Play Nintendo Retro: Sonic the Hedgehog (VC/Genesis)

Our favourite blue hedgehog is celebrating his 20^th Anniversary this year! Play Nintendo has already looked at the Top 20 Sonic the Hedgehog Zones (#20-11, #10-1), now I will begin to review the classic Sonic series. First up is Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis which released in June 1991. As you know, Sonic has the ability to reach incredible speeds, but he also brought an attitude that a certain plumber couldn’t match. Sega was quick to market both of these things to the gaming consumer. In doing so, Sega was able to create a franchise that is still beloved by fans 20 years later.

Sonic the Hedgehog’s story is a very simple concept. Series nemesis Dr. Robotnik captures animals from Sonic’s homeland and creates his own robot versions called badniks. Of course, it’s up to Sonic to save the day. There is a little more to the story as creating badniks isn’t the only thing on Robotnik’s agenda. He is also after the Chaos Emeralds. Whoever holds the Chaos Emeralds can use their great energy; if they fall in Robotnik’s hands it can mean mass destruction. Sonic has to save the animals of his homeland and prevent Dr. Robotnik from obtaining the Chaos Emeralds.

Sonic was much faster than other video game characters and it really made the first game stand out amongst the competition. While Sonic the Hedgehog is a sidescrolling platformer, the element of speed was a change of pace. Levels are designed to encourage gamers to bring Sonic up to his max speed. After reaching great speeds, Sonic could master loop-de-loops and even attacking enemies by rolling along the ground. These were new elements that only a character like Sonic could pull off easily. Sonic didn’t just bring speed to the table either, as he also carried around a huge attitude, the cool cat so to speak. His attitude was a way to market directly against the competition. Sonic was edgy, and well Sega Genesis does what Nintendon’t. 

However, Sonic the Hedgehog gave us more than just speed and attitude; there are some great platforming elements in the game. Even though these elements may slow down the gameplay, they made Sonic challenging. You couldn’t just press right to cruise through the level, sometimes you had to stop and think about your next move. Going forward without a sense of direction would most likely end with Sonic falling into a spike pit. Sonic has to jump over pits, destroy badniks, and fight Robotnik multiple times. Sonic can even make use of springs that will help him discover multiple paths in each level. All of this comes together to make a really good platformer. 

Sonic can collect rings, and as long as he had some in hand, he is invulnerable. Rings are sacrificed when hit by an enemy, because it wouldn’t be fun if there is no risk involved. However, as long as you could keep collecting rings, you could keep speeding forward. Sonic didn’t just have rings at his disposal as shields, 1-Ups, and running shoes are also thrown in to the mix. Running shoes can make Sonic run even faster, sometimes almost too fast! Also on the power-up forefront are the always important Chaos Emeralds. Sonic can obtain Chaos Emeralds only after finding one if the game’s bonus stage. Collect all six and Sonic can use their power to unleash Super Sonic, and you get a better ending for preventing Dr. Robotnik from obtaining them.

Much like its competitors of the time, Sonic was an easy game to learn. In fact, it may be easier than most games, as only one button is really required to play the game. Sonic could only jump, which also happened to be his main form of attack. Controlling Sonic himself was a little tricky at first as he constantly accelerates to his max speed, but with patience one can easily master Sonic’s movement.

Sonic the Hedgehog is also a great looking game. Sprites are huge and detailed, and the overall art style is extremely unique. Each Zone looks different due to the varying themes, but the unique art style really gives each one its own identity. Graphics would be improved upon in further entries of the series, but for Sega’s first Sonic the Hedgehog effort these graphics are great. Sega’s musical efforts are also a highlight for the game. Amazing compositions can be heard all throughout the game. One thing that I feel Sega gets extremely right with each game of the series is their ability to compose songs that fit the theme of each stage while retaining the overall feel of the Sonic universe. Again, much like the graphics, other entries in the series have better music, but one can’t deny that Sega created some 16-bit gold with Sonic the Hedgehog’s amazing soundtrack.

3/5 D-Pads: Sonic the Hedgehog is overall a pretty solid platforming experience. It doesn’t match up to later entries in the series, but it stands well on its own two feet. Amazing levels and gameplay mixed with awesome graphics and a spectacular soundtrack make this game a definite winner. Fans of the series will love this game, casual fans may prefer Sonic 2 or 3 over the original effort.

Play Nintendo's Top 20 Sonic the Hedgehog Zones - Part 2: #10-1

Let's get right to the Top 10 of my Top 20 Sonic the Hedgehog Zones:

10 – Sky Chase Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)

Sega likes change things up every now and then, and that’s exactly what they did with Sky Chase Zone. Probably one of the most relaxing levels in the Sonic franchise, Sky Chase Zone takes place high in the sky with Tails driving the Tornado. Sonic is firmly perched on the plane and will have to attack enemies at given times. It’s an automatically scrolling stage, so all you need to do is avoid and attack. Its music matches the slower pace with an incredible relaxing tune. Sky Chase Zone gives us a new gameplay experience mixed with a wonderful theme song, what more could we ask of Sega?

9 – Wacky Workbench – Sonic CD (Sega CD)

A very unique stage, Wacky Workbench is exactly that, Wacky. At the bottom, the floors are decorated with a flashy bouncing material that will launch Sonic high into the level. After being launched, you will notice that there is also a lot of activity going on around the top of the stage. There are a countless number of moving platformers and even some alternate paths to take if you want to avoid the rubber properties of the floor. However, it’s just a lot of fun to bounce around the stage.

8 – Chemical Plant Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)

Chemical Plant Zone is a favourite from my childhood. It’s full of life both with its soundtrack and the fantastic level design. There are a number of tubes that will take you to various parts of the stage, making it a little maze like. Other than the tubes, there are a lot of classic Sonic elements as well, such as long sloped stretches that will have Sonic moving at top speed in no time, and loops of course. In the background you can see a city skyline that adds a lot of character. Hazards such as water and brilliantly placed enemies can posed a threat, but that’s what makes the level even better. Throw in the dance like theme and you have an incredible level top to bottom.

7 – Stardust Speedway – Sonic CD (Sega CD)

To be honest, this level almost didn’t make the cut. At first glance it may look like a pretty standard Sonic stage, and it would be if there weren’t a few twists. Throughout the stage you can change the path you take by flipping switches. It’s not something I noticed until I played it a second time. Stardust Speedway stands out even more by giving us a very tense boss battle. It’s not your average boss battle either; it’s more like a race. Throughout the stage you will be chased down by Robotnik who is trying to obliterate you with a huge laser. OK, so Robotnik is on your case again, no big deal. However, as mentioned before, this is a race, against Metal Sonic. He’s fast and mean, and to beat him you will have to cross the finish gate first. If not you will fall victim to Robotnik’s laser.

6 – Oil Ocean Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)

There are many small elements in this level that mesh together to bring us one of the best stages in the Sonic franchise. Sonic has to traverse one of Robotnik’s oil refineries, but he has to do it in extreme heat. Off in the distance you can see the Sun, but you can also feel it burning. Cleverly used waves over the sun, and a warm orange sky really bring the point home. Sonic will sweat it by wading through pools of oil that will suck him down and crush his body if he isn’t careful. Oil slides will cause Sonic to slip and slide, and other industrial equipment can work against Sonic, or help depending on how you utilize them. Top this off with a very Arabic, desert sounding style and you have pure genius.

5 – Scrap Brain Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)

Scrap Brain Zone is full of traps and that definitely makes it my favourite stage from Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic has to conquer a variety of different obstacles such as: saw blades, conveyor belts, fire, spinning platforms, disappearing blocks, just about everything is thrown at you in Scrap Brain Zone. A little twist is even thrown your way in Act 3 when Robotnik drops you into a water labyrinth. This is one of the most punishing water sections in any Sonic, and you will be grasping for air too many times. Scrap Brain Zone’s futuristic theme is also very awesome. It makes the water section of Scrap Brain Zone even more surreal.

4 – Death Egg Zone – Sonic and Knuckles (Genesis)

The moment you heart this Zone’s music, you know the game isn’t messing around. Entire sections of Death Egg Zone will take place upside down. When Sonic is flipped upside down, it can be tough to get your bearings, but don’t get comfortable as Sega has no intentions of holding your hand. It still throws every obstacle imaginable at you without pulling punches. Towards the end you will fight Robotnik a few times. First you will have to use gravity in your favor to hit his robot. A shield will constantly hover around the bot blocking your attacks, when flipping gravity you can distract it while its own objects destroy the poor thing. Cap that off with another fight against Robotnik’s familiar looking mech weapon and you get a real sense of the word epic. A new ominous theme even plays which makes everything tenser. I should also mention that throughout the whole level you can see earth in all its mysterious glory.

3 – Ice Cap Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Genesis)

There are many reasons for Ice Cap Zone to be in the top 10, and especially in the top 3. First you start off by jumping on a snowboard and racing down a snowy mountain. It’s in all honesty, one of the most bad ass ways to start a level. After reaching the bottom, and surviving a small avalanche, Sonic heads off into a very crystal like ice cavern which is quite an amazing sight. Inside the walls are blue and crystal like which can be quite magical at times. However, after beating the first act you can stay outside and enjoy the snow! During this part, the background holds many icebergs that float by in the water adding to an already surreal experience. Bringing everything together is arguably the best music in any Sonic game. It holds a very mysterious, wintry feel and can at times make you shiver. Personally, I’m a sucker for ice/snow levels, and Ice Cap Zone delivers on every note.

2 - Metropolis Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)

The moment this level starts, you immediately recognize that you’re in for a wild ride. Drums begin pounding through your speakers as an epic guitar riff starts to unfold partnered with scratching sounds. Ice Cap Zone has a very serious contender with this song, just saying. For such epic music, you know you’re headed for trouble as Metropolis Zone is both very long and grueling. Many traps, combined with annoying enemies (starfish anyone?) make this a difficult stage. It’s actually even pretty easy to get caught up in your surroundings, and before you know it, time over.

Besides its increased difficulty, there are a lot of unique gameplay elements thrown in this zone. Because of its factory setting there are a ton of items Sonic gets to use to his advantage. Giant screws that move up or down depending on Sonic’s movement, steam valves that can send Sonic spiraling sky high, and those yellow bumpers will bounce Sonic silly. It’s a very fresh and entertaining level that offers a great challenge. Just don’t get stuck on those screws with exploding badniks nearby!

I have gone through a pretty crazy list of great Sonic Zones, but what could be hiding away at the Number 1 spot?

1 – Sandopolis Zone – Sonic and Knuckles (Genesis)

Ice Cap and Metropolis Zone were hard zones to top, but after playing through the long and great Sandopolis Zone, I instantly changed my mind. Oil Ocean Zone may have given a sense of warmth, but Sandopolis Zone will give you borderline heatstroke. Waves of heat are constantly emitting throughout the entire desert stage. Sonic speeds through several pyramid structures. One quick look at the background and you can see them all over the desert. All these pyramid sections are full of different traps that will keep you on your toes. New game elements also put Sandopolis Zone up front. Sonic can use sand to reach different parts of the level that would have been otherwise difficult to reach. It even includes epic moments of climbing down the side of huge pyramid structures with nothing but just a rope and Sonic’s bravery. It really combines a lot of elements that you’d expect from a pyramid theme, including an Egyptian soundtrack. I also just about crapped myself when a gigantic pyramid rises from the ground and reveals Act 1’s boss. It’s a clever battle that sees you tricking the boss into jumping in a quicksand pit.

Act 1 sounds pretty epic, right? Well Act 2 just adds more brilliance to the mix. Now enclosed inside a pyramid, it will continuously darken if you don’t re-light the torches. If it darkens all the way, spirits will continue to appear and finally begin to attack. It creates a very tense situation for Sonic, but it gets even tenser. At some points, Sonic will have to race against rising sand that will crush him if he isn’t fast enough. During these periods you may have to stop and push switches and race into that particular area you opened. Robotnik even gets in on some of the fun by battling you with his new Egyptian Robot.

It’s a really spectacular stage that is worthy to go up against any video game.

There you have it, the Top 20 Sonic the Hedgehog Zones. Disagree with my choices? Let me know in the comments. Better yet, why not give me your Top 20 zones!

Part 1/Part 2