Sonic the Hedgehog on segaMD

Introduction: This is the official 1991 launch title for the Sega Genesis, known as Mega Drive in most regions. It established Sonic's core setting of South Island, featuring six main Zones like Green Hill and Marble, each with three Acts. The visual style uses the Genesis's color palette to create a bright, scrolling world with detailed parallax backgrounds and large, colorful sprites for Sonic and his enemies.

Gameplay & Mechanics: You control Sonic the Hedgehog alone. The physics are built on momentum; rolling down slopes increases your speed, while running uphill slows you. Control is precise but requires commitment to maneuvers. Sonic's main ability is the Spin Attack, performed by jumping or pressing down while moving. He can collect rings for protection and extra lives, and the game introduces the iconic pinball-style bumpers and loop-de-loops. There are no additional characters or special moves like the Insta-shield or Drop Dash in this original entry.

Key Features:

• Momentum based physics that reward skillful use of slopes and rolling.
• Special Stages accessed by passing checkpoints with 50 or more rings, where you rotate a maze to find a Chaos Emerald.
• A structured three Act per Zone format, culminating in a boss fight against Dr. Robotnik at the end of Act 3.

This foundational game defined the speed and flow that the series would build upon for decades.