island Act 2 (for all the same reasons you said but I like the melody more than act 1 because it really sounds more like you're really getting into the adventure rather than just starting it) Frozen Base Act 1 (gosh I LOVE this song. it may be Sonic 4 Jun Senuoe that everyone hates, but the melody is so EXCITING and PERFECTLY plays homage to getting ready to fly to space. Excellent and underrated song) Lagoon City Act 2 (3) For the same reasons you said, combining Collision Chaos and Tidal Tempest makes that one absolutely beautiful to listen to. Honorable mention: I personally love Golden Capital Act 3 as mentioned earlier, but mostly for the melody and because of Trip's reveal in the end. second honorable mention: Pinball Carnival Act 2: Sega's been neglecting Hiphop for WAY too long.... it's nice for them to FINALLY remember Sonic's 90s roots and throw in some hip hop again. A lot of the songs are decent to excellent though. It's really only Golden Capital Act 1 and Knuckles I can't stand. (and the boss music is horrible but doesn't play long enough for me to care in particular). Also Shoutouts to Lagoon City Act Amy for being the CUTEST song in the game. It fits Classic Amy's glorious playable debut SO perfectly!
Please do Sonic 4 sometime, I would love to see a video about that game because I think the tracks in that game can be pretty good compositionally but they're bogged down by their poor arrangements
Omg, I wasn’t expecting to see this so soon! 🤩 I’m so glad you covered the “jazz” pentatonic walk from Pinball Carnival! I felt that it was a completely lazy cop out until I heard how it was modified in Act 2 which sounds great, also making me appreciate the part in Act 1.
I love this video so much Its really funny, maybe unintentionally. Ending the video on a trailer with the Mega Deluxe FOMO 70 dollar bundle is just hilarious
I love that you review the sonic series! These have been so insightful! Might you add the streets of rage (1 & 2) and Golden Axe to your roster of musics to review? If you're not familiar... they're treats and lost gems from back-in-the-day. (My day).
it was a little difficult for me to make out what was happening in the video (since I'm Russian), but in the end I was able to and I liked it, because I'm a musician and I can borrow some ideas for myself
I love your videos so much! They're heavily educational! It's a shame you didn't say anything about Egg Fortress tho...Act 1 is my fave song of the game by far. It has something that reminds me of Adventure's Senoue style...but not sure if it's just me because I'm musically ignorant (and we don't know if he did that song)
It's a little odd that you'd label this video as a "Sonic Superstars" music theory when you barely touched on half the zones' tracks. It would have been nice for you to brush aside the Jun Senoue stigma and actually analyse the MUSIC THEORY of Jun's songs (like Golden Capital Act 1 & K, the entirety of Press Factory, etc.) instead of slightly touching on how the arrangements weren't good at the tail end of the video, AFTER THE CREDITS. Isn't it a good thing to analyse works you think are bad so you can actually say WHY they are bad? I just don't see the logic in labelling this video as a breakdown of the entire game's soundtrack and then pretty much only touch on non-Jun solo tracks. Dissappointing
@@rolandobravium1873 While I do make music, I'm probably not as knowledgeable about the theory aspect as Alex Yard is. But if I do ever feel compelled to do it, it would most likely be included along with Sonic 4's two episodes (as I haven't seen much about those when it comes to theory or even any sort of defense for their soundtracks) as Jun's instrumentation is very similar in Superstars as it is to S4 Episode 2
I know this series is about what makes sonic music good, but if you do a sequel to this vid of the other tracks I'd like to see what makes some of the songs...lame, mainly just arrangement but some of the compositions leave something to be desired too
In the part where you mentioned the song arrangements, I'm a little disappointed with the game, because Jun Senoue's compositions are excellent, but Genesis' chiptune is very frustrating to listen to, like Press Factory which has an excellent composition, but with a bad use of the instruments, I wish all these songs that suffered from this lack of an arrangement had the same thing that happened with Bridge Island, anyway, great video Alex, I'm a big fan of your videos, keep up the excellent work
Great video as always. With Super Mario Wonder out, and Most Likely more new 2d games are coming. We have so much to look forward to and more music theories and I bet we will get new music to the already great Sonic Generations game. Sonic X Shadow generations are coming soon.
I love you dedication to your craft as well as your respect of all views of this soundtrack. Its always worth it to analyze something as objectively as possible and still be able to enjoy or not enjoy it subjectively. I think you should analyze the other songs in the game as well because even if the instrumentation is not as solid for juns solo compositions, the melodies having something good to offer. That and the boss themes (not including act 2 boss early game) havw a similar situation. I'd be interested to see what your thoughts are about them specifically.
Im surprised you didn't use Rusty Ruin (Saturn) for comparison when talking about Lagoon City act 2's theme. The overall feel of the song is closely related to act 2 in particular.
Wanna be further surprised? Richard Jacques mentioned that Sonic CD's music was the primary inspiration for Saturn 3D Blast's. www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/staying-in-tune-richard-jacques-on-game-music-s-past-present-and-future#close-modal
Great video as usual. It is really strange when you're playing this game and you jump from a really nice track with good insrumentation to be suddenly jarred back to a Sonic 4 15-second loop song for a whole stage.
When the first trailers for Superstars released, I have to say that I was immediately put off by the Sonic-4-esque sound. But, it seems like the final product is mostly better than it seemed it would be. I still haven't picked the game up, but I was very close to pulling the trigger.
Was never much of a fan of the music. Like it’s fine, but it’s definitely no Mania or CD… Or Sonic 3 or Sonic 2 or Colors, or Generations, or most other Sonic games XD
it's always a treat when I see a new music theory video from you. I can relate to being heavily impacted by cybershell, as someone who's been a fan since his sonic LP days. he, and sonic games in general, taught me to be more patient in life, which might sound kinda odd, but waiting years between good sonic games and waiting years between new cybershell content go hand in hand. I'll never forget the surprise return from 9/11/2020-9/20/2020 and just how awesome that was to get quality daily uploads. you and him make some of my favorite sonic content on youtube, so thank you!
I'm glad you didn't talk about the Jun Senoue tracks because they've been talked about to death and it got annoying hearing peeps mention them all the time. It's most likely a me thing but a few jabs felt a tiny bit mean spirited, I do like what you said at the end of the video.
Why is the wacky opening with breaking bad so good
Bruh 🤣☠️
Walt has same actor as the dad from Malcolm in the Middle. th-cam.com/video/oVdB36lmbII/w-d-xo.html
Jesse, we need to get Wacky 😂
Breaking bad clips with Superstars title theme goes way harder than it (legally) should
Opening with the Epic login. Brilliant. That in combination with the sitcom bit had me laughing in the first minute.
I totally wasn't expecting a shoutout. I'm incredibly touched
With all seven notes of the C major scale, Tonic can now transform into Supertonic! Jump and press “D” to activate!
Tonic the notehog
Mystic Cave's connection to Pinball Carnival Act 2 goes even deeper when you consider what Yuji Naka said about it. "The feel here is a haunted-house (obakeyashiki), isn't it. But we ended up making a cave stage instead." According to an interview with an American Sonic 2 dev, there was a possible level that featured roller coasters and giant clown heads. Sound familiar? We find both of these things in Pinball Carnival. Perhaps the haunted house level was the precursor to Pinball Carvial?
That does make a LOT more sense. I always wondered why a stage that's basically a crystal mine has a haunted theme. Ironically the 2P version sounds a bit more fitting as the melody's tone kind of staying in the same lane gives that feeling of "riding a cart through a long spacious tunnel" with the crystals reflecting the little notes that "sprinkle around". Mystic Cave being more like "Mystic Mansion" (shoutouts Sonic heroes) makes a WHOLE lot more sense. but at least the "monster mash" kind of melody does fit the theme of exploring a dark spooky cave thanks to the enemy designs, those strange moving boxes, and the stalagtites that keep crushing you and the hanging vines that pecariously save you from falling to a bottomless pit of spikes. I do love when these old ideas are realized though.
"which may be the last tolerable zone of the game."
Lol, you should try those last few levels playing with small children. My kids got me Superstars as a Christmas present, to play together. I have 4 kids. Now I want you to remember how the game handles camera snapping in multiplayer, and then think about the first phase in the final robotnik fight with the infinite circular plane.
I've been playing Elden Ring for 30 hours now but at no point did i rage at that as much as i did just in the the final boss of this game
I suggest watching the Super Gaming Bros. playthrough. It perfectly captures the multiplayer experience of Sonic Superstars
I can't believe Sand Sanctuary and both acts of Egg Fortress got left out
I quite like sky temple myself
I never thought you'd make one about Sonic Superstars! I wanted this so bad! Thank you!!!
I think the premise behind the "Sonic 4 sound" is to sound like a more advanced version of the Genesis games' sound, the premise behind the VST plugin that makes up a lot of that sound (Vacuum) is to simulate an analog synthesizer. But I think they had a lot of better options; my personal pick would've been to instead swap the Genesis' 4 operator YM2612 for a 6 operator digital FM Synthesizer such as the Yamaha DX7 (there's some DX7 recreations of old Sega songs on TH-cam, they sound pretty cool.) Or if they really felt analog or virtual analog was superior to digital, they could've gone with analog FM synthesis. Alternatively, they could've done for the whole OST what Egg Fortress Zone Act 2 does and paired Vacuum with more other instruments along with using a real drummer for the whole thing.
Honestly I wouldn't mind them making an OST out of a mix of styles from previous Sonic games if it actually felt like that was the intention. Because what we have is most of the OST sounding like Sonic 4, a few tracks sounding like Mania, two tracks sounding like Frontiers Cyberspace, and one each sounding like 3D Blast Saturn (I disagree that Lagoon City sounds like CD, it sounds like 3D Blast Saturn to me, it's maybe too much a rip off of Rusty Ruin, not to mention being a tonal mismatch) and a Genesis game that isn't Sonic. No tracks that sound like either CD soundtrack, an actual Genesis Sonic game, the 8-bit games (as a non-music theory guy I do think despite being limited to a PSG, Triple Trouble manages to have a lot of it's own distinct sound.)
Sonic 4 music kinda gives off the same vibe as the Dragon Quest series synths, but instead of kinda sounding like an off-brand SNES, it sounds like an off-brand Genesis
Yay!!! I couldn't imagine that you'll make a video about Sonic Superstars music!
I haven't played Sonic Superstars yet, but I really liked the soundtracks
There’s a few stinkers but not every soundtrack can have every song be amazing
You need an Epic Games account to continue
For a hot minute I genuinely was like "Wait, since when do I need an epic games account to...watch a youtube video? Alex Yard when did you get sponsered and what pull did you get to do this? XD"
@@MarioMastar XD he's just playing off of the Epic Games Store 😂
i will say that senoue's genesis mimicry has improved significantly since sonic 4, he just needs an actual '80s fm synthesizer. that being said, i'm still waiting for the grand return of the butt rock style that's been absent since generations.
Always turn up for a new music theory vid!
I am a simple man jardín 🏡 . I see a new music theory video, i stop everything and get a coffee. Time for some quality content
This is great! Every time you upload a video this great (probably every video since I subscribed), my mind gets refreshed in a good way!
Watching your videos genuinely helped me to pass my music GCSE because it combined my learning with Sonic, thank you!!
Oh thanks fantastic, so glad to hear this!
If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "The circus of horrors in the scary caves," I'd have 2 dollars, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
Yup deliberate callback lol.
i thought they were nickels, not dollars?
Surprised there wasn't a You Can Do Anything/Toot Toot Sonic Warrior mention around 2:30.. It was the first thing that came to mind
That's because You Can Do Anything itself is based on Green Hills Zone, the true OG
@@AlexYardZone there you go! I didn't know that, cheers mate
I’m of the opinion that SuperStars is a good game and the OST is better than people give it credit for. Then again, I’m someone who tolerates Senoue’s Sonic 4 compositions (except for Frozen Base Act 1, since that track feels genuinely unfinished).
I was cracking up from the get-go! This has by far become my favorite channel on TH-cam. It's a relentless, withering assault on my exact sense of humor (Snoop's migos flow rant has been living rent-free in my head and voila, it's in here), and I deeply appreciate every little effort in the top-notch motion graphics presentation.
I also commend the sheer surgical diplomacy with which you addressed how we all feel about Sonic Superstars' uneven soundtrack quality. Your classy presentation reminded me that it's simply always best to not waste our limited time on this earth by instead choosing to celebrate the positives in things, and it even helped me to genuinely appreciate some of the tracks that aren't considered "one of the good ones" from the latest offering. Thank you again Mr. Yard!
I hid all this sappy stuff below the Read more in da you-toob comments, in hopes dat nobody notices...
Hey just a suggestion but maybe you could look into Sonic Rush. I'd love to see a video about that game.
You forgot to breakdown the best track in the game, which is undeniably Sand Sanctuary…I’m not even mad, I’m just disappointed.
I have zero music background but I still mostly understand what you’re saying here, really a testament to how effective your use of visual aids and analogies are. 10/10, would watch again
Senoue sound-directing Generations while also making Sonic 4's music and arranging some of Superstars' (with the same Sonic 4 style) is wild, given just how different (and subjectively better) Generations' music was
Oh my god what if the sonic 4 sounding songs are just unfinished, i have proof, you see jungle zone or whatever its called act 1 has a beta version with sonic 4 instruments used instead of mania instruments.
Sega should just f*ck off and let game makers do their job please.
Do you know what a placeholder theme is?
@@vividcolorandrichaudio6134 yes
I never understand a word you're saying but it is never not a joy to listen to you make word noises about Sonic Music.
Kinda disappointed that the Sonic 4 tracks in this game didn't get an analysis, as if the instruments used in them somehow change the underlying notes and the way they interact with each other.
April Fools idea.
Sonic 4 music theory. 😂
Sonic 4's music theory is pretty damn good.
To me its just noise. I cant get into superstars music. Tee really tried but you can only polish juns turds so much
Hello there, Sir Alex Yard! Do you think a You Can Do Anything/Toot Toot Sonic Warrior mention around 2:30 sounds similar in melody to the "Bridge Island Zone Act 1" theme from "Sonic Superstars"? Could you make a video called "Music Theory: Sonic Unleashed's Vs. Egg Dragoon"?
This has the most diverse quality of any Sonic game musically. One level will be a pleasure to the ear, the next can be a cacophony! (The worse ones are just using bad instruments IMO, looking at you, Sonic 1 snare and cat noises)
It’s akin to Sonic Frontiers where it was like a box of varied chocolate but here it’s a box of chocolates where some are filled with glass
Anyone else hear a bit of Prince’s ‘Little Red Corvette’ in part of the Cyber Station music? (Specifically a bit just like the five notes where Prince sings the song title in the chorus)
I like the silly bitterness for the sonic 4 sounding songs
I like how he refused to cover their music theory in a music theory video.
0:01 you need an epic games account to continue
Oh, get ready for a mixed bag of quality as sad as that is to say……
The songs themselves are awesome, it's just the inconsistency that is kinda weird.
I NEED A PART 2!!! I love this game's soundtrack so I expected all the zones to be covered.
Love how understandably brutal you are at points. Love the shoutout to Docfuture too, I think I recall you posting covers/remixes in Cybershell’s LP thread on SA way back when, glad to see you doing well.
I have to say, while I don't like the Sonic 4 music, I do have to give credit where credit is due, it's worth exploring the compositions as if the songs were written with a better soundfont, half of them would genuinely have been good tracks Akin to like Sylvania Castle act 1, or Sky Fortress Act 2. I personally love Frozen Base Act 1 as it really harkens back to the bassline used in Death Egg (Someone pointed it out in a comment and I saw it) which makes sense as it's the point where Eggman's about to launch his "xth" attempt at getting a space station, but the more upbeat tone gives you the sensation of "We're about to go to space too!" and builds up perfectly to the nice homage to Fantasy Zone. I also LOVE Golden Captial Act 3 (2 if you ignore Act Knuckles...I'll get to THAT one though), as while it sounds kind of strange to be upbeat and almost like a marching step, the exotic sound partially through kind of hints that there's a secret to be revealed in that stage. You finally are getting close to figuring out what the secret of Golden Capital is, and thus Trip (as in Act Knuckles, you got the chaos emeralds from a vault assuming you didn't already have them). That reveal of Trip's super form was the reward for getting through one of the longest acts in the game and easily the longest boss fight, but it was satisfying since it was something we never saw before.
I also want to give an honorable mention to Press factory as I feel that stage gets way less love than it deserves for being a unique take of a level. However, honorable mention because the music isn't particulaly special. I just feel the music drags down the stage a bit unfairly.
Now for the criticism I mentioned about Act Knuckles.... Act Knuckles is the worst song in the game...and probably the series.... I already don't like Golden Capital Act 1 as it sounds kind of cliche and "high and mighty" for a spacious pinball level boasting it's wealth.... almost bragging about it, but i can forgive it because that's kind of the point of the song (even if it's not very fun to listen to), but Act Knuckles.....they missed hard with that one. It...really sounds almost...depressing, like Knuckles has no idea where he is and neither does the game. the melody progression sounds almost "drunk" and the setting being late sunset doesn't help either since it kind of feels like you're just "turning in for the night". the ONLY thing that really helps is the reveal of the mural at the end indicating something's "off" about this castle, and then you get the emeralds from the vault, but....... even if you find out what the "off" thing is.... it doesn't feel satisfying like "OH! now I get why this song sounds weird" cause the story doesn't really explain the "off thing" (avoiding spoilers deliberately) well enough for you to have any emotion for it. It's just a one off mural, and why IS the song so depressing for KNUCKLES in particular? What does HE have to do with the "off" thing? Nothing! It's Sonic and Trip's issue to deal with later (and Trip only by association, she doesn't actually solve the problem). One could say it dampens your mood in the middle so that it makes the build up in act 3 feel so much more exciting, like "But there's a solution!" but again..... no one's going to know there's a problem in the first place until AFTER they 100% the game, then think back to the "blink and you'll miss it scene". I personally would've liked it better if the "drunk part" of the song was more subtle and near the end before the loop while it plays something more fitting for "digging for treasure" to indicate "yeah you're gonna find something nice if you keep digging, but...be careful...something weird lurks below" but the whole song.... yeah... its my top 3 most disliked Sonic songs, only really beaten by Green Hill in Sonic Forces (the classic version, Lost Valley is excellent and Guardian Rock...it's not my favorite but it's not the worst. the song fits the setting and I LOVE the Crab chase version a lot).
and just as a side note if you're curious, my top 3 favorite songs are:
Bridge Island Act 2 (for all the same reasons you said but I like the melody more than act 1 because it really sounds more like you're really getting into the adventure rather than just starting it)
Frozen Base Act 1 (gosh I LOVE this song. it may be Sonic 4 Jun Senuoe that everyone hates, but the melody is so EXCITING and PERFECTLY plays homage to getting ready to fly to space. Excellent and underrated song)
Lagoon City Act 2 (3) For the same reasons you said, combining Collision Chaos and Tidal Tempest makes that one absolutely beautiful to listen to.
Honorable mention: I personally love Golden Capital Act 3 as mentioned earlier, but mostly for the melody and because of Trip's reveal in the end.
second honorable mention: Pinball Carnival Act 2: Sega's been neglecting Hiphop for WAY too long.... it's nice for them to FINALLY remember Sonic's 90s roots and throw in some hip hop again.
A lot of the songs are decent to excellent though. It's really only Golden Capital Act 1 and Knuckles I can't stand. (and the boss music is horrible but doesn't play long enough for me to care in particular). Also Shoutouts to Lagoon City Act Amy for being the CUTEST song in the game. It fits Classic Amy's glorious playable debut SO perfectly!
The music is kind of making me interested in a game I otherwise know is going to just disappoint me gameplay-wise.
It was wonderful seeing klonoa make an appearance in this video. It is such an underated game and soundtrack.
Would love if you'd make a video on it!
Please do Sonic 4 sometime, I would love to see a video about that game because I think the tracks in that game can be pretty good compositionally but they're bogged down by their poor arrangements
18:47 alright that one fuckin got me good 😂
I hope you do a Part 2 of this. I'm more than interested to see what other gems can be found in this soundtrack.
Alex PLEASE do the rest of the soundtrack I would really like to hear what your thoughts are on them
Can you do Palmtree Panic? Or are you saving that for later? PPGF is so good.
When are you doing a Croc video?
Omg, I wasn’t expecting to see this so soon! 🤩
I’m so glad you covered the “jazz” pentatonic walk from Pinball Carnival! I felt that it was a completely lazy cop out until I heard how it was modified in Act 2 which sounds great, also making me appreciate the part in Act 1.
Odd because I can hear a similar rhythm with Pinbal carnival and Marble Garden Zone more than Spring Yard
2:33 I thought I was not the only one who discovered that
I love this video so much Its really funny, maybe unintentionally. Ending the video on a trailer with the Mega Deluxe FOMO 70 dollar bundle is just hilarious
I love that you review the sonic series! These have been so insightful!
Might you add the streets of rage (1 & 2) and Golden Axe to your roster of musics to review? If you're not familiar... they're treats and lost gems from back-in-the-day. (My day).
I wish Christian Whitehead helmed Superstars. SEGA just keeps finding new ways to sabotage Sonic.
it was a little difficult for me to make out what was happening in the video (since I'm Russian), but in the end I was able to and I liked it, because I'm a musician and I can borrow some ideas for myself
Glad to hear this! Quick FYI that the subtitles can be auto-translated to Russian.
@@AlexYardZone Yes, I know, but by translating myself I’m gradually learning English myself, and it’s more interesting that way
I love your videos so much! They're heavily educational! It's a shame you didn't say anything about Egg Fortress tho...Act 1 is my fave song of the game by far. It has something that reminds me of Adventure's Senoue style...but not sure if it's just me because I'm musically ignorant (and we don't know if he did that song)
hearing docfuture referenced brought a smile to my face. Sonic 2 Special Edtion is a classic.
It's a little odd that you'd label this video as a "Sonic Superstars" music theory when you barely touched on half the zones' tracks. It would have been nice for you to brush aside the Jun Senoue stigma and actually analyse the MUSIC THEORY of Jun's songs (like Golden Capital Act 1 & K, the entirety of Press Factory, etc.) instead of slightly touching on how the arrangements weren't good at the tail end of the video, AFTER THE CREDITS. Isn't it a good thing to analyse works you think are bad so you can actually say WHY they are bad? I just don't see the logic in labelling this video as a breakdown of the entire game's soundtrack and then pretty much only touch on non-Jun solo tracks. Dissappointing
Cry about lmao 💀
Maybe you could do it? Would be cool to see it, if you are able to
@@rolandobravium1873 While I do make music, I'm probably not as knowledgeable about the theory aspect as Alex Yard is. But if I do ever feel compelled to do it, it would most likely be included along with Sonic 4's two episodes (as I haven't seen much about those when it comes to theory or even any sort of defense for their soundtracks) as Jun's instrumentation is very similar in Superstars as it is to S4 Episode 2
Hello internet, welcome to MUSIC MAN- i mean MUSIC THEORY!
Hi Alex I love your videos. Was wondering if you planned on doing palmtree panic anytime soon? I would love to see the theory behind those tracks.
Can you make a mucic theory video of spring yard zone or casino night?
I really love your videos, and discovered so much things, it's so fun nwn
I know this series is about what makes sonic music good, but if you do a sequel to this vid of the other tracks I'd like to see what makes some of the songs...lame, mainly just arrangement but some of the compositions leave something to be desired too
3:20 this is sonic 4 music!!!!
In the part where you mentioned the song arrangements, I'm a little disappointed with the game, because Jun Senoue's compositions are excellent, but Genesis' chiptune is very frustrating to listen to, like Press Factory which has an excellent composition, but with a bad use of the instruments, I wish all these songs that suffered from this lack of an arrangement had the same thing that happened with Bridge Island, anyway, great video Alex, I'm a big fan of your videos, keep up the excellent work
Jun Senoue doesn't make chiptune, and the majority of the instruments aren't from the Genesis.
Understanding of but still sorely disappointed in the lack of Press Factory analysis 😢
I wish they just let Tee Lopes compose the soundtrack..
You know there are other composers too, right? Like Toriena and Rintaro Soma?
@BoredSquidward of course but mania's soundtrack was 👌
I'm glad you didn't do music theory on Fang's "Iconic" boss theme
hey if you don't mind me asking where did you get the note sheet for speed jungle act sonic? I've been having trouble finding one
I would recommend you to make a music theory about marble zone from sonic 1, because it hits hard
12:51 It also kinda sounds like World Bowser in a way
😂 somd up in 5 seconds.. anything that not Tee Lopes is 💩☠️
Great video as always. With Super Mario Wonder out, and Most Likely more new 2d games are coming. We have so much to look forward to and more music theories and I bet we will get new music to the already great Sonic Generations game. Sonic X Shadow generations are coming soon.
Would you be open to covering fan game music? These videos are so good
I'd pay for an Arid Canyon analysis ngl
Yeah I'm open to it, but it's kind of a difficult sell for the algorithm.
I love you dedication to your craft as well as your respect of all views of this soundtrack. Its always worth it to analyze something as objectively as possible and still be able to enjoy or not enjoy it subjectively.
I think you should analyze the other songs in the game as well because even if the instrumentation is not as solid for juns solo compositions, the melodies having something good to offer. That and the boss themes (not including act 2 boss early game) havw a similar situation. I'd be interested to see what your thoughts are about them specifically.
Im surprised you didn't use Rusty Ruin (Saturn) for comparison when talking about Lagoon City act 2's theme. The overall feel of the song is closely related to act 2 in particular.
Wanna be further surprised? Richard Jacques mentioned that Sonic CD's music was the primary inspiration for Saturn 3D Blast's.
www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/staying-in-tune-richard-jacques-on-game-music-s-past-present-and-future#close-modal
Youre should do a video on super monkey ball’s music!
WHERE'S KNUCKLES
WHERE IS HE
WHAT DID YOU DO WITH HIM
The rhythm you described is a tresillo.
KLONOA MENTIONED
Less gooo
We're waiting on palmtree panic 🔥🔥🔥
Great video as usual.
It is really strange when you're playing this game and you jump from a really nice track with good insrumentation to be suddenly jarred back to a Sonic 4 15-second loop song for a whole stage.
Do a Fnaf world music theory
Is this games soundtrack on spotify yet???
Not sure...it is absurd that there's still not an official soundtrack release with the definitive credits for composers and arrangers.
The game itself is neat
But man this has to be the weakest sonic ost ngl
the music of this game must be REALLY BAD if you cover an entire video about THE WHOLE GAME, and not just for one individual zone.
Sonic 3 stand alone mini boss break down?
Hey Alex I really liked the vid especially the tritones I just commented while watching the stream 😸
And you are my favourite youtuber
I was not ready for Tim Hawkins!
When the first trailers for Superstars released, I have to say that I was immediately put off by the Sonic-4-esque sound. But, it seems like the final product is mostly better than it seemed it would be. I still haven't picked the game up, but I was very close to pulling the trigger.
Next up: Star Fox
but awex yawd wher et te doomdae musc feery
Excellent work again! It’s nice to focus on the good parts of the package and appreciate the bangers we got. The Breaking Bad bit was genius too ngl
can you talk about frozen base act tails because it's absolute flames
No, because it's "retro"
Was never much of a fan of the music.
Like it’s fine, but it’s definitely no Mania or CD…
Or Sonic 3 or Sonic 2 or Colors, or Generations, or most other Sonic games XD
i doubt anyone is gonna this comment but if they do dose anyone know where i can find the note sheet for speed jungle act sonic?
Hey, sorry I don't know of any! It's kinda rare to get sheet music from new-ish games, but I could be wrong.
it's fine I was able to decipher the first part of the song on the flute anyway
I love how we all just agree Lagoon City 1 is basically Hydrocity
it's always a treat when I see a new music theory video from you. I can relate to being heavily impacted by cybershell, as someone who's been a fan since his sonic LP days. he, and sonic games in general, taught me to be more patient in life, which might sound kinda odd, but waiting years between good sonic games and waiting years between new cybershell content go hand in hand. I'll never forget the surprise return from 9/11/2020-9/20/2020 and just how awesome that was to get quality daily uploads. you and him make some of my favorite sonic content on youtube, so thank you!
I'm glad you didn't talk about the Jun Senoue tracks because they've been talked about to death and it got annoying hearing peeps mention them all the time. It's most likely a me thing but a few jabs felt a tiny bit mean spirited, I do like what you said at the end of the video.
Speed Jungle Act Sonic's tresillo pattern reminds of the hi-hat pattern used in UK Drill
Wasnt specting this one!
Btw the freaking EpicGames
i'd be keen to hear your analyses on modern sonic music. black knight and unleashed do such a good job with leitmotifs