Name: Sonic the Hedgehog

Genre: 2D Platformer

Publisher: Sega

Developer: Sonic Team

Review by Swift

I remember playing this game years and years ago, when I was around four or five years old, on my Sega Mega Drive. It was among the list of the first video-games I ever played in my life, and for that, this game has a special place in my heart as one of my favourite Sonic games.

The storyline revolves around a mad scientist named Dr. Robotnik who is trying to conquer the world by kidnapping small animals and turning them into his robotic slaves. It's up to our beloved hero Sonic the Hedgehog to save the day.

The gameplay is simplistic, yet addictive. It's a simple platformer, where you run through the stages at top speed, jumping on top of robots to defeat them. There are obstacles throughout the stages which you have to get past, which make the game just that little bit more challenging, which personally I found to be a good thing. The game does not have a save feature, though due to the length of the game, and the fact that there is a simple cheat which grants you level select, it means it's not really needed.

There are three Acts to a Zone, with six Zones overall (not counting the Final Zone). While most levels require you to run through stages, destroying robots and getting past obstacles, there are also Special Stages where you must roll around in a moving labyrinth to reach the ever-so important Chaos Emerald. Collecting all six will give you the good ending once you complete the game, whereas you will be asked to go back and get them all if you fail to get them all by the end of the game.

The graphics look really good for it's age; colourful, simplistic and visually impressive. I found them rather pleasing to the eye. The sounds are pleasant and, for the most part, upbeat and catchy. The sound effects are good, and something you'll learn to associate with Sonic quick.

Overall, I recommend this game for definite. If you still have a Mega Drive/Genesis, then get this if you haven't got it already. If you've got a Wii, download this game. You will not regret it.