Sonic the Hedgehog (1991/I) (VG)

Writers:

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Family | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Sonic is a blue hedgehog who has the unusual ability (for a hedgehog) to run fast. When the evil Dr...

Plot Keywords:

Hedgehog | Robot | Emerald | Animal | Lava

Country:

Japan

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

UK:PG | USA:Approved

Company:

Backbone Entertainment

Trivia:

The original idea was for the game to be based very largely on object interaction, whereby Sonic would destroy enemies by picking up and throwing various objects. This idea was scrapped because it slowed down gameplay too much for a character whose main characteristic is speed, so the rolling attack was used instead and has served the character well throughout the years. The interaction mechanic was later revived in Sonic Adventure (1998) (VG).

Movie Connections:

Featured in Dare mo shiranai (2004)

The Odyssey Begins!

Here it is, the very first game of Sonic the Hedgehog ever released. This is the very game that started the continuing adventures of a blue hedgehog, up against a mad robot scientist.

The story here is basically the set-up for all subsequent games of the series. Sonic is on the planet Mobius, trying to stop Dr. Robotnik (a.k.a. The Eggman) from taking over the planet. Sonic has to travel in different environments, collecting as many rings as possible, and restoring his forest friends from the robot badniks they were transformed into.

First, there's Green Hill Zone (the tropical region), then Marble Zone (the mountains), Spring Yard Zone (a pinball garden of sorts), Labyrinth Zone (an underwater maze), Starlight Zone (the big city at nite), Scrap Brain Zone (industrial park), and the Final Zone (Robotnik's lair). The first six zones each have three acts, topped off with a different boss (the segments where Robotnik tries to stop Sonic from catching up with him). The last zone ultimately defeats Robotnik (at least in this chapter).

In between, you have to try collecting six chaos emeralds in a special stage. This prevents Robotnik from using them to his own advantage(s).

So, here it is; the game that started it all. Sonic would later be joined by several other characters (known as "freedom fighters") as they would all travel to more adventurous settings, and be up against progressively dangerous schemes from Dr. Robotnik.

Next up: Sonic 2!