Sonic & Knuckles Theme Long Version | Virtual Sonic (YM2612 + SN76489; Daiginjou Style)

My arrangement of Howard Drossin's Virtual Sonic version of his composition is essentially an apology for the underwhelming "Gotta Go Fast" cover that most of you may not have resonated with, whether it be the track selection itself, the pretentious effects, instrument choices, or the superfluous extension. Instead of the directionless approach of that arrangement, I returned to emulating the authentic programming "Battle Mania: Daiginjou" as heard in my Sonic Boom cover, and then some (Burning Heart and Iron Casanova were my inspirations). While my Sonic Boom Battle Mania-style arrangement is traditionally mixed, this one takes it a step further by replacing the custom guitar power chords with the actual voice from the game, albeit with the intended emulation. If it were not for Chaos Cola's immensely accurate Splash Hill Act 1 and 2 Battle Mania Daginjou covers, and those on my conceptual prototypical Sonic & Knuckles title theme (which performed better than initially anticipated) demanding I tackle the full version, this upload likely would not have existed.
= Trivia =
I was certain that this would have been the video to introduce my original character, whom I've been developing behind the scenes since 2024. Unfortunately, ZGameEditor Visualizer would not export the video until I removed the character, along with animated Sonic 3 sprite gifs. If I've piqued your curiosity and you wish to know about this character, inform me in the comments section. I may need to unveil the character on a community post (it's not the globular one who utters misconceptions in the Blue Spheres downgrade). Meanwhile, I invite you to state your conjectures/guesses on what the character is (hint: the theme of the character has sporadically been alluded to throughout various 2024 uploads).
This is the first time in three years whereby I have uploaded something in September.
I'm significantly more content with this Battle Mania-based cover than with the "Gotta Go Fast" attempt, as evidenced by the primary description.
I, unfortunately, could not integrate the faint glockenspiel into the segment right before the theme regains traction, as I would have violated the YM2612's limitations. Thus, I had to compromise.
I personally prefer Howard Drossin's extension over Akinori Minami's.
= Credits =
Composition: Howard Drossin
Arrangement inspiration: Fumito Tamayama (Graphics Research composer)
Visuals: SEGA and Sonic Team