Actions

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

From Sonic Retro

m
m (Corrected date of GG, Jp)
Line 34: Line 34:
 
| gg_date_us=1991-12
 
| gg_date_us=1991-12
 
| gg_code_us=2408
 
| gg_code_us=2408
−
| gg_date_jp=1991-12-29
+
| gg_date_jp=1991-12-28{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20200117072802/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/gametitle/GameGear.html}}
 
| gg_code_jp=G-3307
 
| gg_code_jp=G-3307
 
| gg_rrp_jp=3,800
 
| gg_rrp_jp=3,800

Revision as of 13:51, 6 August 2020

n/a

show;hide
  • Master System
  • Game Gear
Sonic 1 MS title.png
Sonic1 GG Title.png
Sonic the Hedgehog
System(s): Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action
Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code Rating
Sega Master System
EU 		1991-10-25 €? 7076
Sega Master System
UK 		1991-10-25 £29.99[1] 7076
Sega Master System
US 		1991-10-25 $29.95[2] ?
Sega Master System
AU 		199x $? ?
Sega Master System
BR 		1992-01[3] R$? ?
Sega Master System
KR 		199x ₩? GB-2012
Sega Master System
PT 		1991  ? MSJ7076
Sega Master System
CS 		1992 882 CSK ?
Sega Game Gear
EU 		1991-12 €? 2408
Sega Game Gear
UK 		1991-12 £29.99[4] 2408
Sega Game Gear
US 		1991-12 $? 2408
Sega Game Gear
JP 		1991-12-28[5] ¥3,800 G-3307
Sega Game Gear
JP
(Meisaku) 		1993-12-10 ¥? G-3334
Sega Game Gear
BR 		1992-02[6] R$? 013550
Wii Virtual Console
JP 		2008-08-05[7] 500[8]pts ?
CERO: A
Wii Virtual Console
US 		2008-08-04[9] 500[9]pts ?
ESRB: Everyone
Wii Virtual Console
EU 		2008-09-19[10] 500[10]pts ?
Wii Virtual Console
AU 		2008-09 600[11]pts ?
OFLC: General (G)
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
JP 		2013-12-04[12] ¥286 (300)[12] ?
CERO: A
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
US 		2013-06-07[13] $4.99[13] ?
ESRB: Everyone
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
EU 		2013-06-13[14] €4.99[15] ?
Expression error: Unexpected < operator.PEGI: 3+
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
UK 		2013-06-13[16] £4.49[15] ?
Expression error: Unexpected < operator.PEGI: 3+
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
DE 		2013-06-13[17] €4.99[15] ?
Expression error: Unexpected < operator.USK: 6

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; 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. The three Zones titled after their Mega Drive counterparts 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.

Bonus Panel

At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each Zone, the player has to spin a Bonus Panel to clear the Act, 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 the player ends the Act with 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40 Rings. They 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 the player ends 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. The player can't get this panel in Scrap Brain Zone nor in Sky Base Zone.

Comparisons

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

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.

  • S1GG sega screen.png
  • S1GG warning sign.png

Versions

Also Released On

Production credits

Master System version

Sonic the Hedgehog Original Character Design: ©Sega

Programming
  • Game Program: Shinobu Hayashi
Art
Sound
Special Thanks

Game Gear version

Programming
  • Game Programmer: Shinobu "Machine" Hayashi
Art
Sound
Special Thanks
Source: In-game credits

Manuals

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

Artwork

  • SSS SONICE .png
  • SSS SONICG .png

Physical scans

Master System version




Sega Master System
 94 Sonic Retro Average
Based on 11 reviews
Publication Score Source
Computer & Video Games (UK) 90 №121, p34/35/36
Game Mania (UK) 90 [18]
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
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

MS SONIC KR CART.jpg
Cart
Master System, PT
MS Sonic ver1 PT.jpg
Cover

Game Gear version




Sega Game Gear
 91 Sonic Retro Average
Based on 7 reviews
Publication Score Source
ACE (UK) 80 №54, p87
Computer & Video Games (UK) 93 №122, pGo!6/7
Game Mania (UK) 90 [19]
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, 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-small.pngSonic1gg-box-jap2 front.jpg
Cover
S1 gg jp cart2.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, US
Sonic1gg-box-us-back.jpgNospine.pngSonic1gg-box-us.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, EU
Sonic1gg-box-eu back.jpgNospine.pngSonic1gg-box-eu.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, BR
Sonic1 gg br cover.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, PT

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Master System
✔
CRC32 b519e833
MD5 dc13a61eafe75c13c15b5ece419ac57b
SHA-1 6b9677e4a9abb37765d6db4658f4324251807e07
256kB 1991 Cartridge
Sega Game Gear
 ?
CRC32 3e31cb8c
MD5 8a95b36139206a5ba13a38bb626aee25
SHA-1 8923295c96b2e05da0a83a827fd709b033fc7332
256kB 1991 Cartridge v1.0
Sega Game Gear
✔
CRC32 d163356e
MD5 b1de7027824c434ce8de59782705f5c9
SHA-1 7dbbbca2229e74fcb8f90ec794aa6e5cb168e489
256kB 1991 Cartridge v1.1
Sega Game Gear
✔
CRC32 816c0a1e
MD5 05d0e3897cb2b6e08c2952730d2c80c1
SHA-1 7ff6810e4ac03e04584243995c3fd54b77896c23
256kB 1991 Cartridge Prototype Download.svg (137 kB) (info) Page

External links

References

  1. ↑ File:CVG UK 121.pdf, page 34
  2. ↑ File:GamePro US 029.pdf, page 110
  3. ↑ File:Supergame BR 08.pdf, page 43
  4. ↑ File:ACE UK 54.pdf, page 87
  5. ↑ http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/gametitle/GameGear.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-01-17 07:28)
  6. ↑ File:Supergame BR 07.pdf, page 29
  7. ↑ https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/08.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-06 23:35)
  8. ↑ http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_ms_sonic/ (Wayback Machine: 2008-08-07 00:12)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/y0VeAVFtYXeter7r2F5Hkl-WSXgPIAAP (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 00:36)
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/mastersystem/sonic_the_hedgehog (Wayback Machine: 2017-07-04 13:10)
  11. ↑ http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=42&prod_id=19903&pageID=4 (Wayback Machine: 2012-03-28 01:11)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/ (Wayback Machine: 2014-04-06 07:17)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/4lFd-f60QAnio7SNDl4scM2mr7uUexvw (Wayback Machine: 2013-06-16 16:32)
  14. ↑ https://archive.is/VhYwa
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog (Wayback Machine: 2017-09-09 21:42)
  16. ↑ https://archive.is/eX3VI
  17. ↑ https://archive.is/CEx7j
  18. ↑ [gamemania, issue 5, page 81 gamemania, issue 5, page 81]
  19. ↑ [gamemania, issue 5, page 70 gamemania, issue 5, page 70]


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
show;hide
  • Levels
  • Enemies
  • Bosses
  • Prereleases
  • Media
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
Retrieved from "https://info.sonicretro.org/index.php?title=Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(8-bit)&oldid=313381"