It was 1990 and Nintendo was still on top of the gaming industry, largely in part due to the third entry in the Super Mario Bros. series. Sega needed a big hit and they needed it fast. They realized they needed not only a successful franchise but also a beloved mascot. After some careful planning they had Sonic the Hedgehog and intended to make not only a great game but something that was technically impressive to showcase their system’s power.
Twenty five years later and we know how wildly successful Sonic has been and, despite some recent pot holes in the franchise, it has been a road paved with success. Sonic has had many outings but it all began in the now famous and fondly remembered Green Hill Zone.
Green Hill Zone is such a perfect thesis statement to this game as a whole. It communicates the goals of the game, teases just how many hazards across the game will behave, shows you how to attack enemies quickly, and encourages the speed and momentum that it demanded to be known for. It’s also always fun to revisit, even if just for the first three levels. When I would get a ‘Game Over’ as a kid, I was almost filled with joy to start the game all over again. Sure, the whole game is great but the statement that Green Hill Zone makes is just so perfect. The atmosphere is also supported with absolutely beautiful and heartwarming music.
Sonic controls like a dream, which I’m sure was no easy feat to achieve. Even while blazing through levels at lightning fast speeds, you can maintain control of Sonic. It may get tricky due to the speeds you’re traveling at but hey, that’s your fault. The controller will never be to blame for a death. The hit detection is spot on and the world around you is ready to be explored.
Sonic travels through all sorts of worlds and the journey is beautiful with the graphics that the Genesis made possible. Textures explode off the screen and backgrounds pop – and they’re all filled with an extensive color palette. Your journey will be filled with joy in the beginning and remain fun, even when the difficulty ramps up.
The worlds of Sonic start off cute but they continue to change just as the difficulty does. I want to reiterate what I said earlier: This game is always fair – but I never said it wouldn’t get hard. The difficulty ramps up more and more with each level but you’ll always feel prepared even when you feel frustrated. The early levels give you much of the knowledge you need to know what to do – achieving it is just a different story. There are many challenges that will be thrown your way as you progress and you’re going to see ‘Game Over’ more than you’d like.
Sonic is a bit of a short game. I thought it was short as a kid but I think newcomers will especially feel this way. The price point and entertainment value will help smooth out any ill feelings over the length though and it is always a blast to replay. Sonic is just fun all around and the tunes and good times will carry you through each playthrough. It’s also fun to see how much quicker you can complete levels when you discover shortcuts and truly hone your Sonic skills.
Sonic the Hedgehog is one the most deliberately executed games ever created. It knows exactly what it is. Everything about it was just one hundred percent. From the game design to the character design, to the controls, to the soundtrack. Sonic exudes confidence. It’s really one of my favorite things about this entry in the series. It may not be my favorite Sonic game but I will always marvel at how, every step of the way, you can see the passion of Team Sonic.
Twenty five years have come and gone and the original Sonic is still a classic. There may be a few hiccups in the game’s design but, in spite of the sometimes high difficulty, the original Sonic will always be an iconic moment in gaming history. It helped define a generation, a decade, and it captured the hearts of millions of gamers. If you haven’t played the original Sonic you owe it to not only yourself but also The Blue Blur himself to give this game a go!