One of the first forays into polygonal graphics, Sonic Adventure was known for some of the most jaunty camera positioning known to gaming and also the cheesiest lines in the industry. To me though, I remembered it for its soundtrack.
When I was 5, I used to play this every day. It was simply an addiction. I would re-run levels over and over again. Not for the thrill, but also, for the tune that was accompanying the ride.
“Well, you were 5 then. Now, you probably think the music’s a bunch of cheddar.”
I thought that too. But I was wrong.
Recently, I had the urge for some Sonic again. No idea why, I just had to. I hooked up my old friend the Sega Dreamcast and started playing. Wasn’t for the music, though. And yet, as I progressed, I was reminded of why I was “different” from other kids of my age and generation in terms of music.
It was because of Sonic Adventure. It contained bluegrass, surf rock, post-rock, free-styled blues, ghetto, electronica… so much, it was the catalyst for my kindergarten music ventures. Accessible enough for 5-year olds, experimental enough to allow them to explore music further. Sonic Adventure was a major turning point in my music taste, simply put.
It certainly had some turnoffs, though. But nostalgia (and cut-scene skips) pulled through most of the cheese whiz music. But the alternative ones in the mix were respectable.
What’s the conclusion of this whole write-up, you say? I say, if you’ve got a young little tyke of a cousin or sibling, hand that kid your old Dreamcast, a controller, and this game. Watch the toddler blossom.
