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Difference between revisions of "Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)"

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(Master System version)
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'''''Sonic the Hedgehog''''' (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ) is an 8-bit game based on the [[Mega Drive]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|game of the same name]]. It was released for the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]]. The Master System was thriving in Brazil at the time of its launch on October 23, 1991. The Game Gear version was released in Japan on December 28, 1991 and was also released in North America and Europe in that same month.
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'''''Sonic the Hedgehog''''' (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ) is a [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]] "8-bit" counterpart to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|game of the same name]]. It was released in October and December 1991, respectively.
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The 8-bit ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is a very loose "port" the Mega Drive version, with similar, albeit simplified gameplay and a partially different set of levels (all with new layouts). Though overseen by [[Sonic Team]], most of the game was created by external development studio, [[Ancient]], in their first collaboration with Sega. This version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' also stands as the first handheld ''Sonic'' game.
  
 
==Plot==
 
==Plot==
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==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
  
The gameplay is similar to that of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sega Genesis version]]. The Sonic's abilities and the items available are the same. Although the gameplay is similar, it is slower than its 16-bit counterpart. There are some differences however: [[Checkpoint]]s take the form of point arrow [[monitor]]s rather than posts. Chaos Emeralds aren't found in special stages; rather, one is hidden in each of the six regular zones. The Special Stages exist merely as a bonus stage where players can collect Continues and Extra Lives, and no additional reward is given for collecting all items.
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The gameplay is similar to that of the Mega Drive version. The Sonic's abilities and the items available are the same. Although the gameplay is similar, it is slower than its 16-bit counterpart. There are some differences however: [[Checkpoint]]s take the form of point arrow [[monitor]]s rather than posts. Chaos Emeralds aren't found in special stages; rather, one is hidden in each of the six regular zones. The Special Stages exist merely as a bonus stage where players can collect Continues and Extra Lives, and no additional reward is given for collecting all items.
  
Three of the zones came from the Genesis version of the game. [[Bridge Zone]] and [[Jungle Zone]] are considered unusual today for ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' zones. However, this was Sonic's second game, so such norms hadn't been established yet. Each zone has three acts. The first two acts were standard levels, but the third act was merely a short run up to the boss and contained no rings. Trial and error were required for the player to defeat the bosses. The three zones titled after their Genesis counterparts featured 8-bit renditions of the scenery, but had unique level layouts.
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Three of the zones come from the Mega Drive version of the game. [[Bridge Zone]] and [[Jungle Zone]] are considered unusual today for ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' zones. However, this was Sonic's second game, so such norms hadn't been established yet. Each zone has three acts. The first two acts are standard levels, but the third act is merely a short run up to the boss and contains no rings. Trial and error is required for the player to defeat all of the bosses. The three zones titled after their Mega Drivecounterparts feature 8-bit renditions of the scenery, but have unique level layouts.
  
 
===Rings===
 
===Rings===
 
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Like in the Mega Drive version, the player can collect 100 rings to earn an extra life; but in the 8-bit version, the ring counter resets to 00 rather than increasing past 99. Additionally, rings dropped after taking a hit cannot be re-collected.
Like in the Genesis version, the player can collect 100 rings to earn an extra life; but in the 8-bit version, the ring counter resets to 00 rather than increasing past 99. Additionally, rings dropped after taking a hit cannot be re-collected.
 
  
 
===End Level Panel===
 
===End Level Panel===
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==Differences between the Master System and Game Gear versions==
 
==Differences between the Master System and Game Gear versions==
The Game Gear version has a smaller screen [[resolution]], but a higher color [[palette]]. Sonic's [[sprite]] is smaller and the control feels lighter. In the first zone of the Game Gear version, <b>warning signs</b> had been placed because the high speed combined with the narrow screen could present problems. Jungle Zone Act 2 allowed for vertical descent without losing a life in the Game Gear version, which made this stage easier. Labyrinth Zone's level design was different in this version as well, and the Chaos Emerald is in a new location. Several bosses, including the final, were modified or even replaced. The bonus stages were also redesigned. The Game Gear version uses a Sega splash screen with a jumping Sonic sprite, whereas the Master System version lacks a Sega splash screen as one is provided by the machine's BIOS. In the Master System version, the levels (and in some cases, the bosses) were generally more difficult due to the expanded screen size.
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The Game Gear version has a smaller screen [[resolution]], but a higher color [[palette]]. Sonic's [[sprite]] is smaller and the control feels lighter. In the first zone of the Game Gear version, <b>warning signs</b> have been placed as the high speed combined with the narrow screen can cause problems. Jungle Zone Act 2 allows for vertical descent without losing a life in the Game Gear version, which makes this stage easier.
<gallery>Image:S1GG sega screen.png
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Image:S1GG warning sign.png</gallery>
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Labyrinth Zone's level design is different in the Game Gear version as well, with the Chaos Emerald now in a new location. Several bosses, including the final, were modified or even replaced, making them easier than their Master System counterparts. The bonus stages were also redesigned. The Game Gear version uses a Sega splash screen with a jumping Sonic sprite, whereas the Master System version lacks a Sega splash screen entirely.
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<gallery>
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Image:S1GG sega screen.png
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Image:S1GG warning sign.png
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</gallery>
  
 
==Manuals==
 
==Manuals==

Revision as of 14:50, 22 August 2015

n/a

Sonic 1 MS title.png
Sonic the Hedgehog
System(s): Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: 2D Platform
Release Date RRP Code Rating
Sega Master System
US
1991-10-25  ? ?
Sega Master System
EU
1991-10-25  ? 7076
Sega Master System
AU
?  ? ?
Sega Master System
BR
1991-10-25  ? ?
Sega Master System
KR
?  ? GB-2012
Sega Game Gear
JP
1991-12-28 ¥3,800 G-3307
Sega Game Gear
JP (Meisaku)
1993  ? G-3334
Sega Game Gear
US
1991-12  ? 2408
Sega Game Gear
EU
1991-12 £29.99 ?
Sega Game Gear
BR
?  ? 013550
Wii Virtual Console
US
2008-08-04 500 points ?
Wii Virtual Console
JP
2008-08-05 500 points ?
Wii Virtual Console
EU
2008-09-19 500 points ?

Sonic the Hedgehog (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ) is a Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear "8-bit" counterpart to the Sega Mega Drive game of the same name. It was released in October and December 1991, respectively.

The 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog is a very loose "port" the Mega Drive version, with similar, albeit simplified gameplay and a partially different set of levels (all with new layouts). Though overseen by Sonic Team, most of the game was created by external development studio, Ancient, in their first collaboration with Sega. This version of Sonic the Hedgehog also stands as the first handheld Sonic game.

Plot

As was the norm with the early Sonic games, the plot is simple. Dr. Eggman is menacing South Island and imprisoning animals in badniks; the heroic hedgehog sets out to defeat him, potentially collecting 6 Chaos Emeralds along the way. After Sonic fights his way to Scrap Brain Zone, Eggman's factory-city on South Island's summit, the Doctor escapes to an airship (Sky Base Zone), where Sonic finally defeats him in the last boss fight. Eggman escapes by teleporter; Sonic jumps in after him and is transported back to Green Hill Zone. If the 6 Chaos Emeralds have been collected, the gems then spiral up into the air and cleanse the black smog and pollution off the island.

Gameplay

The gameplay is similar to that of the Mega Drive version. The Sonic's abilities and the items available are the same. Although the gameplay is similar, it is slower than its 16-bit counterpart. There are some differences however: Checkpoints take the form of point arrow monitors rather than posts. Chaos Emeralds aren't found in special stages; rather, one is hidden in each of the six regular zones. The Special Stages exist merely as a bonus stage where players can collect Continues and Extra Lives, and no additional reward is given for collecting all items.

Three of the zones come from the Mega Drive version of the game. Bridge Zone and Jungle Zone are considered unusual today for Sonic the Hedgehog zones. However, this was Sonic's second game, so such norms hadn't been established yet. Each zone has three acts. The first two acts are standard levels, but the third act is merely a short run up to the boss and contains no rings. Trial and error is required for the player to defeat all of the bosses. The three zones titled after their Mega Drivecounterparts feature 8-bit renditions of the scenery, but have unique level layouts.

Rings

Like in the Mega Drive version, the player can collect 100 rings to earn an extra life; but in the 8-bit version, the ring counter resets to 00 rather than increasing past 99. Additionally, rings dropped after taking a hit cannot be re-collected.

End Level Panel

At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each level, the player has to spin a panel to continue, with a reward given based on what it lands on:

  • Eggman: No prize. This panel comes up most often in the game, provided the player's ring count is below 50.
  • Ring: 10 rings added to final ring tally. Only awarded if you end the act with 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40 rings. You can't get this panel in Scrap Brain Zone, nor in Sky Base Zone act 1. However, it always appears in Sky Base Zone act 2.
  • Sonic: Extra life. Comes up rarely, only if you end the act with an amount of rings that varies from act to act. Unlike in Sonic Chaos, beating an act with no hits taken doesn't trigger it.
  • Exclamation Point: Special Stage. Appears if 50 or more rings are on hand when passing the sign. You can't get this panel in Scrap Brain Zone nor in Sky Base Zone.

Differences between the Master System and Game Gear versions

The Game Gear version has a smaller screen resolution, but a higher color palette. Sonic's sprite is smaller and the control feels lighter. In the first zone of the Game Gear version, warning signs have been placed as the high speed combined with the narrow screen can cause problems. Jungle Zone Act 2 allows for vertical descent without losing a life in the Game Gear version, which makes this stage easier.

Labyrinth Zone's level design is different in the Game Gear version as well, with the Chaos Emerald now in a new location. Several bosses, including the final, were modified or even replaced, making them easier than their Master System counterparts. The bonus stages were also redesigned. The Game Gear version uses a Sega splash screen with a jumping Sonic sprite, whereas the Master System version lacks a Sega splash screen entirely.

Manuals

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) manuals

Also Released On

Production Credits

Master System Version

Sonic the Hedgehog Original Character Design: ©Sega
~Staff~
Game Program: Shinobu Hayashi
Graphic Design: Ayano Koshiro, Takefuni Yunoue
Sound Produce: Masato Nakamura
Rearrange and Original Music: Yuzo Koshiro
Special Thanks: Yoshio Y, Lunarian SG
Presented by: Sega


Game Gear Version

Game Programmer: Shinobu "Machine" Hayashi
Graphic Designers: Ayano Koshiro, Takefuni Yunoue
Sound Producer: Masato Nakamura
Re-Arranging and Original Music: Yuzo Koshiro
Special Thanks: Yoshio Y, Lunarian SG
Presented by: Sega

Resources

Original Sound Version Recordings

See Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear Version) OSV for a download page.

Physcial Scans

Game Gear version




Sega Game Gear
91 Sonic Retro Average
Based on 6 reviews
Publication Score Source
ACE (UK) 80 №54, p87
Computer & Video Games (UK) 93 №122, pGo!6/7
gz 94 №5, p54
Sega Power (UK) 94 #29 Pg 47
Sega Pro (UK) 96 #4 Pg 60
Sega Force (UK) 89 №3, p28
Game Gear, US
Sonic1gg-box-us-back.jpgNospine.pngSonic1gg-box-us.jpg
Cover
Sth gg us cart.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, EU
Sonic1gg-box-eu back.jpgNospine.pngSonic1gg-box-eu.jpg
Cover
S1-gg-eu-cart.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, JP
Sonic 1 GG JP Top.jpg
S1gg jp back cover.jpgSonic 1 GG JP Spine.jpgSonic1gg-box-jap.jpgSonic 1 GG JP Spine2.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, JP (Meisaku Collection)
Sonic1gg-box-jap2 back.jpgNospine.pngSonic1gg-box-jap2 front.jpg
Cover
S1 gg jp cart2.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, BR
Sonic1 gg br cover.jpg
Cover

Master System version




Sega Master System
94 Sonic Retro Average
Based on 10 reviews
Publication Score Source
Computer & Video Games (UK) 90 №121, p34/35/36
Games-X (UK) 100 №30
gz 90 №3, p47
Mean Machines (UK) 90 №15, p136/137/138
Mean Machines Sega (UK) 90 №1, p136
Sega Force (UK) 95 №1, p28/29
Sega Master Force (UK) 92 №2, p12
Sega Power (UK) 96 #27 Pg 23/24/25
Sega Power (UK) 100 №46, p101
Sega Pro (UK) 96 №2, p56/57
Master System, EU
Sonic1ms-box-eu.jpg
Cover
Sth ms eu cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU
Sonic SMS AU Cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU
(Blue cartridge variant)

Sth ms aus cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
Sonic1 ms br cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, KR

Artwork

External links


Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
Sonic 1 MS title.png

Main page
Comparisons
Maps


Manuals
Promotional material
Magazine articles
Reception


Development
Hidden content
Bugs
Hacking guide

Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems
Wii Virtual Console
WiiWare
 2006  Sonic the Hedgehog | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine     2007  Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sonic Spinball | Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island     2008  Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)     2009  Sonic Chaos | Sonic & Knuckles     2010  Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I    
Sega Master System
Sega Game Gear
 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    
 Unreleased  Sonic's Edusoft