Sparky's World

𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐃 𝐓𝐔𝐌: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫…
Happy Anniversary! Today marks one year since the upload of “Sonic CD: The Unsung Masterpiece”, a project that means everything to me.

In the works for a little over 2 years, this video initially started as a simple enough idea in March 2022: make a pseudo-sequel to Sonic Spitball with an emphasis on Sonic CD. Somewhere along the way, the project took on a life of its own, blossoming into something far more complex, personal and insane. It also became a lot harder to make, and a lot more fun.

I completed the first of many drafts of the script around December 2022, which at the time consisted of a monstrous near-120,000 words! This was never gonna fly and was trimmed and reworked over the course of many weeks, eventually reaching a final word-count of 86,000 by February 2023. I suspect the actual video is more in the realm of 75,000 words considering all the post-recording cuts. Writing is rewriting!

March to June 2023 was spent entirely on recording the audio, which is probably one of the most physically draining things I’ve ever done. For every usable line, there were probably an average of ten or so takes, and eventually my voice would just stop working properly for the day lol. Combined with the fact that I was constantly tweaking the script on the fly and certain scenes needing to be timed and delivered *utterly perfectly,* this may actually have been the most strenuous part of making this video.

With audio complete, the actual process of editing took almost exactly one year of work, from July 2023 to July 2024. All throughout its production, I had no real expectation in my mind of what kind of audience this project would have. My only hope was that it would find the people who appreciated it, whether that was 8,000 people or 100,000 people. I’m the kind of person that could listen to someone pick apart the minutia of Sonic game design for literal hours on end. *Surely* there’s enough people out there with tastes like me to make a project like this worthwhile.

Actually uploading a completed “Sonic CD: The Unsung Masterpiece” in August 2024 was a feeling I can’t really describe, and I’ve spent much of the last year still coming down from it. To pour *so much* of yourself into a single comprehensive work and actually reach the fabled finish line which you never fully believed would come; it’s a unique kind of euphoria. Even in a world where this video got 500 views and 12 comments, I’d still consider it an unbelievable personal achievement that I was able to complete it in the first place. Committing to a vision, setting goals for yourself and actually following them through with zero help; the simple knowledge that I’m even capable of such a thing isn’t something I could’ve known before I made the video. I have a habit of starting projects and never quite finishing them, but few things fill me with motivation like Sonic.

Needless to say, the response was far, FAR beyond my stupidest expectations. People legitimately understood what I was trying to do, and connected with the video emotionally in a way I never could’ve anticipated. I still get comments, messages and emails virtually everyday, with people asking questions, offering thoughtful critiques and expressing genuine gratitude. It all means the world to me. I approached this project less like a normal video essay and more like a movie; something that rewards repeat viewings and was loaded with small details. Seeing people piece so many of those details together and understand the video on a deeper level has been insanely gratifying and fun. This success has largely convinced me that the YouTube “brainrot” allegations are *massively* overstated. There is absolutely an audience for richer, more complicated long-form content. There is an audience for weirdness, experimentation and passionately bearing your soul over a blue hedgehog. Even when people don’t fully understand it, they appreciate the sincerity. I’m a big believer in the old “broadcast yourself” philosophy of Youtube; people being their authentic selves and sharing that with an audience without fear of being dismissed. Not everyone will like you or care, but you’ll be surprised by how many people do!

I’ve also noticed a real shift in the way people talk about Sonic CD over the last year. Slowly but surely, more people are seeing this game with new eyes, and recognising it as something truly beautiful. In truth, I suspect this has more to do with its existing fans simply getting a lot more vocal rather than my single video, but it’s still awesome that the “Sonic CD renaissance” I joked about in the vid’s description somehow ended up unironically happening. Incredible remixes, unbelievable fan animations, more videos than I could possibly count, and some very cool upcoming projects in the works by truly spectacular creators. Sonic CDX can’t come soon enough 😭

Anyway, happy anniversary to SCD: TUM! I’ve been revisiting the video today and I hope some of you do also! I’ve never actually attempted to watch the entire thing in one unbroken sitting, though a ton of other people have somehow lol. If you’ve got any burning questions about the video, or Sonic CD/Sonic the Hedgehog in general, please ask them below! I’d hoped to have something special ready for this occasion, but numerous factors have derailed my work schedule. Rest assured that I’ve got *a lot* more to say about the topic of Sonic CD, as well as entirely unrelated subjects.

There are so many analysis projects I’ve wanted to pursue in 2025, but my life is a bit in flux at the moment. I’ve moved into a much smaller place recently and it’s been very difficult to establish a new stable work environment. I’ve desperately wanted to create and stream more, but a number of setbacks and obligations have made it very difficult which is super frustrating. I’m still very hopeful for the future of this channel though. I’m always working in the background and constantly polishing up ideas. I appreciate your patience and constant support. This project has easily been the most creatively fulfilling experience of my life, and I’m very grateful to the thousands of people that have shown me kindness in the time since. Knowing people are out there who care about my stuff will always be the ultimate motivator.

Long live Sonic CD~

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 444

Sparky's World

I’d strongly appreciate if followers of mine could read the Twitter thread I recently posted about my extremely negative experiences with music YouTuber and former friend Alex Yard. Unfortunately this issue has become larger than myself and a number of people are speaking out about their unpleasant experiences, particularly a contingent of his audience who felt legitimately afraid to challenge or disagree with him. Please share the post with others or contribute your own voice if at all applicable. Thanks:

x.com/subsonicsparkie/status/1935734277162881445?s…

3 months ago | [YT] | 52

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Big thanks to everyone for such a stellar stream last night. Based on the experience of zooming through all four original Sonic games in a row and after a robust exchange of ideas with chat, here is the official Sparky's World Zone Ranking Tier-List! There's some decently spicy takes here so check out the VOD for all the details and justifications. I wonder how Mania and Superstars zones would factor into this.

7 months ago | [YT] | 84

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Gonna be streaming the *complete* Classic Sonic saga this Saturday, plus a bonus spin-off game! Everything will build to a glorious tier-list ranking each Zone from the early Sonic games. What zones are you rooting for? I feel like I have a general idea of where they'll land but maybe my mind will change after playing them all back-to-back.

Tomorrow 4pm UK time (11am EST)!: youtube.com/live/2fOpVwBmtj4?feature=share

8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 69

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Thank you all for 100K views on "Sonic CD: The Unsung Masterpiece" just in time for the holidays! The last 3 months have been a nonstop string of wonderful accomplishments and experiences and I am forever grateful. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and an awesome New Year. Here's to more fun stuff in 2025!

9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 202

Sparky's World

PimpUigi, the creator of Sonic CD Restored and (until recently) very active community member, was referenced in Chapter 8 of my Sonic CD video for his speedrun insights. He has been accused by two women of abuse and is currently being investigated for serial sex crimes against them. This was brought to my attention through a Youtube comment from one of his accusers. For a more detailed breakdown of what specifically is being alleged, as well as select pieces of evidence, please check out the Twitter thread linked below. This is an ongoing legal matter so the material presented was chosen carefully with the approval of the victims and law enforcement. PimpUigi firmly denies all wrongdoing, but insists he isn’t allowed to comment on the issue publicly.

Sonic CD means the absolute world to me. My video was made out of deep love and admiration for not only the game but everyone who cares about it. Both accusers have made it clear to me that they believe PimpUigi has used this series, as well as other child-friendly brands, to connect with younger people online, which eventually leads to sharing of inappropriate content. Its not my place to pass final judgement on PimpUigi or force others to do so. I’m bringing this matter to the wider public’s attention because I absolutely feel it is the right thing to do, as risky these things can be. I only ask that you examine the claims/evidence for yourself, especially if you’ve had any interactions with this person.

Be discerning, and put caution and respect for others above all else. Thank you for reading *(heavy content warning for Twitter thread):* x.com/SubsonicSparkIe/status/1858933267384136118

10 months ago | [YT] | 78

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I was recently invited onto "SONIC THE COMIC: THE PODCAST" to discuss Fleetway's adaptation of Sonic CD from back in '93! As a total newbie to the world of UK Sonic comics, it was certainly a trip. Amy wields a one-handed crossbow and Sonic saves the day through the power of a "time stone". Like a literal STONE. More of a time rock actually. It was zany, surreal and pretty damn striking in its artwork. Our conversation ended up being so long and detailed that they've actually opted to break it up into 15-minute segments and pepper it throughout the next 3 episodes, the first of which is out now! Check it out at the link, or the podcast app of your choice. My guest spot appears at 1:22:35: stctp.zone/?name=2024-10-25_stctp_140.mp3

In other news, last week's celebration livestream was a total blast. There are problems to be corrected on my end, but overall it was a huge success and a ton of fun. I'll definitely do more if people enjoy them, so let me know if you'd be down for that and what kind of games you'd like to see. Have a great weekend and enjoy Shadow! My copy hasn't arrived yet but I've been assured that its quite fun.

11 months ago | [YT] | 58

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Join me for an epic stream of the world’s most beloved game, Sonic CD!! Tomorrow at 4PM UK time (11AM EST)! We’ll pull off rad stunts, talk behind-the-scenes facts about the CD video and generally have a great time. There may even be a few bonus games for the true Sega fanatics. I haven’t streamed in years so expect something loose, relaxed and freeform. All I know for certain is it’ll be a great celebration of all the amazing things that have happened in the last few months. Please tune in!: youtube.com/live/M813FRJR8dk?si=YVFIR4IUiMlNe3TJ

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 42

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I posted this AMV to my side channel, Sparky's Hard Drive, home to easier-to-produce bonus content. It's always existed but I suppose this is it's official unveiling. I've got no big ideas for it currently, but maybe something will come to me! Once again, happy Sonic CD Day!!

1 year ago | [YT] | 11

Sparky's World

HAPPY 31st ANNIVERSARY, SONIC CD!! To celebrate this momentous occasion, I’ve cooked up a special AMV. The people have demanded an extended version of “You Can Do Anything” for decades, and now the world can finally rejoice. It was a ton of fun putting this together and I absolutely love it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGveS...

“Sonic CD: The Unsung Masterpiece” has been an unbelievable success since it was posted a few weeks ago, and something that viewers have been really fixated on is the music featured throughout the video. I didn’t want to just lean on the game’s regular soundtrack in the vid, considering it already had an entire chapter dedicated to it. Instead I went with totally different songs that evoke the unique feelings of the game, while also telling the story of the video. Tons of house, jazz, techno, rock, trance, anime, video games and remix tracks, all collaborating to fuel the video and its many vibes. I figured it’d be fun to compile a lot of the musical highlights into a themed playlist that can be enjoyed anywhere. These 40 tracks are in roughly the same order as they appear in the vid, including arranged versions and alternate mixes that go utterly ham. Relive the magic of SCD: TUM through the music that inspired the video! This has been my workout / go-for-a-walk music all summer and the happy gamer vibes are yet to fade: www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

In other news, I’m hoping to host an epic celebration stream of not only Sonic CD, but a few of the other games covered in the video sometime in the next few weeks. Hopefully that's something people would be interested in, so keep an eye out for word on that in the near future! Happy birthday again to good ol’ Sonic CD, the game that rocked my world…

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 29