Review: Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Review

Back in the 90's, Nintendo was king. Every company (other than Nintendo) had a mission: take Mario down. No one (at the time) had even come close. Nintendo's chubby plumber had captivated the hearts of millions. It was a time when Nintendo had the power. (Nintendo Power, that is!)

So, what could take down Mario, you may ask? A company in Japan, called SEGA, had one chance to compete with the NES. They were armed with only a blue hedgehog that had red shoes and super speed: in the beginning, he was was known as Mr. Needlemouse. Today, he is known around the world by one name: Sonic the Hedgehog.

At first, it had little effect, but then Sonic the Hedgehog became bundled with the SEGA Genesis (SEGA Megadrive in Japan) and Sonic stole the hearts of many-all of them were originally Nintendo's.

For the first time, Nintendo had competition. The world's fiercest video game war had just only begun.

Back in 1991, the game was a masterpiece. But how does it hold up today?

The first screen in Sonic the Hedgehog only symbolised the adventure to come. But does it hold up by today's standards?

Like Mario, Sonic could attack his enemies by jumping on their heads. But he also had a Super Sonic Rolling Attack (I just call it "ball form.") in which he could roll into enemies.

Sonic's health was also very different. Instead of having to collect a Super Mushroom to avoid one hit deaths, he had to collect Gold Rings. If he got hit with at least one ring, he was safe.

The rings also returned in the future games.

But the main difference between Sonic and Mario was the sheer amount of speed in the game. The game was based around momentum-based platforming, and the amazing physics engine helped with that.

Loop-de-loops. A classic.

The graphics in the game were amazing, even for a SEGA Genesis game. (That's saying something.) They ranged from colorful and bright to dark and eerie. Mostly colorful.

Green Hill Zone in particular had graphics that were eye-catching.

The control was fairly simple. Each button did the same thing, and because the controller was not pressure sensitive, you sped up as you ran.

Finally, the plot was fairly simple. Mad Scientist Doctor Robotnik had captured the animals of South Island and turned them into robots. Your job was to collect six magical stones called "Chaos Emeralds" and stop the evil Doctor once and for all.

Robotnk: The antagonist of the game.

Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog still stands up, even by today's standards. It is, and still stands to be, one of the best games I have ever played. I'm not afraid to give it:

10/10

Amazing

If you ever get the chance to play it, do so. It is a classic that will not easily be forgotten.