Green Hill Zone (8-bit)

Green Hill Zone, Act 1

Green Hill Zone was the first zone on Sonic the Hedgehog for Game Gear and Sega Master System.

It is loosely based on Green Hill Zone from the Sega Genesis version of the game, which was the original.

Differences

The differences between the Genesis version and the GameGear/Master System version are fairly obvious. Less dynamic colours, a slightly slower soundtrack (with limitations caused by the hardware of the SMS/GG).

The blue background of the MD game is now somewhat paler, and the plants in the background do not animate quite the same.

Acts

Act One - This is the introductory level to the Sonic game. The first enemy is a small beetle on the ground, which you can either jump on or over, followed by a Buzz Bomber. To reach the end of the level, you must simply run from the left of the level to the right, avoiding obstacles, enemies, and spike-filled pits (which can be passed by jumping on small floating blocks in the air).

Act Two - You begin on the left of the level, and as you walk to the right, Sonic trips and falls through the ground. You end up in a cave near a Crabmeat. Navigate to the cave floor, move through to the water pools at the bottom of the level, and climb up ledges to get to the top of the "mountain".

Act Three - The battle against Dr. Robotnik. Climb the mountain by running to the right and jumping the gaps. In the battle area, Robotnik hovers above Sonic back and forth across the screen. Eventually he begins to lower to the ground. Sonic has to jump on (or under) Robotnik's ship to damage it. When Robotnik lands on the ground, he zooms to the other side of the screen so watch out.

Other

Act Two - As you climb back up the cave (after having bounced back out of the cave using a spring), you will need to enter a cave on the left (so as to reach the top of the level). Instead of using the spring to reach the top, jump over the spring, fall down the water fall, and fall down the next one. On a ledge is the Chaos Emerald.