Sonic Blast

Sonic Blast is an official Sega Master System platform game released exclusively in Brazil by Tec Toy in December 1997. It is a conversion of the 1996 Sega Game Gear game developed by Aspect, also known as G Sonic in Japan. Unlike Sonic 3D Blast for the Genesis and Saturn, Sonic Blast is a traditional side-scrolling platformer featuring Sonic and Knuckles.

The game uses sprites created from pre-rendered 3D character models, giving its characters a different appearance from earlier 8-bit Sonic releases. The Master System conversion retains the original Game Gear game's stages and much of its presentation rather than introducing a new campaign.

Gameplay and Objective

Choose Sonic or Knuckles and progress through five zones, each containing three acts. Navigate platforms, avoid enemies and environmental hazards, collect Rings, and defeat Dr. Robotnik's machines.

The adventure centers on stopping Robotnik and recovering five Chaos Emerald fragments. Each character has different movement abilities, allowing players to approach platforms and obstacles in different ways.

When hit while carrying Rings, the character loses ten Rings rather than the entire collection. Up to five lost Rings can be recovered before they disappear.

Sonic and Knuckles' Abilities

Sonic: Can perform a Spin Dash to accelerate from a stationary position and a Double Jump, also described as a Boost Jump, to gain additional height. His airborne move is useful for reaching platforms and adjusting jumps.

Knuckles: Can glide across gaps and grab onto suitable walls to climb upward or downward. His abilities make vertical exploration and reaching alternate routes easier.

To use Sonic's Double Jump, press the jump button again while airborne. With Knuckles, press the jump button again in midair to glide; contact with a suitable wall allows him to climb.

Zones and Challenges

Sonic Blast contains five zones, each with its own environment and obstacles:

• Green Hill Zone: An opening area with grassy platforms, slopes, and familiar Sonic-style enemies.
• Yellow Desert Zone: A desert environment with sand-themed obstacles and platforming challenges.
• Red Volcano Zone: A volcanic setting featuring dangerous terrain and environmental hazards.
• Blue Marine Zone: An underwater area where players must manage movement and air supply.
• Silver Castle Zone: Robotnik's mechanical stronghold and the final main area of the adventure.

The third act of each zone culminates in a boss encounter. Defeating these bosses allows the player to continue toward Silver Castle.

Special Stages and Chaos Emeralds

Hidden Giant Rings appear in Acts 1 and 2 of each zone. Entering one takes the player to a Special Stage where Rings must be collected to earn a reward.

• Act 1 Special Stages: Collect at least 50 Rings to earn an extra life.
• Act 2 Special Stages: Collect at least 50 Rings to obtain a Chaos Emerald fragment.

There are five Chaos Emerald fragments to collect. Obtaining all five unlocks an additional final boss encounter, which must be defeated to see the good ending.

Unlike several other Sonic games, collecting the Emeralds does not unlock playable Super Sonic or Super Knuckles transformations.

Master System and Game Gear Differences

The Sega Master System release was adapted by Tec Toy for the Brazilian market in 1997, approximately one year after the original Game Gear version.

Although the Master System supports a larger screen area than the Game Gear, this conversion largely preserves the handheld game's viewing area instead of redesigning the stages for a wider field of view. The result is a game that plays similarly to the Game Gear original while running on Master System hardware.

Its pre-rendered character sprites and compact stage presentation make Sonic Blast visually distinct from earlier Master System Sonic games.

Gameplay Tips

• Use Sonic's Double Jump: The additional airborne jump can help correct positioning and reach higher platforms.
• Explore with Knuckles: Gliding and wall climbing can provide alternative ways around difficult platform sections.
• Look for Giant Rings: Search Acts 1 and 2 for entrances to Special Stages rather than expecting Chaos Emeralds to appear in the main stages.
• Collect 50 Rings inside Special Stages: This is the requirement for earning the extra life or Chaos Emerald reward.
• Recover lost Rings: After taking damage, collect the scattered Rings quickly to preserve some protection.
• Complete all five Emerald challenges: Collecting every fragment is necessary to unlock the additional final boss and good ending.