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

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=Sonic 1 MS title.png
 
| bobscreen=Sonic 1 MS title.png
 +
| bobscreen2=Sonic1 GG Title.png
 +
| tab1=Master System
 +
| tab2=Game Gear
 
| title=Sonic the Hedgehog
 
| title=Sonic the Hedgehog
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| developer=[[Sega]], [[Ancient]]
 
| developer=[[Sega]], [[Ancient]]
 
| system=[[Sega Game Gear]], [[Sega Master System]]
 
| system=[[Sega Game Gear]], [[Sega Master System]]
| releases=
+
| genre=Action
{{release|SMS|US|1991-10-25}}
+
| players=1
{{release|SMS|EU|1991-10-25|£29.99 {{fileref|CVG UK 121.pdf|page=34}}|7076}}
+
| releases={{releases
{{release|SMS|AU}}
+
| sms_date_eu=1991-10-25
{{release|SMS|BR|1991-10-25}}
+
| sms_code_eu=7076
{{release|SMS|KR|||GB-2012}}
+
| sms_date_uk=1991-10-25
{{release|GG|JP|1991-12-28|¥3,800|G-3307}}
+
| sms_code_uk=7076
{{release|GG|JP (Meisaku)|1993||G-3334}}
+
| sms_rrp_uk=29.99{{fileref|CVG UK 121.pdf|page=34}}
{{release|GG|US|1991-12||2408}}
+
| sms_date_us=1991-10-25
{{release|GG|EU|1991-12|£29.99}}
+
| sms_rrp_us=29.95{{fileref|GamePro US 029.pdf|page=110}}
{{release|GG|BR|||013550}}
+
| sms_date_au=199x
{{release|VC|US|2008-08-04|500 points|}}
+
| sms_date_br=1992-01{{fileref|Supergame BR 08.pdf|page=43}}
{{release|VC|JP|2008-08-05|500 points|}}
+
| sms_date_kr=199x
{{release|VC|EU|2008-09-19|500 points|}}
+
| sms_code_kr=GB-2012
| romsize=256kB
+
| sms_date_pt=1991
| genre=2D Platform
+
| sms_code_pt=MSJ7076
|esrb=e|pegi=3|cero=free|usk=0|oflc=g8|grb=a
+
| sms_date_cs=1992
 +
| sms_rrp_cs=882 CSK
 +
 
 +
| gg_date_eu=1991-12
 +
| gg_code_eu=2408
 +
| gg_date_uk=1991-12
 +
| gg_code_uk=2408
 +
| gg_rrp_uk=29.99{{fileref|ACE UK 54.pdf|page=87}}
 +
| gg_date_us=1991-12
 +
| gg_code_us=2408
 +
| 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_rrp_jp=3,800
 +
| gg_date_jp_Meisaku=1993-12-10
 +
| gg_code_jp_Meisaku=G-3334
 +
| gg_date_br=1992-02{{fileref|Supergame BR 07.pdf|page=29}}
 +
| gg_code_br=013550
 +
 
 +
| vc_date_jp=2008-08-05{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20180306233554/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/08.html}}
 +
| vc_rrp_jp=500{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20080807001222/http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_ms_sonic/}}
 +
| vc_rating_jp=a
 +
| vc_date_us=2008-08-04{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101123003618/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/y0VeAVFtYXeter7r2F5Hkl-WSXgPIAAP}}
 +
| vc_rrp_us=500{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101123003618/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/y0VeAVFtYXeter7r2F5Hkl-WSXgPIAAP}}
 +
| vc_rating_us=e
 +
| vc_date_eu=2008-09-19{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170704131009/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/mastersystem/sonic_the_hedgehog}}
 +
| vc_rrp_eu=500{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170704131009/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/mastersystem/sonic_the_hedgehog}}
 +
| vc_date_au=2008-09
 +
| vc_rrp_au=600{{ref|1=http://web.archive.org/web/20120328011110/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=42&prod_id=19903&pageID=4}}
 +
| vc_rating_au=g
 +
 
 +
| vc3ds_date_jp=2013-12-04{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20140406071735/http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_jp=286 (''300''){{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20140406071735/http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/}}
 +
| vc3ds_rating_jp=a
 +
| vc3ds_date_us=2013-06-07{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130616163220/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/4lFd-f60QAnio7SNDl4scM2mr7uUexvw}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_us=4.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130616163220/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/4lFd-f60QAnio7SNDl4scM2mr7uUexvw}}
 +
| vc3ds_rating_us=e
 +
| vc3ds_date_eu=2013-06-13{{ref|https://archive.is/VhYwa|https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-764867.html}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_eu=4.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214238/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog}}
 +
| vc3ds_rating_eu=3
 +
| vc3ds_date_uk=2013-06-13{{ref|https://archive.is/eX3VI|https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-764867.html}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_uk=4.49{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214238/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog}}
 +
| vc3ds_rating_uk=3
 +
| vc3ds_date_de=2013-06-13{{ref|https://archive.is/CEx7j|https://www.nintendo.de/Spiele/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-764867.html}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_de=4.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909214238/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog}}
 +
| vc3ds_rating_de=6
 +
}}
 +
|cero=free|oflc=g8|grb=a
 
}}
 
}}
 
'''''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.
 
'''''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.
  
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.
+
The 8-bit ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is a very loose "port" of 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 an 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==
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 (8-bit)|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 (8-bit)|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.
+
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 (8-bit)|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 (8-bit)|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==
 
==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: [[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 [[Zone]]s. The [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 8-bit)|Special Stages]] exist merely as a bonus stage where players can collect [[Continue]]s 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 [[Ring]]s. 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:
 +
{| style="width:auto;"
 +
|style="text-align:center;"|{{SpriteImage|Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=32|crop_width=32}}
 +
|'''[[Dr. Eggman]]:''' No prize is awarded. This panel comes up most often in the game, provided the player's Ring count is below 50.
 +
|-
 +
|style="text-align:center;"|{{SpriteImage|Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=64|crop_width=32}}
 +
|'''[[Ring]]:''' 10 Rings are added to the player's 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 (8-bit)|Scrap Brain Zone]], nor in [[Sky Base Zone]] Act 1. However, it always appears in Sky Base Zone Act 2.
 +
|-
 +
|style="text-align:center;"|{{SpriteImage|Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=96|crop_width=32}}
 +
|'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]:''' Extra life. Comes up rarely, only if the player ends the Act with an amount of Rings that varies from Act to Act.
 +
|-
 +
|style="text-align:center;"|{{SpriteImage|Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png|crop_x=128|crop_width=32}}
 +
|'''Exclamation Point:''' Warp to the [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 8-bit)|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.
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Scoring===
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
'''Enemies:''' 100 points.
 +
 +
'''End Level Ring Bonus:''' 100 points for each Ring held at the end of an Act. Because the Ring counter resets past 99, the maximum possible bonus is 9,900.
  
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.
+
'''End Level Time Bonus:'''
 +
*0:19 or less = 300,000
 +
*0:20 = 200,000
 +
*0:21 = 100,000
 +
*0:22 = 80,000
 +
*0:23 = 50,000
 +
*0:24 = 40,000
 +
*0:25 to 0:29 = 30,000
 +
*0:30 to 0:59 = 10,000
 +
*1:00 to 1:29 = 5,000
 +
*1:30 to 1:59 = 3,000
 +
*2:00 to 2:29 = 1,000
 +
*2:30 to 2:59 = 500
 +
*3:00 to 4:59 = 100
 +
*5:00 or more = 0
  
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.
+
'''Chaos Emerald Bonus:''' 20,000 points for each Chaos Emerald collected, awarded at the end of the game.
  
===Rings===
+
'''Sonic Left Bonus:''' 5,000 points for each life remaining at the end of the game.
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.
+
 
 +
'''Special Bonus:''' Miscellaneous bonus points awarded at the end of the game for certain achievements. The maximum possible Special Bonus is 500,000. The achievements and their bonuses are as follows:
 +
*50,000 points for collecting all 6 Chaos Emeralds.
 +
*50,000 points for collecting all 18 1-Up monitors (Special Stage 1-Up monitors don't count).
 +
*50,000 points for playing all 8 Special Stages.
 +
*50,000 points for completing all 8 Special Stages.
 +
*100,000 points for not losing any lives.
 +
*200,000 points for achieving all of the above.
 +
</div>
  
===End Level Panel===
+
==Comparisons==
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:
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Comparisons}}
* '''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==
 
==Differences between the Master System and Game Gear versions==
Line 55: Line 150:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Manuals==
+
==Versions==
{{main|Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) manuals}}
+
===Also released on===
<gallery>
+
* ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[GameCube]] and [[PC]] (Game Gear) (2003-2004)
Sonic1 SMS EU manual.pdf|Master System, EU
+
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox]], and [[PC]] (Game Gear) (2004-2005)
Sonic SMS AU Manual.pdf|Master System, AU
 
Sonic SMS BR Manual.pdf|Master System, BR
 
Sonic1 GG US manual.pdf|Game Gear, US
 
Sonic1 GG EU manual.pdf|Game Gear, EU
 
Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf|Game Gear, JP
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
==Also Released On==
 
* ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[GameCube]] (Game Gear) (2003)
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox]], and [[PC]] (Game Gear) (2004)
 
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Super Monkey Ball Deluxe]]'' for the [[Xbox]] (Game Gear) (2005)
 
* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Super Monkey Ball Deluxe]]'' for the [[Xbox]] (Game Gear) (2005)
 
* [[Virtual Console]] on [[Wii]] (Master System) (2008)
 
* [[Virtual Console]] on [[Wii]] (Master System) (2008)
* [[Tectoy Master System 3]] for the [[Tectoy]] Plug and play console (2008)
+
* [[Tectoy Master System 3]] for the [[Tectoy]] Plug and play console (Master System) (2008)
* ''[[Sega Fun Pack: Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] (2009)
+
* ''[[Sega Fun Pack: Sonic Mega Collection Plus & Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] (Game Gear) (2009)
* ''[[Sonic PC Collection]]'' for the PC (2009)
+
* ''[[Sonic PC Collection]]'' for the PC (Game Gear) (2009)
 
* ''[[Virtual Console]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] (Game Gear) (2013)
 
* ''[[Virtual Console]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] (Game Gear) (2013)
 +
* [[sega:Game Gear Micro|Game Gear Micro]], black model (Game Gear) (2020)
  
==Production Credits==
+
==Production credits==
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
===Master System Version===
+
{{creditstable|
Sonic the Hedgehog Original Character Design: [[Sega|©Sega]]<br/>
+
===Master System version===
~Staff~<br/>
+
Sonic the Hedgehog Original Character Design: [[Sega|©Sega]]
Game Program: Shinobu Hayashi<br/>
+
{{creditsheader|Programming}}
Graphic Design: [[sega:Ayano Koshiro|Ayano Koshiro]], Takefuni Yunoue<br/>
+
* '''Game Program:''' [[sega:Shinobu Hayashi|Shinobu Hayashi]]
Sound Produce: [[Masato Nakamura]]<br/>
+
{{creditsheader|Art}}
Rearrange and Original Music: [[Yuzo Koshiro]]<br/>
+
*'''Graphic Design:''' [[sega:Ayano Koshiro|Ayano Koshiro]], Takefuni Yunoue
Special Thanks: [[sega:Yoshio Yoshida|Yoshio Y]], Lunarian SG<br/>
+
{{creditsheader|Sound}}
Presented by: [[Sega]]
+
* '''Sound Produce:''' [[Masato Nakamura]]
 +
*'''Rearrange and Original Music:''' [[Yuzo Koshiro]]
 +
{{creditsheader|Special Thanks}}
 +
*'''Special Thanks:''' [[sega:Yoshio Yoshida|Yoshio Y]], Lunarian SG
 +
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
  
 +
===Game Gear version===
 +
{{creditsheader|Programming}}
 +
*'''Game Programmer:''' [[sega:Shinobu Hayashi|Shinobu "Machine" Hayashi]]
 +
{{creditsheader|Art}}
 +
*'''Graphic Designers:''' [[sega:Ayano Koshiro|Ayano Koshiro]], Takefuni Yunoue
 +
{{creditsheader|Sound}}
 +
*'''Sound Producer:''' [[Masato Nakamura]]
 +
*'''Re-Arranging and Original Music:''' [[Yuzo Koshiro]]
 +
{{creditsheader|Special Thanks}}
 +
*'''Special Thanks:''' [[sega:Yoshio Yoshida|Yoshio Y]], Lunarian SG
 +
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
 +
|source=In-game credits
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
===Game Gear Version===
+
==Manuals==
Game Programmer: Shinobu "Machine" Hayashi<br/>
+
{{main|Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)/Manuals}}
Graphic Designers: [[sega:Ayano Koshiro|Ayano Koshiro]], Takefuni Yunoue<br/>
 
Sound Producer: [[Masato Nakamura]]<br/>
 
Re-Arranging and Original Music: [[Yuzo Koshiro]]<br/>
 
Special Thanks: [[sega:Yoshio Yoshida|Yoshio Y]], Lunarian SG<br/>
 
Presented by: [[Sega]]
 
}}
 
  
 
==Artwork==
 
==Artwork==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
SSS SONICE .png
+
Sonic1.png
 
SSS SONICG .png
 
SSS SONICG .png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Physcial Scans=
+
==Physical scans==
 
===Master System version===
 
===Master System version===
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|SMS}}
| icon=SMS
 
| cvg=90
 
| cvg_source={{num|121|page=34/35/36}}
 
| gamesx=100
 
| gamesx_source={{num|30}}
 
| gz=90
 
| gz_source={{num|3|page=47}}
 
| mm=90
 
| mm_source=[http://www.meanmachinesmag.co.uk/review/237/sonic-the-hedgehog.php {{num|15|page=136/137/138}}]
 
| mms=90
 
| mms_source=[http://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File%3AMeanMachinesSega01UK.pdf&page=136 {{num|1|page=136}}]
 
| sfuk=95
 
| sfuk_source=[http://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File%3ASegaForce01UK.pdf&page=28 {{num|1|page=28/29}}]
 
| smf=92
 
| smf_source=[http://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File%3ASegaMasterForce02.pdf&page=12 {{num|2|page=12}}]
 
| segapower=96
 
| segapower_source=[[Review - Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) (Sega Power, February 1992)|#27 Pg 23/24/25]]
 
| segapower_1=100
 
| segapower_source_1=[https://archive.org/stream/SegaPower46Sep1993/SegaPower%2046%20Sep%201993#page/n99/mode/2up {{num|46|page=101}}]
 
| segapro=96
 
| segapro_source={{num|2|page=56/57}}
 
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=EU
+
| region=EU/US
| front=Sonic1ms-box-eu.jpg
+
| cover=Sonic1ms-box-eu.jpg
 
| cart=Sth ms eu cart.jpg
 
| cart=Sth ms eu cart.jpg
 
| manual=Sonic1 SMS EU manual.pdf
 
| manual=Sonic1 SMS EU manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=AU
+
| region=FR (Blister pack)
| front=Sonic_SMS_AU_Cover.jpg
+
| front=Sonic1 SMS FR blister front.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=PT
 +
| cover=
 +
| manual=MS_Sonic_ver1_PT.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=AU (NIAL sticker)
 +
| cover=Sonic1 SMS AU nial cover.jpg
 
| cart=Sonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
 
| cart=Sonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
 
| cartback=Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpg
 
| cartback=Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpg
 
| carttop=Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
 
| carttop=Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
 
| manual=Sonic SMS AU Manual.pdf
 
| manual=Sonic SMS AU Manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=AU (NIAL/Hotline stickers)
 +
| cover=Sonic1 SMS AU hotline cover.jpg
 +
| cart=Sonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
 +
| cartback=Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpg
 +
| carttop=Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=AU (Hotline/bonus/Sega stickers)
 +
| cover=Sonic1 SMS AU sega cover.jpg
 +
| cart=Sonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
 +
| cartback=Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpg
 +
| carttop=Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=AU (Hotline/bonus stickers)
 +
| cover=Sonic1 SMS AU bonus cover.jpg
 +
| cart=Sonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
 +
| cartback=Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpg
 +
| carttop=Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=AU (Classics)
 +
| cover=Sonic_SMS_AU_Cover.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=AU<br>(Blue cartridge variant)
 
| region=AU<br>(Blue cartridge variant)
| front=
+
| cover=
 
| cart=Sth ms aus cart.jpg
 
| cart=Sth ms aus cart.jpg
 
| manual=
 
| manual=
Line 152: Line 262:
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=BR
 
| region=BR
| front=Sonic1_ms_br_cover.jpg
+
| cover=Sonic1_ms_br_cover.jpg
 
| cart=Sonic1smsbrcart.jpg
 
| cart=Sonic1smsbrcart.jpg
 
| manual=Sonic SMS BR Manual.pdf
 
| manual=Sonic SMS BR Manual.pdf
Line 158: Line 268:
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=KR
 
| region=KR
| front=
+
| cover=
| cart=
+
| cart=MS_SONIC_KR_CART.jpg
 
| manual=
 
| manual=
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Game Gear version===
 
===Game Gear version===
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|GG}}
| icon=GG
 
| ace=80
 
| ace_source={{num|54|page=87}}
 
| cvg=93
 
| cvg_source={{num|122|page=Go!6/7}}
 
| gz=94
 
| gz_source={{num|5|page=54}}
 
| segapower=94
 
| segapower_source=[[Review - Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) (Sega Power, April 1992)|#29 Pg 47]]
 
| segapro=96
 
| segapro_source=[[Review - Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) (Sega Pro, February 1992)|#4 Pg 60]]
 
| sfuk=89
 
| sfuk_source={{num|3|page=28}}
 
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=US
 
| front=Sonic1gg-box-us.jpg
 
| back=Sonic1gg-box-us-back.jpg
 
| spine=
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| cart=Sth gg us cart.jpg
 
| manual=Sonic1 GG US manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=EU
 
| front=Sonic1gg-box-eu.jpg
 
| back=Sonic1gg-box-eu back.jpg
 
| spine=
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| cart=S1-gg-eu-cart.jpg
 
| manual=Sonic1 GG EU manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=JP
 
| region=JP
Line 206: Line 284:
 
| cart=S1 gg jp cart.jpg
 
| cart=S1 gg jp cart.jpg
 
| top=Sonic 1 GG JP Top.jpg
 
| top=Sonic 1 GG JP Top.jpg
 +
| square=yes
 
| manual=Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf
 
| manual=Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
Line 214: Line 293:
 
| spine=
 
| spine=
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 
| cart=S1 gg jp cart2.jpg
 
| cart=S1 gg jp cart2.jpg
 
| manual=
 
| manual=
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Game Gear
 +
| region=US
 +
| front=Sonic1gg-box-us.jpg
 +
| back=Sonic1gg-box-us-back.jpg
 +
| spine=
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=Sth gg us cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Sonic1 GG US manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Game Gear
 +
| region=EU
 +
| front=Sonic1gg-box-eu.jpg
 +
| back=Sonic1gg-box-eu back.jpg
 +
| spine=
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=S1-gg-eu-cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Sonic1 GG EU manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=BR
 
| region=BR
 
| front=Sonic1_gg_br_cover.jpg
 
| front=Sonic1_gg_br_cover.jpg
| cart=
+
| cart=Sonic1 GG BR Cart.jpg
| manual=
+
| manual=Sonic1 GG BR manual.pdf
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Game Gear
 +
| region=PT
 +
| front=
 +
| manual=Sonic1 GG PT manual.pdf
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Technical information==
 +
===ROM dump status===
 +
{{romtable|
 +
{{rom|SMS|sha1=6b9677e4a9abb37765d6db4658f4324251807e07|md5=dc13a61eafe75c13c15b5ece419ac57b|crc32=b519e833|size=256KB|date=1991|source=Cartridge|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 +
{{rom|GG|sha1=8923295c96b2e05da0a83a827fd709b033fc7332|md5=8a95b36139206a5ba13a38bb626aee25|crc32=3e31cb8c|size=256KB|date=1991|source=Cartridge|comments=v1.0|quality=|prototype=}}
 +
{{rom|GG|sha1=7dbbbca2229e74fcb8f90ec794aa6e5cb168e489|md5=b1de7027824c434ce8de59782705f5c9|crc32=d163356e|size=256KB|date=1991|source=Cartridge|comments=v1.1|quality=good|prototype=}}
 +
{{rom|GG|sha1=7ff6810e4ac03e04584243995c3fd54b77896c23|md5=05d0e3897cb2b6e08c2952730d2c80c1|crc32=816c0a1e|size=256KB|date=1991|source=Cartridge|comments=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear prototype)|Prototype]]|quality=good|prototype=yes|file=Sonic The Hedgehog (GG Proto).rar}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
* [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_ms_sonic/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese)]
 
* [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_ms_sonic/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese)]
 +
* [http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/ Sega of Japan 3DS Virtual Console page]
 +
* Nintendo catalogue pages: Wii Virtual Console: [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/sonic-the-hedgehog-wii US], [http://web.archive.org/web/20120328011110/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=42&prod_id=19903&pageID=4 AU]; Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console: [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000017033 JP], [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/sonic-the-hedgehog-3ds/ US], [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-764867.html UK]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 16:31, 27 July 2021

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] ?
PEGI: 3+
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
UK
2013-06-13[16] £4.49[15] ?
PEGI: 3+
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
DE
2013-06-13[17] €4.99[15] ?
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" of 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 an 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:

Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Dr. Eggman: No prize is awarded. This panel comes up most often in the game, provided the player's Ring count is below 50.
Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Ring: 10 Rings are added to the player's 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.
Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Sonic: Extra life. Comes up rarely, only if the player ends the Act with an amount of Rings that varies from Act to Act.
Sonic1 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Exclamation Point: Warp to the 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.

Scoring

Enemies: 100 points.

End Level Ring Bonus: 100 points for each Ring held at the end of an Act. Because the Ring counter resets past 99, the maximum possible bonus is 9,900.

End Level Time Bonus:

  • 0:19 or less = 300,000
  • 0:20 = 200,000
  • 0:21 = 100,000
  • 0:22 = 80,000
  • 0:23 = 50,000
  • 0:24 = 40,000
  • 0:25 to 0:29 = 30,000
  • 0:30 to 0:59 = 10,000
  • 1:00 to 1:29 = 5,000
  • 1:30 to 1:59 = 3,000
  • 2:00 to 2:29 = 1,000
  • 2:30 to 2:59 = 500
  • 3:00 to 4:59 = 100
  • 5:00 or more = 0

Chaos Emerald Bonus: 20,000 points for each Chaos Emerald collected, awarded at the end of the game.

Sonic Left Bonus: 5,000 points for each life remaining at the end of the game.

Special Bonus: Miscellaneous bonus points awarded at the end of the game for certain achievements. The maximum possible Special Bonus is 500,000. The achievements and their bonuses are as follows:

  • 50,000 points for collecting all 6 Chaos Emeralds.
  • 50,000 points for collecting all 18 1-Up monitors (Special Stage 1-Up monitors don't count).
  • 50,000 points for playing all 8 Special Stages.
  • 50,000 points for completing all 8 Special Stages.
  • 100,000 points for not losing any lives.
  • 200,000 points for achieving all of the above.

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.

Versions

Also released on

Production credits

Master System version

Sonic the Hedgehog Original Character Design: ©Sega

Programming
Art
Sound
Special Thanks

Game Gear version

Programming
Art
Sound
Special Thanks
Source: In-game credits

Manuals

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

Artwork

Physical scans

Master System version

Segaretro-round.svg Reception »
Master System, EU/US
Sonic1ms-box-eu.jpg
Cover
Master System, FR (Blister pack)
Sonic1 SMS FR blister front.jpg
Cover
Master System, PT

MS Sonic ver1 PT.jpg
Manual
Master System, AU (NIAL sticker)
Sonic1 SMS AU nial cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU (NIAL/Hotline stickers)
Sonic1 SMS AU hotline cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpgSonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (Hotline/bonus/Sega stickers)
Sonic1 SMS AU sega cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpgSonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (Hotline/bonus stickers)
Sonic1 SMS AU bonus cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic SMS AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic SMS AU Cart Back.jpgSonic SMS AU Cart Front.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (Classics)
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

Game Gear version

Segaretro-round.svg Reception »
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


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