Sonic is a fun, fast-paced platformer that launched Sega into superstardom.
The basic premise is that the evil scientist, Dr. Ivo Robotnik (known as Eggman in Japan), is kidnapping all of the forest creatures of South Island, turning them into robot minions called badniks and locking them up inside capsules. What he doesn't realize is that those animals are a fast, blue-colored hedgehog's friends. So it is up to Sonic to defeat malice scientist and save the animals.
The game is a 2-D sidescroller where the basic goal is to go through seven stages, each containing three acts, as fast as you can destroying Robotnik's evil badnik minions and make it to the end of a level and destroy the capsule to free the animals at the end of the third act. It has the usual run and jump formula like a lot of platformers, but the level designs stand out, in which you have opportunities to go through loo-dee-loops and have chances to run incredibly fast. Some levels even offer multiple paths to go through, where the higher up you go, the harder it is to stay up. One of the game's biggest focuses is momentum-based platforming. Speed was something you had to earn in this game, so one would have to gain enough distance to achieve such. It is especially important in order to traverse up steep hills and go through those iconic loops. All the stages are full of variety and are very unique in their own way. Unfortunately, the game does have some pacing issues. You start off with a fast-paced level with plenty of opportunities to run really quickly and go through loops. But once you complete the level you instantly slow down to do slow platforming. The game's main focus was supposed to be on speed, but every other level actually focuses on it.
Within the first two acts is a chance to gain one of 6 chaos emerald (seven in future games) by entering these psychedelic turning stages where you need to guide Sonic around barriers and bumpers to reach the chaos emerald all while avoiding flashing red goal signs. To gain access, all you have to do is reach the end with at least 50 rings and jump inside a giant ring. At the end of each stage you'll face Dr. Robotnik and his latest invention. Unfortunately the boss fights are pretty easy to beat. All of the game's challenge come from the levels themselves. The graphics and sound truly stood out at the time. Everything was bright, colorful, and enriched in detail. The music and sound effects are just as good as the graphics. From the familiar chime of rings to the classic Green Hill Zone tune, they are all classic.
PROS:
-Fun, fast-paced platforming
-Creative and colorful levels that truly shine for the Genesis
-Really great music and sound effects here that really keep things upbeat <
-Original concept
CONS:
-Easy bosses
-Some pacing issues
While Sonic may be looked down upon by many for his transition into the 3-D age, his days on the Sega Genesis proved to be his golden years and this game is what makes him so iconic. This legendary first game in the series only offered a taste to what would come in the future for the blue blur. For what it's worth, Sonic the Hedgehog is a fantastic platformer that fans of the genre or fans of Sega in general can enjoy.