Sonic the Hedgehog Classic: The Free Mobile Game That Started It All
Sonic the Hedgehog: A Guide to the Iconic Video Game Series
If you are a fan of video games, chances are you have heard of Sonic the Hedgehog. He is one of the most famous and beloved characters in gaming history, and his games have been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. But what makes Sonic so special? How did he become such a phenomenon? And what are some of the best and worst games in his long-running series? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the history, features, reviews, and tips and tricks of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Introduction
What is Sonic the Hedgehog?
Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game series created by Sega, starring its mascot, a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog named Sonic. The series is mainly composed of platformers, where Sonic runs, jumps, spins, and dashes through various levels, while fighting against his arch-nemesis, Dr. Eggman, a mad scientist who wants to conquer the world with his army of robots. The series also includes other genres, such as racing, fighting, action-adventure, role-playing, and sports games.
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Why is Sonic the Hedgehog popular?
Sonic the Hedgehog is popular for many reasons. First of all, he has a unique and appealing design, with his spiky hair, big eyes, red shoes, and attitude. He is also fast, cool, and adventurous, qualities that many gamers admire. Secondly, his games are fun and exciting, with fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, catchy music, and diverse levels. His games also offer a lot of replay value, with different characters, modes, secrets, and challenges to discover. Thirdly, he has a loyal and passionate fanbase, who have supported him through thick and thin, creating fan art, fan fiction, fan games, fan videos, and more.
History of Sonic the Hedgehog
The Genesis era (1991-1996)
The first Sonic game was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console. It was developed by Sonic Team, a group of Sega employees led by Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, and Hirokazu Yasuhara. The game was a huge success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. It also helped Sega compete with Nintendo in the console market, as Sonic became a rival to Mario.
The game was followed by several sequels and spin-offs on the Genesis/Mega Drive and other Sega platforms. Some of the most notable ones are:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), which introduced Tails as a playable character and a sidekick to Sonic.
Sonic CD (1993), which featured time travel mechanics and an alternate version of Sonic called Metal Sonic.
Sonic 3 & Knuckles (1994), which combined two separate games into one epic adventure that introduced Knuckles as a playable character and an ally to Sonic.
Sonic Spinball (1993), which was a pinball-themed game that featured various levels based on Dr. Eggman's machines.
Sonic 3D Blast (1996), which was a pseudo -3D platformer that used an isometric perspective and a special rendering technique called Flickies' Island.
The transition to 3D (1998-2006)
After the decline of Sega's consoles, Sonic made his debut on other platforms, such as the Nintendo 64, the PlayStation, and the PC. He also made his first appearance in 3D, with games that tried to translate his speed and platforming to a new dimension. Some of the most notable ones are:
Sonic Adventure (1998), which was released for the Sega Dreamcast and later ported to other platforms. It was a 3D action-adventure game that featured six playable characters, each with their own story and gameplay style. It also introduced a new feature called Chao, which were virtual pets that could be raised and customized.
Sonic Adventure 2 (2001), which was also released for the Dreamcast and later ported to other platforms. It was a sequel to Sonic Adventure that improved the graphics, gameplay, and story. It also introduced two new characters, Shadow the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat, who were rivals to Sonic and Knuckles respectively.
Sonic Heroes (2003), which was released for multiple platforms. It was a 3D platformer that featured four teams of three characters each, who could switch roles and abilities during gameplay. It also brought back some classic characters, such as Amy Rose, Espio the Chameleon, and Vector the Crocodile.
Sonic Riders (2006), which was released for multiple platforms. It was a racing game that featured Sonic and his friends riding on hoverboards, called Extreme Gear. It also introduced a new character, Jet the Hawk, who was the leader of a rival team called the Babylon Rogues.
The modern era (2008-present)
In recent years, Sonic has continued to appear on various platforms, such as the Wii, the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3, the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS, the Wii U, the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4, the Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. He has also experimented with different genres, styles, and themes, with mixed results. Some of the most notable ones are:
Sonic Unleashed (2008), which was released for multiple platforms. It was a 3D platformer that featured two gameplay modes: day and night. In the day mode, Sonic could run at high speeds and perform stunts. In the night mode, Sonic transformed into a werehog, a beast-like form that could use brute strength and stretchy arms.
Sonic Colors (2010), which was released for the Wii and the Nintendo DS. It was a 3D platformer that featured colorful levels based on different planets and attractions. It also introduced a new feature called Wisps, which were alien creatures that could grant Sonic different powers and abilities.
Sonic Generations (2011), which was released for multiple platforms. It was a 3D platformer that celebrated Sonic's 20th anniversary by featuring two versions of Sonic: classic and modern. The game included levels from previous Sonic games, recreated in both 2D and 3D perspectives.
Sonic Mania (2017), which was released for multiple platforms. It was a 2D platformer that paid homage to Sonic's Genesis/Mega Drive era by featuring retro-style graphics, music, and gameplay. The game included remixed levels from previous Sonic games, as well as new ones.
Sonic Forces (2017), which was released for multiple platforms. It was a 3D platformer that featured three gameplay modes: modern Sonic, classic Sonic, and custom hero. The game had a darker tone and story than usual, as Sonic had to face a new enemy called Infinite, who had allied with Dr. Eggman.
Features of Sonic the Hedgehog games
Gameplay and mechanics
One of the main features of Sonic the Hedgehog games is the gameplay and mechanics, which are based on speed, platforming, and exploration. Sonic can run at supersonic speeds, jump over obstacles, spin into a ball to attack enemies, and use various items and power-ups to enhance his abilities. He can also interact with different elements in the environment, such as springs, loops, ramps, rails, and switches.
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Another feature of Sonic games is the level design, which is often nonlinear and branching, offering multiple paths and routes to reach the goal. The levels are also filled with secrets and hidden areas, such as special stages, bonus stages, and alternate exits. The levels are usually themed after different locations and settings, such as green hills, industrial zones, ancient ruins, tropical islands, space stations, and more.
Characters and story
Another feature of Sonic games is the characters and story, which are often colorful and humorous, but sometimes also dramatic and serious. Sonic is not the only playable character in his games, as he is often joined by his friends and allies, such as Tails, Knuckles