The Hill Is Always Greener

Once upon a time, there were four podcasters who desperately sought to recapture their youth. Since they had done so previously through reading old children's storybooks based on classic video games, they decided to do so again with some even older works of literature on this episode of The Book Is Always Goldener. They learned of plumbers and turtles and adventurers and pig wizards, many tales of which were recounted to them by voices from their youth, now seen in a whole new light. They savored every moment, eager to share these books with their many listeners. But wait! This is no book... THIS IS A BOMB! (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: More Golden Books! (0:03:00) Super Mario Bros.: Trapped in the Perilous Pit (0:28:15) Super Mario Bros. 3: The Secret Bridge (0:46:13)Super Mario Bros. 3: Happy Birthday. Princess Toadstool (0:47:16) The Legend of Zelda: Molblin's Magic Spear (1:08:09) Final thoughts (1:10:57) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Interview with Jack C. Harris Mario Reads a Story Molblin's Magic Spear DS

It's episode 101, so no big surprise what today's format is: Newbie Education 101 is back! We're joined on the podcast by Carriecore, a Sonic fan who's...never played a Sonic game?! We talk anime, movies, OCs, and more as we once again attempt to dissect what makes the little blue guy and his entourage so lovable. (Except Knuckles. We all know what his deal is.) (0:00:00) Intro/Carrie's history with Sonic (0:06:17) Are there any Sonic OCs you'd like to share? (0:20:48) What makes Sonic Adventure 2 such a beloved entry in the series? (0:30:00) Minigame: E.G.G. Station (0:50:07) What are your thoughts on the Sonic movies and predictions for Sonic 4? (0:59:04) Minigame: I've Come to Make an Announcement! (1:06:43) Which character would you most want to see get a spinoff game? (1:19:07) Minigame: Know More Music  (1:13:09) Bonus: Memories of Ultimate Flash Sonic (1:36:43) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

Wow. Episode 100. What a genuinely impressive and momentous occasion, one that we certainly aren't taking lightly. So to celebrate this incredible milestone, we've decided to take things back to where they all began... No, not Sonic 1, we obviously did that already. No, we're taking things back to where WE all began. Before the podcast, before Sonic F, there were the Sonic Shorts collabs. A passion project helmed by animators on Newgrounds and YouTube, all of whom shared a love for that speedy little spike ball and a desire to share that love with the world (by making him run fast and crash into things). That's why we're looking back at the entire nearly 20 year history of Sonic Shorts with Sonic Paradox cofounders The Wax and Boozerman. We're not stopping there, though, not by a long shot. You'll also get to hear from many of the same artists and voices who have been part of the series, some dating back to the very first volume, to talk about their own history with SP and the shorts. It's a love letter to the project that brought us all together, one we couldn't be prouder to have been a part of, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the big one-double-zero. Thanks for joining us for the last 100 episodes. Here's to 100 more. (0:01:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Shorts (0:06:57) Interview: Ter0nik (0:10:58) Sonic (Paradox) origins (0:17:02) Volume 1 (0:19:29) Interview: RGX (0:26:37) Volume 1 continued (0:30:51) Volume 2 (0:42:26) Volume 3 (0:478:26) Interview: Mahamarr (Gust198) (0:57:40) Volume 3 continued  (0:59:36) Interview: Lythero (Link3Kokiri) (1:07:46) Volume 3 continued (1:13:36) Volume 4 (1:14:30) Interview: Cacti (1:21:59) Volume 4 continued (1:27:51) Volume 5 (1:28:58) Interview: Paddy (AtomicBottle) (1:35:51) Volume 5 continued (1:37:57) Interview: Mystic Pyro Freak (1:42:56) Volume 5 continued  (1:47:36) Knuckles Briefs (1:51:05) George (Bit-Master) (2:02:39) Knuckles Briefs continued (2:04:30) Sonic Shits (2:10:13) Volume 6 (2:18:14) Volume 7 (2:23:00) Sonic Heroes musicals (2:24:05) Interview: RecD (2:35:35) Sonic Heroes continued (2:36:18) Sonic Shits 2 (2:38:33) Volume 8 (2:43:07) Interview: KaDoYuu  (2:52:09) Volume 8 continued  (2:53:15) Interview: Hieifireshadow (3:04:26) Volume 8 continued  (3:09:20) Graphicn8 (Surging PNSK) (3:11:43) Volume 8 continued  (3:12:17) Meetup, hiatus, and HD volumes (3:17:51) Vector's Knickers (3:25:06) Volume 9 (3:33:08) Volume 10 (3:39:30) Final thoughts (including what's next) (3:47:55) Outro  Featuring The Wax, Boozerman, Ter0nik, RGX, Mahamarr, Lythero, Cacti, Paddy, Mystic Pyro Freak, Bit-Master, RecD, KaDoYuu, Hieifireshadow, and Graphicn8 Amie Waters on Linktree Sonic Paradox on YouTube Sonic Shorts playlist Sonic Heroes: The Musical Sonic Legacy

Episode 100 is a BIG one, so it's going to need a little more time in the oven. In the meantime, enjoy the song and we'll see you in two weeks!

How dare you try to infiltrate our podcast in hopes you may steal our precious episodes? Prismaeya is back to join us on a deep dive about the red-dreaded one we all love (some more than others), Knuckles! While Rad Red has had a remarkably consistent characterization across his various portrayals (with some notable exceptions), his role itself has shifted dramatically over the years. From the original rival to roster filler, from hothead to meathead, from stoic loner to Christ allegory, this echidna has seen and done it all, but which ones feel the most true to the guy who's rougher than the rest of them? Let's discuss and find out! 0:00:00 Intro 0:06:16 Main topic: who is Knuckles? 0:10:39 Sonic's friendly nemesis 0:19:08 Is he actually that gullible? 0:28:00 Sidelined and dumbed down? 0:43:34 Connections to his people (and a long Archie diatribe) 0:59:50 Various cartoon portrayals 1:03:14 The voices 1:17:25 Let's talk about Sonic Boom 1:27:45 Knuckles' future 1:37:20 Love interests 1:45:38 Final thoughts 1:56:00 Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

We're once again turning the pages of Sonic the Comic, this time with the arc that introduced everyone's favorite frenemy, Knuckles! In an adaptation of Sonic 3, the red-dreaded one gets bamboozled by the big egg himself into aiding in his sinister schemes! Can Sonic and Tails hold off this newcomer long enough to successfully capture Robotnik? And if so, will that victory come at a much greater cost? (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: STC's Sonic 3 adaptation (0:09:59) The typical STC disclaimer (0:16:56) Knuckles: Guardian of the Chaos Emeralds (0:32:04) Enter Knuckles, Part 1 (0:44:59) Enter Knuckles, Part 2 (0:52:21) Power of the Chaos Emeralds, Part 1 (1:04:10) Power of the Chaos Emeralds, Part 2 (1:14:26) Robotnik's Revenge, Part 1 (1:20:53) Robotnik's Revenge, Part 2 (1:30:18) Final thoughts (1:35:34) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

A new year means new reasons to look backwards on The Hill Is Always Greener, and we can't think of a better one than to see where it all began for the silliest of Sonic cartoons! That's right, we're taking it back to the Fall of '93 to discuss the origins of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog! But we're not just talking about the first episode, "Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad", recounting the birth of our beloved dumb-bots. No, we're also taking a look at the workprint of the original unaired pilot used to sell the show to advertisers! So join us as we see what changed, what stayed the same, and why we still get a good laugh from this show every single time. (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: The beginnings of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (0:10:53) The pilot (0:42:11) Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad  (1:33:57) Final thoughts (1:45:12) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Pilot Super Special Sonic Search & Smash Squad

With 2025 coming to a close, it's important that we end the year on the right note. And by that, we mean an absolutely bonkers game show that quickly descends into madness. Returning guest Prismaeya and Sonic F cast members Kage-Ichihashi and Mystic Pyro Freak are paired up with our hosts in a three-way battle royale to determine the top trivia team. Will speed, fly, or power win out in the end? What kind of devious questions does Faulerro have up his sleeve? And how badly are we going to have to sandbag CyberLink to keep him from running away with the whole thing? (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Mobius Strip Game (0:07:10) Hog Quiz (0:19:56) Fast Four Words (0:31:26) Rise of Lyrics (0:47:33) What's the Verdict: Sonic Edition (1:00:55) Blue Lightning Round (1:09:14) Sonic Survey Says (2:43:08) Results/Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

December is here again, and what better way to get into the spirit of the season than with the most unhinged variety show this side of a galaxy far, far away? That’s right, it’s two hours of holiday hijinks and festive foolishness, filled with crackers, carols, and cold reads aplenty. So grab yourself a nice cup of cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy...whatever the hell this is. (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: THIAG Christmas party (0:11:22) Chaotic Crackers (0:23:32) Do You Recall the Most Famous Hedgehog of All? (0:33:13) Wreck the Halls (0:48:56) Sonic’s Secret Santa (1:33:41) Sonic Ride Festivity (1:54:55) Final thoughts (1:57:03) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Sage meets her oshi Miku  

We've all asked that question: When is Sega going to remake Sonic's first big 3D outing? And we all know the answer: Probably never. But what if the possibility existed beyond the realm of fantasy? And...what if they asked the four least qualified people in the world to call the shots? That’s right, this episode, we're talking about all the things we'd like to see in a hypothetical remake of Sonic Adventure, one which we've dubbed "Sonic Adventure Kiwami!" (Note: Kiwami means extreme.) From gameplay adjustments to presentational upgrades, new stories and cameos galore, we've opened our hearts to the many possibilities, and nothing is off the table...for better or for worse. (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Adventure Kiwami (0:07:18) Gameplay (1:25:41) Story (1:37:34) Voice acting  (2:01:29) Graphics (2:09:45) Music (2:48:00) Unrealistic pie-in-the-sky hopes (2:59:35) Final thoughts (3:01:40) Outro  Amie Waters on Linktree

Alphanumeric! We're back to the Martin Adams series to check out Sonic and the Silicon Warriors! Robotnik has abducted the Mobian population, and Tails has found himself trapped in a world inside the computer where man has never been! Now it's up to Sonic and his new friend Iggy to bring them back while fending off robots, security programs, and every (lawyer friendly) cameo under the sun! Can our hedgehog hero survive this digital dimension, or is he destined to be deleted like so much junk data? Tune in to find out! (0:00:00) Intro/Main Topic: Sonic the Hedgehog and the Silicon Warriors (0:09:29) Prologue: Enter (0:12:21) Chapter 1: A Shock to the System (0:21:54) Chapter 2: Mega-Hurtz (0:31:36) Chapter 3: Building Big Brother (0:45:03) Chapter 4: User-Unfriendly (0:56:17) Chapter 5: Silicon Alley (1:02:50) Chapter 6: System Crashes (1:12:10) Chapter 7: Terminate and Stay Resident (1:19:57) Chapter 8: Virtually Reality (1:32:44) Chapter 9: Operating Systems (1:42:29) Chapter 10: Garbage In, Garbage Out (1:53:35) Epilogue: Quit (1:55:00) Final thoughts (2:01:00) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Sonic the Comic the Podcast STCTP interview with "Martin Adams" Breakfast of Champions press event

You better watch out! She’ll bewitch ya! It’s time to return to the Archie comics... And by that, we mean the LITERAL Archie comics. In celebration of Halloween, we're taking a look back at the multiple late '90s comic crossovers between Sonic the Hedgehog and Sabrina the Teenage Witch! From Super Specials to actual trash comics, we discuss reverse isekais, magical possession, weird mysteries, beloved sitcom animals, and an answer to the question that has long plagued mankind: did Betty and Veronica ever see sense, give up on Archie, and hook up with each other instead? (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic/Sabrina comic crossovers (0:11:04) Archie & Friends: A Halloween Tale (0:51:39) Some Enchantra Evening, Part 1 (1:10:29) Some Enchantra Evening, Part 2 (1:21:49) Case of the Haunted Comic Shop (1:38:58) Final thoughts (1:45:19) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Thanks Ken Penders - "this but it's the achewood with the motorcycle"

I ain't gonna let it get to me, I'm just gonna creep, and nothing's creepier than these grisly and ghoulish go-to spots on Sonic's world! Special guests GreenBonesDommy and JellyFilledZombies help us determine the top 10 scariest levels from across the franchise, from Sandopolis with its subterranean specters, to Digital Dimension's screaming soulnado, to the hellish halls of Boo's House, and every other horrifying haunt in between. But don't dwell too long, listener, because if you try trick-or-treating here, all you're going to get is a one-way ticket to the afterlife! ...and maybe a full-size KitKat bar if you're lucky. 0:00:00 Intro/Shay's history with Sonic 0:04:37 Main topic: Ranking the haunted theme zones 0:08:42 Sandopolis (Sonic and Knuckles) 0:13:26 Labyrinth of the Castle (Sonic Labyrinth) 0:17:18 Twinkle Park (Sonic Adventure DLC) 0:19:48 Pumpkin Hill (Sonic Adventure 2) 0:23:57 Aquatic Mine (Sonic Adventure 2) 0:25:50 Pyramid stages (Sonic Adventure 2) 0:30:48 Hang Castle/Mystic Mansion (Sonic Heroes) 0:37:45 Cryptic Castle (Shadow the Hedgehog) 0:42:13 Digital Dimension (Sonic Riders) 0:45:16 Skeleton Dome (Sonic and the Secret Rings) 0:48:42 Mystic Haunt (Sonic Rivals 2) 0:51:14 Haunted Ship (Sonic Rush Adventure) 0:54:11 Creeper Gorge (Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric) 0:57:54 Halloween (Sonic Runners) 1:00:17 Haunted Castle (Team Sonic Racing) 1:03:13 Boo's House (Team Sonic Racing) 1:06:02 Nightmare Maze (Sonic Dream Team) 1:09:09 Pinball Carnival (Sonic Superstars) 1:12:58 Wonder Museum (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) 1:15:28 Kraken Bay (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) 1:17:48 Sand Road (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) 1:18:25 Finalizing the list 1:22:55 Addendum: Pumpkin Mansion (Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) 1:24:36 Final thoughts 1:25:40 Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

We've gone Bak 2 School for another new Sonic 101 episode! With Jake out on assignment (i.e. kidnapped by Metal Sonic), Jeff Bakalar of Giant Bomb fills the rotating guest chair this week, ready to learn all about McDonald's happy meal toys, outrunning the Big Bang, children's media featuring GWAR, Sonic's secret Jersey upbringing, bloodthirsty unicorn wizards, and all sorts of other nonsense. But the student also becomes the teacher, as Jeff offers up his perspective as the parent of a young Sonic fan, giving us old farts a rare inside look at how the youth of today actually engage with the Blue Blur and his fast furry friends. (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Newbie Education 101 (0:07:45) Jeff's history with Sonic (0:13:40) The malleability of Sonic (0:18:26) Jeff and Sonic's transition to 3D (0:24:40) Do kids play the old games? (0:35:55) Minigame: A.B.C.D. Station (1:06:25) How did Jeff's kid first find Sonic? (1:18:12) Does Jeff think his kid is starting to outgrow Sonic? (1;26:27) Does Sonic have an origin story? (1:39:09) Minigame: Know More Music (1:57:13) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Giant Bomb What Lies Below the Lilies Sonic McOrigins Plus Windii's translations John Batiste - Green Hill Zone

Grab your Heelys, your Blockbuster membership card, and your iPod Nano with the complete Good Charlotte discography on it, because we're embracing the mid-2000s to properly look back at the original Sonic Riders! Team Sonic's inaugural clash with the Babylon Rogues is remembered for its slick aesthetic, its bumpin' tunes, and its gameplay that rides the fine line between deeply nuanced and utterly incomprehensible. Does this high-speed hoverboarder soar through the sky like a bird on the wind, or does it explode on its way to the finish line? Join us as we trick our way through the streets of Metal City to find out! Just make sure your air tank is full... (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic Riders (0:06:10) Aesthetic (0:15:15) Gameplay (0:44:31) Characters (0:50:55) Story (1:19:10) Tracks (1:54:00) Other modes (2:06:20) Final thoughts (2:30:28) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree How to Play Sonic Riders Japanese Heroes Story (Translated) Japanese Babylon Story (Translated) Sonic Riders GBA - Lost Media Wiki

It's quadruple trouble in this episode! We're taking another look at Sonic on the Master System and Game Gear, but this time joined by returning guest and 8-bit Sonic aficionado JezMM! Not only are we revisiting Sonic 1 and 2 with Jez's more expert insight, but we're also diving deep on Sonic Chaos and Sonic Triple Trouble, two surprisingly full-featured games for these classic systems! So slip off your rocket shoes and dig yourself a nice little hole to relax in as we take another blast to the past! (But not, like, a Sonic Blast; no one wants to take one of those.) (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: 8-bit Sonic revisited (0:08:37) Sonic 1 (0:45:18) Sonic 2 (1:18:30) Sonic Chaos (1:44:21) Sonic Triple Trouble (2:15:24) Final thoughts (2:26:32) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Sonic 1 and 2 SMS Remake AS2R: Another Sonic 2 Remake Sonic Chaos: Turquoise Hill demo Sonic Triple Trouble 16-Bit Sonic Triple Trouble SMS

The one and only LittleKuriboh joins us as we craft our latest fanfic masterpiece! When Wave the Swallow gets upstaged by Dr. Eggm-I mean El Gran Gordo, and his new Tails Doll AI assistant, she decides to take matters into her own hands and sabotage the project. Will she put a damper on the wrestling roboticist's plans, or are things about to get crazy on this freakiest of Fridays? Featuring Kiryu from the Like a Dragon series! (0:00:00) Intro/Martin's history with Sonic (0:17:26) Main topic: Let's write a fanfic #3! (0:20:22) Characters and setting (0:28:33) Jake - Inappropriate recreation/analog of a real world tragic event (0:34:10) Luke - Reference an early 2000s Toonami show (0:36:45) Jeremy - The writer's barely disguised fetish (0:43:03) Chris - Song lyrics quoted verbatim in dialogue (0:47:54) Martin - Characters denigrate other video game franchises (0:51:47) Jake - the bad guy gets a second form (0:55:47) Luke - Body Swap (and character uses a curse word) (1:00:43) Jeremy - The author makes up new and exciting fictional slurs and/or curse words (1:06:56) Chris - One of the main characters has to stop and do their taxes (and character from another Sega franchise appears) (1:15:23) Martin - Brand new Super form (1:19:18) Jake - An old one-off villain comes back (1:29:52) Luke - Sudden deep-cut character appearance to brag to the reader how much we know about Sonic (and romantic moment) (1:33:00) Jeremy - A cool OC appears (1:43:52) Chris - Massively expanding upon a canon plot point  (1:50:40) Martin - Heroic sacrifice (1:55:06) Recap and final thoughts (2:03:55) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it... But what if Sega refuses to let us forget? In today's episode, Ape of the Hour joins us as we take a look at the curious case of Classic Sonic in the current day. Originally the ONLY Sonic, this little guy found himself shoved to the side when the 2000s rolled around in favor of his new look, only to experience a sudden resurgence in the 2010s. But has he overstayed his welcome at this point? Why does Sega seem so insistent upon a divide between the two eras? And does looking back truly represent the way forward? (0:00:00) Intro/Ape's history with Sonic (0:08:42) Main topic: "Modern" Classic Sonic (0:38:15) Embrace modernity (1:07:54) A return to his roots (2:00:59) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree

For many years, humanity has wondered, "What would a stage musical based on Sonic the Hedgehog look like?" This...is so much weirder an answer than anyone could have come up with. Today, we travel back in time 30 years to the land down under, back when the Sega World amusement park was a thing that existed, to check out Sonic in Sydney the live musical. It's a strange tale of Sonic, Tails, and Sally teaming up to prevent Robotnik's Aussie assault, one with so many absurd twists and turns that some might consider it a harbor bridge too far. Listen along as we react in real time to the studio recording, then stick around for the extended versions of the songs, and a never-before-heard totally-real we're-not-just-making-this-up-for-a-really-funny-bit recording of the lost puppet show version! (0:00:00) Intro/Main topic: Sonic in Sydney (0:07:59) The studio recording (0:41:42) The puppet show (0:46:47) The lost recording! (0:57:39) "What Are We Waiting For" (1:02:33) "Give Me Chaos" (1:05:35) "Thank You For Being You" (1:11:44) Final thoughts (1:15:25) Outro Amie Waters on Linktree Sonic in Sydney (live show, version 2, dry run) [TOTALLY REAL FOR SRS]

Featuring: Jabbajacks as Sally AE Double as Grounder Xthedarkone as Knuckles Faulerro as everyone else