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{{Short description|1997 video game compilation}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Sonic Jam
| image = File:Sonic Jam cover.jpg
| caption = 
| developer = [[Sonic Team]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| director = [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]]
| designer = Daisuke Mori
| producer = [[Yuji Naka]]
| programmer = Takahiro Hamano
| artist = [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]]<br/>Yuji Uekawa
| composer = Masaru Setsumaru<br/>Kenichi Tokoi
| series = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
| platforms = [[Sega Saturn]]<br/>[[Game.com]]
| released = '''Sega Saturn'''<br>{{vgrelease|JP|20 June 1997<ref name=jap>{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/p_cafe/DB/09147/09147.html |script-title=ja:SONIC JAM ソニック・ジャム |publisher=[[Sega]] |access-date=30 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000226234436/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/p_cafe/DB/09147/09147.html |archive-date=26 February 2000|language=ja}}</ref>|NA|20 August 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sega.com/central/press_releases/aug97/sonic_jam.html |title=SONIC JAM: SOMETHING OLD, NEW AND VERY BLUE |website=Sega Central |publisher=Sega of America |date=August 20, 1997 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980202045759/http://www.sega.com/central/press_releases/aug97/sonic_jam.html |archivedate=February 2, 1998 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 14, 2020}}</ref>|EU|28 August 1997<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sonic Jam Details Confirmed! |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=21|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=July 1997|page=6}}</ref>}} '''Game.com'''<br>{{Video game release|NA|10 July 1998}}
| genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Sonic Jam'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''Sonic Jam'''|ソニックジャム|Sonikku Jamu|lead=yes}}}} is a [[video game compilation]] developed by [[Sonic Team]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Sega Saturn]]. It was released in Japan in June 1997 and in North America and Europe the following August. It contains the four main ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' games released on the [[Sega Genesis]]: ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (1991), ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' (1992), ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (1994) and ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' (1994). It also features a 3D environment, "Sonic World", which doubles as an interactive museum of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' content.

Development began after the Japanese release of ''[[Nights into Dreams]]'' in July 1996. ''Sonic Jam'' was announced at the Spring 1997 [[Tokyo Game Show]] as part of a project to increase market awareness of Sega and the ''Sonic'' brand. It received mostly positive reviews, and was praised for its value, though some criticized the exclusion of ''[[Sonic CD]]'' and ''[[Sonic Spinball]]''. "Sonic World" was praised for its range of content, though its graphics gathered mixed responses. A version for the handheld [[Game.com]] console was released in 1998.

==Gameplay==

''Sonic Jam'' is a [[Compilations in the Sonic series|compilation]] which contains the four main ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' games released on the [[Sega Genesis]]: ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (1991), ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' (1992), ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (1994), and ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' (1994).{{sfn|Nutter|1997|pp=68-69}} Unlike later ''Sonic'' collections, ''Sonic Jam'' does not use a Genesis [[emulator]]; the games are true [[Porting|ports]], and all are nearly identical to the original Genesis releases, with the exception of minor [[bug (computing)|bug]] fixes.<ref name="allgame" />{{sfn|CVG Staff|1997|p=20}} ''Sonic Jam'' emulates ''Sonic & Knuckles''{{'}} [[Sonic & Knuckles#Lock-on technology|"lock-on technology"]], a special feature that allows the player to merge elements of ''Sonic & Knuckles'' into previous games, with altered levels and the choice to play the combined ''Sonic 3 and Knuckles'' game and play as [[Knuckles the Echidna]] in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2''.{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|p=7}}<ref name=GameRev/><ref name=GSpot/>{{sfn|Sonic Team|1994|pp=22-24}}

The games can be played in three difficulty modes: normal, easy, and original.<ref name=allgame/> Original mode is unchanged from the Genesis games, normal mode slightly alters the stage layouts to create a unique (often less difficult) experience, and easy mode adds platforms and removes many obstacles and some levels.<ref name="Lomas"/>{{sfn|O'Leary|1997|p=72}} New features include the ability to spin dash (introduced in ''Sonic 2'') in the first ''Sonic the Hedgehog,'' play [[Bonus stage|Special Stages]] separately, a "[[Time attack|Time Attack]]" mode, and a "Time Out" option to disable time limits.{{sfn|Nutter|1997|pp=68-69}}<ref name="Lomas"/>{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|pp=6-7}}{{sfn|O'Leary|1997|p=73}}
[[File:Sonic Jam world.png|thumb|left|In the Saturn version, the player can explore the 3D environment, "Sonic World", to view ''Sonic'' content such as TV commercials and artwork.|222x222px]]
''Sonic Jam'' also includes a special 3D environment, "Sonic World", whereby the player can move around freely as Sonic and interact with various objects.{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|pp=8-10}} "Sonic World" acts as an interactive museum in which the player can access an array of information of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''-related content, such as viewing concept artwork, manuals, character portfolios, music, and original Japanese advertisements.<ref name=GameRev/>{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|pp=8-10}}{{sfn|Nutter|1997|p=69}} To access these features, the player must guide Sonic into specific buildings.{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|pp=8-10}} "Sonic World" also features a "mission list" accessible via jumping on a trampoline.{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|p=10}} Missions include collecting rings, reaching goalposts, and locating [[Tails (character)|Tails]];<ref name="Lomas"/>{{sfn|O'Leary|1997|p=73}}{{sfn|Nutter|1997|p=69}} if all the missions are completed, the player is given the opportunity to view the credits.<ref name=GameRev/>{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|p=10}} ''Sonic Jam'' is compatible with the Saturn's [[Nights into Dreams#Release|3D Control Pad]].{{sfn|Sonic Team|1997|p=4}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=TGS 1997 Spring |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=95|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=June 1997 |page=60}}</ref>

==Development==
At the [[Tokyo Game Show]] in early 1997, Sega announced Project Sonic, a promotional campaign aimed at increasing market awareness of the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' brand.{{sfn|CVG Staff|1997|p=20}} [[Yuji Naka]], the co-creator of Sonic, said that "phase one" would introduce ''Sonic Jam'' as a compilation of games with several improvements rather than being direct ports. At the time of the show, the game was "88% complete".{{sfn|CVG Staff|1997|p=21}} According to Naka, the purpose of Project Sonic was not only to increase consumer awareness but also renew excitement for Sega, as ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' was only initially successful outside of Japan.{{sfn|CVG Staff|1997|p=21}}

Development began after the Japanese release of ''[[Nights into Dreams]]'' in July 1996, after [[Sonic Team]] received letters from fans asking who Sonic was. The Sonic creators, Naka and [[Naoto Ohshima]], thought it was important to introduce people to Sonic.{{sfn|Naka and Ohshima|1997|p=17}} Sonic Team had not worked on a ''Sonic'' game since ''Sonic & Knuckles'' in 1994;{{sfn|Naka and Ohshima|1997|p=17}} other ''Sonic'' games had been developed by teams including [[Sega Technical Institute]] (STI)<ref name="RG" /> and [[Traveller's Tales]].<ref name="MMPrev">{{cite magazine|date=February 1997|title=Sonic 3D|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-52|department=Previews|magazine=[[Mean Machines Sega]]|publisher=[[EMAP]]|issue=52|pages=84, 85|issn=0967-9014}}</ref> Naka thought Sonic Team needed a period to "recharge our batteries" and had new ideas.{{sfn|Naka and Ohshima|1997|p=17}}

"Sonic World" was part of an experiment to see how a ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' game would work in full 3D.<ref name="gdar">{{cite magazine|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|title=Super-rare 1990 Sonic The Hedgehog prototype is missing|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/super-rare-1990-sonic-the-hedgehog-prototype-is-missing/|magazine=Games Radar|publisher=Future plc|access-date=19 November 2016|date=27 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324080928/http://www.gamesradar.com/super-rare-1990-sonic-the-hedgehog-prototype-is-missing/|archive-date=24 March 2016}}</ref> It served as a prototype for the first fully 3D ''Sonic'' game, ''[[Sonic Adventure]],'' which began development for the Saturn but was released on its successor, the [[Dreamcast]], in 1998.<ref name="RG">{{cite journal|date=December 2007|title=Nights Adventure|url=https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_045#page/28/mode/2up|journal=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=45}}</ref> "Sonic World" uses the same engine as ''Nights.'' Naka's refusal to share the ''Nights'' engine with the STI team developing ''[[Sonic X-treme]]''—a factor in that game's cancellation—may have been motivated by his preference for Sonic Team to create an original 3D ''Sonic'' game. Naka later expressed relief that ''X-treme'' was cancelled.<ref name="RG" /><ref name="gdar" /> Naka and Ohshima said the most difficult process was gathering information to include in "Sonic World", as there were many ''Sonic'' games they had never heard of.{{sfn|Naka and Ohshima|1997|p=18}}

== Game.com version ==
[[File:SonicJam gamecom screenshot.png|thumb|''Sonic 3'' on the Game.com version of ''Sonic Jam'']]
A version of ''Sonic Jam'' was released for the [[Game.com]] handheld console in 1998, with scaled-down versions of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', and ''Sonic & Knuckles''. Unlike its Saturn counterpart, this version did not include ''Sonic the Hedgehog''. ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' described it as "so far removed from the original releases that the game practically qualifies as an all-new ''Sonic'' adventure", criticizing the [[motion blur]], looping music and [[collision detection]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=11 June 2009|title=Portable Pedigree: The handheld history of Sonic The Hedgehog - part two|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/013791/portable-pedigree-the-handheld-history-of-sonic-the-hedgehog-part-two/|access-date=27 November 2020|website=[[Pocket Gamer]]|language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 77%<ref name="GR">{{cite web|title=Sonic Jam for Saturn|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198697-sonic-jam/index.html|website=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc]]|access-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203156/http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198697-sonic-jam/index.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=allgame>{{cite web|last=Williamson|first=Colin |title=Sonic Jam overview|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1954&tab=review|website=[[AllGame]]|publisher=[[All Media Network]]|access-date=14 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114182605/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1954&tab=review|archive-date=14 November 2014|date=14 November 2014}}</ref>
| CVG = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=Lomas>{{cite journal|last=Lomas|first=Ed|title=Sonic Jam|journal=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=190|date=September 1997|pages=66–68}}</ref>
| EGM = 8.125/10<ref name=EGM99>{{cite magazine |title=Review Crew: Sonic Jam|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=99|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=October 1997|page=52}}</ref>
| GSpot = 5.9/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web|last=Rubenstein|first=Glenn|author-link=Glenn Rubenstein|title=Sonic Jam review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-jam-review/1900-2534104/|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc]]|access-date=11 November 2016|date=10 July 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113063323/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-jam-review/1900-2534104/|archive-date=13 January 2016}}</ref>
| GameRev = B<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web|title=Sonic Jam review: Where's the Sonic Peanut Butter?|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sonic-jam|website=[[Game Revolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]]|access-date=11 November 2016|date=6 June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022458/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sonic-jam|archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]''
| rev1Score = 92%{{sfn|Nutter|1997|p=69}}
| rev2 = ''[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]''
| rev2Score = 75%{{sfn|O'Leary|1997|p=73}}
}}
''Sonic Jam'' received mostly positive reviews. It holds an average score of 77% at [[GameRankings]], based on an aggregate of four reviews.<ref name=GR/>

The 3D environment, "Sonic World", received generally positive reviews. Lee Nutter of ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' said that it featured "some of the most astounding graphics witnessed on the Saturn", rivaling those of ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. He praised the lack of [[Clipping (computer graphics)|clipping]] or glitching, and commended the 3D engine as "truly remarkable".{{sfn|Nutter|1997|p=68}} [[Glenn Rubenstein]] from [[GameSpot]], however, was not impressed, feeling it did not look as smooth as ''Super Mario 64'' or ''[[Crash Bandicoot (video game)|Crash Bandicoot]]''. Rubenstein praised the unlockable content, in particular the ability to view Japanese versions of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' cartoons and adverts.<ref name=GSpot/> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' described the 3D world as innovative and fun, but too small to serve as anything more than a preview. The lead reviewer called it "the best Game Select screen ever created" and emphasized that no one should buy the compilation for the 3D world alone.<ref name=EGM99/>

''[[GameRevolution]]'' found the 3D graphics of the interactive museum impressive but the setup mundane. They commended the inclusion of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' commercials.<ref name="GameRev" /> Colin Williamson of [[AllGame]] said the 3D presentation was "gorgeous", but felt the overall experience was not as fun compared to ''Super Mario 64'' and ''Crash Bandicoot''.<ref name="allgame" /> Special K from ''[[GamePro]]'' felt ''Sonic Jam'' served as a "great permanent record" of the original ''Sonic'' games.{{sfn|Special K|1997|p=153}} Steve O'Learly from ''[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]'' praised the detailed graphics of "Sonic World", saying that it showed the Saturn did perform well if programmed correctly, although he thought that it did not appear as polished as ''Super Mario 64''.{{sfn|O'Leary|1997|p=73}}

Reviewers largely praised the inclusion of the four ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Genesis/Mega Drive games. Nutter acknowledged that the compilation "may not be everyone's cup of tea" and recommended that ''Sonic Jam'' was not worth purchasing if the player already owned the included games, although he praised its value for money.{{sfn|Nutter|1997|p=69}} Rubenstein criticized the lack of ''[[Sonic CD]]'' or ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'', stating that "Sega could have made a far more complete Sonic collection". He summarized that ''Sonic Jam'' was not a definitive ''Sonic'' experience, asserting that it had only been six years since the original ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' was released and "perhaps most of us aren't quite nostalgic about it yet".<ref name=GSpot/> Game Revolution's reviewer echoed that the compilation was merely a "solid set of games that we've seen before", saying that the game was not recommended if the consumer was "tired of rehashes", but "well worth thirty or forty bucks."<ref name=GameRev/> The ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' team described the games as old and outdated, but still fun.<ref name=EGM99/> Although Williamson noted that there was a lot of exploring for the player to do in ''Sonic Jam'', he expressed skepticism that the majority of the game was from "yesterday" and there were not enough new innovations.<ref name=allgame/> O'Learly praised the faithful and accurate replication of the original games, though he felt they were "dated".{{sfn|O'Leary|1997|p=72}} By contrast, Ed Lomas of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' considered it "amazing how well the games have aged".<ref name="Lomas"/> In a 2014 retrospective, the staff of ''[[GamesRadar]]'' praised ''Sonic Jam''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "loving" presentation, noting "this was back before classic ''Sonic'' games appeared on every device known to man".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-saturn-games-all-time/|title=Best Saturn games of all time|work=GamesRadar|date=6 March 2014|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
'''Citations'''
{{Reflist}}

'''Bibliography'''
{{Refbegin|}}
{{Div col|colwidth=50em}}
*{{cite journal|last1=Nutter|first1=Lee|title=Sonic Jam review|journal=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|date=August 1997|issue=22|pages=68–69|url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022_-_august_1997_UK#page/n67/mode/2up|access-date=11 November 2016|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}
*{{cite magazine|author=Special K|title=Sonic Jam review|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=November 1997|issue=110|page=153|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_110_Volume_09_Number_11_1997-11_IDG_Publishing_US#page/n151/mode/2up|access-date=14 November 2016|publisher=[[IDG Entertainment]]}}
*{{cite journal|author=CVG Staff|title=Tokyo Game Show: Project Sonic|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_187_1997-06_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n19/mode/2up|journal=Computer and Video Games|date=June 1997|issue=187|pages=20–21|publisher=Future plc}}
*{{cite journal|author=Naka and Ohshima|title=Interview with Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima|journal=[[Saturn Power]]|date=July 1997|issue=2|pages=17–18|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}
*{{cite journal|last1=O'Leary|first1=Steve|title=Sonic Jam review|url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-048/page/72/mode/2up|journal=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|date=August 1997|issue=48|pages=72–73|publisher=Next Publishing}}
*{{cite book|year=1997|author=Sonic Team|url=https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Saturn/Manual/formated/Sonic_Jam_-_1997_-_Sega.pdf|title=Sonic Jam ''(Saturn) American instruction manual''|pages=1–12|publisher=[[Sega]]}}
*{{cite book|year=1994|author=Sonic Team|title=Sonic & Knuckles '' European instruction manual''|pages=2–30|publisher=[[Sega]]}}
*{{cite book|year=1998|author=Sonic Team|title=Sonic Jam ''(Game.com) instruction manual''|pages=1–12|publisher=[[Sega]]}}
{{div col end}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
*[http://sonic.sega.jp/sonicjam/index.html Official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=/sonic-jam|name=''Sonic Jam''}}
*{{IMDb title|tt0424454}}

{{Sonic games}}
{{Sega Retro Compilations}}
{{Sonic Team}}

[[Category:1997 video games]]
[[Category:Game.com games]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:Sega Technical Institute games]]
[[Category:Sonic Team games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog video games|Jam]]
[[Category:Sega video game compilations]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Masaru Setsumaru]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Kenichi Tokoi]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]