The Hill Is Always Greener

A Man Chooses, An M&M Obeys

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

Definitely, Like, Cool

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

Sewer Olympics (ft. RecD)

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

I Wish Mario Would Kiss Human Me (ft. Sreddous)

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

Activate Cursing Subroutine (ft. Midnight_Ky)

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)

The Ghost of Spagonia University (ft. Marin M. Miller)

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

Antoine Makes a Callout Post

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

Pitching a Tent and Shacking Up

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

He Had Always Been a Hungry Child

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

Jimmy Hedgeman (ft. KaiserNeko)

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
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