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About Sonic the Hedgehog

In 1991, the first Sonic the Hedgehog game was released for the Sega Genesis video game console. The speedy blue character won the hearts of gamers everywhere and helped make the Genesis system popular. Setting a new standard for video games, the high-speed motion of the Sonic character went beyond the limitations of the game systems of the time.

In the original Sega Genesis Sonic game, the rules were simple. For single player mode, Sonic needed to travel through many levels while evading enemies and obstacles, scampering through 360 loops, and collecting rings to score points. Another goal of the game was to go after Dr. Robotnik (also known as Eggman), who captured animals and trapped them in metal containers. Due to Sonic’s high speed motion, zipping through levels made the game fun. To get the best high score, you needed to complete each level as fast as you could, while collecting as many rings as possible.

Unfortunately, the limitations of the Genesis system did not allow you to save scores, so you were forced to keep track of them by hand on a piece of paper.

Since the original Sonic game, many versions have followed on different game consoles with variations in characters, game play, graphics and sound. Some titles were met with success while more recent releases seem to have lost the original draw of the game. Some die-hard Sonic fans have been disappointed with some of the added “fluff” of erroneous dialog, annoying characters that tag along with you, and an overkill of unnecessary video clips. However, if you’re looking to play Sonic games in the classic style without searching on eBay for a Sega Genesis system, you can find them in compilations like the Sonic Mega Collection Plus for PS2 and Xbox.

Want to Play Sonic Games? Here Are Some of the Newest Releases...

Sonic and the Secret Rings

Released: February 20, 2007

Game Console: Wii

Sonic the Hedgehog can now be experienced on the new Wii video game system. In this new version, Sonic explores the world of Arabian Nights where he encounters an evil genie bent on destroying the classic tales in order to escape and create chaos in the real world. The path Sonic travels is predetermined and on rails. Use the unique Wii controller to avoid objects and collect rings at extremely fast speeds.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Released: 2006

Game Console(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

This release has the highly advanced graphics and sound of the new generation of video game consoles along with giving the blue hedgehog a face lift. Visually, the game is beautiful, but it suffers from poor controls and erroneous video clips.

In this version, Sonic must save the world from Dr. Eggman who captures the queen of Solenna. Motion is still high speed, but since you have to spend time fighting your controller to move where you want to go, it takes a lot of fun out of gameplay.

Sonic Rivals

Released: November 2006

Game Console: PSP

Sonic Rivals features one-on-one play with Sonic and other players. Your goal is to get to Dr. Eggman who has transformed Amy and Tails into cards and obtain the Master Emerald before your opponent does. Alongside Sonic, you'll also find Silver Hedgehog, Knuckles and Shadow. Although it was met with mixed reviews, a sequel is in the works and will be released in the 2007 holiday season.

Shadow the Hedgehog

Released: November 2005

Game Console: PlayStation 2

Shadow the Hedgehog is a relatively new character to the Sonic series. Shadow does not know where he came from, and in this game, he tries to discover his origins while saving the world by collecting 7 Chaos Emeralds.

Gameplay in this action-packed title is very fast, almost a bit out of control. When you play Sonic games, you typically don't get weapons or ride in vehicles, but Shadow does both. Unfortunately, the downside to this game is that on many missions you will have another character tag along with you (with some of them being especially annoying).

Other Sonic Games

Looking to play Sonic games the old school way? Check out Sonic Mega Collection Plus. Play all the classic Sega Genesis Sonic games including: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3D Blast and Sonic Spinball.

Here are some other Sonic games that may interest you:

• Sonic Advance - Released in 1998 for the Sega Dreamcast system
• Sonic Heroes - Released in June 2001 for the Sega Dreamcast system
• Sonic Advance 2 - Released in March 2003 for the Game Boy Advance System
• Sonic Advance 3 - Released in June 2004 for the Game Boy Advance System
• Sonic Battle - Released in January 2004 for the Game Boy Advance System
• Sonic Rush – Released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS
• Sonic Rush Adventure – Sequel to Sonic Rush. To be released in September 2007.

That Speedy Blue Devil

Since 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has captured action/adventure gaming fans with hours of fast-paced ring chasing, emerald-finding and enemy-defeating fun. Whether you like to play Sonic games in the classic way or on a new next-generation console, there is a title that will spin its way into your gamer style.