A Psychotic Little Christmas, Day 5: Ice Cap Zone (Act 1)

Aaaaand coming up next in the holiday VGM list, there's Ice Cap Zone from good ol' Sonic 3, Sega Genesis. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite stages in one of my favorite games. While many can question the quality of the blue blur's escapades in and out of 3D, you simply cannot hold a candle to Sonic music, then and now; a feat that is doubly impressive considering the Genesis' sound library was kind of muddy and unattractive.

In any event, Ice Cap Zone. As Sonic iconically snowboards down the frosty mountain, it's as if the entire song starts at once; no beating around the bush here, Sonic games ain't about that shit. It's a fast-paced piece of music clearly meant to compliment the speed onscreen. And it clearly worked, too, because Sega's used the same musical formula for years without fail. Can't say the same about the actual GAMES, however.

With the mostly positive reception of Sonic Colors and more recently Sonic Generations, it's good to see that the little guy's back on track, though, and the music is better than ever. Does it capture the majesty of the classics like Ice Cap Zone music-wise, or the actual gameplay of the older games? No. But they're a hell of a lot better than '06.