Sega Mega Drive Video Lounge: Sonic the Hedgehog

Sega Mega Drive:Sonic the Hedgehog

Introduction and levels 1 and 2.

http://www.Insert-Disk.com proudly presents Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.

Levels 1 and 2. Green Hill Zone and Marble Zone.

One of the all time great Sega games and one of the most iconic game characters of the '90s. Played just for fun, to show the general feel of this classic.

Note: I edited out the second Chaos Emerald stage out to get down to youtube's 15min limit.

View the Mini Review here.

Sega Mega Drive: Sonic and Knuckles

Year: 1994
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1
Our Rating: 9/10

Mini Review

Sonic and Knuckles was the end of an era for many as it was the last 2D outing for Sonic on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Where to go though with a fourth installment of the game? Having already created three of the best platform games ever the team had a super human challenge to keep the series on course. The game plays in a very similar way to Sonic 3. The difference here being that you have the option of choosing everyone’s favorite echidna Knuckles. The character had the bonus of being able to glide as well as to climb vertical surfaces and added a distraction from the more traditional game.

It was an interesting take on the magic formula of the previous games in the series and makes it stand out as one of the greater retro games on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Sonic and Knuckles had some nice extra features in the innovation of making it’s cartridge backwardly compatible. If you added earlier games such as Sonic 3 on top of the special extending cartridge you could play a combination of entirely new Sonic levels. You could also add any other Sega cartridge to play a variety of bonus stage levels. After long debate I’ve come to the conclusion that the game doesn’t quite top Sonic 3. This is purely a personal preference though; I certainly wouldn’t put up much of a fight with those that argue that it’s the best. All of the original 2D Sonic games are masterpieces in their own right and still sell in endless resurrected retro packages today. If you’ve never played this installment of the series you are in for a treat. It’s fast, fun and a sure winner for all ages.

Sega Mega Drive: Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Year: 1994
Genre: Platformer
Players: 2
Our Rating: 10/10

Mini Review

Sonic 3 is one of the few games you will ever see this site award a 10/10. The thought to the level and character design is absolutely flawless. The “third time lucky” principle seem to work here. It has all of the elements of game play from the first two games but manages to polish off the execution in to an even faster and smoother playing experience. The game introduces Knuckles for the first time, although not a major on screen time it is nice to see the echidna make a debut.

As always the boss fights are creative and a joy to play. Some of the water elements to the game do tend to slow you down and leave you vulnerable to attacks but overall there’s really noting to complain about here. One major addition to the series is the power ups. It’s now possible to obtain special upgrades such as fire shields and air bubbles. This simple feature adds a whole new dynamic to the formula without detracting from the basic elements. My verdict is that this is possibly the best gaming experience in the series. It’s bright and varied which is refreshing since the third title in the series could easy have been one too many if not cared for correctly. As with it’s predecessors this game is a must for your Sega Mega Dive/Genesis collection.

Sega Mega Drive: Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Year: 1992
Genre: Platformer
Players: 2
Our Rating: 9/10

Mini Review

With the super smash hit of Sonic the Hedgehog the Sonic Team were left with the dilema of how to provide a sequel without disappointing the fans. It has to be said that the team performed admirably. Sonic 2 saw the first outing of Tails (Miles), Sonics two-tailed fox friend. A second player could now join in the fight against Dr Robotnik (Dr Eggman). In addition to this extra player the character shad also had their moves upgraded.

By pressing down and spin repeatedly the characters could perform a spinning dash attach which had been missing from the original. The bonus rounds had been upgraded too. These levels now involved running through a half pipe collecting rings in order to obtain the chaos emeralds. The game plays very similar to the first, it’s clear that the winning formula was to be kept intact at all costs whilst adding small elements to enhance the game play. It’s difficult to criticise this game as it is a solid and fun game. My one negative would be Tails though. There are times when he will get stuck or die and gust generally get in the way in one player mode. Having said that I’m really going out of my way to find fault with a game which is nearly perfect. I’d recommend this game for anyone. It’s a pick up and play masterpiece.

Sega Mega Drive: Sonic The Hedgehog

Year: 1991
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1
Our Rating: 9/10

Mini Review

What can be said about Sonic. Never could the Sonic Team have imagine the gaming and cultural influence their creation would have on the world. This platformer set the standard of games for years to come. The speed, the graphics, the music, the challenge! It was all here in this game. The premise of the game is to defeat the evil Dr Robotnik (Dr Eggman) in his plan for world domination.

You will control the blue hedgehog at high speed, jumping on enemies and performing spinning rolls to break down hidden walls. The execution of the game is flawless. The pace is perfect and the learning curve is well suited to most players. At the end of each level you will fight Dr Robotnik as he transforms his vehicles to destroy you in increasingly elaborate ways. If you collect enough rings at each stage you will be able to access a rotating bonus round in the attempt to retrieve all of the chaos emeralds. This is one of the true “must have” games of the 16-Bit era and no review could do it justice. Simply play this timeless game.