Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit): Difference between revisions

From Videogame Morgue File

(Adding a few newly uploaded files)
(Slightly reorganizing the page (I do plan to incorporate some materials for conversions, like the infamous ''Genesis'' version on GBA, at some point in the future))
 
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
  |platforms = '''Sega Mega Drive/Genesis (original)'''
  |platforms = '''Sega Mega Drive/Genesis (original)'''
  |date = <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''June 23, 1991 (official release date)'''
  |date = <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''June 23, 1991 (official release date)'''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">June 11, 1991 {{Flag-US}} (unofficial)<ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/paAgJy9q1dA/m/PrIxZ_2uKZYJ This Usenet thread], dated June 12, 1991, mentions that some people in the USA had managed to obtain and play a copy of the game as early as the previous day.</ref><br>June 23, 1991 {{Flag-US}} (official)<br>June 24, 1991 {{Flag-UK}}<br>June 1991 {{Flag-EU}}<br>July 26, 1991 {{Flag-JP}}<ref>Sega of Japan mentions this date on two separate web pages: [https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html their game history] and [https://vc.sega.jp/vc_sonic their page for the game's Wii Virtual Console release].</ref></div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Flag-US}} June 11, 1991 (unofficial)<ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/CgIpSUHEe3k "SONIC the Hedgehog (Genesis) is out!"] (rec.games.video post from June 11, 1991)</ref><ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/paAgJy9q1dA/m/PrIxZ_2uKZYJ This Usenet thread], dated June 12, 1991, mentions that some people in the USA had managed to obtain and play a copy of the game as early as the previous day.</ref><br>{{Flag-US}} June 23, 1991 (official)<br>{{Flag-UK}} June 24, 1991<br>{{Flag-EU}} June 1991<br>{{Flag-JP}} July 26, 1991<ref>At least two different magazine ads - [[:File:Sonic 1 MD Japanese print ad from Beep MegaDrive July 1991.pdf|one that ran in ''Beep! MegaDrive'']] and [[:File:Sonic 1 MD Japanese print ad from Mega Drive Fan August 1991.pdf|one that ran in ''Mega Drive Fan'']] - provide this release date for the game.</ref><ref>Sega of Japan mentions this date on two separate web pages: [https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html their game history] and [https://vc.sega.jp/vc_sonic their page for the game's Wii Virtual Console release].</ref><ref>[https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/6Uel2TQ03iI "New Mega Drive/Genesis releases (MD Fan, Beep! MD June issue)"] (rec.games.video post from June 5, 1991)</ref></div></div>
  |wikipedia = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(1991_video_game)
  |wikipedia = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(1991_video_game)
  |mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-the-hedgehog
  |mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-the-hedgehog
Line 14: Line 14:
'''Sonic the Hedgehog''' is a 1991 platform game released by Sega in June 1991. The first installment in the series of the same name, it would prove to be a massive success in the West, bolstering sales of the Mega Drive (Genesis in North America) and establishing it as a serious rival to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
'''Sonic the Hedgehog''' is a 1991 platform game released by Sega in June 1991. The first installment in the series of the same name, it would prove to be a massive success in the West, bolstering sales of the Mega Drive (Genesis in North America) and establishing it as a serious rival to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.


== Previews ==
== History ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD history in EGM issue 26.pdf
|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly
|date=September 1991
|country=US
|description="Behind the Screens" feature on the game's development and release
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
 
== Original Mega Drive/Genesis version ==
=== Previews ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 189: Line 201:
|date=July 1991
|date=July 1991
|country=BR
|country=BR
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Japanese preview in SPEC July 8 1991.jpg
|title=Sega Players Enjoy Club
|date=July 8, 1991
|country=JP
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Greek preview in User issue 17.jpg
|title=User
|date=September 1991
|country=GR
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Magazine covers ==
=== Magazine covers ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 247: Line 271:
|date=June 27 - July 3, 1991
|date=June 27 - July 3, 1991
|country=UK
|country=UK
|description=Also features ''[[Super Mario World]]
|description=Also features ''[[Super Mario World]]''
}}
}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 260: Line 284:
|date=July 1991
|date=July 1991
|country=BR
|country=BR
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Mega Drive Fan August 1991 cover.jpg
|title=Mega Drive Fan
|date=August 1991
|country=JP
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=CVG Italy issue 8 cover.jpg
|title=Computer + Video Giochi
|date=September 1991
|country=IT
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Features ==
=== Features ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 291: Line 327:
|country=JP
|country=JP
|description=Guide to Labyrinth and Star Light Zone
|description=Guide to Labyrinth and Star Light Zone
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD feature in Mega Drive Fan August 1991.pdf
|title=Mega Drive Fan
|date=August 1991
|country=JP
|description=Guide to Marble Zone
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD codes and secrets in EGM issue 25.pdf
|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly
|date=August 1991
|country=US
|description=Cheat codes and tricks
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD guide in Game Players Sega Guide vol 2 issue 4.pdf
|title=Game Players Sega Guide!
|date=August/September 1991
|country=US
|description=Guide to every stage in the game
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD level select code in Beep MegaDrive JP September 1991.jpg
|title=Beep! MegaDrive
|date=September 1991
|country=JP
|description=Level select code
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Japanese guide in Mega Drive Fan September 1991.pdf
|title=Mega Drive Fan
|date=September 1991
|country=JP
|description=Full guide
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD level select code in CVG issue 118.jpg
|title=Computer & Video Games
|date=September 1991
|country=UK
|description=Level select code
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD guide in Raze issue 12.pdf
|title=Raze
|date=October 1991
|country=UK
|description=Guide (including codes, tips, and more)
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD French feature in Consoles Plus issue 1.pdf
|title=Consoles +
|date=September 1991
|country=FR
|description=General guide, including a map of Green Hill Zone's first act
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD level select code in Mega Drive Fan JP October 1991.jpg
|title=Mega Drive Fan
|date=October 1991
|country=JP
|description=Level select code
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Spring Yard boss tips in Mega Drive Fan JP October 1991.jpg
|title=Mega Drive Fan
|date=October 1991
|country=JP
|description=Tips on Spring Yard Zone's boss
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD full French guide in Mega Force issue 2.pdf
|title=Mega Force
|date=September/October 1991
|country=FR
|description=Comprehensive guide to the entire game
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD code in EGM issue 26.jpg
|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly
|date=September 1991
|country=US
|description="Code" that causes Sonic to die in attract mode & the ending
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD ending in EGM issue 26.jpg
|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly
|date=September 1991
|country=US
|description=Outline of the game's ending
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD boss tips in CVG issue 119.pdf
|title=Computer & Video Games
|date=October 1991
|country=UK
|description=Tips for every boss
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Portuguese guide in Acao Games issue 6.pdf
|title=Ação Games
|date=October 1991
|country=BR
|description=Guide to each zone
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD guide in EGM issue 27.pdf
|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly
|date=October 1991
|country=US
|description=Guide to the first two zones
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Reader letters ==
=== Reader letters ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 302: Line 450:
|country=US
|country=US
|description=Pre-release letter featuring another early screenshot
|description=Pre-release letter featuring another early screenshot
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD reader letter in ACE issue 48.png
|title=ACE
|date=September 1991
|country=UK
|description=A reader compares the game to ''[[Super Mario World]]''
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Japanese reader letters and fanart from Mega Drive Fan October 1991.pdf
|title=Mega Drive Fan
|date=October 1991
|country=JP
|description=Also includes a piece of reader fanart
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Advertising ==
=== Advertising ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 320: Line 482:
|country=JP
|country=JP
|description=Taken from ''Beep! MegaDrive'''s July 1991 issue
|description=Taken from ''Beep! MegaDrive'''s July 1991 issue
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Japanese print ad from Mega Drive Fan August 1991.pdf
|title=Print ad
|date=1991
|country=JP
|description=Taken from ''Mega Drive Fan'''s August 1991 issue; also advertises promotional plushies distributed in Sega's claw machines
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Reviews ==
=== Reviews ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 406: Line 575:
|date=August 1991
|date=August 1991
|country=UK
|country=UK
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD review in CVG issue 117.pdf
|title=Computers & Video Games
|date=August 1991
|country=UK
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD review in Raze issue 11.pdf
|title=Raze
|date=September 1991
|country=UK
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Portuguese review in Acao Games issue 4.pdf
|title=Ação Games
|date=August 1991
|country=BR
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD review in Zero issue 22.pdf
|title=Zero
|date=August 1991
|country=UK
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD review in Sega Power issue 22.pdf
|title=Sega Power
|date=September 1991
|country=UK
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD review in Megazone issue 17.pdf
|title=Megazone
|date=August/September 1991
|country=AU
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD review in CVG Italy issue 8.pdf
|title=Computer + Video Giochi
|date=September 1991
|country=IT
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD French review in Tilt issue 93.pdf
|title=Tilt
|date=September 1991
|country=FR
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Italian review in The Games Machine issue 34.pdf
|title=The Games Machine
|date=September 1991
|country=IT
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Greek review in User issue 18.jpg
|title=User
|date=October 1991
|country=GR
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Spanish review in Hobby Consolas issue 1.pdf
|title=Hobby Consolas
|date=October 1991
|country=ES
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD Spanish review in Micromania second period issue 41.pdf
|title=Micromania (second period)
|date=October 1991
|country=ES
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Miscellaneous ==
=== Miscellaneous ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
{{GalleryCard
Line 438: Line 679:
|country=UK
|country=UK
|description=News item about Sega of America's efforts to block British wholesalers from importing and reselling American copies early
|description=News item about Sega of America's efforts to block British wholesalers from importing and reselling American copies early
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Sonic 1 MD poster in CVG issue 117.pdf
|title=Computers & Video Games
|date=August 1991
|country=UK
|description=Poster
}}
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}
{{GalleryEnd}}


== Forum posts ==
=== Forum posts ===
=== Usenet ===
==== Usenet (rec.games.video) ====
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/paAgJy9q1dA/m/PrIxZ_2uKZYJ "Sonic 'Hog News Wanted" (a user solicits opinions on the game, with details indicating some people had received it prior to the official American release date; June 12, 1991)]
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/vtEl1NU7xiU "more on MD Fan and Beep! MD"] - Sir Han J. Lee summarizes upcoming games seen in two Japanese magazines, including ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (August 9, 1990)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/mQXp4xEhb8Q "SEGA NEWS -part 3"] - Sir Han J. Lee updates their list of upcoming Mega Drive games, once again including ''Sonic the Hedgehog''; one of the replies comments on the notion that it's "SEGA's answer to Mario and Bonk" (November 5, 1990)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/CR6w1esS0yU "Lynx Shanghai, more CES game news"] -
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/gStVPrE-HXQ "I played the Super Famicom"] - in a mostly unrelated thread, Dave Taylor proclaims that ''Sonic'' "will be HOT HOT HOT" based on its showing at that year's Winter CES (January 14, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/FKFCCppPDjg "Turbo Grafx Dying?????"] - a reply to this thread mentions ''Sonic'' as an "expected standout" based on the 1991 Winter CES (March 8, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/_w3Oh_R2_kk "Ces"] - Eric Glover discusses the games and consoles on offer at CES, including a claim that "Sonic ***NUKED*** anything I saw, heard, wished was on the Super Famicon ''[sic]'' that day" (June 11, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/CgIpSUHEe3k "SONIC the Hedgehog (Genesis) is out!"] - a short thread praising the game that confirms that it was released in portions of California on June 11, 1991 (the day the OP was posted)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/paAgJy9q1dA "Sonic 'Hog News Wanted"] - a user solicits opinions on the game, with details indicating some people had received it prior to the official American release date (June 12, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/pu23bbxBenA "Sonic"] - a short thread with a reply claiming that the game sold out in portions of Washington (June 13, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/fnADozgopUk "Move over Mario, SONIC is here!!!"] - Ken Clarke's first impressions of the game are glowing, going so far as to say that it trumps every ''Mario'' game available at the time (June 13, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/C1UJ-EOmt90 "Sonic The Hedgehog"] - Lee Thompson notes that the game released in Seattle, Washington that day and opens a discussion about its merits (June 14, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/FprxdyKKtlI "Sonic and Star Control..."] - before asking a question about ''[[Star Control]]'', Gregory Legowski expresses his fondness for ''Sonic'' and claims it's "a hit with my entire apartment building!" (June 17, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/qXVYJ6JB4zA "Sonic Mania"] - Han Lee mentions that the game was "sold out practically everywhere," to the point where Electronic Boutique set up a wait list to purchase it (June 18, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/MdMyzrFa4sw "Star Control Review wanted (plus some misc. stuff!)"] - Larry J Brackney deviates from the main purpose of the thread to offer some thoughts on ''Sonic'' (June 18, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/opC0szfylSM "Can't find Sonic; Help!"] - Dylan Ginsburg can't find the game anywhere around Washington, D.C. and requests help, only to find it at a Babbage's less than a day later (June 18, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/jES9Msn7GAc "What's the big deal with Sonic?"] - Doug Quarnstrom questions the hype surrounding the game; two others explain why they love it so much (June 19, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/ZyV7S4xSa3U "Sonic impressions"] - a moderately positive but skeptical review of the game, with a considerable amount of debate afterward (June 21, 1991)
** [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/8jJE4nWzefU A portion of the thread missing from the above link]
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/pEzwh2DnRgk "Mario -vs- Sonic"] - a debate comparing ''Sonic'' to the [[Super Mario Bros.|first]] and [[Super Mario Bros. 3|third]] ''Mario'' games, primarily (circa June 29, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/SjMxV7d1bYo "Sonic - Labyrinth Act 3"] - Steve Jonke asks for advice on handling the titular level's boss, then expresses fondness for the zone as a whole (July 31, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/f0R3cJ--G2Y "flashing dot on lynx"] - a thread which derails into sharing impressions on contemporary games, ''Sonic'' included (August 18, 1991)
* [https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/rWVWC0ZwG9o "Post Sonic Blues ... what to do..."] - a reply to an older thread that explains the level select cheat and mentions that their friends are addicted to the game (circa September 17, 1991)


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 04:10, 29 September 2022

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 1991 platform game released by Sega in June 1991. The first installment in the series of the same name, it would prove to be a massive success in the West, bolstering sales of the Mega Drive (Genesis in North America) and establishing it as a serious rival to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

History[edit]

Sonic 1 MD history in EGM issue 26.pdf
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 September 1991

"Behind the Screens" feature on the game's development and release

  Download PDF

Original Mega Drive/Genesis version[edit]

Previews[edit]

Sonic 1 MD preview in Mega Drive Fan August 1990.png
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 August 1990

Part of the magazine's coverage of the 1990 Tokyo Toy Show

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in EGM issue 13.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 August 1990

Part of the magazine's coverage of the 1990 Tokyo Toy Show

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview blurb in EGM issue 13.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 August 1990

Blurb

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in EGM issue 14.png
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 September 1990

Part of the magazine's coverage of the 1990 Tokyo Toy Show

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in Generation 4 issue 30.png
Génération 4
🇫🇷 February 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in Mean Machines issue 5.png
Mean Machines
🇬🇧 February 1991

Blurb regarding the game's appearance at the 1991 Winter Consumer Electronic Show

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in CVG issue 112.jpg
Computer & Video Games
🇬🇧 March 1991

Part of the magazine's coverage of the 1991 Winter Consumer Electronic Show

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in ACE issue 43.png
ACE
🇬🇧 April 1991

Part of the magazine's coverage of the 1991 Winter Consumer Electronic Show

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Japanese preview in Beep MegaDrive April 1991.png
Beep! MegaDrive
🇯🇵 April 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Japanese preview in Mega Drive Fan April 1991.png
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 April 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in Sega Visions issue 4.pdf
Sega Visions
🇺🇸 April/May 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview blurb in EGM issue 21.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 April 1991

Blurb

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in Game Players issue 22.png
Game Players
🇺🇸 April 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in GamePro issue 21.pdf
GamePro
🇺🇸 April 1991

Originally printed on non-consecutive pages

  Download PDF
Sega CES 1991 coverage from Sega Power issue 18.jpg
Sega Power
🇬🇧 May 1991

Coverage of Sega's presence at the 1991 Consumer Electronic Show, including various other games

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in Mega Drive Fan May 1991.jpg
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 May 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in Raze issue 8 edited.jpg
Raze
🇬🇧 June 1991

Edited together from two consecutive pages for readability

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD preview in EGM issue 22.pdf
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 May 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview in Mean Machines issue 8.pdf
Mean Machines
🇬🇧 May 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese preview in Mega Drive Fan June 1991.pdf
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 June 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview in CVG issue 115.pdf
Computer & Video Games
🇬🇧 June 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview in Game Players Sega Guide vol 2 issue 3.pdf
Game Players Sega Guide!
🇺🇸 June/July 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview and partial interview in Sega Power issue 20.pdf
Sega Power
🇬🇧 July 1991

Also features part of an interview with people from Virgin (which is mostly, but not entirely, unrelated to Sonic)

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese preview in Mega Drive Fan July 1991.pdf
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 July 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview in Mega Force France issue 1.pdf
Mega Force
🇫🇷 July/August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD preview in Raze issue 10.pdf
Raze
🇬🇧 August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Portuguese preview in Supergame issue 1.pdf
Supergame
🇧🇷 July 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese preview in SPEC July 8 1991.jpg
Sega Players Enjoy Club
🇯🇵 July 8, 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Greek preview in User issue 17.jpg
User
🇬🇷 September 1991
  Download File

Magazine covers[edit]

EGM issue 22 cover.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 May 1991
  Download File
Mean Machines issue 8 cover.jpg
Mean Machines
🇬🇧 May 1991
  Download File
Sega Visions issue 5 cover.jpg
Sega Visions
🇺🇸 Summer 1991
  Download File
GamePro issue 23 cover.jpg
GamePro
🇺🇸 June 1991
  Download File
VG&CE issue 29 cover.jpg
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment
🇺🇸 June 1991
  Download File
Sega Power issue 20 cover.jpg
Sega Power
🇬🇧 July 1991
  Download File
Beep MegaDrive July 1991 cover.pdf
Beep! MegaDrive
🇯🇵 July 1991
  Download PDF
Mega Drive Fan July 1991 cover.jpg
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 July 1991
  Download File
Games-X June 27 to July 3 1991 cover.jpg
Games-X
🇬🇧 June 27 - July 3, 1991

Also features Super Mario World

  Download File
Supergame issue 1 cover.jpg
Supergame
🇧🇷 July 1991
  Download File
VideoGame issue 5 cover.jpg
VideoGame
🇧🇷 July 1991
  Download File
Mega Drive Fan August 1991 cover.jpg
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 August 1991
  Download File
CVG Italy issue 8 cover.jpg
Computer + Video Giochi
🇮🇹 September 1991
  Download File

Features[edit]

Sonic 1 MD feature in Sega Visions issue 5.pdf
Sega Visions
🇺🇸 Summer 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese feature and interview in Beep MegaDrive July 1991.pdf
Beep! MegaDrive
🇯🇵 July 1991

Also includes an interview

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD codes and tricks in Mega Play issue 5.pdf
Mega Play
🇺🇸 July/August 1991

Cheat codes and an infinite lives trick

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese feature in Beep! MegaDrive August 1991.pdf
Beep! MegaDrive
🇯🇵 August 1991

Guide to Labyrinth and Star Light Zone

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD feature in Mega Drive Fan August 1991.pdf
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 August 1991

Guide to Marble Zone

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD codes and secrets in EGM issue 25.pdf
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 August 1991

Cheat codes and tricks

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD guide in Game Players Sega Guide vol 2 issue 4.pdf
Game Players Sega Guide!
🇺🇸 August/September 1991

Guide to every stage in the game

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD level select code in Beep MegaDrive JP September 1991.jpg
Beep! MegaDrive
🇯🇵 September 1991

Level select code

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Japanese guide in Mega Drive Fan September 1991.pdf
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 September 1991

Full guide

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD level select code in CVG issue 118.jpg
Computer & Video Games
🇬🇧 September 1991

Level select code

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD guide in Raze issue 12.pdf
Raze
🇬🇧 October 1991

Guide (including codes, tips, and more)

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD French feature in Consoles Plus issue 1.pdf
Consoles +
🇫🇷 September 1991

General guide, including a map of Green Hill Zone's first act

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD level select code in Mega Drive Fan JP October 1991.jpg
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 October 1991

Level select code

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Spring Yard boss tips in Mega Drive Fan JP October 1991.jpg
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 October 1991

Tips on Spring Yard Zone's boss

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD full French guide in Mega Force issue 2.pdf
Mega Force
🇫🇷 September/October 1991

Comprehensive guide to the entire game

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD code in EGM issue 26.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 September 1991

"Code" that causes Sonic to die in attract mode & the ending

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD ending in EGM issue 26.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 September 1991

Outline of the game's ending

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD boss tips in CVG issue 119.pdf
Computer & Video Games
🇬🇧 October 1991

Tips for every boss

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Portuguese guide in Acao Games issue 6.pdf
Ação Games
🇧🇷 October 1991

Guide to each zone

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD guide in EGM issue 27.pdf
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 October 1991

Guide to the first two zones

  Download PDF

Reader letters[edit]

Sonic 1 MD early screenshot in EGM issue 16 reader mail.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 November 1990

Pre-release letter featuring another early screenshot

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD reader letter in ACE issue 48.png
ACE
🇬🇧 September 1991

A reader compares the game to Super Mario World

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Japanese reader letters and fanart from Mega Drive Fan October 1991.pdf
Mega Drive Fan
🇯🇵 October 1991

Also includes a piece of reader fanart

  Download PDF

Advertising[edit]

Sonic 1 MD UK print ad from Mean Machines issue 9.pdf
Print ad
🇬🇧 1991

Taken from issue 9 of Mean Machines (dated June 1991)

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese print ad from Beep MegaDrive July 1991.pdf
Print ad
🇯🇵 1991

Taken from Beep! MegaDrive's July 1991 issue

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese print ad from Mega Drive Fan August 1991.pdf
Print ad
🇯🇵 1991

Taken from Mega Drive Fan's August 1991 issue; also advertises promotional plushies distributed in Sega's claw machines

  Download PDF

Reviews[edit]

Sonic 1 MD review in GamePro issue 23.pdf
GamePro
🇺🇸 June 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in VG&CE issue 29.jpg
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment
🇺🇸 June 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD German review in VideoGames from June 7 1991.pdf
Video Games
🇩🇪 June 7, 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review feat. Super Mario World in Games-X issue 10.pdf
Games-X
🇬🇧 June 27 - July 3, 1991

Frequently compares the game to Super Mario World, down to printing scores for both titles at the end

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in New Computer Express issue 138.pdf
New Computer Express
🇬🇧 June 29, 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in Mean Machines issue 10.pdf
Mean Machines
🇬🇧 July 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD panel review from Mega Play issue 5.jpg
Mega Play
🇺🇸 July/August 1991

Panel review

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD French review in Player One issue 11.pdf
Player One
🇫🇷 July/August
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD panel review in EGM issue 24.jpg
Electronic Gaming Monthly
🇺🇸 July 1991

Panel review

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Portuguese review in VideoGame issue 5.pdf
VideoGame
🇧🇷 July 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD French review in Joystick issue 18.pdf
Joystick
🇫🇷 July/August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese panel review in Beep MegaDrive August 1991.jpg
Beep! MegaDrive
🇯🇵 August 1991

Panel review

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD review in ACE issue 47.pdf
ACE
🇬🇧 August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in CVG issue 117.pdf
Computers & Video Games
🇬🇧 August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in Raze issue 11.pdf
Raze
🇬🇧 September 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Portuguese review in Acao Games issue 4.pdf
Ação Games
🇧🇷 August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in Zero issue 22.pdf
Zero
🇬🇧 August 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in Sega Power issue 22.pdf
Sega Power
🇬🇧 September 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in Megazone issue 17.pdf
Megazone
🇦🇺 August/September 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD review in CVG Italy issue 8.pdf
Computer + Video Giochi
🇮🇹 September 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD French review in Tilt issue 93.pdf
Tilt
🇫🇷 September 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Italian review in The Games Machine issue 34.pdf
The Games Machine
🇮🇹 September 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Greek review in User issue 18.jpg
User
🇬🇷 October 1991
  Download File
Sonic 1 MD Spanish review in Hobby Consolas issue 1.pdf
Hobby Consolas
🇪🇸 October 1991
  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Spanish review in Micromania second period issue 41.pdf
Micromania (second period)
🇪🇸 October 1991
  Download PDF

Miscellaneous[edit]

Sonic 1 MD Japanese feature about the soundtrack and Dreams Come True in SPEC issue 7.pdf
Sega Players Enjoy Club
🇯🇵 November 1990

Feature about Dreams Come True & their involvement with the game's soundtrack

  Download PDF
Sonic 1 MD Japanese feature including Dreams Come True from SPEC issue 7.pdf
Sega Players Enjoy Club
🇯🇵 November 1990

Feature about Sonic as a character (featuring Dreams Come True)

  Download PDF
Sonic related Sega contest in GamePro issue 23.jpg
GamePro
🇺🇸 June 1991

Announcement of a Sonic-related contest to win various Sonic/Sega prizes

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD news item about UK imports in Mean Machines issue 10.jpg
Mean Machines
🇬🇧 July 1991

News item about Sega of America's efforts to block British wholesalers from importing and reselling American copies early

  Download File
Sonic 1 MD poster in CVG issue 117.pdf
Computers & Video Games
🇬🇧 August 1991

Poster

  Download PDF

Forum posts[edit]

Usenet (rec.games.video)[edit]

  • "more on MD Fan and Beep! MD" - Sir Han J. Lee summarizes upcoming games seen in two Japanese magazines, including Sonic the Hedgehog (August 9, 1990)
  • "SEGA NEWS -part 3" - Sir Han J. Lee updates their list of upcoming Mega Drive games, once again including Sonic the Hedgehog; one of the replies comments on the notion that it's "SEGA's answer to Mario and Bonk" (November 5, 1990)
  • "Lynx Shanghai, more CES game news" -
  • "I played the Super Famicom" - in a mostly unrelated thread, Dave Taylor proclaims that Sonic "will be HOT HOT HOT" based on its showing at that year's Winter CES (January 14, 1991)
  • "Turbo Grafx Dying?????" - a reply to this thread mentions Sonic as an "expected standout" based on the 1991 Winter CES (March 8, 1991)
  • "Ces" - Eric Glover discusses the games and consoles on offer at CES, including a claim that "Sonic ***NUKED*** anything I saw, heard, wished was on the Super Famicon [sic] that day" (June 11, 1991)
  • "SONIC the Hedgehog (Genesis) is out!" - a short thread praising the game that confirms that it was released in portions of California on June 11, 1991 (the day the OP was posted)
  • "Sonic 'Hog News Wanted" - a user solicits opinions on the game, with details indicating some people had received it prior to the official American release date (June 12, 1991)
  • "Sonic" - a short thread with a reply claiming that the game sold out in portions of Washington (June 13, 1991)
  • "Move over Mario, SONIC is here!!!" - Ken Clarke's first impressions of the game are glowing, going so far as to say that it trumps every Mario game available at the time (June 13, 1991)
  • "Sonic The Hedgehog" - Lee Thompson notes that the game released in Seattle, Washington that day and opens a discussion about its merits (June 14, 1991)
  • "Sonic and Star Control..." - before asking a question about Star Control, Gregory Legowski expresses his fondness for Sonic and claims it's "a hit with my entire apartment building!" (June 17, 1991)
  • "Sonic Mania" - Han Lee mentions that the game was "sold out practically everywhere," to the point where Electronic Boutique set up a wait list to purchase it (June 18, 1991)
  • "Star Control Review wanted (plus some misc. stuff!)" - Larry J Brackney deviates from the main purpose of the thread to offer some thoughts on Sonic (June 18, 1991)
  • "Can't find Sonic; Help!" - Dylan Ginsburg can't find the game anywhere around Washington, D.C. and requests help, only to find it at a Babbage's less than a day later (June 18, 1991)
  • "What's the big deal with Sonic?" - Doug Quarnstrom questions the hype surrounding the game; two others explain why they love it so much (June 19, 1991)
  • "Sonic impressions" - a moderately positive but skeptical review of the game, with a considerable amount of debate afterward (June 21, 1991)
  • "Mario -vs- Sonic" - a debate comparing Sonic to the first and third Mario games, primarily (circa June 29, 1991)
  • "Sonic - Labyrinth Act 3" - Steve Jonke asks for advice on handling the titular level's boss, then expresses fondness for the zone as a whole (July 31, 1991)
  • "flashing dot on lynx" - a thread which derails into sharing impressions on contemporary games, Sonic included (August 18, 1991)
  • "Post Sonic Blues ... what to do..." - a reply to an older thread that explains the level select cheat and mentions that their friends are addicted to the game (circa September 17, 1991)

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "SONIC the Hedgehog (Genesis) is out!" (rec.games.video post from June 11, 1991)
  2. ↑ This Usenet thread, dated June 12, 1991, mentions that some people in the USA had managed to obtain and play a copy of the game as early as the previous day.
  3. ↑ At least two different magazine ads - one that ran in Beep! MegaDrive and one that ran in Mega Drive Fan - provide this release date for the game.
  4. ↑ Sega of Japan mentions this date on two separate web pages: their game history and their page for the game's Wii Virtual Console release.
  5. ↑ "New Mega Drive/Genesis releases (MD Fan, Beep! MD June issue)" (rec.games.video post from June 5, 1991)
Retrieved from ‘https://morguefile.wiki/wiki/index.php?title=Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(16-bit)&oldid=3514’