|
-- Sonic the Hedgehog --
|
Formats: Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Sega of Japan
Rating: N/A
Debut: October 25, 1991 (Latin America)
Cast: Sonic the Hedgehog, Dr. Ivo Robotnik/Dr. Eggman
|
| |
Dr. Ivo Robotnik takes his second shot at the planet, convinced that his original plan of turning
all of the innocent animals into evil robots will still succeed. Only this time, he's prepared a
few special tricks just incase Sonic happens to show up...
|
|
-- International Info --
| |
Area
|
Title
|
Debut
| |
Latin America
|
Sonic the Hedgehog
|
October 25, 1991
| |
Japan
|
Sonic the Hedgehog
|
December 28, 1991
| |
USA
|
Sonic the Hedgehog
|
December, 1991
| |
Europe
|
Sonic the Hedgehog
|
December, 1991
|
When you take a videogame hero and cut the number of bits he has disposal of by half, sacrifices
are going to have to be made. In the case of Sonic 1 on Game Gear, the most noticable
downgrade is in the graphics. The visuals of the game are quite bland even for 8-bit, although
they do scroll along at a fair enough speed.
Luckily, the designers were obviously aware that the Game Gear couldn't begin to match the
experience the Genesis provided, and certain levels (like Green Hill Act 2, Jungle Act 2, and
Scrap Brain) were well-designed with the system's limitations in mind. The music was also nice,
and the 8-bit Sonic 1 remains the only Sonic game in existence to use a map except for Sonic
3D Blast. All things considered (the system it's on, the time it was released, etc.), Sonic
1 on Game Gear is worth its weight in Rings.
Green Hill Zone: Checkered hillsides, spinning flowers, and
geometric palmtrees color this tropical island paradise. Sparkling
waterfalls flow off the distant cliffs, filling the crystal bay.
|
Bridge Zone: Rickety wooden bridges weave across this beautiful,
azure mountain lake. Mini waterfalls pool into shallow streams that flow
under the bridges, and thick grass blankets the diamond-banded hillsides.
|
Jungle Zone: Turbulent waterfalls and rivers accent this damp
jungle. Wild fruit dots the trees, and exotic plants cover the rainforest
floor.
|
Labyrinth Zone: The underwater ruins of an ancient civilization
create an intricate maze of passageways and traps. Colorful crystals hang
onto the cavern walls, which are defined with ancient carvings.
|
Scrap Brain Zone: Factory waste pollutes the gray sky in this cold
city of metal. Razor saws and electric conductors are among the many traps
scattered around this steel labyrinth.
|
Sky Base Zone: Exposed electrical conduits flare up the sky, while
searchlights scan the beams and platforms on the Sky Base's launch pad.
Once on the flying ship, giant guns firing from every angle make hiding
impossible.
|
Special Stage: Rainbow-colored bumpers and spirals create a wacky
pinball machine of pure speed. Giant springs and flippers keep Sonic in
the ring.
|
None Available
|
Screenshots taken by Jared "Green Gibbon!" Matte. Game Gear version
shown. Game Gear box cover from Sega Online. Information
compiled and arranged by Jared "Green Gibbon!"
Matte.
|
