Published by Developed by Released Also For |
Description
SEGA's mascot Sonic the Hedgehog made his debut in a famous Genesis title, but Sega's 8-bit systems got their own version of the platformer, featuring the same story and gameplay style, but different levels.To stop the evil Dr. Robotnik, Sonic must traverse six zones consisting of three levels each. Most of the zones are based on those in the original game, but some are entirely new, including a jungle environment and a huge airship. Other unique differences are one level that scrolls automatically and one that is aligned vertically instead of horizontally. Most of the enemies (mechanized animals, defeated by Sonic's spikes when jumping or rolling) and power-ups (speed-ups, shields, extra lives) are the same as in the Genesis version as well. Sonic can pick up golden rings for protection (when hit, he simply loses all of his rings instead of a life) and bonuses: 100 rings gain Sonic an extra life, and 50 remaining rings at the end of a level allow access to pinball-themed special stages full of bumpers and springs. The final level of a zone is always a boss fight against Robotnik. Some of the boss fights differ in the Master System and Game Gear versions of the game, with special designs for the handheld version due to the smaller visible screen area.
Sonic should also collect the six Chaos Emeralds to keep them from falling into Robotnik's hands. In a departure from the original game, these are not hidden in the special stages but somewhere in the regular levels.
Screenshots
Promo Images
Alternate Titles
- "ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ" -- Japanese spelling
- "바람돌이 소닉" -- Korean spelling
Part of the Following Groups
User Reviews
Master System owners get to see what all the fuss is about. | Retro_Minded (21) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The same Sonic... with less speed | Katakis | カタキス (42793) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
A True Classic: The start of the legend! | M.Allen (88) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Critic Reviews
Retrogaming History | Feb 28, 2008 | 10 out of 10 | 100 |
Retrogaming.it | Feb 28, 2008 | 10 out of 10 | 100 |
Pixel-Heroes.de | Nov, 2003 | 10 out of 10 | 100 |
Sega Force (UK) | Jan, 1992 | 95 out of 100 | 95 |
Power Sonic | Jan 10, 2014 | 9.5 out of 10 | 95 |
ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) | Jan, 1992 | 11 out of 12 | 92 |
Sega-16.com | Jun 11, 2015 | 9 out of 10 | 90 |
Computer and Video Games (CVG) | Dec, 1991 | 90 out of 100 | 90 |
GamePro (US) | Dec, 1991 | 4 out of 5 | 80 |
Retro Archives | Aug 30, 2017 | 16 out of 20 | 80 |
Forums
There are currently no topics for this game.
Trivia
Master System II version
The Sonic The Hedgehog version that came built-in the Master System II console lacks credits. Because ROM chips were very expensive at the time, the credits were dropped to make room on the small ROM chip for the necessary BIOS routines for the console. By doing this, Sega avoided having to buy bigger and more expensive ROM chips for the console.Awards
- Electronic Gaming Monthly
- February 1992 (Issue 31) - Game of the Month
Related Web Sites
- Game Map (Sega Master System) on SMS Power! (Detailed maps of all levels of the Master System version.)
Terok Nor (32112) added Sonic the Hedgehog (SEGA Master System) on Sep 30, 2008
Credits (8 people)
6 developers, 2 thanks
Game Program:
Graphic Design:
Sound Producer:
Rearrange and Original Music:
Special Thanks:
Yoshio Yoshida (Yoshio Y), Kenji Shintani (Lunarian SG)
Presented by:Sega