Editing Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)

{{Tab
|title1 = Main page
|tab2   = Manuals
|tab3   = Glitches
|tab4   = Beta elements
|tab5   = Gallery
|bg     = browntab
}}
{{Otheruses4|the 8-bit video game|other uses|Sonic the Hedgehog (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox video game
|title        = ''Sonic the Hedgehog''
|image        = <gallery>
Sonic-8-Bit-Game-Gear-US-Box-Art.png|NA
Sonic-8-Bit-Game-Gear-JP-Box-Art.png|JP
Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear) boxart.png|EU
</gallery>
|caption      = The [[Sega Game Gear]] cover of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.
|developer    = [[Wikipedia:Ancient (company)|Ancient]]
|publisher    = [[Sega]]
|designer     = 
*Ayano Koshiro
*Takefuni Yunoue
|programmer   = Shinobu Hayashi
|composer     = 
*[[Masato Nakamura]] {{C|sound producer}}
*[[Yuzo Koshiro]] {{C|rearranging & original music}}
|series       = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog series|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
|released     = 
'''[[Sega Master System]]''':<br/>{{vgrelease|NA=25 October 1991|EU=25 October 1991|BR=January 1992<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=Supergame|issue=8|publisher=Nova Cultural|date=November 1992|page=43}}</ref>}}
'''[[Sega Game Gear]]''':<br/>{{vgrelease|EU=December 1991|NA=December 1991|JP=28 December 1991<ref>{{Cite web|title=ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ <MS版>|url=http://vc.sega.jp/vc_ms_sonic/|publisher=[[Sega]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>}}
'''[[Wikipedia:Palm OS|Palm OS]]''':<br/>{{vgrelease|NA=14 April 2003<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/palm/purchase/buy_select_sonic.jhtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031210151502/http://www.sega.com/palm/purchase/buy_select_sonic.jhtml|archivedate=10 December 2003|title=Sonic the Hedgehog|work=Palm.com|accessdate=23 April 2023}}</ref>}}
'''[[Wii|Wii Virtual Console]]''':<br/>{{vgrelease|NA=4 August 2008<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sonic the Hedgehog|url=http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/y0VeAVFtYXeter7r2F5Hkl-WSXgPIAAP|publisher=[[Nintendo]] (US)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123003618/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/y0VeAVFtYXeter7r2F5Hkl-WSXgPIAAP|archivedate=23 November 2013}}</ref>|JP=5 August 2008<ref>{{Cite web|title=Virtual Console, page 8|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/08.html|publisher=[[Nintendo]] (JP)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306233554/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/08.html|archivedate=6 March 2018|language=Japanese}}</ref>|EU=19 September 2008}}
'''[[Nintendo 3DS|3DS Virtual Console]]''':<br/>{{vgrelease|NA=20 June 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/4lFd-f60QAnio7SNDl4scM2mr7uUexvw|title=Sonic The Hedgehog|accessdate=10 January 2022|publisher=[[Nintendo]] (US)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616163220/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/4lFd-f60QAnio7SNDl4scM2mr7uUexvw|archivedate=16 June 2013}}</ref>|JP=4 December 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/|title=ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|accessdate=10 January 2022|publisher=[[Sega]] (JP)|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406071735/http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/|archivedate=6 April 2014}}</ref>|EU=20 June 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-764867.html|title=Sonic the Hedgehog|accessdate=10 January 2022|publisher=[[Nintendo]] (UK)|archiveurl=https://archive.is/eX3VI|archivedate=14 August 2019}}</ref>}}
|genre        = 
*Action
*Platformer
|modes        = Single-player
|ratings      = {{Vgrating|ESRB=E|CERO=A}}
|platforms    = 
*[[Sega Master System]]
*[[Sega Game Gear]]
*[[Wikipedia:Palm OS|Palm OS]]
*[[Wii]]
*[[Nintendo 3DS]]
*[[Nintendo Switch]]
|media        = 
*ROM cartridge
*Digital download
|followed     = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''
}}
{{Quote left|It's Super Sonic!!!|Tagline, Game Gear version}}
{{Nihongo|'''''Sonic the Hedgehog'''''|ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Sonikku za Hejjihoggu}} is a 2D platforming video game in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]] developed by [[Wikipedia:Ancient (company)|Ancient]] in collaboration with a few [[Sonic Team]] members, and released in late 1991<ref>[https://rec0ded88.com/play-retro-games-online/genesis/play-sonic-the-hedgehog Sonic the Hedgehog] - Sega - 1991 </ref> for the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]] consoles. It serves as an 8-bit version of the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' that had been released on the [[Sega Mega Drive]] earlier that year, with a similar setting and other elements in common. The game features several new gameplay elements which would become implemented in later 8-bit handheld titles.

The game is noticeable for featuring Sega's freelance composer [[Yuzo Koshiro]], who is recognized as one of the finest game music and chiptune composers of the 1980's and 1990's. Koshiro rearranged many of [[Masato Nakamura]]'s iconic music tracks from the game's 16-bit counterpart while also composing original content for this 8-bit version. Like later Game Gear and Master System games, this game has been re-released on numerous compilation titles and as an unlockable mini-game, including re-releases in the discontinued Virtual Console service for the [[Wii]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]].

==Plot==
[[File:Sonic-8-Bit-Title-Screen.png|thumb|left|225px|The title screen of the [[Sega Master System]] version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.]]
[[South Island]] is a tropical paradise blessed with lots of vegetation and is where [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] lives with his [[Animals|Animal friends]]. It also hosts various jewels and ruins, and it is said to be where the six mysterious [[Chaos Emerald]]s lay dormant. These gemstones are a super-material that can give energy to all living things, but can also be used to fuel fearsome [[Wikipedia:Nuclear weapon|nuclear]] and [[Wikipedia:Laser weapon|laser]]-based weapons through science and technology.<ref name="JPManual">{{Cite manual|fullgame=Sonic the Hedgehog|system=Sega Game Gear|region=Japanese|pages=4-5}}</ref>

Coveting the Chaos Emeralds' power to conquer the world, the infamous mastermind [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Ivo Robotnik]], also known as "Eggman", invades South Island, traps all the local Animals, puts them in [[Capsule]]s, and sends his army of [[Badnik]]s to find the six jewels.<ref name="JPManual"/> After learning of the doctor's actions, Sonic rushes to foil his nasty ambitions while he hunts for the gems.

Eventually, Sonic finds Dr. Eggman in his stronghold, the [[Scrap Brain Zone|Scrap Brain]]. Despite the odds though, the doctor manages to escape his nemesis and reach his blimp in the [[Sky Base Zone|Sky Base]] via a platform. However, the hedgehog is able to reach his adversary's vessel via the same platform. Traversing the battleship, he enters a [[Sky Base Zone boss|trap-ridden room]], where the scientist is waiting for him. Eventually, Sonic destroys the contraption and gets through Eggman's barrier in the room. Defenseless, the doctor escapes to [[Green Hill]] through a teleporter. However, Sonic follows him through the same teleporter and lands a decisive hit on him before he is able to escape in his [[Egg Mobile]]. From there, the ending of the game will depend on the player's process:
*If the player has not managed to gather all six Chaos Emeralds, they will be taken to a results screen where the game will gather the points obtained by the player before playing the credits.
*If the player has managed to find all six Chaos Emeralds, the Emeralds will fly above South Island, reverting all of Eggman's pollution. From there, the rest of the ending will be the same.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Sonic-8-Bit-Green-Hill-Zone.png|thumb|left|225px|[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] in [[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Green Hill Zone]], the first [[Zone]] in the game.]]
''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is a side-scrolling platforming game with a lot of gameplay elements imported from its [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|16-bit counterpart]], where the goal is to reach [[Goal|the end]] of each Act of a [[Zone]] (a level in the game) within ten minutes. The player begins the game with three [[life|lives]]. For the entirety of the game, the player takes control of [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], whose basic maneuvers and attacks include the [[Spin Jump]] and [[Spin Attack|Super Sonic Spin Attack]].

In each Zone, [[Ring]]s appear everywhere. Like in most ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog series|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' games, collecting Rings protects Sonic from taking damage, though they cannot protect him from [[air bubble#Countdown sequence|drowning]], [[bottomless pit]]s or [[Time Over]]s. When taking damage, Sonic loses all his Rings, which shown as a single Ring being dropped. Getting hit without Rings will cost Sonic a life and makes him restart from either the beginning of the Act or the last [[Marker|Arrow Monitor]]. Losing all lives either [[Game Over|ends the game]] or provides another chance with a [[Continue]]. Collecting Rings also grants [[point]]s and getting 100 Rings gives a [[1-Up]] while also restarts the Ring counter from zero.

The game features [[Item Box]]es with the same power-ups as its 16-bit counterpart, including [[Super Ring]]s (grant ten extra Rings), 1-Ups, [[Shield]]s (protects from one hit), [[Power Sneakers (power-up)|Power Sneakers]] (increases speed briefly), and [[Invincible]] (grants brief invulnerability), though some power-ups are rarer than others. If the player survives an Act with the Shield, they will keep it for the next Act. There is also a single One-Up Video Monitor for each Act, and by collecting them all a last One-Up monitor will be available in the third Act as a bonus. Also, exclusive to this game are Arrow Monitors which save the player's progress in an Act after being broken, similar to [[Star Post|Lampposts]] in the 16-bit version.

Exclusive to the game are the [[Goal Plate|Bonus Panels]] at the end of the first two Acts of a Zone and the [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Special Stages]]. Upon being passed, the Bonus Plates will spin and give awards based on the image they show. In Special Stages, Bonus Panels will always have a Eggman bonus when flipped. The rewards are:

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Image
!Name
!Reward
|-
|[[File:Just wait you'll see how messed up Sonic is on next plate XD.png|center]]
|Question mark<br/>{{C|default}}
|Nothing
|-
|[[File:S18bitsign-Eggman.png|center]]
|Dr. Eggman
|Nothing
|-
|[[File:S18bitsign-Sonic.png|center]]
|Sonic
|[[1-Up]]
|-
|[[File:S18bitsign-Ring.png|center]]
|Ring
|10 [[Ring]]s
|-
|[[File:S18bitsign-emark.png|center]]
|Exclamation point
|Access to the [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Special Stage]]
|}

[[File:Bridge-Zone-Chaos-Emerald.png|thumb|225px|A [[Chaos Emerald]] hidden in [[Bridge Zone]].]]
Due to the hardware limitations of the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]], the game's level design is significantly more straightforward than its 16-bit counterpart. There are no [[loop]]s or alternative pathways as the game is based around basic side-scrolling platforming, with the only way to gain more momentum being the use of slopes, [[Spring]]boards, and ramps. Because of this, the game tends to be challenging due to a large number of obstacles and different level gimmicks. Another feature players can find in the levels are the [[Chaos Emerald]]s. In one of the two main Acts for every Zone, there is a Chaos Emerald hidden and ready to be collected. Collecting all six affects the game's cinematic ending and grants extra points.

===Scoring system===
{{main|Point#Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)}}

===Controls===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Button formation
![[File:Sonic-Icon-Sonic-the-Hedgehog-8-Bit.png|link=Sonic the Hedgehog]]&nbsp;Movement
|-
|{{Directional Pad}} left/right
|Walk/Run
|-
|{{Directional Pad}} up
|Look up
|-
|{{Directional Pad}} down
|Look down/[[Crouch]]
|-
|{{1 Button (Game Gear)}}/{{2 Button (Game Gear)}}
|[[Spin Jump]]
|-
|{{Directional Pad}} left/right + down
|[[Spin Attack|Super Sonic Spin Attack]]
|-
|'''START'''
|Pause
|}

===Objects===
====Items====
*[[Chaos Emerald]]
*[[Item Box]]
**[[1-Up]]
**[[Continue Monitor]]
**[[Invincible]]
**[[Marker]]
**[[Power Sneakers (power-up)|Power Sneakers]]
**[[Super Ring]]
**[[Shield]]
*[[Ring]]

====Gimmicks and obstacles====
{{Div col |colwidth=20em |content=
*[[Air bubble]]
*[[Capsule]]
*[[Bumper]]
*[[Bumper Pillar]]
*[[Conveyor Belt]]
*[[Electrical emitter]]
*[[Fireball (obstacle)|Fireball]]
*[[Flipper]]
*[[Giant spear]]
*[[Goal Plate]]
*[[Iron ball]]
*[[Seesaw]]
*[[Spikes (obstacle)|Spikes]]
*[[Spring]]
*[[Switch]]
}}

==Characters==
===Playable characters===
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]

===Non-playable characters===
*[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]
*[[Animals]]
**[[Cucky]]
**[[Flicky]]
**[[Pecky]]
**[[Picky]]
**[[Pocky]]
**[[Ricky]]
**[[Rocky]]

===Enemies===
{|
|style="vertical-align: top;"|
*[[Ball Hog]]
*[[Bomb (Badnik)|Bomb]]
*[[Burrobot]]
*[[Buzz Bomber]]
*[[Caterkiller]]
*[[Chopper]]
*[[Crabmeat]]
*[[Jaws]]
|style="vertical-align: top;" |
*[[Moto Bug]]
*[[Newtron]]
*[[Orbinaut]]
**[[Unidasu]]
**[[Uni Uni]]
*[[Spikes (Badnik)|Spikes]]
|}

==Zones==
[[File:Sonic01.jpg|thumb|225px|Map of the [[Zone]]s across [[South Island]].]]
''Sonic the Hedgehog'' consists of six [[Zone]]s with three Acts each. The first two Acts involving standard platforming, while the third is a shorter one followed by a boss battle with Dr. Eggman. The third Act also does not contain any Rings. After beating a boss, the player has to open the [[Capsule]] to free [[Animals]] inside and move onto the next Zone. Along with familiar Zones from the 16-bit [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|version]], this game features multiple original ones as well:
#[[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Green Hill Zone]]
#[[Bridge Zone]]
#[[Jungle Zone]]
#[[Labyrinth Zone]]
#[[Scrap Brain Zone]]
#[[Sky Base Zone]]

===Special Stages===
{{main|Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)}}
The [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Special Stages]] are extra levels that can be accessed by passing [[Signpost|Bonus Panels]] with at least 50 [[Ring]]s. Since the [[Chaos Emerald]]s are not found here, the Special Stages in this game serve as bonus stages for collecting Rings for [[1-Up|extra lives]] and [[Continue]]s under a strict [[Time Over|time limit]]. These Stages take place in huge rooms with large amounts of Rings and bouncing gimmicks everywhere, like [[Bumper]]s, [[Spring]]s, and [[Flipper]]s.

==Bosses==
#[[Green Hill Zone boss (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Green Hill Zone boss]] ([[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Green Hill Zone]])
#[[Bridge Zone boss]] ([[Bridge Zone]])
#[[Jungle Zone boss]] ([[Jungle Zone]])
#[[Labyrinth Zone boss (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Labyrinth Zone boss]] ([[Labyrinth Zone]])
#[[Sky Base Zone boss]] ([[Sky Base Zone]])

==Development==
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Japanese corporation [[Sega]] became one of the major companies in the video game industry, gaining modest success with its arcade games. In the mid-to-late 1980s and 1990, it released two 8-bit systems, the [[Sega Master System|Master System]] home console and the [[Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]] handheld respectively. However, these systems failed to achieve a foothold in territories like North America and Japan due to [[Nintendo]]'s monopoly on the console industry in the world at the time.<ref>{{Cite book |date = September 6, 2013 |title = [[The History of Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher = Les Editions Pix'n Love |chapter = History |pages = 12-19 |isbn = 978-1-926778-96-9}}</ref>

In 1990, Sega ordered one of its in-house development studios, which would be later named [[Sonic Team]], to develop what would become ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', with [[Sonic the Hedgehog|its eponymous character]] replacing [[Alex Kidd]] as the corporation's mascot. The game would be released for Sega's new 16-bit console, the [[Sega Mega Drive|Mega Drive]], in 1991. Despite the Mega Drive release, Sega thought that the game had potential to succeed in its 8-bit hardware as well.<ref name="RetroGamer">{{Cite journal |first=Nick |last=Thorpe |journal=[[Wikipedia:Retro Gamer|Retro Gamer]] |title=The History of Sonic on the Master System |url=https://www.pressreader.com/article/282398399939115 |date=March 22, 2018}}</ref> As such, they entrusted freelancer composer [[Yuzo Koshiro]], who had worked with them on the soundtrack of ''[[Wikipedia:The Revenge of Shinobi|The Revenge of Shinobi]]'' (1989), to handle development of an 8-bit version of the original ''Sonic'' after Koshiro told them that he could develop games himself.<ref name="Polygon">{{Cite web |first = Jeremy |last = Parish |date = June 19, 2017 |title = Yuzo Koshiro: Legendary game composer, family business owner |url = https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/6/19/15819622/yuzo-koshiro-legendary-game-composer-family-business-owner |work = Polygon |accessdate = August 26, 2023}}</ref> Since Sega could not make contracts with individuals, Koshiro founded a new company, [[Wikipedia:Ancient (company)|Ancient]], with his family to make the game.<ref name="Polygon" /> His sister, Ayano, served as director and graphic designer, and his mother, Tomo, played a "behind the scenes" role.<ref name="Polygon" /><ref name="HoStH">{{Cite book |date = September 6, 2013 |title = [[The History of Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher = Les Editions Pix'n Love |chapter = Handheld Games |page = 164 |isbn = 978-1-926778-96-9}}</ref> The first person Koshiro hired, Shinobu Hayashi, programmed the game.

Since porting the original game to 8-bit hardware was impossible, Ancient decided to develop the 8-bit ''Sonic'' from scratch.<ref name="RetroGamer" /> The team decided to make this version vastly different from its 16-bit sibling.<ref name="RetroGamer" /><ref name="HoStH" /> Three of the most iconic [[Zone]]s from the 16-bit game - [[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Green Hill Zone]], [[Labyrinth Zone]] and [[Scrap Brain Zone]] - were brought to the 8-bit version, which also featured three new Zones - [[Bridge Zone]], [[Jungle Zone]] and [[Sky Base Zone]].<ref name="HoStH" /> [[Marble Zone]], from the 16-bit installment, was planned to be implemented as well, but was ultimately scrapped.<ref name="RetroGamer" /> Koshiro recalled that developing an 8-bit ''Sonic'' was challenging, as he had actually never developed games before, but Sega had faith in him due to his close relationship to the company.<ref name="Polygon" />

==Soundtrack==
Koshiro composed the soundtrack, but wanted to maintain the feel of [[Masato Nakamura]]'s tracks from the 16-bit game. He converted the 16-bit score to a 8-bit [[Wikipedia:Programmable sound generator|programmable sound generator]], but ended up using only three of those tracks; the remainder of the music is Koshiro's own work.<ref>{{Cite web |first = Thomas |last = Boecker |date = February 2011 |title = Game Music :: Interview with Yuzo Koshiro |url = https://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/interviews/yuzokoshiro.shtml |work = Square Enix Music Online |accessdate = August 26, 2023}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|BeepMD = 7.25/10&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref>{{Cite journal|title=BE Mega Dog Race: ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/9d/BeepMD_JP_1992-01.pdf#page=84|journal=[[Wikipedia:Gemaga|Beep! MegaDrive]]|pages=82|date=January 1992|language=Japanese}}</ref>
|C&VG = 90%&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Master System|SMS]]}}<ref name="C&VG">{{Cite journal|title=Review: Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Rignall|last2=Boone|first1=Julian|first2=Tim|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5d/CVG_UK_121.pdf#page=34|journal=[[wikipedia:Computer and Video Games|Computer and Video Games]]|pages=34|issue=121|date=December 1991|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref><br/>93%&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Boone|last2=Rand|first1=Tim|first2=Paul|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e5/Go_UK_03.pdf#page=7|journal=[[wikipedia:Computer and Video Games|Go! (Computer and Video Games)]]|issue=3|pages=6-7|date=January 1992|accessdate=24 February 2022}}</ref>
|EGM = 8.75/10&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref name="egm">{{Cite journal|title=Review Crew: Sonic the Hedgehog|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6c/EGM_US_031.pdf#page=30|journal=[[Wikipedia:Electronic Gaming Monthly|Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|pages=30|issue=31|date=February 1992}}</ref>
|GamePro = 22/25&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Master System|SMS]]}}<ref name="gpro">{{Cite journal|author=Earth Angel|title=Sega Master Pro Review: Sonic the Hedgehog|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/7/77/GamePro_US_029.pdf#page=112|journal=[[wikipedia:GamePro|GamePro]]|issue=29|date=December 1991|pages=110|accessdate=11 March 2022}}</ref><br/>24/25&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Rigor Mortis|title=Game Gear Pro Review: Sonic the Hedgehog|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/60/GamePro_US_031.pdf#page=108|journal=[[wikipedia:GamePro|GamePro]]|pages=106|issue=31|date=February 1992}}</ref>
|IGN = 7.5/10&nbsp;{{C|[[Wii]]}}<ref name="ignSMS">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/04/sonic-the-hedgehog-master-system-version-review|title=Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System Version) Review|publisher=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]]|first=Lucas M.|last=Thomas|date=4 August 2008|accessdate=19 January 2019}}</ref>
|MMS = 90%&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Master System|SMS]]}}<ref name="meanmachine">{{Cite journal|title=Review: Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Leadbetter|last2=Rignall|first1=Richard|first2=Julian|journal=[[wikipedia:Mean Machines|Mean Machines Sega]]|issue=15|publisher=International Data Group|date=December 1991|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref><br/>91%&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Games Index: Game Gear|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5c/MeanMachinesSega01UK.pdf#page=143|journal=[[wikipedia:Mean Machines|Mean Machines Sega]]|pages=143|date=October 1992}}</ref>
|NLife = 8/10&nbsp;{{C|[[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]]}}<ref name="nlife">{{Cite web|last=Sleeper|first=Morgan|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/sonic_the_hedgehog_gamegear|title=Review: Sonic the Hedgehog (3DS eShop / GG)|publisher=[[wikipedia:Gamer Network#Partnered websites|Nintendo Life]]|date=15 June 2013|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref>
|SPower = {{Rating|5|5}}&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Master System|SMS]]}}<ref name="segapower">{{Cite journal|title=The Hard Line|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b9/SegaPower_UK_46.pdf#page=101|journal=[[Wikipedia:Sega Power|Sega Power]]|pages=101-102|issue=24|date=September 1993}}</ref><br/>{{Rating|5|5}}&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref name="segapower"/>
|SSMJP = 7.1403/10&nbsp;{{C|[[Sega Game Gear|GG]]}}<ref>{{Cite journal|title=GAMEGEAR SOFT READERS RACE for GG USER|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/67/SSM_JP_19950901_1995-09.pdf#page=88|journal=[[Wikipedia:Gemaga|Sega Saturn Magazine]]|pages=86|date=September 1995|language=Japanese}}</ref>
|award1Pub = ''[[Wikipedia:Electronic Gaming Monthly|Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''
|award1 = Editors' Choice Gold<ref name="egm"/>
}}
Like its [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|16-bit counterpart]], the 8-bit version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' received positive reviews from gaming journalists and magazines during its release. The December 1991 issue of ''[[wikipedia:Computer and Video Games|Computer and Video Games]]'' praises the game's speed, gameplay and graphical detail, but notes that the game is too easy.<ref name="C&VG"/> Similarly, ''[[wikipedia:Mean Machines|Mean Machines Sega]]'' praised the game for its graphics, the speed and being favorably comparable to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] version.<ref name="meanmachine"/> ''[[wikipedia:GamePro|GamePro]]'' praised the [[Sega Master System|Master System]] version of game for its speed and graphics as well.<ref name="gpro"/>

The 2013 re-release of the game received 8 out of 10 score from ''[[wikipedia:Gamer Network#Partnered websites|Nintendo Life]]'', praising its tight controls, a great sense of speed and plenty of personality, while concluding the review by stating the game as "a speedy, smile-inducing classic".<ref name="nlife"/> [[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]] reviewed the [[Wii]] Virtual Console re-release of the game, writing that although it was not as visually appealing, fast, or as ambitious as its 16-bit predecessor, the 8-bit ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' was still a competent game in its own right with unique level designs that managed to retain the feel of the original.<ref name="ignSMS"/> [[Wikipedia:GameSpy|GameSpy]], reviewing ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'', felt the 8-bit ''Sonic'' and ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' were the series' only Game Gear installments worth playing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/sonic-mega-collection-plus/562431p1.html?fromint=1|title=Sonic Mega Collection Plus (PS2)|publisher=[[Wikipedia:GameSpy|GameSpy]]|first=Chris|last=Baker|date=1 November 2004|accessdate=19 January 2019}}</ref>

''Sonic the Hedgehog'' also received the fourth place on [[wikipedia:GamesRadar|GamesRadar]]'s "Best Sega Game Gear games of all time" list, which stated that "speed isn’t what it would become in Sonic’s later adventures, but your reflexes will still be tested in later levels; surely a little space to get up to speed is forgivable, after all."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-gear-games-all-time/|title=Best Sega Game Gear games of all time|publisher=[[wikipedia:GamesRadar|GamesRadar]]|date=6 March 2014|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref>

==Re-releases==
[[File:SONIC FOR PALM OS.jpg|thumb|225px|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' on ''[[Sega Mobile]]''.]]
Like many later [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]] games, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' has been featured on numerous re-releases and completion titles. The Game Gear version is a mini-game in ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] and [[PC]] which can be unlocked by completing the first 20 missions or collecting 20 [[Emblem]]s. In the same year, the Game Gear version was ported onto [[Wikipedia:Palm OS|Palm OS]] phones under the ''[[Sega Mobile]]'' banner. The Game Gear version was yet again released in 2004 on the compilation game ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]''.
In 2008, the Master System version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' appeared in the officially licensed [[Tectoy]]'s plug and play console, "Tectoy Master System 3," and was also re-released on the [[Wii#Virtual Console|Virtual Console]] for the [[Wii]] for the price of 500 points. In 2013, the Game Gear version was re-released on the [[Nintendo 3DS#Virtual Console|Virtual Console]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] for the price of 300 points.<ref name="Sega-Blogs">{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2013/06/13/four-new-game-gear-titles-for-the-nintendo-3ds-eshop/|title=Four New Game Gear Titles for the Nintendo 3DS eShop|work=Sega Blog|date=13 June 2013|accessdate=1 November 2014|publisher=[[Sega]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618025309/http://blogs.sega.com/2013/06/13/four-new-game-gear-titles-for-the-nintendo-3ds-eshop/|archivedate=18 June 2013}}</ref> 

In 2020, the Game Gear version was included in the black [[Game Gear Micro]].
{|class="wikitable"
!Image
!Title
!Platform(s)
!Description
|-
|[[File:Sonic adventure dx.jpg|75px]]
|''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''
|<small>[[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]]<br>[[PC]]</small>
|Included as an unlockable mini-game.
|-
|[[File:SonicAdventure2-Pack US Cover.jpg|70px]]
|''[[Sonic Adventure 2-Pack]]''
|<small>[[Nintendo GameCube]]</small>
|Featured as an unlockable mini-game in ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.
|-
|[[File:SONIC FOR PALM OS.jpg|70px]]
|N/A
|<small>[[Wikipedia:Palm OS|Palm OS]]</small>
|Released in 2003.
|-
|[[File:SonicMegaCollectionPlus.png|75px]]
|''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]''
|<small>[[PC]]<br>[[PlayStation 2]]<br>[[Xbox]]</small>
|Released in 2004.
|-
|[[File:Sonic1 SMS Wii US icon.png|75px]]
|
|<small>[[Wii]]</small>
|Released in 2008.
|-
|[[File:VC3DS Sonic1GG.png|75px]]
|
|<small>[[Nintendo 3DS]]</small>
|Released in 2013.
|-
|[[File:Game Gear Micro Black JP.jpg|75px]]
|[[Game Gear Micro]] (Black)
|
|Released in 2020.
|-
|[[File:Sonic Origins Plus.png|75px]]
|''[[Sonic Origins Plus]]''
|<small>[[Nintendo Switch]]<br>[[PC]]<br>[[PlayStation 4]]<br>[[PlayStation 5]]<br>[[Xbox One]]<br>[[Xbox Series X and Series S]]</small>
|Released on June 23, 2023.
|}

==Console differences==
Both the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]] versions of the game are the same with differences related to hardware limitations. These include:
*The Game Gear version uses a [[Sega]] screen with a jumping [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] sprite, whereas the Master System version lacks this intro screen since one is already provided by the console's BIOS.
*Since the Game Gear has a smaller screen resolution and generally increased color palette, the game was given a narrower screen size. In response to this, Sonic was given a smaller sprite, and his controls were made a bit tighter.
*There are minor graphical changes in [[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Green Hill Zone]]. One of the [[totem pole]] faces was removed from the Game Gear version, but the flowers look like their [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|16-bit counterparts]] and there are warning signs in certain areas due to the narrow screen and game momentum.
*In the Game Gear version, the [[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Special Stages]] received a makeover. Specifically, all the sprites are now the same color. This is in contrast to the Master System version, where each color indicates a different bouncing height.
*In the Game Gear version, [[Jungle Zone]] Act 2 allows for vertical descent without losing a life, which makes the Zone easier. 
*[[Labyrinth Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Labyrinth Zone]]'s level design was largely redone, with its [[Chaos Emerald]] relocated.
*Two bosses were heavily modified for the Game Gear version - most notably, the boss of [[Bridge Zone]] appears on a tricky curvy bridge rather than between two-level terrains with an island in the middle. The final boss in [[Sky Base Zone]] Act 3 also had its defense mechanism changed entirely and does not enter a "panic" mode. 
**In addition, each boss is fought in more compact arenas due to the screen size, resulting in every other boss being lowered.
*The Master System version of the ending credits differs with the alternative text ("Game Program" and "Sound Produce") and includes extra credit for the original character design.

==Staff==
*'''Original character design''': ©[[Sega]]
*'''Game programmer''': Shinobu "Pinbot" Hayashi
*'''Graphic designer''': Ayano Koshiro, Takefuni Yunoue
*'''Sound producer''': [[Masato Nakamura]]
*'''Rearranging and original music''': [[Yuzo Koshiro]]
*'''Special thanks''': Yoshio Yoshida (Yoshio Y), Kenji Shintani (Lunarian SG)
*'''Presented by''': [[Sega]]

==Trivia==
*''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is the only ''Sonic'' game released for the [[Sega Master System]] in North America. Later ''Sonic''-themed titles would be released on the [[Sega Game Gear]] and programmed as ports for the Master System, which were only released in Europe, South America and South Africa.
*Despite the box artwork for the Sega Master System version depicting Sonic inside a [[loop]] in [[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog) (8-bit)|Green Hill]], there are no loops in this game, something which would be added in the 8-bit [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|version]] of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
*While this game's plot is seemingly identical to the 16-bit version, it occurs separately from the 16-bit game as its own adventure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6zd9S0Blwc|title=BumbleKast for July 27th, 2022 - Priority Q&A Podcast with Ian Flynn (23:34)|work=YouTube|date=27 July 2022|accessdate=27 July 2022}}</ref>

==Videos==
<tabber>
North American commercial=[[File:Sonic the Hedgehog Game Gear Commercial (1991)|350px|left]]
|-|
Japanese commercial=[[File:SEGA タカハシの旅はゲームギア 92年春CM|350px|left]]
</tabber>
{{-}}

==See also==
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog (disambiguation)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*''{{Plain link|http://vc.sega.jp/vc_ms_sonic/|Sonic the Hedgehog}}'' at the official [[Wii]] re-release mini-site '''(Japanese)'''
*''{{Plain link|http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic1/index.html|Sonic the Hedgehog}}'' at the official [[Nintendo 3DS]] re-release mini-site '''(Japanese)'''
*{{WP link|Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit video game)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (8-bit video game)}}
{{Sonic 1 (8-bit) info}}
{{Sonic games (handheld)}}
{{Italic title}}
[[de:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-Bit)]]
[[es:Sonic the Hedgehog (8 bits)]]
[[fr:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)]]
[[lt:Sonic the Hedgehog (8 bitai)]]
[[nl:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-Bit)]]
[[pl:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)]]
[[pt-br:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)]]
[[ru:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-бит)]]

[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)| ]]
[[Category:1991]]
[[Category:2D platformers]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Rated E games]]
[[Category:Sega Game Gear games]]
[[Category:Sega Master System games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) alternate versions and ports]]
[[Category:Wii Virtual Console games]]