Draft:Sega/Logo Variations

This page looks at the logo variations Sega used on certain video games.

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Columns (Sharp X1) (1990)

Logo: We see a shining SEGA logo on a white background.

FX/SFX: The shining logo.

Music/Sounds: A digitized 8-bit conversion of the "SEEEGAAAAA!" yell.

Music/Sounds Trivia: The SEGA vocoder sound effect has appeared earlier before it's well-known appearance on Sonic The Hedgehog. It has made its first appearance on Japanese advertisements for the SG-1000 (which was Sega's first console) back in 1983, as seen here.

Availability: Ultra rare. Was spotted on Columns for the Sharp X1, being one of SEGA's early licensed ports before their console business in the 1990s. The computer as well as the game is really hard to find in the US, but these can be found on Japanese import sales sites if you're actually lucky.

Editor's Note: The way the jingle was digitized into 8-bit has made it really horrible-sounding, thanks to the distortion. As you can tell by the video, where the choir should say it's first syllable is now very faintly audible because of that.

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Sega CD Start Screen (1992-1995)

Logo: On a black background, we see Sonic shaking his index finger in the air, next to the Sega logo. Sparks fly from Sonic and onto the Sega logo, and there is a light blue copyright underneath.

Variant: There's at least one variant where the copyright flashes in green and the stars slightly move at the end.

FX/SFX: The rings flying from Sonic.

Music/Sounds: The ring power-up sound effect is heard twice, then a fuzzy synth-piano version of the "SEEEEEGA!" jingle is heard.

Availability: This is seen on American Sega CD models when they are finished loading after putting a game inside (such as Sonic CD and Snatcher).

Editor's Note: TBA

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Mega CD Start Screen (Japan) (1992-1995?)

Logo: On a white background, we see the English copyright above and the Sega logo. The background then turns black and the Sega logo shines with the jingle.

FX/SFX: The changing colors.

Music/Sounds: Another fuzzy synth rendition of the SEGA jingle, this time slower than before.

Availability: Seen on Japanese Mega CD models.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Sonic the Hedgehog (June 23, 1991; 2012)

Sega (1991) (Sonic The Hedgehog)Sega (1991) (Sonic The Hedgehog) (GG Version)SEGA (Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, 16:9)

Logo: On a white background, we see the Sega logo via the appear/disappear wipe effect. The Sega logo then fully fades into view.

Variants:


 * On the Game Gear version of said title, we see Sonic jumping to the right making the Sega logo appear and the wipe effect. Then he jumps back to the left and does his pose.
 * On Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing Transformed, the logo was redone in HD and the registered symbol is in place of the trademark symbol.
 * On the Android/iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog, the logo is in widescreen.

Trivia: The animation used for the Game Gear version is based upon how the Sega logo appeared in Japanese commercials, in which a claymation Sonic jumps and makes the logo appear as the "SEEEEEGAAAAAA!" jingle plays.

FX/SFX: The wipe effect. Sonic jumping on the Game Gear version.

Music/Sounds: A vocoder singing "SEEEEEEEEGAAAAAAAA!" after the logo forms.

Music/Sounds Variants:


 * On Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing Transformed, the vocal effect plays during the animation and then the vrooming sounds play during the game's FMV intro.
 * On the Android/iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog, the vocoder is in higher quality.

Availability: Originally seen on Sonic The Hedgehog on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Game Gear. The "Genesis" version was retained on Sonic Mega Collection for the Nintendo GameCube and both versions retained on Sonic Mega Collection Plus for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The Game Gear version can also be seen on Sonic Adventure DX on PC and the Nintendo GameCube. Currently, the logo is retained on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (known as Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection outside the US) for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, downloadable versions of the game for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, WiiWare, Steam and iOS. Also seen on the Nick Arcade and Simon Wai protoypes of Sonic The Hedgehog 2.

Editor's Note: This logo is a favorite among gamers. The "SEEEEGA!" jingle might - oddly enough - become stuck in your head!

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Sonic The Hedgehog 2/Sonic for Game Gear/Sonic Mania (December 28, 1991-1997; August 15, 2017)

Sega (1996) (Sonic Blast)Sega (1997) (Lost World: Jurassic Park) (Game Gear)Sega (1992) (Sonic 8-Bit Titles)Sega (1992) (Sonic The Hedgehog 2)Sega (Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (16:10 trail stripes))Sega (Sonic Mania Pre-order trailer)

Logo: On a white background, we see Sonic from the left of the screen, in super speed (that's what Sonic is known for obviously) leaving a blue trail behind. Then he returns back to the left, leaving another trail behind. The trails form the Sega logo.

Variants:


 * On the 8-bit version of said title, it's a still logo. It also appears on Sonic Chaos (known as Sonic & Tails in Japan), Coca-Cola Kid (only in Japan) and Tails' Adventure for Game Gear as well.
 * On Sonic Triple Trouble (known as Sonic & Tails 2 in Japan), the logo fades in from the white screen. Plus Sonic runs to the left then runs to the right like in Sonic 2 for Genesis, except the trails don't appear. After that, the Sega choir is heard.
 * On Sonic Blast and two non-Sonic titles (Virtual Fighter Animation and The Lost World: Jurassic Park) the logo has a blue outline. On the latter variant, the background is blue-green.
 * On Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the white stripes are left on the screen as Sonic and Tails runs through the screen which are covered by the white background layer on 16:9 display. For the PC version, it can be seen by replacing "8C 2E BA 3F" with "39 8E E3 3F" in the game's main executable using a hex editor, then running it on resolutions lower than 16:9 (e.g. 1280x800). While it was not originally meant to be seen, it is possible that this was done by mistake when animating the logo which they forgot to shorten the trail stripes so it only affects the Sega logo.
 * On the Android/iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the logo is in widescreen.
 * On the trailer for Sonic Mania, the logo was revived. Here, the animation is smoother and the logo is in a darker shade of blue. There is also a registered trademark symbol next to the logo. A pre-order trailer has the logo on a paper-like background with "proudly presents" below it.

FX/SFX: The trails forming "SEGA". Sometimes, a still logo.

Music/Sounds: Same as the last logo, but the pitch is a bit higher.

Music/Sounds Variants:


 * On the Game Gear version (8-bit) and Sonic Game Gear titles, the pitch is normal.
 * On Virtual Fighter Animation and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, it's silent.
 * On the Android/iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the choir is in higher quality.

Availability: Common. Seen on Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (16-bit version) on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Game Gear (8-bit version). The 8-bit variant also appears on Sonic Chaos, Coca-Cola Kid (which is only available in Japan), Sonic Triple Trouble, and Tails' Adventure as well for Game Gear. The 16-bit version was later retained on Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Mega Collection Plus while the 8-bit version, along with Sonic Triple Trouble and Tails' Adventure are retained on Sonic Gems Collection for the PlayStation 2 and the GameCube. Sonic Chaos was also retained on Sonic Mega Collection Plus as well. The Sonic 2 version of the logo is currently retained in all downloadable releases of the said game, as well as Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (known as Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection outside the US). The enhanced version can be seen on the two Sonic the Hedgehog 4 episode games released in 2012.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3/Sonic and Knuckles (February 2-October 18, 1994; 2017)

Sega (1994) (Sonic The Hedgehog 3)Sega (1994) (Sonic & Knuckles)SEGA (Sonic Mania)

Logo: Just the Sega logo fading in on a white background.

Variants:


 * On Sonic the Hedgehog 3, after the "SEEEEEEEEGAAAAAAAA!" yell, the background turns to black as a 3D Sonic runs onto the screen and crashes into the Sega logo, scattering the letters as the game title appears.
 * On Sonic & Knuckles, after the "SEEEEEEEEGAAAAAAAA!" yell, the background turns to the Death Egg crash landing on Angel Island. The Sega logo shudders when the Death Egg crashes, and then wipes out to the left and right of the screen, bringing in the game's title.
 * A widescreen version was seen on Sonic Mania.

Trivia: On Sonic 3, there's a hidden cheat code which can be done after the screen darkens and when Sonic starts to jump consisting of quickly pressing Up, Up, Down, Down, Up, Up, Up, Up while it happens. If performed correctly, the ring collection sound will play, and the level selection part of the game is unlocked.

FX/SFX: The fade-in.

Music/Sounds: Same as the first logo, then the game's title music as the variant plays. The widescreen version had the choir in a better quality.

Availability: Uncommon. Seen on Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles (a.k.a. Sonic 3 & Knuckles) for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Retained on Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Mega Collection Plus and currently on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (known as Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection outside the US), as well as all downloadable releases of Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The widescreen version appears on Sonic Mania.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Sonic Spinball (November 15, 1993; 1994)

Sega (1993) (Sonic Spinball)Sega (1994) (Sonic Spinball) (Game Gear)

Logo: We see the Sega logo on a black background, but there's also an airplane (the X-Tornado), with Miles "Tails" Prower riding it, and Sonic on the Tornado's wings.

Variant: For the same game, on the Game Gear, Sonic is on ball form, forming the Sega logo. Then he does his waiting idle animation while the logo shimmers.

FX/SFX: The X-Tornado making the SEGA logo change color tones. Sonic in ball form forming the logo on Game Gear version.

Music/Sounds: A twinkling sound, followed by a synthesizer rendition of the "SEEEEEGAAAAAAAA!" yell, and another twinkling sound. The Game Gear version uses a single 8-bit rendition of the jingle.

Availability: Same as before. The Genesis version is retained on Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Mega Collection Plus. The Game Gear version is found on Sonic Gems Collection only for the PlayStation 2 (only in Europe) and the GameCube, as well as on Sonic Adventure DX.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (November 5, 1996)

Sega (1996) (Sonic 3D Blast)

Logo: On a royal blue background, we see the Sega logo drawing out, then it rotates horizontally as the background fades to white. Then the Sega logo flies out letter by letter as the background fades to black.

Variant: A prototype version of Sonic 3D Blast exists where the logo shatters like glass instead of performing the closing transition from the final.

FX/SFX: The SEGA logo drawing.

Music/Sounds: A male voice screaming "SEGA!", which is the same "SEGA!" scream from the commercials in the early '90s. Then a twinkling bell sound. In a prototype version of the game, the traditional "SEEEEEEEEGAAAAAAAA!" yell was used, followed by the explosion.

Availability: Uncommon. Seen on the Mega Drive/Genesis version of Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island. The Saturn and PC versions did not include this variant unfortunately, as it uses the still logo instead. Retained on Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Mega Collection Plus and currently on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (known as Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection outside the US).

Editor's Note: Some may find the "SEGA!" scream very humorous.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (October 7, 2010-May 15, 2012)

Logo: Same as the Sonic 2 variant, but Sonic is now a 3D model instead of a sprite.

Variant: In Sonic 4: Episode 2, the animation was redone with the updated models and animations from the game. This variant includes Tails following Sonic.

FX/SFX: Same as Sonic 2.

Music/Sounds: Same as Sonic 2.

Availability: The original variant is seen on Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, WiiWare, Steam and iOS. The variant is seen on Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2.

Editor's Note: This is a nice reimagining of the classic logo, and is likely to bring back memories for many Sonic the Hedgehog fans.

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Ecco: The Tides Of Time (August 25, 1994)

Sega (1994) (ECCO: The Tides of Time)

Logo: We see the Sega logo in a grayish-blue underwater background with bubbles floating toward the surface.

FX/SFX: The background waving and bubbles floating.

Music/Sounds: The game's opening theme.

Availability: Seen on Ecco: The Tides of Time for the Mega Drive/Genesis.

Editor's Note: TBA

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The Ottifants (Sega Genesis) (1993)

Logo: On a black background, the Sega logo appears. Then, Bruno the baby elephant, apparently happy runs from the left and shares the screen with the Sega logo by sucking the logo and blowing it away with his trunk.

FX/SFX: Bruno walking in and sucking and blowing the logo.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on The Ottifants for the Mega Drive/Genesis.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Jurassic Park (August 10, 1993)

Logo: A T-rex is below the Sega logo on a black background. The T-rex proceeds to roar.

FX/SFX: The animation of the T-Rex.

Music/Sounds: The T-rex roaring.

Availability: Seen on Jurassic Park for the Mega Drive/Genesis.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Ecco the Dolphin (PC) (1995)

Sega (1995)

Logo: We see the Sega logo with "PRESENTS a PC Conversion by" below the logo, against a rippling water background.

FX/SFX: TBA.

Music/Sounds: TBA.

Availability: Seen on Ecco the Dolphin for PC.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Comix Zone (August 2, 1995)

Logo: On a white background, we see a white Sega logo outlined in black dropping down and spins around 2 times. After that, Mortus' hand writes the word "Presents" under the logo.

FX/SFX: The Sega logo flipping.

Music/Sounds: The intro of the Sketch Turner saying "Test 1-2" with another announcer saying "Test". Sketch later says in his super hero voice "SEEEEGA!!" accompanied by music.

Availability: Rare. It's only seen on Comix Zone and is retained on most re-releases like on Sega Smash Pack II.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Earthworm Jim 2 (November 15, 1995)

Logo: Earthworm Jim is standing in front of the Sega logo constantly shining with the radial gradient, playing his accordion while Princess What's-Her-Name lies on the logo. Then Psy-Crow appears from behind and pokes Jim Jim, making him seek for the fuss, and Psy-Crow kidnaps Princess What's-Her-Name in no time. When Jim looks back, he's embarrassed.

Variant: On the Saturn version, the logo is larger. Plus, the Sega logo doesn't shimmer.

FX/SFX: The animation in the logo.

Music/Sounds: The cartoon sound effects on the logo.

Availability: Seen on Earthworm Jim 2 for Genesis and Sega Saturn.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Earthworm Jim: Special Edition (1995)

Logo: The logo is chalk-drawn on the white background and Jim falls down to the ground from the top-left, knocking him dizzy. He proceeds to shake his head and stand up.

FX/SFX: TBA.

Music/Sounds: TBA.

Availability: Seen on Earthworm Jim: Special Edition for the Sega (Mega) CD.

Editor's Note: TBA

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Garfield: Caught in the Act (October 31, 1995)

Logo: Garfield tap-dances on the Sega logo, who ends by striking a pose.

FX/SFX: Garfield tap-dancing and the pose.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on Garfield: Caught in the Act for the Mega Drive/Genesis.

Editor's Note: TBA

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G-Loc: Air Battle (1991)

Sega (1991)

Logo: Just the Sega logo in a somewhat different font in front of a cluster of sky blue glossy spheres against the dark blue background.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Only seen on G-Loc: Air Battle for the Genesis.

Editor's Note: This logo is very different than most SEGA logos, as it is one of the few which does not make use of the familiar font.

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Robocop vs The Terminator (May 19, 1994)

Logo: Just the same Sega logo, but larger and with less smooth gradients.

FX/SFX: See the 2nd logo.

Music/Sounds: Just Robocop saying "Excellent!".

Availability: Only seen on Robocop vs The Terminator on the Genesis.

Editor's Note: Robocop's voice may catch a few off-guard.

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Knuckles' Chaotix (March 1995)

SEGA (Knuckle's Chaotix)Sega Logo (Chaotix prototype 1227)

Logo: On a purple space background, the Sega logo zooms in to the screen, then goes back while it's "wiggling" like a Jell-O. The logo then zooms in into the screen again while going black.

Prototype Variant: On prototypes of the game, the background is a CGI-like rendering of Newtrogic High Zone.

FX/SFX: The Sega logo zooming and shaking/rippling.

Music/Sounds: None, but on the prototypes there are 2 different sound variations:
 * The earlier prototype has a long synth-like sound.
 * The later prototype had what sounded like a synth rendition of the SEGA chant, sounding suspiciously like the NBC chimes.

Availability: Only seen on Knuckles' Chaotix for the 32X add-on. It hasn't been ported or re-released since its release in 1995.

Editor's Note: None.

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Ristar (February 16, 1995)

Logo: In the black-and-white shot of space with the planet Neer/Flora (which resembles the Moon) on the bottom-left corner and zooming stars in the background, the revolving sparkling silver letter S from the 2nd logo drops down from the top of the screen and into the left, causing the camera to shake, then three other letters from the logo, albeit in silver, slide in from the left and into the middle, causing the S to spin and slide into the letters, forming the logo, then they jump, leaving sparkles, and hit the middle again, shaking the camera again, and gain shades of blue while the trademark symbol slides in from the right, finishing the logo. The logo then transitions into the opening sequence.

FX/SFX: Nice 16-bit animation.

Music/Sounds: A 3-note bell jingle backed by the rising 4-note horn tune accompanied by Ristar saying "Come on!".

Availability: Only appeared in Ristar.

Editor's Note: This is a nice and cute logo.

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Sonic Crackers (1994?)

Logo: There are 2 versions:
 * A large version of the Sega logo comes in from the right side of the screen exits through the left side, It then a smaller version appears in the center of the screen.
 * The Sega logo zooms out one letter at a time from the front of the screen, and forms the Sega logo in the center of the screen.

FX/SFX: Typical 16 bit animation.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Only appeared on Sonic Crackers, which was never released publicly, but it can be downloaded and played on an emulator.

Editor's Note: None.