Difference between revisions of "Sonic Blast"
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+ | {{otherPage|desc=the comic|page=Sonic Blast (Archie)}} | ||
{{Bob | {{Bob | ||
| bobscreen=G Sonic title.png | | bobscreen=G Sonic title.png | ||
− | | publisher=[[Sega]] | + | | bobscreen2=GSonic GG JP Title.png |
− | | developer=[[Aspect | + | | bobscreen3=SonicBlast SMS Title.png |
− | | system=[[Sega Game Gear]], [[ | + | | tab1={{GG}} US/EU |
− | | | + | | tab2={{GG}} JP |
− | {{ | + | | tab3=Master System |
− | {{ | + | | publisher={{company|[[Sega]]}} |
− | {{ | + | {{company|[[Tec Toy]]|system=SMS}} |
− | {{ | + | | developer={{company|[[Aspect]]|system=GG}} |
− | | | + | {{company|[[M2]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20140403002641/https://www.mtwo.co.jp/development/retrogame-2/#tab-4}}|system=VC3DS}} |
− | | | + | | system=[[Sega Master System]], [[Sega Game Gear]], [[Virtual Console]] |
+ | | sounddriver= | ||
+ | | peripherals= | ||
+ | | players=1 | ||
+ | | genre=Action{{fileref|SonicBlast GG EU Box Back.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045745/https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html}} | ||
+ | | releases={{releasesGG | ||
+ | | gg_date_jp=1996-12-13{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045745/https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html}} | ||
+ | | gg_rrp_jp=4,800 | ||
+ | | gg_code_jp=G-3385 | ||
+ | | gg_rating_jp=all | ||
+ | | gg_date_us=1996-11{{magref|gamepro|98|62}} | ||
+ | | gg_code_us=2573 | ||
+ | | gg_rating_us=ka | ||
+ | | gg_rrp_us=34.99{{intref|sega:Press release: 1996-11-14: Sonic covers all the bases as "Sonic Blast" hits Game Gear}} | ||
+ | | gg_date_eu=1996-11{{magref|segamagazin|36|83}} | ||
+ | | gg_code_eu=2573-50 | ||
+ | | gg_rating_eu=3 | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | :'' | + | {{releasesSMS |
− | '''''Sonic Blast''''', known as '''''G Sonic''''' (Gソニック) in Japan, is a | + | | sms_date_br=1997-12 |
+ | | sms_code_br=030030 | ||
+ | | sms_rating_br=ti | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{releases3DS | ||
+ | | vc3ds_date_jp=2012-04-18{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20120614225815/http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/gsonic/}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rrp_jp=286 (''300''){{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20120614225815/http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/gsonic/}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rating_jp=a | ||
+ | | vc3ds_date_us=2013-06-20{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130623001146/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/YlqRZdPPY_N0dnOGmxsp9TWHUbGPOhZt}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rrp_us=3.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130623001146/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/YlqRZdPPY_N0dnOGmxsp9TWHUbGPOhZt}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rating_us=e | ||
+ | | vc3ds_date_eu=2012-06-14{{ref|https://archive.is/L0yfG|https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/Console-virtuelle-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rrp_eu=5.00{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214925/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_blast}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rating_eu=3 | ||
+ | | vc3ds_date_uk=2012-06-14{{ref|https://archive.is/0aBxp|https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rrp_uk=4.50{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214925/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_blast}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rating_uk=3 | ||
+ | | vc3ds_date_de=2012-06-14{{ref|https://archive.is/XtPnj|https://www.nintendo.de/Spiele/Virtual-Console-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rrp_de=5.00{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214925/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_blast}} | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rating_de=0 | ||
+ | | vc3ds_date_au=2012 | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rrp_au= | ||
+ | | vc3ds_rating_au=g | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | '''''Sonic Blast''''', known as '''''G Sonic''''' (Gソニック) in Japan, is a 2D ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' platform game released for the [[Sega Game Gear]] in late 1996, and was later brought to the [[Sega Master System]] in Brazil by [[Tectoy]] the following year. It is both the final ''Sonic'' game for both systems and the final ''Sonic'' game developed by [[Aspect Co. Ltd]], who had previously developed most of the previous 2D platformers for the system as well as ''[[Tails Adventures]]'' and the [[Sega Pico]] title ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld]]''. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In Japan, the game was released under the {{SegaLink|Kid's Gear}} branding. | ||
− | + | ==Story== | |
+ | One day on [[South Island]], [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] was taking a nap in a hammock with a [[Chaos Emerald]] in hand. Suddenly, the Emerald began to shine brightly, disturbing his nap. Upon waking up, Sonic sees the Emerald spin violently, then shatter into five smaller jewels that fly off in different directions. What's more, his attention was caught by [[Dr. Eggman]]'s familiar laughter afterwards. The scientist had attempted to fire a laser beam at Sonic but had hit the Emerald instead, and was surprised at the results. | ||
− | + | Believing he has already beaten Sonic, Eggman confidently retreats to build his latest fortress, the [[Silver Castle Zone|Silver Castle]], and once construction is complete will he seek out the shattered fragments of the Chaos Emerald. [[Knuckles the Echidna]], having witnessed what happened from behind a palm tree, decides to team up with Sonic, and together the two set off to find the fragments and foil Eggman's ambitions. | |
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
− | + | {{ScreenThumb|Green Hill Blast.png|width=192|Sonic runs through [[Green Hill Zone (Sonic Blast)|Green Hill Zone]].}} | |
+ | ''Sonic Blast'' is the fifth and final "traditional" ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' game to be released on the Game Gear, and was developed during the same period of the similarly named ''[[Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island|Sonic 3D Blast]]'' (''Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island'' outside of North America). The two share a desire to portray Sonic in a pre-rendered 3D style, similar to the groundbreaking visuals seen in 1994's ''[[mariowiki:Donkey Kong Country|Donkey Kong Country]]'', however they are otherwise completely unrelated games with different developers and different styles of gameplay. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ''Sonic Blast'' builds on some of the ideas seen in ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble]]'', however the game aligns itself more with the [[Sega Mega Drive]] ''Sonic'' games (''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' being the driving influence). [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] is replaced with [[Knuckles the Echidna]] as a playable character, and several of the Game Gear-exclusive features of ''Triple Trouble'' are omitted, being replaced with more traditional Special Stages and boss fights. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ScreenThumb|SonicBlast GG PlayerSelect.png|width=192|The character select screen.}} | ||
+ | Players control either [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] (armed with a double jump performed by pressing {{1}} or {{2}} in mid-air), or Knuckles the Echidna (who can both [[glide]] and climb up walls) through five [[Zone]]s, each with three Acts. As with ''Chaos'' and ''Triple Trouble'', the pair can [[Spin Dash]] by holding {{Down}} and pressing {{1}} or {{2}}, however unlike other ''Sonic'' games, getting hit only deducts a maximum of 10 [[Ring]]s regardless of how many they have, leading to an arguably easier experience (this function was also implemented in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''). | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Chaos Emerald]]s are found in [[Special Stage (Sonic Blast)|Special Stages]], which can be entered through [[Giant Ring]]s hidden in the first two Acts of each Zone. ''Blast'' is unusual, however, in that only the Special Stages in the second Act will award the player with an Emerald - those in the first Act only reward an extra life. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Items=== | ||
+ | [[Item Box|TVs]] contain the game's power-ups like with other ''Sonic'' games. However, ''Sonic Blast'' is unusual in that both 1UP monitors are treated as individual items separate from one another, and will only award an extra life if the corresponding character breaks them. | ||
+ | {{InfoTable| | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=10 [[Ring]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=0}} | ||
+ | | desc=Worth 10 Rings. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Shield]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=22}} | ||
+ | | desc=Absorbs one hit. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Power Sneakers|Shoe]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=44}} | ||
+ | | desc=Temporary speed increase. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Invincibility]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=66}} | ||
+ | | desc=Temporary invincibility. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=Sonic 1up | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=88}} | ||
+ | | desc=Sonic gets a 1up, Knuckles gets nothing. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=Knuckles 1up | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=110}} | ||
+ | | desc=Knuckles gets a 1up, Sonic gets nothing. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Checkpoint|Marker]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=132}} | ||
+ | | desc=Sonic or Knuckles will return to this point if they lose a life. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Eggman Mark|Eggman]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=154}} | ||
+ | | desc=No reward given. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=??? | ||
+ | | sprite={{spriteImage|SonicBlast GG Sprite Monitors.png|2|crop_width=22|crop_x=176}} | ||
+ | | desc=Grants any of the 8 power-ups (its contents are pre-determined). | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Bonus Panel=== | ||
+ | At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each Zone, a [[Signpost|Bonus Panel]] is spun, with a reward given based on what it lands on: | ||
+ | {{InfoTable| | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Dr. Eggman]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{SpriteImage|SonicBlast GGSMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=32|crop_y=0|crop_width=32|crop_height=48}} | ||
+ | | desc=No prize is awarded. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Ring]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{SpriteImage|SonicBlast GGSMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=64|crop_y=0|crop_width=32|crop_height=48}} | ||
+ | | desc=10 Rings are added to the player's final Ring tally. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{SpriteImage|SonicBlast GGSMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=96|crop_y=0|crop_width=32|crop_height=48}} | ||
+ | | desc=Sonic gets a 1-Up, Knuckles gets 30 Rings added to his final Ring tally. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{SpriteImage|SonicBlast GGSMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=128|crop_y=0|crop_width=32|crop_height=48}} | ||
+ | | desc=Knuckles gets a 1-Up, Sonic gets 30 Rings added to his final Ring tally. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Chaos Emerald]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{SpriteImage|SonicBlast GGSMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=160|crop_y=0|crop_width=32|crop_height=48}} | ||
+ | | desc=A [[Continue]] is awarded. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{InfoRow | ||
+ | | title=[[Super Sonic]] | ||
+ | | sprite={{SpriteImage|SonicBlast GGSMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=192|crop_y=0|crop_width=32|crop_height=48}} | ||
+ | | desc=Both characters get a 1-Up and 30 Rings added to their final Ring tally. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | Unlike other 8-bit ''Sonic'' titles, the prizes earned are entirely random. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==History== | ||
+ | ===Development=== | ||
+ | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Development}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Versions== | ||
+ | [[File:SonicBlast SMS SpecialStageAct1.png|thumb|right|200px|One of the many issues in the Master System version, showing borders in the Special Stage.]] | ||
+ | The decision to use pre-rendered graphics comes at a cost in ''Sonic Blast'', as to ensure the detail is visible, Sonic and Knuckles' sprites are bigger than their counterparts in earlier titles. This in-turn makes the game appear more "zoomed-in", and as a result, less of the level is visible at any one time during play. This can be a problem on the Game Gear, as players are often unable to see what is coming, and can be subjected to cheap hits and deaths. These problems have contributed to the game's retrospective reputation as one of the worst 2D games in the series by fans and critics. | ||
− | + | On the Master System, the increased screen resolution mitigates some of these problems, however the Master System port is fraught with its own issues, mainly due to the slap-dash nature of the port. Menus, title cards and the Special Stages were not optimised for the Master System, and so are identical in appearance to their Game Gear counterparts, just with added borders. The in-game HUD was also not moved, and unusual artifacts can also be seen in areas normally hidden for Game Gear users. | |
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− | |||
− | + | Unlike a game such as ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' where Master System code was ported to the Game Gear, here the reverse is true, and as ''Sonic Blast'' was designed to make use of the Game Gear's extended colour palette, the conversion to the Master System leads to less detailed and more contrasting graphics. | |
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− | == | + | ===Comparisons=== |
− | + | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Comparisons}} | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | ==Also | + | ===Also released on=== |
− | * ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[GameCube]] (2003) | + | * ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[GameCube]] and PC (2003) |
− | * ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[ | + | * ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox]] (2004) |
− | * ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Super Monkey Ball Deluxe]]'' for the [[ | + | * ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Super Monkey Ball Deluxe]]'' for the [[Xbox]] (2005) |
* ''[[Sonic Blast (TV game)]]'' for the [[Techno Source]] Plug and play console (2006) | * ''[[Sonic Blast (TV game)]]'' for the [[Techno Source]] Plug and play console (2006) | ||
* ''[[Playpal Plug and Play]]'' for the [[Coleco]] Plug and play console (2006) | * ''[[Playpal Plug and Play]]'' for the [[Coleco]] Plug and play console (2006) | ||
− | * ''[[Sega Fun Pack: Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[ | + | * ''[[Sega Fun Pack: Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] (2009) |
* ''[[Sonic PC Collection]]'' for the PC (2009) | * ''[[Sonic PC Collection]]'' for the PC (2009) | ||
− | *''[[FunPlay 20-in-1]]'' for the Plug and Play console (2009) | + | * ''[[FunPlay 20-in-1]]'' for the Plug and Play console (2009) |
+ | * [[Virtual Console]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] (2013) | ||
+ | * ''[[Sonic Origins Plus]]'' for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Steam]] and [[sega:Epic Games Store|Epic Games Store]] (2023) | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Production credits== | ||
+ | {{multicol| | ||
+ | {{creditstable| | ||
+ | {{creditsheader|Production}} | ||
+ | * '''Producer:''' [[Hiroshi Aso]] | ||
+ | * '''Director:''' [[sega:Ryushin Hamada|Ryushin Hamada]] | ||
+ | {{creditsheader|Planning}} | ||
+ | * '''Planners:''' [[sega:Katsunori Murakami|Katsunori Murakami]], Hiroaki Suzuki | ||
+ | * '''Map Design:''' Akira Okamoto, Ken Sasaki | ||
+ | {{creditsheader|Programming}} | ||
+ | * '''Chief Programmer:''' [[sega:Toshiaki Araki|Toshiaki Araki]] | ||
+ | * '''Programmer:''' [[sega:Yoshiaki Makishima|Yoshiaki Makishima]] | ||
+ | {{creditsheader|Art}} | ||
+ | * '''Chief Designer:''' [[sega:Fumikazu Sugawara|Fumikazu Sugawara]] | ||
+ | * '''Designer:''' [[sega:Taro Murayama|Taro Murayama]] | ||
+ | {{creditsheader|Sound}} | ||
+ | * '''Sound Composer:''' [[Kojiro Mikusa]] | ||
+ | * '''Special Thanks:''' [[sega:Kazuyuki Oikawa|Kazuyuki Oikawa]], [[Aspect]] All Staff | ||
+ | | source=In-game credits | ||
+ | | pdf=Sonic Blast GG credits.pdf | ||
+ | | console=GG | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{hr}} | ||
+ | {{multicol| | ||
+ | {{creditstable| | ||
+ | *'''Producer:''' {{SegaLink|Bill Person}} | ||
+ | *'''Product Managers:''' {{SegaLink|Chrissie Kremer}}, {{SegaLink|Kristin McCloskey}}, {{SegaLink|Eric Dunstan}} | ||
+ | *'''Product Specialist:''' {{SegaLink|Mark Subotnick}} | ||
+ | *'''Package/Manual Design:''' {{SegaLink|Arvin Carlson}}, {{SegaLink|Bob Schonfisch}}, {{SegaLink|Eileen Sacman}} | ||
+ | *'''Package Illustration:''' {{SegaLink|Garrett Honn}} | ||
+ | *'''Lead Tester:''' {{SegaLink|Amy Albertson}} | ||
+ | *'''Assistant Lead Testers:''' {{SegaLink|Ryan Hurth}}, {{SegaLink|Mark McCunney}}, {{SegaLink|Alan Tan}} | ||
+ | *'''Testers:''' {{SegaLink|Adam Contreras}}, {{SegaLink|Chris Towles}}, {{SegaLink|Eugene R. Valenzuela}}, {{SegaLink|Arnold Galano}}, {{SegaLink|John Jansen}}, {{SegaLink|Pedro Ponce}}, {{SegaLink|Anthony Gomez}}, {{SegaLink|Greg Pett}}, {{SegaLink|Josh Simpson}}, {{SegaLink|Lou DiSimone}} | ||
+ | *'''Special Thanks:''' The Omega Online Group, The SEEDY Lounge, The Entire SOA Test Department | ||
+ | | source=US manual | ||
+ | | console=GG | ||
+ | | pdf=Sonic Blast GG US Manual.pdf | ||
+ | | pdfpage=13 | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Manuals== | ||
+ | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Manuals}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Magazine articles== | ||
+ | {{mainArticle|sega:{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Artwork== |
− | + | <gallery> | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_01.jpg|US/EU cover art | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_02.png|JP cover art | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_logoJP01.png|JP logo | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_logoJP02.png|JP logo | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_logoJP03.png|{{SegaLink|Kid's Gear}} logo | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_logoUS.png|US/EU logo | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_story01.png|JP story illustration 1 | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_story02.png|JP story illustration 2 | |
− | + | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_story03.png|JP story illustration 3 | |
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_story04.png|JP story illustration 4 | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_sonic01.png|[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_knuckles01.png|[[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_eggman01.png|[[Dr. Eggman]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_enemy01.png|[[Coconuts]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_enemy02.png|[[Octopus]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_enemy03.png|[[Gola]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_enemy04.png|[[Egg Saucer (Sonic Blast)|Egg Saucer]] | ||
+ | File:SonicBlast_GG_Art_enemy05.png|[[Batbot]] | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
− | == | + | ==Screenshots== |
− | + | ===Game Gear version=== | |
− | |||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Image:G_Sonic_title.png | Image:G_Sonic_title.png | ||
Line 79: | Line 266: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
− | + | ===Master System version=== | |
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
− | Image: | + | Image:SonicBlast SMS Title.png |
Image:MSSBlast 2.png | Image:MSSBlast 2.png | ||
Image:MSSBlast 3.png | Image:MSSBlast 3.png | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ==Physical scans== | |
+ | ===Game Gear version=== | ||
+ | {{ratings|GG}} | ||
{{Scanbox | {{Scanbox | ||
| console=Game Gear | | console=Game Gear | ||
Line 95: | Line 284: | ||
| spinemissing= | | spinemissing= | ||
| cart=Blast_gg_us_cart.jpg | | cart=Blast_gg_us_cart.jpg | ||
− | | manual= | + | | manual=Sonic Blast GG US Manual.pdf |
}}{{Scanbox | }}{{Scanbox | ||
| console=Game Gear | | console=Game Gear | ||
| region=EU | | region=EU | ||
| front=Sblastgg-box-eu.jpg | | front=Sblastgg-box-eu.jpg | ||
− | | back= | + | | back=SonicBlast GG EU Box Back.jpg |
− | | spine= | + | | spine=SonicBlast GG EU Box Spine.jpg |
− | |||
| cart=Blast gg eu cart.jpg | | cart=Blast gg eu cart.jpg | ||
− | | manual= | + | | manual=SonicBlast GG EU Manual.jpg |
}}{{Scanbox | }}{{Scanbox | ||
| console=Game Gear | | console=Game Gear | ||
Line 110: | Line 298: | ||
| front=Sblastgg-box-jap.jpg | | front=Sblastgg-box-jap.jpg | ||
| back=Sblastgg-box-jap back.jpg | | back=Sblastgg-box-jap back.jpg | ||
− | |||
− | |||
| cart=Blast_gg_jp_cart.jpg | | cart=Blast_gg_jp_cart.jpg | ||
− | | manual= | + | | manual=SonicBlast GG JP manual.pdf |
}} | }} | ||
− | + | ===Master System version=== | |
{{Scanbox | {{Scanbox | ||
| console=Master System | | console=Master System | ||
− | | region= | + | | region=BR |
| front=Sblastsms-box-brazil.jpg | | front=Sblastsms-box-brazil.jpg | ||
| cart=Blast_ms_br_cart.jpg | | cart=Blast_ms_br_cart.jpg | ||
− | | manual= | + | | manual=SonicBlast SMS BR manual.pdf |
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Technical information== | ||
+ | ===ROM dump status=== | ||
+ | {{romtable| | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=11241BE4082F6F9D057488AE75CCDD482F623F8C|md5=56E1561D981A9A7C240CDD8D5580CCF0|crc32=031B9DA9|size=1MB|date=|source=Cartridge|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=5D9FA949AEDDFC4251D7B8A58CB1122F190ECD36|md5=7B758A3F8ACD3D6FEF82B163DA1D2A34|crc32=C09EF45B|size=512KB|date=1996-05-31|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(May_31,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 611)|"611" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic Blast (Prototype 611 - May 31, 1996, 13.49).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=E7BB20410C7AB341A3F7DF7FCFEE3A6996823655|md5=5BFFD26D4A2A6ADAF2F312F9D51A002D|crc32=362B186D|size=1MB|date=1996-07-04|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(Jul_4,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 74)|"74" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic Blast (Prototype 74 - Jul 17, 1996, 09.11).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=12A8A59DA110B914ACDE68112DB691DF9595D4E8|md5=DC3BA92C55276F2478F185C55C701B33|crc32=19DAD067|size=1MB|date=1996-08-06|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(Aug_6,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 806)|"806" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic Blast (Prototype 806 - Aug 06, 1996, 18.37).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=DA497AE41BE3FCCC97EB18BD6349917E645C5179|md5=4E03B1985F36A925D0AEF44CE12D06BD|crc32=5EECB549|size=1MB|date=1996-08-22|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(Aug_21,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 821)|"821" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic_Blast_(Prototype_821_-_Aug_22,_1996,_09.38).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=F1A1EDEE0EB15FAF74DD6896753F0F6ABCF12A45|md5=DAA3FB567D237281448A515E7E4EE5AA|crc32=E6847AC0|size=1MB|date=1996-08-28|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(Aug_27,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 827)|"827" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic_Blast_(Prototype_827_-_Aug_28,_1996,_11.13).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=8AA965B342466CC3AC4093BBA61ABF7D68B5EC86|md5=B4F35AEC668264AF115D3BD8D102406F|crc32=2F22A352|size=1MB|date=1996-09-02|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(Sep_2,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 94)|"94" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic_Blast_(Prototype_94_-_Sep_02,_1996,_17.47).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|GG|sha1=11241BE4082F6F9D057488AE75CCDD482F623F8C|md5=56E1561D981A9A7C240CDD8D5580CCF0|crc32=031B9DA9|size=1MB|date=1996-09-07|source=CD-R disc{{ref|https://hiddenpalace.org/Sonic_Blast_(Sep_7,_1996_prototype)}}|comments=[[Sonic Blast (Game Gear prototype 910)|"910" prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic_Blast_(Prototype_910_-_Sep_07,_1996,_18.02).rar}} | ||
+ | {{rom|SMS|sha1=4AD77A472E98002DC0D5C1463965720A257E1B8F|md5=CE7F314A657E0F0FE506FB7AEA016F31|crc32=96B3F29E|size=1MB|date=|source=Cartridge (BR)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==External links== | ||
+ | * [http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/gsonic/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page] | ||
+ | * Nintendo catalogue pages: [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000009867 JP], [http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214925/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_blast US], [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html UK], [https://web.archive.org/web/20130824044153/http://www.nintendo.com.au/catalogue/sonic-blast AU] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==References== | ||
+ | <references/> | ||
{{SonicBlastOmni}} | {{SonicBlastOmni}} | ||
{{SonicGGGames}} | {{SonicGGGames}} | ||
[[Category:Game Gear and Master System games]] | [[Category:Game Gear and Master System games]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console games]] |
Latest revision as of 08:49, 3 April 2024
- For the comic, see Sonic Blast (Archie).
Sonic Blast | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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System(s): Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear, Virtual Console | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publisher: Sega Tec Toy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developer: Aspect M2[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genre: Action[2][3] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of players: 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sonic Blast, known as G Sonic (Gソニック) in Japan, is a 2D Sonic the Hedgehog platform game released for the Sega Game Gear in late 1996, and was later brought to the Sega Master System in Brazil by Tectoy the following year. It is both the final Sonic game for both systems and the final Sonic game developed by Aspect Co. Ltd, who had previously developed most of the previous 2D platformers for the system as well as Tails Adventures and the Sega Pico title Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld.
In Japan, the game was released under the Kid's Gear branding.
Contents
Story
One day on South Island, Sonic the Hedgehog was taking a nap in a hammock with a Chaos Emerald in hand. Suddenly, the Emerald began to shine brightly, disturbing his nap. Upon waking up, Sonic sees the Emerald spin violently, then shatter into five smaller jewels that fly off in different directions. What's more, his attention was caught by Dr. Eggman's familiar laughter afterwards. The scientist had attempted to fire a laser beam at Sonic but had hit the Emerald instead, and was surprised at the results.
Believing he has already beaten Sonic, Eggman confidently retreats to build his latest fortress, the Silver Castle, and once construction is complete will he seek out the shattered fragments of the Chaos Emerald. Knuckles the Echidna, having witnessed what happened from behind a palm tree, decides to team up with Sonic, and together the two set off to find the fragments and foil Eggman's ambitions.
Gameplay
Sonic Blast is the fifth and final "traditional" Sonic the Hedgehog game to be released on the Game Gear, and was developed during the same period of the similarly named Sonic 3D Blast (Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island outside of North America). The two share a desire to portray Sonic in a pre-rendered 3D style, similar to the groundbreaking visuals seen in 1994's Donkey Kong Country, however they are otherwise completely unrelated games with different developers and different styles of gameplay.
Sonic Blast builds on some of the ideas seen in Sonic Chaos and Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, however the game aligns itself more with the Sega Mega Drive Sonic games (Sonic & Knuckles being the driving influence). Miles "Tails" Prower is replaced with Knuckles the Echidna as a playable character, and several of the Game Gear-exclusive features of Triple Trouble are omitted, being replaced with more traditional Special Stages and boss fights.
Players control either Sonic the Hedgehog (armed with a double jump performed by pressing or in mid-air), or Knuckles the Echidna (who can both glide and climb up walls) through five Zones, each with three Acts. As with Chaos and Triple Trouble, the pair can Spin Dash by holding and pressing or , however unlike other Sonic games, getting hit only deducts a maximum of 10 Rings regardless of how many they have, leading to an arguably easier experience (this function was also implemented in Shadow the Hedgehog).
Chaos Emeralds are found in Special Stages, which can be entered through Giant Rings hidden in the first two Acts of each Zone. Blast is unusual, however, in that only the Special Stages in the second Act will award the player with an Emerald - those in the first Act only reward an extra life.
Items
TVs contain the game's power-ups like with other Sonic games. However, Sonic Blast is unusual in that both 1UP monitors are treated as individual items separate from one another, and will only award an extra life if the corresponding character breaks them.
10 Ring | |
---|---|
Worth 10 Rings. | |
Shield | |
Absorbs one hit. | |
Shoe | |
Temporary speed increase. | |
Invincibility | |
Temporary invincibility. | |
Sonic 1up | |
Sonic gets a 1up, Knuckles gets nothing. | |
Knuckles 1up | |
Knuckles gets a 1up, Sonic gets nothing. | |
Marker | |
Sonic or Knuckles will return to this point if they lose a life. | |
Eggman | |
No reward given. | |
??? | |
Grants any of the 8 power-ups (its contents are pre-determined). |
Bonus Panel
At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each Zone, a Bonus Panel is spun, with a reward given based on what it lands on:
Dr. Eggman | |
---|---|
No prize is awarded. | |
Ring | |
10 Rings are added to the player's final Ring tally. | |
Sonic | |
Sonic gets a 1-Up, Knuckles gets 30 Rings added to his final Ring tally. | |
Knuckles | |
Knuckles gets a 1-Up, Sonic gets 30 Rings added to his final Ring tally. | |
Chaos Emerald | |
A Continue is awarded. | |
Super Sonic | |
Both characters get a 1-Up and 30 Rings added to their final Ring tally. |
Unlike other 8-bit Sonic titles, the prizes earned are entirely random.
History
Development
Main article: Sonic Blast/Development |
Versions
The decision to use pre-rendered graphics comes at a cost in Sonic Blast, as to ensure the detail is visible, Sonic and Knuckles' sprites are bigger than their counterparts in earlier titles. This in-turn makes the game appear more "zoomed-in", and as a result, less of the level is visible at any one time during play. This can be a problem on the Game Gear, as players are often unable to see what is coming, and can be subjected to cheap hits and deaths. These problems have contributed to the game's retrospective reputation as one of the worst 2D games in the series by fans and critics.
On the Master System, the increased screen resolution mitigates some of these problems, however the Master System port is fraught with its own issues, mainly due to the slap-dash nature of the port. Menus, title cards and the Special Stages were not optimised for the Master System, and so are identical in appearance to their Game Gear counterparts, just with added borders. The in-game HUD was also not moved, and unusual artifacts can also be seen in areas normally hidden for Game Gear users.
Unlike a game such as Sonic Chaos where Master System code was ported to the Game Gear, here the reverse is true, and as Sonic Blast was designed to make use of the Game Gear's extended colour palette, the conversion to the Master System leads to less detailed and more contrasting graphics.
Comparisons
Main article: Sonic Blast/Comparisons |
Also released on
- Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut for the GameCube and PC (2003)
- Sonic Mega Collection Plus for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox (2004)
- Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Super Monkey Ball Deluxe for the Xbox (2005)
- Sonic Blast (TV game) for the Techno Source Plug and play console (2006)
- Playpal Plug and Play for the Coleco Plug and play console (2006)
- Sega Fun Pack: Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Shadow the Hedgehog for the PlayStation 2 (2009)
- Sonic PC Collection for the PC (2009)
- FunPlay 20-in-1 for the Plug and Play console (2009)
- Virtual Console for the Nintendo 3DS (2013)
- Sonic Origins Plus for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Epic Games Store (2023)
Production credits
- Producer: Hiroshi Aso
- Director: Ryushin Hamada
- Planners: Katsunori Murakami, Hiroaki Suzuki
- Map Design: Akira Okamoto, Ken Sasaki
- Chief Programmer: Toshiaki Araki
- Programmer: Yoshiaki Makishima
- Chief Designer: Fumikazu Sugawara
- Designer: Taro Murayama
- Sound Composer: Kojiro Mikusa
- Special Thanks: Kazuyuki Oikawa, Aspect All Staff
- Source: In-game credits[13]
- Producer: Bill Person
- Product Managers: Chrissie Kremer, Kristin McCloskey, Eric Dunstan
- Product Specialist: Mark Subotnick
- Package/Manual Design: Arvin Carlson, Bob Schonfisch, Eileen Sacman
- Package Illustration: Garrett Honn
- Lead Tester: Amy Albertson
- Assistant Lead Testers: Ryan Hurth, Mark McCunney, Alan Tan
- Testers: Adam Contreras, Chris Towles, Eugene R. Valenzuela, Arnold Galano, John Jansen, Pedro Ponce, Anthony Gomez, Greg Pett, Josh Simpson, Lou DiSimone
- Special Thanks: The Omega Online Group, The SEEDY Lounge, The Entire SOA Test Department
- Source: US manual[14]
Manuals
Main article: Sonic Blast/Manuals |
Magazine articles
Main article: sega:Sonic Blast/Magazine articles |
Artwork
Kid's Gear logo
Screenshots
Game Gear version
Master System version
Physical scans
Game Gear version
Reception » |
Game Gear, US |
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Game Gear, JP |
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|
Master System version
Master System, BR |
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|
Technical information
ROM dump status
System | Hash | Size | Build Date | Source | Comments | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
✔ |
|
1MB | Cartridge | |||||||||||
✔ |
|
512kB | 1996-05-31 | CD-R disc[15] | "611" prototype | (115 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | 1996-07-04 | CD-R disc[16] | "74" prototype | (244 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | 1996-08-06 | CD-R disc[17] | "806" prototype | (308 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | 1996-08-22 | CD-R disc[18] | "821" prototype | (394 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | 1996-08-28 | CD-R disc[19] | "827" prototype | (396 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | 1996-09-02 | CD-R disc[20] | "94" prototype | (404 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | 1996-09-07 | CD-R disc[21] | "910" prototype | (404 kB) (info) | Page | |||||||
✔ |
|
1MB | Cartridge (BR) |
External links
- Sega of Japan Virtual Console page
- Nintendo catalogue pages: JP, US, UK, AU
References
- ↑ https://www.mtwo.co.jp/development/retrogame-2/#tab-4 (Wayback Machine: 2014-04-03 00:26)
- ↑ File:SonicBlast GG EU Box Back.jpg
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-12-07 04:57)
- ↑ [gamepro, issue 98, page 62 gamepro, issue 98, page 62]
- ↑ Press release: 1996-11-14: Sonic covers all the bases as "Sonic Blast" hits Game Gear
- ↑ [segamagazin, issue 36, page 83 segamagazin, issue 36, page 83]
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/gsonic/ (Wayback Machine: 2012-06-14 22:58)
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/YlqRZdPPY_N0dnOGmxsp9TWHUbGPOhZt (Wayback Machine: 2013-06-23 00:11)
- ↑ https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/Console-virtuelle-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html (archive.today)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_blast (Wayback Machine: 2017-09-09 21:49)
- ↑ https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html (archive.today)
- ↑ https://www.nintendo.de/Spiele/Virtual-Console-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Blast--275847.html (archive.today)
- ↑ File:Sonic Blast GG credits.pdf
- ↑ File:Sonic Blast GG US Manual.pdf, page 13
Sonic Blast | |
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Manuals |
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Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems | |
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1991 Sonic the Hedgehog 1992 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 1993 Sonic Chaos | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine 1994 Sonic Drift | Sonic Spinball | Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble 1995 Sonic Drift 2 | Tails' Skypatrol | Tails Adventures | Sonic Labyrinth | Sonic 2 in 1 1996 Sonic Blast Prototypes Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear prototype) | Sonic Chaos prereleases | Sonic Spinball (8-bit) prereleases | Sonic Triple Trouble prereleases | Sonic Blast prereleases Unreleased Sonic's Edusoft
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