Actions

Difference between revisions of "Somari"

From Sonic Retro

(Cart Images)
 
(37 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
| bobscreen=Somari.png
+
| bobscreen=Somari FC title.png
| system=Famicom
+
| system=[[sega:Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]]
 
| developer=Hummer Team Co.
 
| developer=Hummer Team Co.
 
| genre=Action
 
| genre=Action
 +
| players=1
 
| releases=
 
| releases=
 
{{release|FC|TW|1994||}}
 
{{release|FC|TW|1994||}}
 +
{{release|FC|RU|1994<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzg3GQpRHLg&t=82s</ref> ||}}
 +
{{release|FC|TH|199x||}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{cleanup}}
+
{{stub}}
'''Somari''' is a [[pirate]] version of [[Sega]]'s flagship video game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' produced for the [[Famicom]] by Hummer Team in 1994. It was sold primarily around Hong Kong. The game is notable in the fact that it contains a vaguely accurate simulation of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', a 16-bit game produced for the [[Sega Mega Drive]], on an 8-bit cartridge - something thought impossible by many video game experts at the time. The game features a character named "Somari" - [[Nintendo]] mascot [[Mario]] wearing [[Miles "Tails" Prower]]'s trademark shoes, as well as possessing [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'s abilities.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' or '''''Somari the Adventurer''''' is an unlicensed port of [[Sega]]'s flagship [[Sega Mega Drive]] video game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[sega:Nintendo Famicom|Nintendo Famicom]]. It was released by Hummer Team in 1994.
  
Video game enthusiasts have suggested the possibility of [[reverse engineering]] or the possession of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s source code in explaining ''Somari'''s creation. It is also estimated that the game devolopment started in late 1993 and came out in early 1994, as Somari has abilities only available in the game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', such as the [[Spin Dash]], opening possibility that it contains coding information from that game as well. However, these concepts are merely speculative, as it is unknown exactly how, when, or where this game was created.
+
''Somari'' is notorious not for featuring Sonic the Hedgehog as its starring character, but [[Nintendo]]'s mascot Mario, who in this game shares Sonic's abilities.
  
As with many independently produced pirated games, the coding is flawed. ''Somari'''s physics can make completing the game more of a challenge, certain areas have numerous glitches, and access to certain levels requires the use of special computer programs. There is no ending sequence of Somari running through a previous level, instead there is a single screen showing [[Dr. Eggman|Robotnik]] juggling the [[Chaos Emeralds]] with some text on the screen claiming Robotnik will return.
+
==Gameplay==
 +
''Somari'' is an attempt to bring the original ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' to the 8-bit Famicom. Mario (or "Somari") can run and jump like Sonic, spinning into enemies, collecting rings and running around loops, with the [[spin dash]] technique included from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' for good measure. The game attempts to mimic the Mega Drive game as closely as possible, though its special stages are based on those found in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|8-bit version of the game]] (meaning there are no [[chaos emeralds]]), presumably due to hardware limitations. [[Scrap Brain Zone]] is also missing, though remnants of it exist in the ROM.
  
Being a pirate game, it was probably released in fairly limited numbers, and only in Asian countries. The game has become more well known recently through the phenomenon of [[emulator|console emulation]].
+
There is no ending sequence should the player manage to complete the game - just a single screen showing [[Dr. Eggman]] juggling chaos emeralds and some text claiming he will return.  
  
There is also a hack of this version [[Sonic the Hedgehog (NES) - Improvement Plus Tracks|which improves various aspects of the game]] including gameplay, art and music.
+
As a very early attempt at getting ''Sonic'' to run on simpler hardware, ''Somari'' is riddled with issues, from poor collision detection and unresponsive controls to game-breaking glitches. Like many unlicensed titles of its kind, the game is very difficult to play, but is infamous, particularly after being rediscovered on the internet, for its low quality presentation and obvious novelty value.
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Origins===
 +
The true history of ''Somari'' is not known, being first spotted by news outlets during the mid-1990s. Cover art seems to suggest a release date of 1994, though whether ''Somari'' was the first incarnation of the game is yet to be established.
 +
 
 +
As with most unlicensed Famicom titles, ''Somari'' can be traced back to mainland Asia, being initially spread across Taiwan, Hong Kong and presumably parts of China. It spread into regions that were known from high piracy level of Famicom consoles, that is most of the Asia, Former USSR, Eastern Europe, South America and Africa, though saw very limited distribution in more developed markets due to stricter copyright laws.
 +
 
 +
In addition to being released as a stand-alone product, ''Somari'' was included in many unlicensed Famicom multi-carts, a practise that continues with ever greater numbers of games to this day.
 +
 
 +
==Legacy==
 +
Many years later, a hack [[Sonic the Hedgehog (NES) - Improvement Plus Tracks|which improves various aspects of the game]] was released to attempt to turn ''Somari'' into something more playable.
  
 
==Screenshots==
 
==Screenshots==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:SomariNES1.png|[[Green Hill Zone]].
+
SomariNES1.png|[[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 16-bit)|Green Hill Zone]]
 +
Somari Famicom MZ.png|[[Marble Zone]]
 +
Somari Famicom SYZ.png|[[Spring Yard Zone]]
 +
Somari Famicom LZ.png|[[Labyrinth Zone]]
 +
Somari Famicom SLZ.png|[[Star Light Zone]]
 +
Somari Famicom FinalZone.png|Final Zone
 +
Somari Famicom SpecialStage.png|Special Stage
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Hidden content==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Hidden content}}
 +
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Famicom
 
| console=Famicom
| region=TW
+
| region=TW, 1994
 +
| front=Somari TW Box Front.png
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somaricart3.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU, 1994 ([https://segaretro.org/Steepler Steepler])
 
| front=
 
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
| cart=Somaricart3.jpg
+
| cart=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Famicom
 
| console=Famicom
| region=TW
+
| region=1996 (NT-616)
 
| front=
 
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
| cart=Somaricart1.jpg
+
| cart=Somari Cart NT-616.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Famicom
 
| console=Famicom
| region=TW
+
| region=1998 (VT2022)
 
| front=
 
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
Line 47: Line 81:
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Famicom
 
| console=Famicom
| region=TW
+
| region=Hi-Game 1999 (KT-3049)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari Mario 4 KT3049 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU, 1999 (1043)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari RU 1043 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=(N-S1)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somaricart1.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=(K1249)
 
| front=
 
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
Line 54: Line 109:
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Famicom
 
| console=Famicom
| region=TW
+
| region=(K01-015)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=SomariSonic4 K01-015 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari RU cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=???
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari Famicom Cart 1.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=???
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari cart alt.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=???
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari cart alt.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=???
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari star bigcart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=???
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari Sonic&Mario cart.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Multicarts===
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=AS, 2 in 1, 1997 Super Hik Gold Gard (NT-803)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari2in1 NT803 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=AS, 7 in 1
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari7in1 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU, 360 in 1
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari360in1 RU cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1997, 3 in 1 (YH-308)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari3in1 YH308 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1997, 5 in 1 (YH-012)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari5in1 YH012 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=2000, 4 in 1 (YH447)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari4in1 YH447 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=2 in 1 Trum Golden Card (XC002)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari2in1 XC002 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super 3 in 1 (NT8003)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=SomariSuper3in1 NT8003 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super 3 in 1 (NT8064)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari3in1 NT8064 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=4 in 1, Latest Wonderful Card (FY123)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari4in1 FY123 Cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=5 in 1 (K5201)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari5in1 K5201 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super 5 in 1 (NT 8034)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=SomariSuper5in1 NT8034 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Golden 5 in 1 (ML300)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=SomariGolden5 RU ML300 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super Hik 6 in 1 (AR123)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari6in1 AR123 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Gold 7 in 1 HK (AR466)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Somari7in1 AR466 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Variants==
 +
''Somari'' has been released multiple times, often modified, under different titles:
 +
 
 +
===''Sonic & Knuckles 5''===
 +
[[File:Sonic&Knuckles5 Famicom Title.png|thumb|Title screen|300px]]
 +
Similar to the above but with a ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' title screen and theme tune. Sonic is the only playable charater in this game (despite Knuckles is on the title screen). No evidence currently suggests the game was released before 1997.
 +
 
 +
====Physical scans====
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1997, (NT-875)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=SuperSonic51997 Famicom Cart NT-875.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1997 (NT 325)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1997, 3 in 1 (NT-946)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3in1 NT946 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU, 3 in 1 (VT 114)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3in1 RU VT114 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super 6 in 1 (NT8020)
 
| front=
 
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
| cart=Somari Cart NT-616.jpg
+
| cart=Sonic5 6in1 NT8020 cart.png
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Cheat Codes, All Versions==
+
===''Sonic 3D Blast 6''===
*'''[[Level Select|Zone Select]]''': Press {{Left}} {{Down}} {{B}} {{A}} {{Right}} {{Up}} {{A}} {{B}} {{Up}} {{Down}} {{Up}} {{Down}} on the title screen.
+
[[File:Sonic3DBlast6 Famicom Title.png|thumb|Title screen|300px]]
 +
Similar to above one, but with another different title screen and [[Marble Zone]] being set as the first level. This uses the ''Sonic & Knuckles'' theme and has an extra "start" screen similar to ''[[Sonic 3D]]''. No evidence currently suggests the game was released before 1997.
 +
 
 +
====Physical scans====
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1997 (NT 318)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Hi-Game 1999
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Hi-Game 1999, 76 in 1 (PS5021)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic76in1 PS5021 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=7 in 1 (SA04)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic7in1 SA04 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=8 in 1 (N34)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic8in N34 cart.png
 +
}}
  
==Other versions==
+
===''Sonic the Hedgehog''/''Sonic (3D Blast) 5''===
*'''''Sonic the Hedgehog''''' is identical to ''Somari'' except the sprite is changed to [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]. The player starts off in Spring Yard Zone rather than in Green Hill Zone. There is an IPS file to restore Green Hill Zone as the first level - [http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/384/ Sonic Level Fix]
+
[[File:SonicNES0.png|thumb|Title screen|300px]]
*'''''Sonic 3D Blast 5''''' is the same as ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.
+
A version of ''Somari'' that changes most of the graphics "back" to [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]. The player starts off in Spring Yard Zone rather than in Green Hill Zone, though users have created an IPS file to restore the original level order{{ref|http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/384/}}.
*'''''Sonic & Knuckles 5''''' is identical to Sonic 3D Blast 5 but with a downgraded [[Sonic & Knuckles]] title screen.
 
*'''''Sonic 3D Blast 6''''' is essentially the same as the above three, but with a different title screen and the starting level is Marble Zone.
 
*'''''Family Kid''''' is another hack in which the Somari sprite is replaced with an original character called Family Kid. The starting level is green hill zone, just like in ''Somari''.
 
*'''''Doraemon''''' is almost a complete graphical overhaul of Somari replacing Sonic with the Japanese character Doraemon. It was made by "Waixing Computer Science & Technology Co, Ltd.". It introduces brand new levels and music though gameplay is identical.
 
*'''''The Hummer'''''  is from a 60 in 1 plug and play from Hummer Team.
 
  
There is a hack of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' titled {{LinkRetro|topic=9441|title=''Sonic 1 Somari''}}, this has not much relation to ''Somari'' itself and the name was mainly picked because the hack features Sonic in Mario levels. Sort of the reverse of what ''Somari'' is.
+
The game often refers to itself as '''''Sonic 5''''' (音速小子5) on packaging. No evidence currently suggests the game was released before 1998.
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:SonicNES0.png|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' title screen
+
SonicNES1.png|[[Spring Yard Zone]]
Image:SonicNES1.png|''Sonic the Hedgehog'', [[Spring Yard Zone]]
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Game Secrets==
+
====Physical scans====
Game Secrets for the Somari incarnation of the game can be found [[Game Secrets:Somari|here]].
+
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1998, (VT2018B)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic5 Famicom Cart VT2018B Alt.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1998, (VT-515)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic VT515 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1999, (VT2018B)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic5 Famicom Cart VT2018B.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1999, (BV2018)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic BV2018 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Hi-Game 1999, (KT2122)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic KT2122 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Hi-Game 1999, (KT2192)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic KT2192 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=VE (Nintendo C.A)
 +
| front=Sonic5 VE Box Front.png
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU (TSC Dandyk)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic 5 RU YH2012 TSC Dandyk cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU ([https://segaretro.org/K%26S K&S])
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic RU K&S cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU ([https://segaretro.org/K%26S K&S]) alt
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic RU K&S cart alt.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU ([https://segaretro.org/New_Game New Game])
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic RU NewGame cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=BG (Wen-BC)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=(K01-016)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic K01016 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic5 Famicom Cart.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3D Famicom Cart.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic Famicom cart.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
=====Multicarts=====
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1998, 2 in 1 (VT4066)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic2in1 VT4066 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1998, 2 in 1 (VT4102)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic2in1 VT4102 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1998, 2 in 1 (VT4111)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic2in1 VT4111 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1998, 3 in 1 (VT4076)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3in1 VT4076 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=1999, 6 in 1 (YH613)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic6in1 YH613 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=RU, 4 in 1 (KT-8136)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic4in1 RU KT8136 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=2 in 1 (VT4166)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic2in1 VT4166 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=2 in 1 (YH205)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic2in1 YH205 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=3 in 1 (YH346)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3in1 YH346 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super 3 in 1 (YH346)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3in1 YH346 cart alt.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=3 in 1 (K3009)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic3in1 K3009 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=4 in 1 (K4027)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic4in1 K4027 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=6 in 1 (K6001)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic6in1 K6001 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=178 in 1 (FK029)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic178in1 FK029 cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=178 in 1 (FK029), alt
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Sonic178in1 FK029 cart alt.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===''Family Kid''===
 +
[[File:Family Famicom Title.png|thumb|Title screen|300px]]
 +
A version of Somari for Thai market, promoted by [[Family TSI Ltd.]], company known for releasing famiclones brand called "Family", which was very popular in the region. The starting level is Green Hill Zone, just like in ''Somari''.
 +
 
 +
====Physical scans====
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=TH
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=FamilyKid TH cart.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=2 in 1
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===''Doraemon''===
 +
[[File:Notavailable.svg|thumb|Title screen|300px]]
 +
A almost a complete graphical overhaul of Somari featuring the Japanese character Doraemon. It was made by "Waixing Computer Science & Technology Co, Ltd.". It introduces brand new levels and music though gameplay is identical.
 +
 
 +
====Physical scans====
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=TW
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=TW (970563)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=TW (newer)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=Doraemon Famicom cart3.png
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===''The Hummer''===
 +
[[File:Notavailable.svg|thumb|Title screen|300px]]
 +
Part of a ''Super New Year Cart 15 in 1'' multi-cart by Hummer Team. It was later insert to a 60 in 1 plug and play from Hummer Team.
 +
 
 +
====Physical scans====
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Famicom
 +
| region=Super New Year 15 in 1
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| cart=
 +
}}
  
 
==Downloads==
 
==Downloads==
Line 104: Line 662:
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
  
[[Category:Unlicensed games]]
+
{{SomariOmni}}
 +
{{Unlicensed}}

Latest revision as of 08:30, 13 January 2024

n/a

Somari FC title.png
Somari
System(s): Famicom
Developer:
Genre: Action
Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code Rating
Famicom
TW
1994  ? ?
Famicom
RU
1994[1]  ? ?
Famicom
TH
199x  ? ?
Sonicretro-round.svg This short article is in need of work. You can help Sonic Retro by adding to it.

Somari or Somari the Adventurer is an unlicensed port of Sega's flagship Sega Mega Drive video game Sonic the Hedgehog for the Nintendo Famicom. It was released by Hummer Team in 1994.

Somari is notorious not for featuring Sonic the Hedgehog as its starring character, but Nintendo's mascot Mario, who in this game shares Sonic's abilities.

Gameplay

Somari is an attempt to bring the original Sonic the Hedgehog to the 8-bit Famicom. Mario (or "Somari") can run and jump like Sonic, spinning into enemies, collecting rings and running around loops, with the spin dash technique included from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for good measure. The game attempts to mimic the Mega Drive game as closely as possible, though its special stages are based on those found in the 8-bit version of the game (meaning there are no chaos emeralds), presumably due to hardware limitations. Scrap Brain Zone is also missing, though remnants of it exist in the ROM.

There is no ending sequence should the player manage to complete the game - just a single screen showing Dr. Eggman juggling chaos emeralds and some text claiming he will return.

As a very early attempt at getting Sonic to run on simpler hardware, Somari is riddled with issues, from poor collision detection and unresponsive controls to game-breaking glitches. Like many unlicensed titles of its kind, the game is very difficult to play, but is infamous, particularly after being rediscovered on the internet, for its low quality presentation and obvious novelty value.

History

Origins

The true history of Somari is not known, being first spotted by news outlets during the mid-1990s. Cover art seems to suggest a release date of 1994, though whether Somari was the first incarnation of the game is yet to be established.

As with most unlicensed Famicom titles, Somari can be traced back to mainland Asia, being initially spread across Taiwan, Hong Kong and presumably parts of China. It spread into regions that were known from high piracy level of Famicom consoles, that is most of the Asia, Former USSR, Eastern Europe, South America and Africa, though saw very limited distribution in more developed markets due to stricter copyright laws.

In addition to being released as a stand-alone product, Somari was included in many unlicensed Famicom multi-carts, a practise that continues with ever greater numbers of games to this day.

Legacy

Many years later, a hack which improves various aspects of the game was released to attempt to turn Somari into something more playable.

Screenshots

Hidden content

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Somari/Hidden content

Magazine articles

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Somari/Magazine articles

Physical scans

Famicom, TW, 1994
Somari TW Box Front.png
Cover
Somaricart3.jpg
Cart
Famicom, RU, 1994 (Steepler)

Famicom, 1996 (NT-616)

Somari Cart NT-616.jpg
Cart
Famicom, 1998 (VT2022)

Somaricart2.jpg
Cart
Famicom, Hi-Game 1999 (KT-3049)

Somari Mario 4 KT3049 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU, 1999 (1043)

Somari RU 1043 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, (N-S1)

Somaricart1.jpg
Cart
Famicom, (K1249)

Somari cart.jpg
Cart
Famicom, (K01-015)

SomariSonic4 K01-015 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU

Somari RU cart.png
Cart
Famicom, ???

Somari Famicom Cart 1.jpg
Cart
Famicom, ???

Somari cart alt.png
Cart
Famicom, ???

Somari cart alt.png
Cart
Famicom, ???

Somari star bigcart.png
Cart
Famicom, ???

Somari Sonic&Mario cart.png
Cart

Multicarts

Famicom, AS, 2 in 1, 1997 Super Hik Gold Gard (NT-803)

Somari2in1 NT803 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, AS, 7 in 1

Somari7in1 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU, 360 in 1

Somari360in1 RU cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1997, 3 in 1 (YH-308)

Somari3in1 YH308 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1997, 5 in 1 (YH-012)

Somari5in1 YH012 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 2000, 4 in 1 (YH447)

Somari4in1 YH447 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 2 in 1 Trum Golden Card (XC002)

Somari2in1 XC002 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Super 3 in 1 (NT8003)

SomariSuper3in1 NT8003 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Super 3 in 1 (NT8064)

Somari3in1 NT8064 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 4 in 1, Latest Wonderful Card (FY123)

Somari4in1 FY123 Cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 5 in 1 (K5201)

Somari5in1 K5201 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Super 5 in 1 (NT 8034)

SomariSuper5in1 NT8034 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Golden 5 in 1 (ML300)

SomariGolden5 RU ML300 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Super Hik 6 in 1 (AR123)

Somari6in1 AR123 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Gold 7 in 1 HK (AR466)

Somari7in1 AR466 cart.png
Cart

Variants

Somari has been released multiple times, often modified, under different titles:

Sonic & Knuckles 5

Title screen

Similar to the above but with a Sonic & Knuckles title screen and theme tune. Sonic is the only playable charater in this game (despite Knuckles is on the title screen). No evidence currently suggests the game was released before 1997.

Physical scans

Famicom, 1997, (NT-875)

SuperSonic51997 Famicom Cart NT-875.jpg
Cart
Famicom, 1997 (NT 325)

Famicom, 1997, 3 in 1 (NT-946)

Sonic3in1 NT946 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU, 3 in 1 (VT 114)

Sonic3in1 RU VT114 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Super 6 in 1 (NT8020)

Sonic5 6in1 NT8020 cart.png
Cart

Sonic 3D Blast 6

Title screen

Similar to above one, but with another different title screen and Marble Zone being set as the first level. This uses the Sonic & Knuckles theme and has an extra "start" screen similar to Sonic 3D. No evidence currently suggests the game was released before 1997.

Physical scans

Famicom, 1997 (NT 318)

Famicom, Hi-Game 1999

Famicom, Hi-Game 1999, 76 in 1 (PS5021)

Sonic76in1 PS5021 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 7 in 1 (SA04)

Sonic7in1 SA04 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 8 in 1 (N34)

Sonic8in N34 cart.png
Cart

Sonic the Hedgehog/Sonic (3D Blast) 5

Title screen

A version of Somari that changes most of the graphics "back" to Sonic the Hedgehog. The player starts off in Spring Yard Zone rather than in Green Hill Zone, though users have created an IPS file to restore the original level order[2].

The game often refers to itself as Sonic 5 (音速小子5) on packaging. No evidence currently suggests the game was released before 1998.

Physical scans

Famicom, 1998, (VT2018B)

Sonic5 Famicom Cart VT2018B Alt.jpg
Cart
Famicom, 1998, (VT-515)

Sonic VT515 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1999, (VT2018B)

Sonic5 Famicom Cart VT2018B.jpg
Cart
Famicom, 1999, (BV2018)

Sonic BV2018 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Hi-Game 1999, (KT2122)

Sonic KT2122 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Hi-Game 1999, (KT2192)

Sonic KT2192 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, VE (Nintendo C.A)
Sonic5 VE Box Front.png
Cover
Famicom, RU (TSC Dandyk)

Sonic 5 RU YH2012 TSC Dandyk cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU (K&S)

Sonic RU K&S cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU (K&S) alt

Sonic RU K&S cart alt.png
Cart
Famicom, RU (New Game)

Sonic RU NewGame cart.png
Cart
Famicom, BG (Wen-BC)

Famicom, (K01-016)

Sonic K01016 cart.png
Cart
Famicom,

Sonic5 Famicom Cart.jpg
Cart
Famicom,

Sonic3D Famicom Cart.jpg
Cart
Famicom,

Sonic Famicom cart.png
Cart
Multicarts
Famicom, 1998, 2 in 1 (VT4066)

Sonic2in1 VT4066 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1998, 2 in 1 (VT4102)

Sonic2in1 VT4102 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1998, 2 in 1 (VT4111)

Sonic2in1 VT4111 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1998, 3 in 1 (VT4076)

Sonic3in1 VT4076 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 1999, 6 in 1 (YH613)

Sonic6in1 YH613 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, RU, 4 in 1 (KT-8136)

Sonic4in1 RU KT8136 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 2 in 1 (VT4166)

Sonic2in1 VT4166 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 2 in 1 (YH205)

Sonic2in1 YH205 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 3 in 1 (YH346)

Sonic3in1 YH346 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, Super 3 in 1 (YH346)

Sonic3in1 YH346 cart alt.png
Cart
Famicom, 3 in 1 (K3009)

Sonic3in1 K3009 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 4 in 1 (K4027)

Sonic4in1 K4027 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 6 in 1 (K6001)

Sonic6in1 K6001 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 178 in 1 (FK029)

Sonic178in1 FK029 cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 178 in 1 (FK029), alt

Sonic178in1 FK029 cart alt.png
Cart

Family Kid

Title screen

A version of Somari for Thai market, promoted by Family TSI Ltd., company known for releasing famiclones brand called "Family", which was very popular in the region. The starting level is Green Hill Zone, just like in Somari.

Physical scans

Famicom, TH

FamilyKid TH cart.png
Cart
Famicom, 2 in 1

Doraemon

Title screen

A almost a complete graphical overhaul of Somari featuring the Japanese character Doraemon. It was made by "Waixing Computer Science & Technology Co, Ltd.". It introduces brand new levels and music though gameplay is identical.

Physical scans

Famicom, TW

Famicom, TW (970563)

Famicom, TW (newer)

Doraemon Famicom cart3.png
Cart

The Hummer

Title screen

Part of a Super New Year Cart 15 in 1 multi-cart by Hummer Team. It was later insert to a 60 in 1 plug and play from Hummer Team.

Physical scans

Famicom, Super New Year 15 in 1

Downloads

Download.svg

Download Somari
Multiple downloads available

Somari (127 kB) (info)
Doraemon (120 kB) (info)

References


Somari
Somari FC title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage


Unlicensed Sonic the Hedgehog games
Famicom
Somari (1994) |
Famicom
World Heroes 2 (1994) |
MSX2
Game Boy Advance
Sonyc (1995) |
Sega Mega Drive
Sonic Jam 6 (1998) |
Nintendo Game Boy
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Sonic 3D Blast 5 (199x) |
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Chaoji Yinsu Xiaozi: Super Sonik II (200x) |
Game Boy Advance
Sonic 3 Fighter Sonic (200x)
Amstrad CPC
Ball Bearing (1993) |
Famicom
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Jurassic Boy 2 (1994) | Sonic Dragon (1995)
Unlicensed Sonic the Hedgehog hacks of licensed games
Famicom
Sonic |
Famicom
Super Mario & Sonic 2 |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Sonic the Hedgehog (1996) |
Nintendo Game Boy
Sonic 6 (1998)