Sonic the Hedehog (Megadrive/Genesis)

Game: Sonic the Hedgehog
Developer: Sonic Team
Platform: Sega Megadrive/Genesis
Release Year: 1991
Stephen's Rating: 5/10

I haven't played a lot of this original game, I mostly got involved in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic 3 + Knuckles but it is important to note this milestone in video game history.

Basic Plot

You play the role of Sonic, a blue hedgehog who can run fast. Your goal is to stop the evil Dr. Robotnik from obtaining the Chaos Emeralds and using them to turn South Island into a metallic place full of robotic slaves.

If you successfully obtain all of the Chaos Emeralds during the game their power creates a surge of plant life at the end of the game.

Near the start of the game.

Gameplay

Sonic cannot shoot or attack enemies other than jumping on top of them. He cannot touch enemies by walking in to them, or he is hurt - but when he jumps he rolls into a ball which is able to do damage.

Throughout every zone are scattered golden rings. As long as Sonic has at least one ring in his possesion, he is able to take damage without losing a life (although losing all his rings in the process). If he is hit by an enemy without any rings, he faints/dies and you have to start from the last checkpoint again as well as losing a life. Obtaining 100 rings additionally gives Sonic an extra life.

The main drawcard of the game is the speed and flow of the game. It is designed to be high paced and exciting, and the levels are often designed in a way which utilise Sonic's ability to run very fast. For example; spirals and jumps, loops, and other objects which are enjoyable to interact with.

In order to obtain Chaos Emeralds, Sonic needs to finish either Act 1 or Act 2 of a zone with 50 or more rings in his possesion. He can then jump into a giant golden ring to enter a special stage. This stage involves a 360 degree maze in which Sonic has to avoid certain blocks and make his way to the end of the maze (at which point he finds the Chaos Emerald).

Special stage.

Positives

This game took platform scrolling to a new level. It became hugely successful due to its high pace and the character of Sonic took off so much that it has become the Sega mascot.

The music is incredible, potentially the best complete set of music of any game I've ever played. The tunes are so catchy, I still can't get them out of my head.

Negatives

I personally haven't played a lot of this game, mostly because I'd played the sequels first which are in my opinion much better games and made the original quite irritating. It was missing some pretty good features such as the super sonic spin dash move to obtain speed from a stationary position.

Memorable Moments

I think most of my friends have one of the tunes from Sonic the Hedgehog as their mobile ringtone at the moment. Green Hill Zone is a favourite.