- Original release: 25th October 1991
- Developer: Ancient
- Publisher: Sega
- Original Platform: Master System
- Other Platforms: Game Gear
- Version Played: Game Gear
The first time I’ve played this version of Sonic the Hedgehog, and it really isn’t that bad. It plays faster than I was expecting for a simplified port. The smaller view isn’t ideal, and rings don’t seem as important as long as you have one. The special stages are cool but don’t serve much point, while emeralds are hidden in the levels.
This isn’t just a port of the original 16-bit version, though, it has different level design and some completely different stages (although with fairly dull names like Bridge and Jungle). They’re not as complex in terms of loops, although Scrap Brain Zone is a bit of a maze. Music is very cheery and is done well on the 8-bit platform, although Scrap Brain Zone just sounds a bit off.
I thought it was an entertaining game, even if it’s nothing special. It’s an interesting look at an alternate take of the original Sonic, and I think it’s worth playing at least once.
Where to get
- Sonic Adventure DX: Director’s Cut (GameCube version only)
- Sonic Mega Collection Plus (PS2/Xbox)
- Game Gear Micro
- ROM status: Available
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I quite like Sonic The Hedgehog (8-bit). It’s a very different game compared to the MD original (it’s more of a Mario esc platformer than like the MD Sonics), but I dig it. Great music too! (Fun fact, this was the first game that Ancient ever developed; the company that Yuzo Koshiro founded after finishing up Actraiser’s soundtrack).
I agree. I really didn’t like the Game Gear version, due to the reduced screen size & some of the buggy changes they made to some of the boss battles. The Master System version remains one of my favourite games on the system though. I remember the music for all of the zones, and the location of the hidden emeralds & 1-ups is still imprinted to this day!
I remember liking Sonic 1 on the GG, though it’s been a long time. I have fond memories of exploring the Jungle, remember Labyrinth being very cramped (though still fairly challenging), and Scrap Brain being way better than the Mega Drive counterpart (though to be fair, I never liked MD Scrap Brain, ever)
I also remember the music being better in the Game Gear. Maybe we just need a Tee Lopes remix?