The Flash is one of DC Comics' premiere characters, but like most superheroes who aren't Superman, Batman, Spider-Man or the X-Men, he still lacks a solo video game. Many have suggested that a Flash adventure simply copy the gameplay of the classic 2D side-scrolling entries in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. If this plan is used for a Flash title, one particular Sonic outing would work better than the others.
Sonic CD was based on ideas meant for the hedgehog's second console game, and became one of the Blue Blur's most well-known adventures. With its speedy, time-traveling gameplay, Sonic CD is the perfect way to capture the Fastest Man Alive in video game form.
Sonic CD shared the now landmark gameplay of the franchise's first title but featured several unique twists. It added an extra element of velocity to Sonic's repertoire with the Super Peel Out, which allowed him to zoom through stages even faster. Roaming around at the speed of sound is more vital than ever, as Sonic needs to move at quickly with 50 rings in tow in order to use the game's other central element.
Sonic has to travel between the various time periods in each stage (Past, Present, Bad Future and Good Future) in order to stop Robotnik's machines and create a Good Future for Little Planet. This involves running through time posts and traveling back and forth through the Chronosphere, facing Badniks, bosses and Metal Sonic along the way. The game continues to be incredibly well-received among the fandom, even if the time-traveling mechanic was never reappeared in the series. It's also most known for having two soundtracks, with one being used in the Asian and European releases, and another being created from scratch for the U.S. release.
If side-scrolling high-speed action fits the Flash, than Sonic CD fits the hero perfectly. It'd be easy to have the Scarlet Speedster blazing through Sonic-style levels. Although, the platforming combat of jumping on enemies' heads could perhaps be switched for more fitting beat 'em up mechanics. Sonic CD's time-traveling in particular would fit the hero, as traveling through time and different universes is part of Flash's mythology.
The hypothetical game's equivalent of Past levels could feature classic speedsters like the Jay Garrick Flash, Johnny Quick and Max Mercury. The Present could have Barry Allen and his nephew Wally West. Bad Futures could have Barry and Wally dead, with the unrelated Wallace as Kid Flash and Bart Allen as Impulse. Meanwhile, the Good Future could have Jesse Quick playable, along with an adult Wally as the Flash and Bart as Kid Flash.
The race against Metal Sonic could be replaced with races against various Reverse Flashes, be that Eobard Thawne, Hunter Zolomon, or others. These could also be more common throughout the game and add replay value, as only one particular Flash could fight certain doppelgangers. The levels themselves could take on an elemental theme, with fiery or cold zones having rogues like Heatwave and Captain Cold as their particular boss. Time posts could likewise be replaced with the Flash's iconic Cosmic Treadmill. Additional costumes could also be unlocked, and the game could feature a cel-shaded look that would imitate the feel of a comic book.
Flash game could even have a Sega Genesis-inspired soundtrack, courtesy of Sonic Mania composer Tee Lopes. This title would especially be a hit since Mania has yet to receive a sequel, despite gamers desperately wanting more classic Sonic. In his stead, Warner Bros. would be smart to remind players that red, not blue, is the color of the fastest thing alive.
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