-- International Info --
Area	Title	Debut
Japan	Sonic Jam	June 20, 1997
USA	Sonic Jam	August, 1997

   There had been Sonic classic collections prior to this one, but Sonic Jam is special for three reasons: 1) It was the first cross-console collection, 2) it was the only one compiled by the Sonic Team themselves, and 3) it was tied together by a fine 3D "museum" area, filled with various Sonic facts, trivia, and important moments in hedgehog history. This third reason makes Jam a necessity for fanatic Sonic freaks, and was an invaluable tool in the creation of the massive Sonic Museum you're wasting your time in right now.

   Many had hoped that the impressive 3D "museum" world held the promise of a true 3D Sonic game on the Saturn, as the graphics would indicate the system was capable of such a game that may still be a competitive counterstrike on the likes of Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot. And perhaps it was, as Sonic Team's original plan was to make Sonic Adventure a Saturn game. All things considered, I don't think anyone will be disappointed Adventure held over for Dreamcast...

Here's a list of the goodies fans are treated to in Sonic Jam:

• Sonic the Hedgehog, Genesis version
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Genesis version
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3
• Sonic & Knuckles, complete with Lock-On option
• Complete Japanese & English instruction manuals for all four games
• A 3D "Sonic World" with several challenges for players to beat
• "Character House", containing official profiles and sketch art of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Dr. Robotnik, Badniks, and others
• "Music Shop", a sound test with tracks from Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, and Sonic Jam all in one convenient stop
• "Movie Theater", a collection of Sonic cinemas including:
  • Sonic CD opening, complete uncut version
  • Sonic CD ending, complete uncut version
  • A promotional clip from the Sonic anime OVA
  • An unidentifiable clip of American Sonic animation
  • A never-used computer-animated clip from a planned Sonic ride
  • Two Japanese Sonic 1 TV commercials
  • Two Japanese Sonic 2 TV commercials
  • Japanese Sonic 3 TV commercial
  • Japanese Sonic Spinball TV commercial
  • Japanese Sonic CD TV commercial
  • Japanese Sonic Chaos TV commercial
  • Japanese Sonic Triple Trouble TV commercial
  • Japanese Sonic Drift TV commercial
• "Art Gallery", a collection of artistic (official) Sonic images
• "Hall of Fame", a timeline of events in Sonic history very much like this one, only not as detailed
• Special computer wallpapers viewable through any standard PC

   Aside from the unique bonus features, Jam also enhanced the existing games on the disc, if only minimally. The option to use the Spin Dash in Sonic 1 is available to players who think it might come in handy. For less-experienced newcomers, the options to turn the time limit off and set the games on one of three difficulty levels was thrown in. On Easy mode, each Zone only has one Act (with no bosses), and certain obstacles are removed. On Normal mode, certain obstacles are removed. On Original mode, everything's just as it was the first time, and is the logical choice for experienced speedsters. The screenshots below are from the 3D Sonic World area:

And here are some screenshots from the sucky-looking Tiger Game.Com version:

		None Available

-- MIDI Collection -- Museum Theme -- Jarel Jones Sonic World -- Jarel Jones

-- Related Media -- · US cover · Japanese cover · Game.Com cover · Sonic, Tails & Knuckles · REAL Sonic Jam!

Secret Mission: At the title screen, highlight the "Sonic World" option. Then press START and hold down the A button. You now have 60 seconds to collect all 100 Rings for absolutely no purpose. Whee. Make Pause Box Disappear: At any point in the game, press START to pause it. A small options box will appear asking you if you want to continue, quit, or restart the level. Press X+Y+Z to make this box disappear. View Movies in Sequence: You can view the movies from the Sonic World "Move Theater" in order by holding down X+Y+Z and pushing A in the "Movie Theater".

Box covers taken from Sega Online and Sega Entertainment Universe. Saturn screenshots taken from Sega Entertainment Universe. Game.Com screenshots taken from Tiger Electronics. Information compiled and arranged by Jared "Green Gibbon!" Matte.