Sonic the Hedgehog 1991

Released: June 1991
Genre: Platform
Platforms: Arcade · PlayStation 3 · Wii · Sega Mega Drive/Genesis · PC · iOS · Xbox 360
Developer: Sonic Team
More info: Wikipedia IGDB

Where to buy

Digital: Xbox Nintendo
In a collection: Sega Genesis Classics

Steam Nintendo PlayStation Xbox

Sonic the Hedgehog: Ultimate Bundle

Steam
Physical: Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: GOG, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, ININ Games and Amazon

Is it still worth playing?

Sega's 1991 side scrolling platformer for the Genesis, in which Sonic, a fast blue hedgehog, frees animals trapped by Doctor Robotnik and tries to collect the six Chaos Emeralds first. Levels are built for high speed running through springs, slopes, loops and bottomless pits. Gold rings act as health, shielding Sonic from one hit, and 100 rings grant an extra life. There are six main zones, each with three acts and a boss fight, followed by a Final Zone, and signposts serve as checkpoints. Bonus stages, reached with 50 rings, let you collect a hidden Chaos Emerald. It launched the Sonic series and helped make the Genesis a major competitor to Nintendo in North America. Every run is a mix of momentum and caution, with rings that protect you from one hit and slopes that carry your speed, and it plays that way still.