Sonic the Hedgehog (Commodore 64)

Sonic the Hedgehog

Latest version: 1.2
Latest release date: 2021-12-28
Credits: Mr. SID
Operating system: Commodore 64

Sonic the Hedgehog for the Commodore 64 is a direct fan port of the Sega Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog to the Commodore 64, with roughly 64kB of code having been translated from the Z80 to the 6502 architecture.

The game requires a compatible REU of at least 256kB in order to run. It is fully functional on both PAL and NTSC systems, though a Commodore 128 (in C64 mode) or other CPU accelerator is recommended for optimal performance on the latter.

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot featuring Green Hill Zone.

This fan port recreates the Master System game as faithfully as possible with minimal changes. The only noteworthy changes from the Master System version is that the autoscroll has been removed from Bridge Zone Act 2, along with the scrolling-induced bottomless pit in Jungle Zone Act 2. On a PAL system, the music is played at a slower speed, just like the Master System original.

The game is played using any compatible joystick or gamepad connected to port 2, with FIRE being used to jump. Pressing either the P or Numpad 0 keys will pause the game, and pressing Run Stop while paused will quit the game and return to the title screen.

Upon boot, the user is given the option of using Fast Load or Compatible Load - Fast Load is best used for floppy drives that are fully 1541 or 1581 compatible, while Compatible Load should be used for any other type of drive or if any errors occur during the loading process. If the user has an REU of 512kB or more, they have the option of fully installing the game into the REU to remove the need to load assets from the floppies. A digital manual is also available at boot.

Hidden content

Level select

On the title screen, press the ↑ key to access a level select and sound test.

Production credits

Code: Mr. SID of HVSC Crew, Megadesigns Incorporated
Music: Encore of Kollektivet, Undone
Graphics: Veto of Oxyron, PriorArt, Tristar & Red Sector Inc.
Loader: Krill of Plush
Test: Encore of Kollektivet, Undone, JackAsser of Booze Design, Veto of Oxyron, PriorArt, Tristar & Red Sector Inc.
Help: JackAsser of Booze Design

Source: CSDb^[1]

C64 conversion made in 2019 - 2021