There is tons of great music out there these days. No matter what you like there will be a song to define your day, your mood or even your life. There are even awesome power metal remakes. But none of those songs compare to the awesome that is Metropolis Zone. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has always stood out for me as having the best soundtrack during the 16 bit era. Sure Megaman was great, of course Castlevania was up there, and who can forget the tunes for Super Mario World or the Opera from Final Fantasy VI, or whatever the hell it was here in the states.
These games all have great soundtracks, but Sonic 2 stands out for having so many great tunes. From the jazzy sounds of Casino Night, to the quirky and menacing tones of Oil Ocean, every level had it's own unique feel, not just due to the design, as all the levels were brightly colored and full of spikes and floating platforms. No, it was the music that really made each stage come alive. However, one track, one track amongst all stood out.
Metropolis Zone's music was the best. The offset scratch, the epic bouncing bass rhythem and that amazing wailing guitar in the background, all culminating in a frenzied chorus. It was the only stage so epic that it got THREE acts. It was the toughest stage by far, filled with impressively annoying enemies who were placed ready to fire just off screen and at the edge of cliffs, ready to knock you off to your doom and steal all of your rings. Metropolis zone was the industrial stage. It was the stage Trent Reznor would make if he had a fascination with the color green and with annoying screws and starfish. But really, Metropolis Zone is more than just green tinted awesome with great music. It is an excuse to post the following video:
That's right, Michael Jackson mixed into Metropolis Zone. I cant tell if this is the greatest or worst thing ever, but I don't care, it's awe inspiring nonetheless.
Metropolis Zone is essentially the night cap, the climax of the game. After this, up is the only way to go, with Sky Chase, Wing Fortress and Death Egg Zones being the only things standing between you and the end game. But the music for Metropolis stands out as the best in the game.
These days, a lot of music has gone orchestral, but maybe that's why I love Atlus, those guys currently hold the banner up for excellence in original game music, and if you dont believe me, check out the Persona soundtracks for some of the best Jazz based game music ever. And one final thing, the only song(s) to actually rival the amazingness that was Metropolis Zone in the 16 bit era was in Sonic and Knuckles, and they are called Lava Reef Zone, Act's One and Two (cause theyre so awesome, they get two different songs, each of which are amazing.
(I like Act two a little more, though it is no Metropolis Zone)
I know Im not the only one who loves these songs, what do you guys think?
Yeah, Sonic games always had great music. I can't remember what game it's from, but every once in a while, I'll start humming what I think is the Casino Nights theme. I'm going to Youtube now to find it.
Thanks Fox, this may tip me over the edge to get off my arse, go downstairs and get my Sonic Mega Collection for PS2.
I'm really annoyed now though as the Metropolis Zone track has been RUINED by whoever posted that Ronald McDonald Japanese dancing video, absolutely RUINED. I seriously cannot not think about it everytime I hear the Metro Zone song now :( tis' a sad day.
The MJ version helped a little but its been ruined, hopefully I will forget it. I hate whoever posted the McDonald video.
Yeah!
Sonic the Hedgehog had some of the most memorable music ever to pour out of the Genesis.
I don't think I will ever forget the Green Hill Zone theme.
Ever.
The Metropolis Zone theme makes me happy! =)
The Sonic games for the Genesis definitely have my favourite music from the 16-bit era. They really make great ringtunes too. I need to shout out Chemical Plant and Spring Yard Zones for some love. Dammit!! Can't forget about Sandopolis and Mystic Cave as well. Also, Doomsday Zone FTW!!
I got the idea from a dream. Also, you are correct, flying batter is god tier.
@ bahs
@ Zippyduda
Good, go replay them and remember the good times. These games are a large part of the reason I bought the Ultimate Genesis Collection for my PS3
@ Wilbo
While I love Ice Cap, it's no Lava Reef Zone Act 2
@ Kohlstream
Yeah, the whole song is out of tune, the guy also mixed more sonic 2 songs with MJ tracks. I don't know why, all I know is that even out of tune, they're still awesome
@SilverDragon1979
haha thanks. I love the music cause it's what I grew up with. I love the music of OutRun on the same level. Sega's good old days man...
Also, ME on Insane isnt as bad as I expected. The only things I die from are the same things I died from in the first game. Namely cheap biotic hits and the fucking awful controls on the Mako.
@CelicaCrazed
Hell yes Chemical Plant and Sandopolis. I used to love Mystic Cave until I heard Lava Reef Act 2
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about me
Games I have enjoyed over the years: Metal Gear Solid Series
Half Life Series
Ratchet and Clank Series
Ace Combat 4-6 (and X)
Outrun
Mass Effect
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Persona 3
The World Ends With You
Castlevania series
Advance Wars
Puzzle Quest
Star Fox
Rock Band
God of War Series
Grand Theft Auto Series
Call of Duty: MW
Need for Speed Most Wanted
Persona Series
All Time Top 10 in no particular order Half Life
Counter-Strike
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Metal Gear Solid
Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Call of Duty 4
Mass Effect
OutRun 2006: Coast to Coast
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Consoles Currently in my room PS3
XBox 360
Nintendo DS
PSP
iPhone
Special Editions Currently sitting on my desk: BioShock
Grand Theft Auto IV
Metal Gear Solid 4
Fallout 3
Persona 4 Social Links Expansion Pack
Civilization IV
Games played the most, by console PC - Counter-Strike - Since Beta
XBox 360 - Call of Duty 4/Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion/Mass Effect
PS3 - Killzone 2
PS2 - Persona 3
PSP - (Tie) OutRun 2006 Coast to Coast
PSP - (Tie) Puzzle Quest
DS - The World Ends With You
Currently Playing (By System) PC - CS: Source/TF2
360 - Mass Effect/Madden 10/ L4D
PS3 - MotorStorm: Pacific Rift
PS2: Persona 4
PSP - FFVII/MGS
DS - Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
iPhone - SimCity
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
Oh hi.
What got you thinking about Metropolis Zone, then?
Yeah, Sonic games always had great music. I can't remember what game it's from, but every once in a while, I'll start humming what I think is the Casino Nights theme. I'm going to Youtube now to find it.
My God, it's all gold. I'm going to replay Sonic 1 now.
lava reef zone is amazing
but how could you forget ice cap zone!
Thanks Fox, this may tip me over the edge to get off my arse, go downstairs and get my Sonic Mega Collection for PS2.
I'm really annoyed now though as the Metropolis Zone track has been RUINED by whoever posted that Ronald McDonald Japanese dancing video, absolutely RUINED. I seriously cannot not think about it everytime I hear the Metro Zone song now :( tis' a sad day.
The MJ version helped a little but its been ruined, hopefully I will forget it. I hate whoever posted the McDonald video.
But I agree all Sonic music is epic.
The first 3 sonic games are masterpieces, love them so much! That remix with Beat It dosnt work at all, the vocals sound out of tune.
Sky Sanctuary > ALL
P.S. All Sonic and Knuckles music is epic, especially those two acts, thanks again for posting.
Flying Battery is God Tier.
Yeah!
Sonic the Hedgehog had some of the most memorable music ever to pour out of the Genesis.
I don't think I will ever forget the Green Hill Zone theme.
Ever.
The Metropolis Zone theme makes me happy! =)
Pfft, that Michael Jackson one is lame. As much as I like "Beat It," it's no "Billie Jean" or even "Smooth Criminal." loljk, I liked it.
Yes, pretty much anything Sonic is always bound to have great music. Also, Flying Battery is the best Sonic song ever and stuff. :D
@Ninja in Distress
FUCK yes!
Great write-up man. You definitely seem to enjoy your Sonic 2 music.
BTW, hope tings are going well in your most recent Mass Effect play though on Insane difficulty.
The Sonic games for the Genesis definitely have my favourite music from the 16-bit era. They really make great ringtunes too. I need to shout out Chemical Plant and Spring Yard Zones for some love. Dammit!! Can't forget about Sandopolis and Mystic Cave as well. Also, Doomsday Zone FTW!!
@ Analoge
@ Jack Maverick
I got the idea from a dream. Also, you are correct, flying batter is god tier.
@ bahs
@ Zippyduda
Good, go replay them and remember the good times. These games are a large part of the reason I bought the Ultimate Genesis Collection for my PS3
@ Wilbo
While I love Ice Cap, it's no Lava Reef Zone Act 2
@ Kohlstream
Yeah, the whole song is out of tune, the guy also mixed more sonic 2 songs with MJ tracks. I don't know why, all I know is that even out of tune, they're still awesome
@SilverDragon1979
haha thanks. I love the music cause it's what I grew up with. I love the music of OutRun on the same level. Sega's good old days man...
Also, ME on Insane isnt as bad as I expected. The only things I die from are the same things I died from in the first game. Namely cheap biotic hits and the fucking awful controls on the Mako.
@CelicaCrazed
Hell yes Chemical Plant and Sandopolis. I used to love Mystic Cave until I heard Lava Reef Act 2