3RRSG Sonic

What Sega collection would be complete without sonic the hedgehog?
The mascot of an empire and the definition of cool, Sonic has proven
that even in this day of video games known as the "next generation",
it's the oldschool gaming that still dominates. Sonic was Sega's
answer to Nintendo's mario. Sonic has got speed, attitude, and those
cool red and white sneakers that have made him a video game icon.
There have been many knock off imitations, and much debate on the
sonic vs. mario issue, but if it weren't for sonic, I never would have
become a Sega fan all those years ago. And possibly, if it weren't for
sonic, would Sega have survived the home console wars? Thoughts to
ponder.

Sonic the hedgehog is off to stop the evil Dr. Eggman (in America Dr.
Robotnik) from transforming all of his animal friends into robot slaves!
Perhaps with the aid of the 6 magical chaos emeralds, the blue blur will
have enough power to stop the evil mad man and return peace to his
world. It would be no easy task. For he would have to go right into
Eggman's lair in the dreaded Scrap brain zone, that is if he can make it.
That's the basic story. Throughout the franchise with the comics, TV
shows, and other various multimedia, the story of sonic, while basically
the same, always has minor and major differences. But let's go back to
a simpler time when there was only this game.

If you don't know how a Sonic game plays, than I wonder what you're
doing at this Sega site, but just in case here 'ya go. It's a basic
platform game with one major exception. Instead of just getting to the
end of the level, Sonic gets there in super speed! Sonic is blessed with
a gift of being the fastest thing alive and such it's always a joy to play
as him when your running through loop the loops, going down hill, or
even over bridges. Sonic is speed. It definitely was a groundbreaking
game that would take novels just to discuss all of its merits and what it
has brought to the video game world.

As with most games of the nature, there was always a certain item to
be collected. Collect 100 magical power rings (the sonic version of
mario's coins) and get an extra life. Also, when sonic was holding the
rings, if a bad guy was to hurt him, he would lose all his rings (but could
pick a few up if he hurried). If sonic is hurt without any rings he dies.
Sorry. Whilst running he would come across various lamp posts. Run by
them and then if sonic dies he will start at the last lamp post he
touched.

But besides running, Sonic had one other signature move under his
spines---the sonic spin. By pressing either a, b , or c, (they all did the
same thing) sonic would jump and just like a real hedgehog appear as
a ball of spikes. His spines would destroy enemy robots, thus releasing
the real animal inside making them free. Along the way sonic would
also find some power up boxes he could smash open with his spines.
Rings and extra lives were the most basic, along with limited
invincibility from enemies and a shield which would vanish after being
struck once.

There are 6 levels in this game. Each level (called a zone) had 3 parts
to it (called an act). At the end of the third act, sonic would have to
fight Eggman in one of his machines, and after that bust upon a
capsule containing captured animal chums.

What about the emeralds you mentioned earlier? Yeah, well in the first
2 acts if sonic has at least 50 rings at the end of the stage when he
passes the finish line goal sign, there will be a giant ring to jump into. If
sonic goes in he enters the bonus stage, a 360 degree rotating maze.
You would have to navigate sonic to the emerald without touching any
red exit balls. Get the emerald and sonic begins the next stage.

In 1991 these graphics were amazing. Hey they ain't even bad today.
While this one lacks the detail of its sequels, it is still bright and happy
from the green hill zone, to the fan favorite (for this game) Star light
Zone. All the levels are fairly easy, and it doesn't take long to beat the
game even with trying to get all 6 emeralds. Sonic looks fantastic, as
do the enemies he fights. Memorable Eggman badnicks such as crab
meat, buzz bomber, caterkiller, and more, sonic the hedgehog for the
Sega genesis had style to burn.

Not only did sonic look great, he also sounded wonderful. From the
initial Sega screen, to the chinging of rings, sonic is both a visual and
audio treat. I can remember each music track from this game and hum
them if you like. After all these years I still remember the music. My
favorite was of course Star light zone's theme (which thankfully was
included in the sonic adventure 2 exclusive birthday pack music cd).
The final boss theme is also very memorable, it's a powerful track that
will lead into the amazing ending theme. Some of the best sonic music
is in this game. Oh yeah the Sega smash pack version on dc does not
do the game any justice. If that's how you play sonic then once you
hear the original music it will be like the joy you can only get from new
comic book smell. Or something.

But like I said, the game is kinda short and easy. Both "problems"
would be fixed in the sequel(s). But you can replay it, to get the good
ending by getting all 6 chaos emeralds. Or just see how fast you can
beat a level. (I think the first act of green hill zone can be beaten in
about 20 seconds). But more than likely, you'll come back to play it
just because it's fun. Simple as that.

If it weren't for Sonic I'm sure I would have grown up a very different
person. He was and still is one of my idols, I mean hey I got every issue
of his American comic, as well as all the super specials, mini series,
the knuckles series, every issue. Ok I'm a sonic freak. I have sonic
plushes (and pillows) on my bed with a bulletin board hanging over it
with magazine clippings of sonic pictures. And if it wasn't for this
game, I might have grown up a normal person.

Review by: Orochi SONIC! (Jeesh even my pen name was affected by
the little blue dude!)