This classic 16-bit platformer is not flawless, but it's still an essential playthrough for all fans of the genre
For a game that's over 20 years old, it's remarkable how little Sonic shows his age. The 2-D platforming still feels fresh today, and the simple, yet effective, graphics still jump right off the screen. The soundtrack is also one of the best available on the Genesis, and the gameplay always feels fast and responsive. Unlike Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog is much more focused on gaining speed and collecting coins, and this speed-oriented gameplay style still feels unique twenty years later.
In terms of level design, however, Sonic the Hedgehog feels almost like a more punishing version of Super Mario Bros 3. The obstacle-course-like levels are quite challenging, especially towards the end, and the mere three lives and complete absence of continues makes this game insanely difficult at times. Finding extra lives is not easy, and if you're as terrible as I am at platformers, making it to the ending credits will be quite tough without cheating. I really thought Sonic was far too difficult at times, and the water levels (especially in the Labyrinth Zone) are frustrating as hell if you haven't already memorized a perfect way to reach the end. While I'm up to a challenge when it comes to old school gaming (Castlevania is one of my all-time favorites, after all), this game occasionally feels difficult in the 'wrong' way. The level design in a few of the water-based levels just feels questionably cheap, in my opinion at least.
That said, virtually every other aspect of the game is as good as you're going to find in an old school platformer. The graphics are great, the controls are responsive, the soundtrack is great, and the level design is usually very solid. Platforming is, admittedly, not my genre of choice, but there's little question that this is one of the most iconic games you'll find in the genre. Sonic the Hedgehog is recommended to all platforming enthusiasts, but more casual fans of the genre (myself included) may want to stick to a few of the less challenging games.