FACT Focus is a brand new mix series.

Regular FACT readers may have noticed that occasionally, to accompany a large feature or list, the author has provided a mix summarizing the article in handy-to-absorb MP3 format. Well, we’ve decided to flesh this out into a series.

Episodes of FACT Focus will, umm, focus on a specific artist, label, scene or sound. The mixes won’t be weekly, but they’ll always go the extra mile in terms of highlighting hidden classics and mapping-out specific eras or sounds.

This week, FACT’s Miles Bowe takes on Sega’s blue mascot, Sonic The Hedgehog, whose games on the Genesis redefined speed and acceleration (and attitude) in the 16-bit era. Forget blast processing and graphics though, Sonic’s music is what gave the games their unstoppable momentum. Presented here are the best of those themes in all their propulsive, maximalist beauty. Don’t be surprise if you encounter some of the series’ great sound effects which constantly flavored each level with the same kinetic energy of a good pinball table. For more read our list of the 100 greatest video game soundtracks of all time.

Stream the mix below via Mixcloud or download via WeTransfer.

FACT Focus: Sonic Tracklist:

Endless Mine (Sonic 3)

Sky Chase Zone (Sonic 2)

Ice Cap Zone Act 1 (Sonic 3)

Ice Cap Zone Act 2 (Sonic 3)

Labyrinth Zone (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Spring Yard Zone (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Metropolis Zone (Sonic 2)

Lava Reef Zone Act 2 (Sonic & Knuckles)

Green Hill Zone (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Special Stage (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Lava Reef Zone Act 1 (Sonic & Knuckles)

Star Light Zone (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Azure Lake (Sonic 3)

Stardust Speedway (Sonic CD US Edition)

Knuckles Theme (Sonic 3)

Chemical Plant Zone (Sonic 2)

Flying Battery Zone Act 1 (Sonic & Knuckles)

Flying Battery Zone Act 2 (Sonic & Knuckles)

Scrap Brain Zone (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Hydrocity Zone Act 2 (Sonic 3)

Aquatic Ruin Zone (Sonic 2)

Oil Ocean Zone (Sonic 2)

Mystic Cave Zone (Sonic 2)

Casino Night Zone (Sonic 2)

Invincibility Them (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Emerald Hill Zone (Sonic 2)

Sky Sanctuary Zone (Sonic & Knuckles)

Dr. Robotnik Medley:

Dr. Robotnik Theme (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Dr. Robotnik Theme (Sonic 3)

Death Egg Zone Act 2 (Sonic & Knuckles)

Final Zone (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Death Egg Zone (Sonic 2)

Final Boss (Sonic 2)

Doomsday (Sonic & Knuckles)

Finale:

Ending Theme (Sonic 2)

Ending Theme (Sonic The Hedgehog)