Sonic The Hedgehog is often mocked today for a recent streak of low quality titles. However there was once a time when Sonic was on top of the video game market, acting as the mascot for SEGA, who was soon to overturn Nintendo's monopoly on the market. This game is the beginning of Sonic as a series and the beginning of the rise of SEGA. The Genesis, if you will. History lessons aside, Sonic 1 is an overall good game for its time. Unfortunately it does have some glaring flaws when looking back on the game today. A lot of the levels in Sonic 1 were designed more with a Super Mario type of mindset, if that makes sense. It kicks off with Green Hill Zone. A long wide area for you to really get a grasp on and witness the full capabilities of Sonic's entire schtick. Momentum. Green Hill Zone is the perfect showcase of exactly what a Sonic level should be. Achieving speed through quick reactions, and some quick platforming. Unfortunately jmmediately after Green Hill Zone, the game stops following that core design. The game's second set of levels is a lot more methodical. Lots of precision platforming, but done with a character that doesn't mesh well with that design. It's the Super Mario approach I mentioned earlier. Where Mario's movement is a lot more precise, Sonic's slow start and whole momentum thing makes him feel almost slippery in precision platforming situations. Unfortunately, this sentiment doesn't exist only for Marble Zone. The 3rd 4th and final level all have more methodical platforming as well. Spring Yard Zone, the third level, does have some speed sections thanks to the many springs in the level, as the name would imply, however there's also an abundance of spike hazards meaning you'd likely not want to go so fast and stay careful. The unfortunate part of this is that the unique(for the time) momentum mechanic and the level design are almost always at odds with each other. It really does show that this was the first Sonic game. It's successors would figure out a better balance between platforming and quick reactions, but as of now, Sonic 1 serves as more of a time capsule of sorts. A window into 1991 and a way to experience the first of a long line of games. While I myself, being the collector I am, would recommend you play on original hardware, I'd say the easiest to digest experience is the Christian Whitehead mobile phone port. It adds in the spindash, a move from the game's sequel and subsequent titles making for a much nicer experience and is also in widescreen meaning it's easier to see what's coming before it's right up on you, eliminating a lot of the trial and error elements. It also includes some bug fixes and retains the removal of the infamous spike behavior from the Sonic Jam version on the Sega Saturn.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is the original Sonic the Hedgehog, the game that started the series. The difficulty level fluctuates from Zone to Zone, from the simplicity in Green Hill Zone to the crushing threat and precise platforming that has to be made in Marble Zone. Also, you have to cope with the fact you do not have the Spin Dash Attack until the next game in the series. However, it is a quick game and a great throwback to the early 1990's 16-bit Genesis-era games. It is also interesting to see some of the early Zones that spawned repetitive elements later in the series, such as the traditional introductory Hill Zones (ie: Emerald Hill Zone, Mushroom Hill Zone), the carnival/casino levels, etc... Once you start, you are in it to win it because there is no save feature and has to be beat in one sitting. It should take about an hour and change to beat through the entire game so my word of advice is stock up on those extra lives early in the game since they may be your lifesavers in the final Zones. Also, take your time in some places and see how the traps move to clear them successfully. The bottom line: If you are a Sonic fan, this is a must-have for your collection, and you owe it to yourself to beat the game at least once in your life!Read full review
Sonic the Hedgehog is a great game if you want to go back to the originals or just want to play for fun!!! It has good replay value, but can be difficult at times. there is no way to save your game so if you lose all your lives, you have to start all over. I give Sonic the Hedgehog a 4 out of 5. My Rating Scale: 1- This is an absolutely horrible game!!! No one should ever purchase this game no matter how tempting the game box looks. 2- This game is not horrible but needs work and has serious design flaws. Not recommended for purchase. 3- This game is your average game. The graphics aren’t anything to be shocked about and expect a bad storyline and very little replay value. Purchase at your own risk!!! 4- This is an above average game and has good replay value and graphics are above average. It still may have design flaws, but they are small and easily tolerable. 5- This is a very rare game that has beautiful graphics, absolute replay value, and usually was a big budget video game usually made by Nintendo or Sony. Players should buy this game no matter what their genre. A++++Read full review
This game is a fun experience at a great value. This game is a good starter for anyone getting into the Sonic franchise. It does not disappoint, It has good graphics, Compelling gameplay, and it's fast paste fun! I really think that you should pick the game up if you have Sega Genesis. It is a purchase you will not regret.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
As a child of the 80’s/90’s, I couldn’t be happier that my children enjoy the SEGA platform like I did! The game works great and I feel like I got a great deal! Plus all original things were inside the case too including a battle ax poster!!!! TY
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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