Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog

Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog (also known as Knuckles in Sonic 1) is a Sega Genesis / Mega Drive ROM hack created by Stealth in 2005. This version 1.1 release brings Knuckles into the original Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), integrating his signature movement abilities into the game's engine. The hack recreates the experience of playing Sonic 1 with Knuckles, something the original Sonic & Knuckles lock-on cartridge did not support.

Gameplay and Objective

Knuckles travels through the original Sonic 1 stages, collecting rings, avoiding hazards, defeating Dr. Robotnik's machines, and reaching the end of each act. The familiar level layouts remain, but Knuckles moves differently from Sonic.

His lower jump height makes some obstacles more demanding, while gliding and wall climbing introduce alternative ways to navigate vertical sections and cross gaps. These abilities are particularly useful in stages designed around Sonic's original movement.

Knuckles' Special Abilities

• Spin Dash: Hold Down while stationary, repeatedly press a jump button to build speed, then release Down to accelerate forward.
• Gliding: Jump and press a jump button again while airborne to glide forward. Use directional input to adjust Knuckles' movement.
• Wall Climbing: Glide into a suitable vertical wall to grab it, then climb upward or downward. Jump away to return to normal movement.

These abilities are part of Stealth's implementation of Knuckles in the Sonic 1 engine. They give players additional movement options without turning the hack into a completely different set of levels.

Super Knuckles and Secret Codes

The hack includes an optional Super Knuckles feature, but collecting the Chaos Emeralds alone does not enable it. A secret code must first be entered on the title screen.

• Enable Super Knuckles: B, B, B, B, Up, Down, Left, Right. A ring sound confirms successful entry. Super Knuckles becomes available after obtaining all Chaos Emeralds.
• Start with All Chaos Emeralds: B, B, B, B, B, B, Up, Down, Left, Right. A confirmation sound indicates that the code was accepted.

These sequences use the Genesis controller's B button and directional inputs. Use the corresponding controls configured in the emulator.

How It Differs from the Original Sonic 1

The original 1991 release features Sonic as the playable character and does not include Knuckles' gliding, climbing, or Spin Dash abilities. Stealth's modification adds these mechanics to the first game's engine while retaining its recognizable stages and progression.

Unlike Knuckles in Sonic 2, which was officially supported through Sonic & Knuckles lock-on technology, the original Sonic 1 cartridge did not unlock a playable Knuckles campaign when connected to Sonic & Knuckles. This fan-made ROM hack provides that missing combination through software modification.

Gameplay Tips

• Use gliding to control long jumps: Knuckles can cross certain gaps by extending his movement through the air instead of relying solely on jump height.
• Look for climbable walls: Vertical surfaces can provide alternate access to higher areas, although not every obstacle can be bypassed this way.
• Account for shorter jumps: Approaches that work with Sonic may require different positioning or use of Knuckles' special abilities.