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Difference between revisions of "Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)"

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'''''Sonic the Hedgehog''''' (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ) was the video game that started off the career of [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and [[Sonic Team]].
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'''''Sonic the Hedgehog''''' (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ) is the first game in the long-running series by videogame publisher and former console maker [[sega:Sega|Sega]]. First released in the United States on June 23rd, 1991, it was the premier outing for the character of [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and the group behind his creation, [[Sonic Team]]. Though the game only received marginal success in its home country, almost overnight ''Sonic'' became a sensation in the west, solidifying Sega's place in Europe and turning the company into a household name in the United States.
  
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This game was the first game to really propel the Genesis into mass popularity in North America. After it was released, it eventually supplanted ''Altered Beast'' as the bundled game with the console.
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For the first time, a company was able to directly compete with console and gamemaker Nintendo, which had dominated the second half of the 1980's. Though Nintendo still reigned supreme in Japan, the highly-contested 16-bit wars in the west was a marvel to behold, the big two being neck and neck through almost the entirety of the third generation of console gaming.
  
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''Sonic the Hedgehog'' added the element of speed to the standard platform formula, and introduced other unique elements as well, such as the loops and springboards now permanently associated with the game series.
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The game propelled the creators into the realm of videogame superstardom, programmer [[Yuji Naka]] for a time becoming the face of Sega much as Shigeru Miyamoto became the face of Nintendo after the success of ''Super Mario Bros''. The franchise took off, with a version of the game being released on the [[sega:Sega Master System|Sega Master System]] and a series of sequels across Sega's various consoles over the years. It not only became the definitive title for the system and replaced ''[[sega:Altered Beast|Altered Beast]]'' as the pack-in title for the west, but would go on to be ported to no less than twenty platforms since its initial release.
  
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In the game, Sonic has to prevent [[Doctor Ivo Robotnik|Dr. Robotnik]] (Doctor Eggman in [[Japan]] and in later games) from collecting the [[Chaos Emerald]]s in an attempt to rule the world - canonically this is Earth, but for a lengthy period of time was commonly believed to be [[Mobius]], due to outside sources using the name.
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==Story==
  
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There was also a version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' released for the [[Sega Master System]] and the [[Game Gear]], which loosely followed the design of the Genesis version, although with some different zones and a level map.
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[[File:Sonic1 jp manual 08 09.gif|thumb|190px|The story to ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.]]
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Somewhere in the ocean lies a mysterious island not found on any map, known by its inhabitants as [[South Island]]. The reason for it being absent is a simple, yet mysterious one: it does not have a fixed position, instead traveling through the seas on its own course. While the reason for this behavior is unknown, it is rumored that it may have something to do with the legendary gemstones the [[Chaos Emeralds]]. Though legend says they exist on the island, no one knows exactly where they are or how to get a hold of them. All they do know is of the incredible power they are said to contain, and how they can give energy to all living beings.
  
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The main villain, Doctor Eggman, has always been called that in the Japanese titles. However, in the European and American versions, his name is localized to Doctor Ivo Robotnik, and has stayed that way until ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', where he's been known as Eggman as well. Also, the name Robotnik was later used in the Japanese version of ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.
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Learning of the existence of the Chaos Emeralds, the mad genius [[Dr. Eggman]] sets himself on a quest to locate the emeralds for his own use, wanting to harness their power for his many mechanical creations. With the plan in motion, Eggman creates his base in a corner of the island, which he dubs the [[Scrap Brain Zone]]. However, he is aware that his evil plans will more than likely be interfered by [[Sonic the Hedgehog]].
  
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Although its Genesis counterpart was extremely popular in the United States, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' only received lukewarm responses in Japan. Sonic wouldn't catch on in that locale until ''[[Sonic Jam]]''. Because of its popularity, it later replaced Altered Beast as the pack-in for the Mega Drive.
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Though not a native of the island, Sonic the Hedgehog would often find himself on its mystical shores, and more than once had he run into the evil doctor, foiling an untold number of schemes. Just as Eggman predicted, in no time at all the blue hedgehog learns of the doctor's intentions, running at sonic-speed to confront him.
  
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==Features==
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It doesn't take long for Sonic to realize that something is amiss, and is shocked to learned that Eggman has gone a step further with his evil intentions. Kidnapping the many [[animals]] living on the island, he has methodically been placing them in [[badnik|robot shells]] and using them to scour the island in search of the emeralds. Realizing that Eggman has turned Sonic's friends into his own personal mechanical army, Sonic wastes no time. Running across the island, he must not only stop Eggman's latest scheme and gather the Chaos Emeralds, but free his friends in the process.
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The game that started it all, it featured many novel elements, utilising the parallel processing capabilities of the Genesis, which contributed to its popularity and helped to promote the uptake of 16-bit consoles.
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"Hurry! Sonic the Hedgehog - everyone is waiting for your help!"
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==Game Mechanics==
  
 
===Gameplay===
 
===Gameplay===
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The gameplay centers around elements that exploit the increased performance of the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]] console. It is notable for being both simplistic and engaging for players.
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[[File:Ghzboss.png|thumb|190px|Sonic the Hedgehog facing against his arch-rival, Dr. Eggman.]]
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At its heart, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is a platformer. Taken from the same mold as platformers previous, Sonic Team was able to make the experience unique enough to rise it above the numerous ''Super Mario'' clones that had polluted the market. Becoming the standard for the Mega Drive, the game was also developed to showcase the potential of the system, creating a game that is simple to pick up but complex and engaging underneath.
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Broken up into six "[[Zone|Zones]]" with three "Acts" each (and a final boss confrontation at the end), the game operates under a very basic platforming premise: to traverse across each level under a certain amount of time (in this case ten minutes) and overcome whatever enemies and obstacles may be in your way. The flow of each world presents an interesting duality in terms of playthrough. While it is possible to go through each act slow and methodically, it is just as simple to run through the zone as fast as possible, playing for the shortest time as opposed to the highest score. Featuring multiple pathways and plenty of secret areas, the eighteen main courses were created specifically with replayability in mind, Game Director [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] wanting more than a basic arcade experience but instead a game that could stand the test of time.
  
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The game was arguably the one of the fastest platformers that had yet been released. Sonic could run, jump and roll at significantly higher speeds than most platformers of the time. Unlike other platformers, the game's levels were designed to encourage the player to progress quickly. Springs, slopes, high falls and loop de loops were all available to both boost and challenge the player to reach high speeds. This was all accomplished without any slowdown in frame rates, adding to the experience.
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Thanks to the efforts of Yuji Naka, the engine for which ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is powered focuses not only on the potential speed for the character, but establishes the physics for the world as well. Being one part "pinball" and one part "momentum," the movement of Sonic depends just as much on the unique terrain of each level as it does on the input of the player. When it comes to the now-iconic set pieces of loop-de-loops and curved slopes, Sonic can only run through them if he has built up enough momentum to traverse through it. Running on curved slopes, a player can press downward on the control pad, allowing Sonic to curl up into a ball and gain tremendous speed - the steeper the slope, the higher the max speed at the end. Even the angles for which Sonic bounces off [[Bumper|bumpers]] and springs are determined by the values within, making the Sonic experience unique from what other games were presenting at the time.
  
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Sonic's method of attack was also novel. As a [[hedgehog]], he could curl up into a ball, by either jumping or by rolling along the ground, a state in which he could damage enemies by simply colliding with them. This was a change from most other platform games, where a the player could only damage enemies by shooting, attacking or jumping on top of them. While rolling along the ground Sonic could roll down slopes, gaining speed as he did so. Most slopes were irregular, as opposed to the fixed angles seen in older titles, and the game had physics to match. Sonic's acceleration down a slope depended on its steepness; he could run around 360-degree loops, if travelling fast enough; and he suffered from drag under water.  
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[[File:SonicRollingInSpringYard.png|thumb|190px|Sonic the Hedgehog rolling downward in Spring Yard Zone.]]
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In terms of the moveset, the original ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' chooses to keep it simple. A secondary button is not needed to increase Sonic's speed, only time. Each of the three buttons on the Mega Drive controller were mapped to the same action, giving the player the power to make Sonic jump up, curling into a ball in the process. With this [[spin attack]], Sonic can break an enemy from any angle, provided a spiked surface or a fire projectile is not in the way. He can also curl into this ball from on the ground, but can only remain as long as there is some momentum behind it. Once Sonic slows down, he is forced to return to his classic standing pose.
  
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Sonic could collect rings to protect himself. As long as Sonic had at least one ring he would not die when injured. Instead he would lose all of his rings, which sprayed out and could be collected again. There were also [[shield]]s available which allowed Sonic to be hit once without losing rings. However, neither shields nor rings could protect against instant death, brought on by crushing, drowning or falling off the map.
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Scattered throughout each level are also a variety of items, the most famous of these being the spinning golden [[rings]]. While collecting one hundred of these will award Sonic with an extra life, they serve a much more important function. As long as Sonic has at least one in his possession, he can not be killed by an enemy or [[Spikes (obstacle)|spikes]], though he can still succumb to crushing and drowning. Being hit while having rings causes them to scatter, making Sonic temporarily invincible to give the player time to recover and try to collect the scattered rings before they disappear.
  
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[[File:TryAgain-Sonic1MD.png|thumb|right|[[Robotnik]] mocking the player in the bad ending]]Progress through the game was made easier by special [[checkpoint]]s called lamp posts. When Sonic passed a lamp post, changing its colour, he could restart from that point - rather than the beginning of the level - when he next lost a life.
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Another prominent item featured in each zone are the variety of [[Monitor|monitors]] in the game. Resembling computer monitors, each give Sonic a different reward depending on the image inside. If a ring is pictured, for instance, the player gets an extra ten rings added to their ring count. If a group of stars is seen, Sonic is awarded with temporary invincibility. A shoe icon allows the character to run even faster than what can normally be achieved, and a [[shield]] icon gives Sonic a barrier that will protect him from a hit, either maintaining his ring count or not killing the player if no rings are available. Though not as abundant as monitors, another common item found on the playfield are [[Checkpoint|Lamp Posts]], allowing Sonic to start at that point in the level in the case of the player losing a life, as opposed to starting the act from the beginning again. These, along with [[Spring|springs]], [[spikes]], and bumpers, create a landscape that would be featured again and again within the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series.
  
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If Sonic has collected less than 6 [[chaos emeralds]] and is carrying 50 or more rings at the end of Act 1 or Act 2 of any zone except [[Scrap Brain Zone]], he can enter the [[Special Stage (Sonic 1)|Special Stage]] by jumping in the giant ring which appears right next to the signpost to have the chance to collect one of the 6 chaos emeralds. It should be noted that despite their importance in the plot, collecting the emeralds is almost unnecessary in this game, as they're not required to unlock any final level and the game can be completed even without them. However, if less than 6 chaos emeralds are collected, [[Robotnik]] will juggle the remaining ones in the "Try Again" screen at the end of the staff roll.
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[[File:TryAgain-Sonic1MD.png|thumb|190px|Dr. Eggman taunting the player when you complete the game without all six Chaos Emeralds.]]
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At the end of the first two acts, a signpost with Eggman's face is there to greet you, running by it and making it turn to Sonic's profile signaling your victory. However, at the end of each third act, the player is greeted with an appearance from the main antagonist in his [[Eggpod]] craft, each time modified to present the player with a new challenge. Needing eight hits to be defeated, the doctor scurries away, allowing Sonic to jump on the animal [[capsule]] and freeing his friends, signaling the end of that particular zone.
  
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The games featured no passwords or game saves. The player had to start from the beginning every time he ran out of continues or reset the console. There was, however, (albeit very cryptic to activate) a level select mode.
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There is another element to the gameplay only accessible at the end of the first two acts of each zone, provided the player has fifty rings. Instead of just the standard sign post, a [[Giant Ring]] appears to the right, floating silently just as the standard rings do. If Sonic jumps into the ring in time, he will be transported to the [[Special Stage]], a maze rotating 360 degrees. If traversed correctly, the player will be rewarded with a Chaos Emerald. Though not essential in a basic runthrough, collecting all six emeralds is the only way to witness the true ending to the game. If not done, Eggman will taunt you at the end, the game asking you to "try again."
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,
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===Graphical Style===
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The graphical style of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' was extremely impressive for its time, especially for the Mega Drive hardware (the Super Nintendo technically superior in terms of graphic capabilities). With a color pallette expanded beyond what 8-bit systems could do, each zone was given a unique and rich look. The graphical style was inspired by the then-new world of Computer Generated graphics, the visuals of the [[Green Hill Zone]] being the most prime example. Even the sprites of Sonic, Eggman, the enemies and the rings reflected on this, each richly animated object jumping out on the screen. While other games of the era can look dated, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' has been able to maintain a timeless feel, emphasized by the visual work of [[Naoto Ohshima]] and the fact the original game still sells, albeit on modern hardware.
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===Music and Sound===
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Utilizing the onboard [[Zilog]] [[Z80]] and [[Yamaha]] [[YM2612]] synthesizer sound chip, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' was able to create a sound that was also unique, the jumps, springs, and ring collecting sounds being an intergral part of the Sonic experience. The sounds created by the team would be reused in subsequent entries, the classic ring sound still being heard with each new Sonic game. The music to the game, composed by [[DREAMS COME TRUE]] artist [[Masato Nakamura]], also became a highly praised game soundtrack. The first two songs written, the Green Hill Zone theme and the title screen theme, would be alluded to in subsequent games, becoming the quintessential score of Sonic the Hedgehog. The popularity of the soundtrack has also made it a standard in live videogame music performance tours such as [http://www.videogameslive.com Video Games Live] and [[Play! A Video Game Symphony Live!|Play! A Video Game Symphony]].
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===Scoring===
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The following is an explanation on how the scoring process works within the game:
  
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==Scoring==
 
 
Hitting bumpers: 10 points for each of the first ten hits on any given bumper; after that no more points can be gained from that bumper
 
Hitting bumpers: 10 points for each of the first ten hits on any given bumper; after that no more points can be gained from that bumper
  
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*16th and all subsequent enemies in a chain = 10000 each
 
*16th and all subsequent enemies in a chain = 10000 each
  
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Destroying a [[Dr. Eggman]] boss robot: 1000 points
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Destroying a Dr. Eggman boss robot: 1000 points
  
 
Ring bonus at end of level: 100 points for each ring held
 
Ring bonus at end of level: 100 points for each ring held
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Special stage: 100 points for each ring held
 
Special stage: 100 points for each ring held
  
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===Graphics===
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==Sound Test==
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The game's 16-bit graphics were impressive for its time. Colours were lush and varied, taking advantage of the [[Genesis]]' enhanced colour [[palette]], and the [[sprite]]s were richly animated. Flowers moved, rings spun, lights blinked, and water shimmered in the background. Destroying an enemy robot produced a puff of smoke as a small animal flew or hopped away from its prison.
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Below is a listing of the songs available to played through the sound test within the game, accessible through the level select code. For the songs themselves, visit the [[Sonic the Hedgehog OSV]].
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*81: [[Green Hill Zone]]
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*82: [[Labyrinth Zone]]
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*83: [[Marble Zone]]
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*84: [[Star Light Zone]]
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*85: [[Spring Yard Zone]]
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*86: [[Scrap Brain Zone]]
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*87: Invincibility
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*88: Extra Life
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*89: [[Special Stage]]
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*8A: Title Screen
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*8B: Ending Scene
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*8C: Boss Battle
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*8D: [[Final Zone]]
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*8E: Act Completion
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*8F: Game Over
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*90: Continue Screen
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*91: Credits
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*92: Drowning Warning
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*93: Emerald Collection
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==Production Credits==
  
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Leaving the game idle for more than a few seconds made Sonic tap his foot impatiently whilst looking at the screen, waiting for the player to continue.
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Director ("Game Plan"): [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] (as "Carol Yas")<br/>
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Programmer: [[Yuji Naka]] (as "YU2")<br/>
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Character Artist ("Character Design"): [[Naoto Oshima]] (as "Big Island")<br/>
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Zone Artists ("Design"): [[Jina Ishiwatari]] (as "Jinya"), [[Rieko Kodama]] (as "Phenix Rie")<br/>
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Composer ("Sound Produce"): [[Masato Nakamura]]<br/>
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Sound Programmers: [[Hiroshi Kubota]] (as "Jimita"), [[Yukifumi Makino]] (as "Macky")<br/>
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Special Thanks: [[Fujio Minegishi]], "Papa"
  
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===Sound and music===
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==Manuals==
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The game took full advantage of the onboard [[Zilog]] [[Z80]] and [[Yamaha]] [[YM2612]] synthesizer sound chip. The game was filled with sound effects, with chimes, bops and beats following the player through the levels. Many sounds played on top of one another and most of the games sounds were unique and of higher quality than earlier 8-bit sounds.
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) JP Manual]]
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) US Manual]]
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) EU Manual]]
  
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The music of the game affords special attention, with many fans proclaiming it to be the most memorable feature. The music used 8-bit stereo sound, and was very rich and detailed. The music for [[Green Hill Zone]] in particular is a very well recognised tune,  by many fans of the series and by other gamers. Many MIDIs and remixes of this track, and of other tracks in the game, can be found online.
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==Miscellaneous==
  
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The music was composed by [[Masato Nakamura]], a member of popular J-Pop band [[DREAMS COME TRUE]].
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===The Ribbon, Ring and Stars===
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The distinctive "ribbon, ring, and star"-styled title screen used in the first ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' and subsequent installments was something of a theme in early Sega games. The Sonic version is based on the title screen from the 1988 Sega arcade game ''[[sega:Wonder-Boy III: Monster Lair|Wonder-Boy III: Monster Lair]]'', which bears similarities to that of the 1986 Sega arcade game ''[[sega:Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars|Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars]]''.
  
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Each Zone featured three "acts" or levels each following the same theme as the last.
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<center>[[Image:AlexKiddLostStars.png]] [[Image:Wb3_title.png]] [[Image:Sonic1_title.png]]</center>
  
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==Differences between beta and final==
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===Game Revisions===
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For general information on unused Sonic 1 items, see the [[Game Secrets:Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Game Secrets section for this game]]. For level-specific differences, check the individual level page.
 
  
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==Versions==
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The original release of the game lacked parallax scrolling, moving clouds ([[Green Hill Zone]]), rippling water ([[Labyrinth Zone]]), a correct Level Select screen arrangement, and other minor details. These effects were added in the later Japanese release, known as REV01. The much later "JP2" version found in ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' was an officially hacked ROM which "fixed" the "[[Spike Bug]]".
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The first version of the game lacked parallax scrolling, moving clouds ([[Green Hill Zone]]), rippling water ([[Labyrinth Zone]]), a correct Level Select screen arrangement, and other minor details. The newer Japanese version included the details. The much later "JP2" version found in ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' was an officially hacked ROM which "fixed" the "[[Spike Bug]]".
 
  
 
[[Hivebrain]] has documented the changes between the first version and the newer Japanese version, which is provided below:
 
[[Hivebrain]] has documented the changes between the first version and the newer Japanese version, which is provided below:
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# Minor change to SolidObject subroutine [https://www.sonicretro.org/asm_svn/Sonic%201%20Disassembly/_incObj/sub%20SolidObject.asm].
 
# Minor change to SolidObject subroutine [https://www.sonicretro.org/asm_svn/Sonic%201%20Disassembly/_incObj/sub%20SolidObject.asm].
  
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==Miscellaneous==
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===GoodGen Version Index===
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===The Ribbon, Ring, and Stars===
 
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The distinctive "ribbon, ring, and star"-styled title screen used in the very first ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' game (and many installments in the series afterward) was something of a theme in early Sega games. The Sonic version is based on the title screen from the 1988 Sega arcade game ''[[sega:Wonder-Boy III: Monster Lair|Wonder-Boy III: Monster Lair]]'', which bears similarities to that of the 1986 Sega arcade game ''[[sega:Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars|Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars]]''.
 
  
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<center>[[Image:AlexKiddLostStars.png]] [[Image:Wb3_title.png]] [[Image:Sonic1_title.png]]</center>
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV 00) [!] - The standard first release of Sonic 1.
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV 01) [!] - Japanese-only version of Sonic 1, with graphical enhancements.
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==Sound Test==
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV XB) - Release with graphical enhancements and with the spike-bug fixed.
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Here is a list of the music featured in Sonic the Hedgehog, as it is located in the sound test, which
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) [p1][!] - Pirate version of Sonic 1, with copyrights, logos and serial number removed.
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can be accessed by entering the zone select code(Genesis version).
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) [p2][!] - Pirate version of Sonic 1, with copyrights and logos removed.
  
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*81: [[Green Hill Zone]]
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==Rereleases==
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*82: [[Labyrinth Zone]]
 
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*83: [[Marble Zone]]
 
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*84: [[Star Light Zone]]
 
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*85: [[Spring Yard Zone]]
 
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*86: [[Scrap Brain Zone]]
 
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*87: Invincibility
 
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*88: Extra Life
 
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*89: [[Special Stage]]
 
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*8A: Title Screen
 
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*8B: Ending Scene
 
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*8C: Boss Battle
 
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*8D: [[Final Zone]]
 
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*8E: Act Completion
 
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*8F: Game Over
 
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*90: Continue Screen
 
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*91: Credits
 
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*92: Drowning Warning
 
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*93: Emerald Collection
 
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==Manuals==
 
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) US Manual]]
 
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) JP Manual]]
 
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit) EU Manual]]
 
  
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==Also Released On==
 
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (arcade game)]]'' for [[Mega-Tech]] and [[Mega Play]]
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (arcade game)]]'' for [[Mega-Tech]] and [[Mega Play]]
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (LCD game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' for [[Tiger Electronics|Tiger]] LCD (1991)
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (LCD game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' for [[Tiger Electronics|Tiger]] LCD (1991)
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* ''[[Sega Smash Pack Vol. 1]]'' for the [[Sega Dreamcast]] (2000)
 
* ''[[Sega Smash Pack Vol. 1]]'' for the [[Sega Dreamcast]] (2000)
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] (2002)  
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] (2002)  
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**NOTE: ''Sonic Mega Collection'' has the World release, Japanese revision and "JP2" ("spike bug"fix hack) available to play.
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**NOTE: ''Sonic Mega Collection'' contains the original western release, the Japanese revision and "JP2" ("spike bug fix") available to play.
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[Sony PlayStation 2]] and [[Microsoft Xbox]] (2004)
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[Sony PlayStation 2]] and [[Microsoft Xbox]] (2004)
 
* ''[[Sega Genesis Collection Volume 1]]'' for the [[Play TV Legends]] (2004)
 
* ''[[Sega Genesis Collection Volume 1]]'' for the [[Play TV Legends]] (2004)
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Android)]]'' for Android mobile phone handsets (2011)
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Android)]]'' for Android mobile phone handsets (2011)
  
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==Production Credits==
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==Resources==
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Director ("Game Plan"): [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] (as "Carol Yas")<br/>
 
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Programmer: [[Yuji Naka]] (as "YU2")<br/>
 
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Character Artist ("Character Design"): [[Naoto Oshima]] (as "Big Island")<br/>
 
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Zone Artists ("Design"): [[Jina Ishiwatari]] (as "Jinya"), [[Rieko Kodama]] (as "Phenix Rie")<br/>
 
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Composer ("Sound Produce"): [[Masato Nakamura]]<br/>
 
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Sound Programmers: [[Hiroshi Kubota]] (as "Jimita"), [[Yukifumi Makino]] (as "Macky")<br/>
 
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Special Thanks: [[Fujio Minegishi]], "Papa"
 
  
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==GoodGen Versions==
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===ROM Modification===
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV 00) [!] - The standard first release of Sonic 1.
 
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV 01) [!] - Japanese-only version of Sonic 1, with graphical enhancements.
 
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV XB) - Release with graphical enhancements and with the spike-bug fixed.
 
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) [p1][!] - Pirate version of Sonic 1, with copyrights, logos and serial number removed.
 
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*Sonic the Hedgehog (W) [p2][!] - Pirate version of Sonic 1, with copyrights and logos removed.
 
  
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==Resources==
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====Disassemblies====
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===Sonic 1-Specific Hacking Utilities===
 
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(For more standard tools such as [[ESEII]] and [[SonED]], see ''[[Sonic Hacking Utilities]]''.)
 
  
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===Disassembly===
 
 
[[Disassemblies]] are like source codes. You can modify them how you want, reassemble them, and play it. Even though the ROM will be shifted, it will work because of labels.
 
[[Disassemblies]] are like source codes. You can modify them how you want, reassemble them, and play it. Even though the ROM will be shifted, it will work because of labels.
  
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* [http://svn.sonicretro.org/wsvn/CommunityDisassemblies/Sonic%201%20Disassembly/?op=dl&rev=0&isdir=1 Download the complete disassembly direct from the SVN]
 
* [http://svn.sonicretro.org/wsvn/CommunityDisassemblies/Sonic%201%20Disassembly/?op=dl&rev=0&isdir=1 Download the complete disassembly direct from the SVN]
  
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===Hacking Guides===
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====Hacking Guides====
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* [[SCHG:Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic Community Hacking Guide/Sonic the Hedgehog]]
 
* [[SCHG:Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic Community Hacking Guide/Sonic the Hedgehog]]
 
* [[SCHG:Nem s1|Nemesis' Sonic 1 ROM Hacking Guide]]
 
* [[SCHG:Nem s1|Nemesis' Sonic 1 ROM Hacking Guide]]
 
* [[SCHG:Nem s1ss|Nemesis' Sonic 1 Savestate Hacking Guide]]
 
* [[SCHG:Nem s1ss|Nemesis' Sonic 1 Savestate Hacking Guide]]
  
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===Original Sound Version Recordings===
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===Image Galleries===
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See [[Sonic the Hedgehog OSV]] for a download page.
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 +
====Physical Scans====
  
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===Physical Scans===
 
 
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<gallery>
 
Image:Sth_md_us_cover.jpg|US cover
 
Image:Sth_md_us_cover.jpg|US cover
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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===Artwork===
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====Artwork====
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<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Image:SSS SONICE .png
 
Image:SSS SONICE .png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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===Other media===
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==See Also==
  
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*[[Advertisements - Sonic the Hedgehog]]
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic]] - A three volume comic released in Japan used to advertise the game. Contained in the narrative are elements there were eventually changed or removed from the final product.
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*[[Articles - Sonic the Hedgehog]]
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (promotional comic)]] - A standalone story commissioned by Sega of America using the westernized story no longer considered canon.
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*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (promotional comic)]]
 
  
 +
==External Links==
 +
*[http://www.theghz.com/sonic/son1/son1.html http://www.theghz.com/sonic/son1/son1.html] - The page for ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' on [[The Green Hill Zone]].
 +
*[http://www.soniczone0.com/games/sonic1/backgroundinfo/ http://www.soniczone0.com/games/sonic1/backgroundinfo/] - A detailed look at the game ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' on the site [[Zone: 0]].
  
 
{{S1MDOmni}}
 
{{S1MDOmni}}
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{{SonicGenesisGames}}
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{{SonicVirtualConsole/WiiWareGames}}
 
{{SonicIDeviceGames}}
 
{{SonicIDeviceGames}}
 
{{SonicSteamGames}}
 
{{SonicSteamGames}}
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{{SonicVirtualConsole/WiiWareGames}}
 
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{{SonicGenesisGames}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Steam Games]]
 
[[Category:Steam Games]]

Revision as of 18:07, 19 March 2011

"Sonic 1" redirects here. For the Master System/Game Gear version, see Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit). For other games with the same title, see Sonic the Hedgehog (disambiguation).

n/a

Sonic1 title.png
Sonic the Hedgehog
System(s): Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
ROM size: 512 Kilobytes
Peripherals supported: N/A
Genre: 2D Platform

Sonic the Hedgehog (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ) is the first game in the long-running series by videogame publisher and former console maker Sega. First released in the United States on June 23rd, 1991, it was the premier outing for the character of Sonic the Hedgehog and the group behind his creation, Sonic Team. Though the game only received marginal success in its home country, almost overnight Sonic became a sensation in the west, solidifying Sega's place in Europe and turning the company into a household name in the United States.

For the first time, a company was able to directly compete with console and gamemaker Nintendo, which had dominated the second half of the 1980's. Though Nintendo still reigned supreme in Japan, the highly-contested 16-bit wars in the west was a marvel to behold, the big two being neck and neck through almost the entirety of the third generation of console gaming.

The game propelled the creators into the realm of videogame superstardom, programmer Yuji Naka for a time becoming the face of Sega much as Shigeru Miyamoto became the face of Nintendo after the success of Super Mario Bros. The franchise took off, with a version of the game being released on the Sega Master System and a series of sequels across Sega's various consoles over the years. It not only became the definitive title for the system and replaced Altered Beast as the pack-in title for the west, but would go on to be ported to no less than twenty platforms since its initial release.

Story

File:Sonic1 jp manual 08 09.gif
The story to Sonic the Hedgehog.

Somewhere in the ocean lies a mysterious island not found on any map, known by its inhabitants as South Island. The reason for it being absent is a simple, yet mysterious one: it does not have a fixed position, instead traveling through the seas on its own course. While the reason for this behavior is unknown, it is rumored that it may have something to do with the legendary gemstones the Chaos Emeralds. Though legend says they exist on the island, no one knows exactly where they are or how to get a hold of them. All they do know is of the incredible power they are said to contain, and how they can give energy to all living beings.

Learning of the existence of the Chaos Emeralds, the mad genius Dr. Eggman sets himself on a quest to locate the emeralds for his own use, wanting to harness their power for his many mechanical creations. With the plan in motion, Eggman creates his base in a corner of the island, which he dubs the Scrap Brain Zone. However, he is aware that his evil plans will more than likely be interfered by Sonic the Hedgehog.

Though not a native of the island, Sonic the Hedgehog would often find himself on its mystical shores, and more than once had he run into the evil doctor, foiling an untold number of schemes. Just as Eggman predicted, in no time at all the blue hedgehog learns of the doctor's intentions, running at sonic-speed to confront him.

It doesn't take long for Sonic to realize that something is amiss, and is shocked to learned that Eggman has gone a step further with his evil intentions. Kidnapping the many animals living on the island, he has methodically been placing them in robot shells and using them to scour the island in search of the emeralds. Realizing that Eggman has turned Sonic's friends into his own personal mechanical army, Sonic wastes no time. Running across the island, he must not only stop Eggman's latest scheme and gather the Chaos Emeralds, but free his friends in the process.

"Hurry! Sonic the Hedgehog - everyone is waiting for your help!"

Game Mechanics

Gameplay

Sonic the Hedgehog facing against his arch-rival, Dr. Eggman.

At its heart, Sonic the Hedgehog is a platformer. Taken from the same mold as platformers previous, Sonic Team was able to make the experience unique enough to rise it above the numerous Super Mario clones that had polluted the market. Becoming the standard for the Mega Drive, the game was also developed to showcase the potential of the system, creating a game that is simple to pick up but complex and engaging underneath.

Broken up into six "Zones" with three "Acts" each (and a final boss confrontation at the end), the game operates under a very basic platforming premise: to traverse across each level under a certain amount of time (in this case ten minutes) and overcome whatever enemies and obstacles may be in your way. The flow of each world presents an interesting duality in terms of playthrough. While it is possible to go through each act slow and methodically, it is just as simple to run through the zone as fast as possible, playing for the shortest time as opposed to the highest score. Featuring multiple pathways and plenty of secret areas, the eighteen main courses were created specifically with replayability in mind, Game Director Hirokazu Yasuhara wanting more than a basic arcade experience but instead a game that could stand the test of time.

Thanks to the efforts of Yuji Naka, the engine for which Sonic the Hedgehog is powered focuses not only on the potential speed for the character, but establishes the physics for the world as well. Being one part "pinball" and one part "momentum," the movement of Sonic depends just as much on the unique terrain of each level as it does on the input of the player. When it comes to the now-iconic set pieces of loop-de-loops and curved slopes, Sonic can only run through them if he has built up enough momentum to traverse through it. Running on curved slopes, a player can press downward on the control pad, allowing Sonic to curl up into a ball and gain tremendous speed - the steeper the slope, the higher the max speed at the end. Even the angles for which Sonic bounces off bumpers and springs are determined by the values within, making the Sonic experience unique from what other games were presenting at the time.

Sonic the Hedgehog rolling downward in Spring Yard Zone.

In terms of the moveset, the original Sonic the Hedgehog chooses to keep it simple. A secondary button is not needed to increase Sonic's speed, only time. Each of the three buttons on the Mega Drive controller were mapped to the same action, giving the player the power to make Sonic jump up, curling into a ball in the process. With this spin attack, Sonic can break an enemy from any angle, provided a spiked surface or a fire projectile is not in the way. He can also curl into this ball from on the ground, but can only remain as long as there is some momentum behind it. Once Sonic slows down, he is forced to return to his classic standing pose.

Scattered throughout each level are also a variety of items, the most famous of these being the spinning golden rings. While collecting one hundred of these will award Sonic with an extra life, they serve a much more important function. As long as Sonic has at least one in his possession, he can not be killed by an enemy or spikes, though he can still succumb to crushing and drowning. Being hit while having rings causes them to scatter, making Sonic temporarily invincible to give the player time to recover and try to collect the scattered rings before they disappear.

Another prominent item featured in each zone are the variety of monitors in the game. Resembling computer monitors, each give Sonic a different reward depending on the image inside. If a ring is pictured, for instance, the player gets an extra ten rings added to their ring count. If a group of stars is seen, Sonic is awarded with temporary invincibility. A shoe icon allows the character to run even faster than what can normally be achieved, and a shield icon gives Sonic a barrier that will protect him from a hit, either maintaining his ring count or not killing the player if no rings are available. Though not as abundant as monitors, another common item found on the playfield are Lamp Posts, allowing Sonic to start at that point in the level in the case of the player losing a life, as opposed to starting the act from the beginning again. These, along with springs, spikes, and bumpers, create a landscape that would be featured again and again within the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Dr. Eggman taunting the player when you complete the game without all six Chaos Emeralds.

At the end of the first two acts, a signpost with Eggman's face is there to greet you, running by it and making it turn to Sonic's profile signaling your victory. However, at the end of each third act, the player is greeted with an appearance from the main antagonist in his Eggpod craft, each time modified to present the player with a new challenge. Needing eight hits to be defeated, the doctor scurries away, allowing Sonic to jump on the animal capsule and freeing his friends, signaling the end of that particular zone.

There is another element to the gameplay only accessible at the end of the first two acts of each zone, provided the player has fifty rings. Instead of just the standard sign post, a Giant Ring appears to the right, floating silently just as the standard rings do. If Sonic jumps into the ring in time, he will be transported to the Special Stage, a maze rotating 360 degrees. If traversed correctly, the player will be rewarded with a Chaos Emerald. Though not essential in a basic runthrough, collecting all six emeralds is the only way to witness the true ending to the game. If not done, Eggman will taunt you at the end, the game asking you to "try again."

Graphical Style

The graphical style of Sonic the Hedgehog was extremely impressive for its time, especially for the Mega Drive hardware (the Super Nintendo technically superior in terms of graphic capabilities). With a color pallette expanded beyond what 8-bit systems could do, each zone was given a unique and rich look. The graphical style was inspired by the then-new world of Computer Generated graphics, the visuals of the Green Hill Zone being the most prime example. Even the sprites of Sonic, Eggman, the enemies and the rings reflected on this, each richly animated object jumping out on the screen. While other games of the era can look dated, Sonic the Hedgehog has been able to maintain a timeless feel, emphasized by the visual work of Naoto Ohshima and the fact the original game still sells, albeit on modern hardware.

Music and Sound

Utilizing the onboard Zilog Z80 and Yamaha YM2612 synthesizer sound chip, Sonic the Hedgehog was able to create a sound that was also unique, the jumps, springs, and ring collecting sounds being an intergral part of the Sonic experience. The sounds created by the team would be reused in subsequent entries, the classic ring sound still being heard with each new Sonic game. The music to the game, composed by DREAMS COME TRUE artist Masato Nakamura, also became a highly praised game soundtrack. The first two songs written, the Green Hill Zone theme and the title screen theme, would be alluded to in subsequent games, becoming the quintessential score of Sonic the Hedgehog. The popularity of the soundtrack has also made it a standard in live videogame music performance tours such as Video Games Live and Play! A Video Game Symphony.

Scoring

The following is an explanation on how the scoring process works within the game:

Hitting bumpers: 10 points for each of the first ten hits on any given bumper; after that no more points can be gained from that bumper

Hitting enemies: (a chain refers to all enemies destroyed until the next time Sonic lands on some form of ground)

  • First enemy in a chain = 100
  • Second enemy in a chain = 200
  • Third enemy in a chain = 500
  • Fourth through 15th enemies in a chain = 1000 each
  • 16th and all subsequent enemies in a chain = 10000 each

Destroying a Dr. Eggman boss robot: 1000 points

Ring bonus at end of level: 100 points for each ring held

Time bonus at end of level:

  • Game clock reads 0:29 or less = 50000
  • Game clock reads 0:30 to 0:44 = 10000
  • Game clock reads 0:45 to 0:59 = 5000
  • Game clock reads 1:00 to 1:29 = 4000
  • Game clock reads 1:30 to 1:59 = 3000
  • Game clock reads 2:00 to 2:59 = 2000
  • Game clock reads 3:00 to 3:59 = 1000
  • Game clock reads 4:00 to 4:59 = 500
  • Game clock reads 5:00 or more = 0

End-of-level flags: On the screen where the goal post stands, there are sometimes flags you can trigger. These flags are hidden, but if you hit them they will appear and show either 100, 1000, or 10000. The flags that say "100" are really only worth 10 points each, but the 1000 and 10000 flags report their values accurately.

Special stage: 100 points for each ring held

Sound Test

Below is a listing of the songs available to played through the sound test within the game, accessible through the level select code. For the songs themselves, visit the Sonic the Hedgehog OSV.

Production Credits

Director ("Game Plan"): Hirokazu Yasuhara (as "Carol Yas")
Programmer: Yuji Naka (as "YU2")
Character Artist ("Character Design"): Naoto Oshima (as "Big Island")
Zone Artists ("Design"): Jina Ishiwatari (as "Jinya"), Rieko Kodama (as "Phenix Rie")
Composer ("Sound Produce"): Masato Nakamura
Sound Programmers: Hiroshi Kubota (as "Jimita"), Yukifumi Makino (as "Macky")
Special Thanks: Fujio Minegishi, "Papa"

Manuals

Miscellaneous

The Ribbon, Ring and Stars

The distinctive "ribbon, ring, and star"-styled title screen used in the first Sonic the Hedgehog and subsequent installments was something of a theme in early Sega games. The Sonic version is based on the title screen from the 1988 Sega arcade game Wonder-Boy III: Monster Lair, which bears similarities to that of the 1986 Sega arcade game Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars.

File:AlexKiddLostStars.png File:Wb3 title.png Sonic1 title.png

Game Revisions

The original release of the game lacked parallax scrolling, moving clouds (Green Hill Zone), rippling water (Labyrinth Zone), a correct Level Select screen arrangement, and other minor details. These effects were added in the later Japanese release, known as REV01. The much later "JP2" version found in Sonic Mega Collection was an officially hacked ROM which "fixed" the "Spike Bug".

Hivebrain has documented the changes between the first version and the newer Japanese version, which is provided below:

  1. "clr.l" used instead of "move.l #0" in ClearScreen.
  2. Garbage removed from CalcSine.
  3. "TM" on Sega screen is hidden if the console is Japanese.
  4. "TM" on title screen isn't loaded if the console is Japanese.
  5. AddPoints gives you an extra life for every 50000 points.
  6. Level select stage order is correct.
  7. Level select code is UDDDLR (instead of UDLR) if the console is Japanese.
  8. Moved restart level flag check in Level_MainLoop.
  9. Added background scroll check to LZWaterFeatures.
  10. d2 is cleared in a slightly different way in MoveSonicInDemo.
  11. Added gamemode check in SS_MainLoop.
  12. Tidied EndSTH (obj89).
  13. Layer scrolling changed.
  14. Tile drawing changed.
  15. Stuff added to DLE_MZ1.
  16. Blank frame added to rings mappings [1].
  17. Added check in monitor contents item to prevent interruption of drowning music [2].
  18. Lamppost time is cleared after game over (obj39).
  19. Tidied MarbleBrick (obj46).
  20. Tidied FloatingBlock (obj56).
  21. Minor change to DrownCount (obj0A).
  22. Changes to Caterkiller (obj78).
  23. Minor change to Labyrinth boss (obj77).
  24. Minor changes to Final boss (obj85), including 1000 point bonus for killing it.
  25. Ending sequence debug list changed.
  26. Some unneeded things removed from Pattern Load Cues.
  27. Sega logo graphics and mappings slightly different.
  28. Unused graphics data removed.
  29. MZ & SBZ 256x256 tiles modified.
  30. SS5 & SS6 layouts modified.
  31. SYZ background modified.
  32. Minor change to SolidObject subroutine [3].

GoodGen Version Index

  • Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV 00) [!] - The standard first release of Sonic 1.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV 01) [!] - Japanese-only version of Sonic 1, with graphical enhancements.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (W) (REV XB) - Release with graphical enhancements and with the spike-bug fixed.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (W) [p1][!] - Pirate version of Sonic 1, with copyrights, logos and serial number removed.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (W) [p2][!] - Pirate version of Sonic 1, with copyrights and logos removed.

Rereleases

Resources

ROM Modification

Disassemblies

Disassemblies are like source codes. You can modify them how you want, reassemble them, and play it. Even though the ROM will be shifted, it will work because of labels.

Hacking Guides

Image Galleries

Physical Scans

  • US cover

  • US cart

  • US Not for Resale cover

  • US Not for Resale cart

  • US 'Sega Classic' cover

  • CA cover

  • EU/AU cover

  • EU cart

  • JP cover

  • JP cart

  • BR cover

  • BR cart

Artwork

  • SSS SONICE .png

See Also

  • Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic - A three volume comic released in Japan used to advertise the game. Contained in the narrative are elements there were eventually changed or removed from the final product.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (promotional comic) - A standalone story commissioned by Sega of America using the westernized story no longer considered canon.

External Links


Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)
Sonic1 title.png

Main page (Gen|2013|3D|Ages)
Comparisons (Gen) (2013)
Maps (2013)
Achievements
Credits

Manuals
Promotional material
Magazine articles (Gen)
Video coverage
Reception (Gen)
Merchandise

Development
Hidden content (Gen) (2013)
Bugs (Gen)
Region coding
Hacking guide
Bootlegs
show;hide
  • Levels
  • Enemies
  • Bosses
  • Prereleases
  • Media
Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems
Sega Mega Drive

Sega Mega-CD
Sega 32X
  1991  Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic Eraser     1992  Sonic the Hedgehog 2     1993  Sonic the Hedgehog CD | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine | Sonic Spinball     1994  Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sonic & Knuckles     1995  Chaotix | Sonic Classics     1996  Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island    
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    

Template:SonicIDeviceGames

filler
Steam
  2010  Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic Spinball | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine | Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island | Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing     2011  Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles | Sonic Adventure | Sonic Generations     2012  Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I | Sonic the Hedgehog CD | Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II | Sonic Adventure 2     2013  Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed     2015  Sonic Lost World     2017  Sonic Mania | Sonic Forces     2019  Team Sonic Racing     2022  Sonic Origins | Sonic Frontiers     2023  Sonic Colours: Ultimate | The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic Superstars     2024  Sonic X Shadow Generations    
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