Classic Game Room - SONIC THE HEDGEHOG for Sega Genesis review

Classic Game Room HD reviews SONIC THE HEDGEHOG for Sega Geneis from 1991 (this recorded gameplay is from the Sonic's Ultimate Collection on PS3). This CGR review of Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega has gameplay from Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega Genesis showing game play.

[@austinevans]

I can't believe you've never reviewed this game before haha.

[@BMW-sd6nn]

Austin Evans I cant believe no one has commented on this comment lol

[@nintendozilla9843]

Austin!

[@Zmoney823]

HEYYY

[@christianmoore7109]

Hello Austin!

[@FunkyStudios]

Hi Austin Evans

[@Abby_Cervantes2007]

There's just something about the first Sonic the Hedgehog that makes it the best! I don't know if its because of the music or challenge but the game just feels like a masterpiece.

[@DH1986]

I think Sonic 2 was the best sonic game on the Genesis. Sonic Adventure was my first game on the dreamcast and my eyes popped out from sheer amazement. It was a game changer.

[@craftygamerones9494]

DH1986 everyone says 3 & knuckles is better, did you not know it exists or prefer sonic 2?

[@Trancemaster2052]

I remember christmas 1991. Got a Sega Genesis and Sonic the Hedgehog. I was just 5 years old. Been a fan of the series ever since. Damn I miss the 16-bit era, good memories.

[@FroztiProductions]

Sonic easier to control than mario? Am I the only one who thinks that's crazy?

[@FroztiProductions]

The levels in sonic 1 and 2 would be awesome if you could see about twice as far, imo. But you can't expect people to go fast when you can barely see whats coming up lol maybe I just suck but I really think there's some truth to that...

[@Pooky1991]

While I played both as a kid, I always found Mario way easier to control than Sonic. Sonics speed was also a mixed blessing because while the speed was great, it also made getting hit by enemies easier to me

[@FroztiProductions]

Accelerating slow then going so fast you can't see what's coming? okay...

[@seanquertinmont2760]

FroztiProductions sonic is way harder to control bc sonic is faster

[@FroztiProductions]

Actually I feel he is harder to control because of his acceleration. He starts out painfully slow then eventually you're going too fast for your screen.

[@MrXavierization]

The graphics the sound the speed . This game still plays like a dream . love it

[@t99155]

I played this game for hours as a kid 😂😂 the best ever!

[@HammerheartBloodeagle]

This game is a timeless MASTERPIECE.

[@clydefrosch]

what i never understood is how they managed to make sonic (and the worlds) look worse in the two games following this one... why didnt they keep the tvs from the first game? why make them worse looking like boxes? worlds looked more and more confusing in the following games..

[@ProtoMario]

Sonic adventure 1-2 for gamecube or dream cast way awesome 3d sonic way fun environments and great story.

[@CEAONtheCeaon]

"Has Sonic ever benefited from going to 3D?" Uhm... Sonic Adventure Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Heroes Sonic Unleashed Sonic Colors Sonic Generations

[@krisschlitt8735]

yea only sonic adventure 1 and 2 are the best i care less about the rest .

[@CEAONtheCeaon]

Kris Schlitt Oh shit, it's one of those every game after SA2 sucks people

[@AtenAkaAton1]

All those games you listed suck.

[@CEAONtheCeaon]

AtenAkaAton1 Oh god damn it, you're one of those every game that isn't 2D sucks people

[@krisschlitt8735]

ConTails oh shit your just another dumb fuck who knows it all !

[@segagenesis1989]

This was an excellent video Mark! Not only did you do a nice review of the game, you also managed to feature how elaborate and different each level of the game is. You are absolutely right: this game packs alot of punch!

[@MAGNUM05]

June 23, 1991: The day when SEGA brought everybody's favorite blue Hedgehog came into existance "Sonic The Hedgehog!" The game did not exist during the first 2 years of the Sega Genesis, cause the system was released in 1989

[@MAGNUM05]

***** Well, the system was released in Japan back in 1988

[@subzerotheiceninga8254]

1988

[@MAGNUM05]

Herobrine Minecraft It was released in Japan in 1988, but it was released in America in 1989

[@RWL2012]

MAGNUM05 and not forgetting EUROPE (1990)

[@DDRUTOU]

3:15. I've been playing this game for 20 years, and I never knew that shortcut was there

[@mourasantos]

Sonic 1 the best? Uh, no... Sonic CD says hi.

[@qw3rtypd4ng3r]

+Situations103 Sonic 3 + S&K Lock-on breh

[@ddopeyy]

Yeah, CD was awesome! But, I do like me a bit of 3D Blast.

[@denilson9276]

Sonic 1 is so much better than CD, CD stages look like random generated.

[@digimonsesealy4010]

Sonic 3 would like to talk with you

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

My number one favorite thing I love about Sonic 1: connecting it to the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge which allows you to play Blue Sphere!

[@deaneireann4769]

it was better than Mario brothers.

[@YourMom-ng6yd]

The Mario Brothers arcade game? without a doubt. the classic Super Mario games? No way! (Except for the graphics)

[@denilson9276]

Grigori Rasputin1990 who cares, talking about super nintendo, sonic is really better, you nintendo fanboys can't see it because you're blinded by nostalgia.

[@carlkamuti]

You've got to understand that at the time this game was originally released it was competing with Super Mario World. Sonic is a great game but it didn't and doesn't have the depth that Super Mario has developed.

[@Fenzi010]

Having a "Nostalgia Attack" i want those days back .. !

[@t99155]

Facts!!

[@l--..--l-i3m]

Sniff...Sonic... and CGR... awesomeness... and nostalgia... Im actually thinking of shedding a tear.

[@TVrawks301]

My family was really broke when I was growing up, and my Godmother gave us the Sega Genesis w/ the Sonic the Hedgehog game for that Christmas of '91 (or around that time, anyway). It was the only Christmas present my brother & I got, and we still love Sonic today! The first Sonic game is the best Sonic game ever!

[@Goostafus]

It's awesome that this game is 2 years older than me and it's one of my favorite games ever.

[@Bloodthr0e]

I can't believe I owned a Sega Genesis and never knew this game existed! Thanks, CGR!

[@carlitoxxe]

This is a nostalgic and a sentimental review for mark, just like strider. He takes away the jokes and he focused talking about his experiences, and the sega golden ages. This is a special review for me, too

[@fenderman21guitar]

Reading console wars and felt compelled to come and watch this!

[@Wismer1987]

i loved these days as little kid-we played this game all the time and when we get to the watertemple everyone gets excited. And if u died u had to do it all over again but nobody understands this today

[@Brubeauty84]

I miss this game so much! Sonic the Hedgehog was the first video game I owned & played it for hours & hours. I miss the old Sega lol.

[@Diggy22]

Man, I must be getting old. I went from owning Sonic on the Genesis, to owning Sonic Mega Collection on the PS2, to owning Sonic on the iPod touch. Time flies...

[@StudioGuyMN]

Sonic is pretty much the epitome of what would be considered a classic game. And it's actually hard to believe that it's taken this long for CGR to review it!

[@bean420man]

I know this isn't a video game, but who remembers the Sonic cartoon series. What a great show. Yeah, this one was the best, because it was just sonic and no other characters tagging along.

[@CRTglow]

If the game was fun back then, it WILL BE fun even today! Sonic is a perfect example, 20 years, and it can still hold a candle to other games and show them how it's done!

[@MustRunFaster]

Oh my god, this one video game is pretty much my entire childhood. Well, okay, this one and Sonic 2 for the genesis. Such great games.

[@6thsun25]

i remember my friend had a gameboy..and i bought game gear with sonic.I remember the start screen with the sega logo saying "seeeegaaa".The whole sonic experience was breathtaking for the years back then.....

[@TheInflicted]

Mark has an enteresting point with the whole "attitude" thing. Imagine if Sonic had gone on to make Conker's Bad Fur Day style games!

[@AdelaarGD]

as a younger gamer I often look back at the the great sonic games you older folk have, and I find myself envious they just don't make 'em like they used to

[@mewtube47]

Just randomly remembered watching this in school in first grade (a couple years after this came out)

[@socillizt4life]

There's not many games I remember playing for the very 1st time,especially one I 1st played soooo long ago,but the colour of the 1st stage & the speed was unlike anything at that time & the level design was sonic team at thier finest(along with 'nights into dreams').The 1st & still the best IMO!!

[@socillizt4life]

I'll never forget the 1st time I stuck the cart' into my megadrive & just being blown away by the speed sonic would shoot across the green hill zone.I was only 11years old(20)years ago but it seems like yesterday.

[@WaddleDee105]

Good review. I think the best part about Sonic is how in most of the 2D games the levels are really smooth and graceful. If you are good you can go through them in style and get a fast time and get a ton of rings. The games are also easy enough for kids to get into so, like Mario, it's a platformer for everyone.

[@jayweast1306]

Played Sonic CD way back when on PC and loved it. Would love to play it now to see how well it's aged.

[@B4k4_Senpai]

I grew up on Sonic and I enjoy a fair share of his games good and bad.

[@SolidSnake684]

Love the respect Mark gives Sonic here as a character. While the original is classic, i feel that Sonic 2 is the best. The levels are much better designed and have more flow. Also, it had the spindash.

[@TheGuru477]

Sweet, 1991 was a really good time for Sonic and the Genesis. This game was so much fun .I love hitting those springs and going like 5 gagillion miles and hour. Good review and good memories.

[@ds16653]

You know you've made an awesome game when as long as the player holds on to one ring they will live, and it's still a hard game to beat.

[@AdamSFM]

Yes he can stay 2D forever, Sonic the Hedeghog was the perfect mix of platforming and speed. Platforming was designed for a 2D environment, and many games which have ventured into the 3D world before are now heading back - Mario, Rayman, and Sonic, as well. 2D is the way forward for platformers.

[@Cornyassjohnny]

i never was a big sonic fan but the green hill zone music brings back memories

[@idontwantthisgoogle]

o my god!! that music... omg!!! OMG!! SO MANY MEMORIES!! OMG!! JIZZZZZ

[@aeris2001]

WOW, I thought I knew this game very well, but never knew that extra life was there in marble zone, nice one XD

[@CoolDudeClem]

What a coincidence, I was listening to some remixed sonic tunes just now and lo and behold a CGR Sonic game review shows up in my subscritions box! My favorite Sonic on the Genesis is Sonic 1, but on the Master System Sonic 2 is my favorite Sonic game.

[@darrouken]

This is the first game I played, I played it at my Uncle's house and when I had to go home I cryed because I wanted to carry on playing. I can't wait for sonic 4

[@chillykaia]

Oh how bad that last sentence aged

[@LiekThatSound]

Thank you for doing Sonic justice, CGR.

[@SuperClassicSonic]

Possibly the best review of Sonic 1 ever. I want to see you review Sonic 4 once it is released.

[@gpolhemus]

Sonic original, as a kid, felt challenging, engaging, simply a good game. An the creator, inspired by Dragon Ball Z decided to let his influence shine in 2. Nothing felt better than going Super Sonic for the first time. Less of a challenge - more of the fun.

[@Caztro72]

Back in the 16-bit days I had all three systems: SNES, Genesis, and TG-16. But I actually never got around to picking up any Sonic games until the 32-bit revolution started (when the 16-bit carts were going cheap). I ended up getting the Majesco released Sonic Classics (S1&S2) and Sonic 3 for my Genny. But I still have yet to beat any Sonic game! Those dang carts are still on my shelf gathering dust. This video has got me psyched to play the first Sonic and beat it!!

[@Mah.Floyd.Zepellin]

This game is my first game finished in my life! Great game

[@mother-fng-bonswa3612]

i remember sonic, the first time in a toy store. amazing

[@sonicmario64]

I consider myself as a true Sonic fan because I know which games he appeared in are good to play and which ones are actually bad. :)

[@Absolynth]

Sonic was one of the biggest, if not the biggest influence on so many levels as a kid for me. I would say the sheer physics of the game play was a good amount of what resonated with me. He didn't feel like an abstract simulation reacting to instructions, but a physical character that had to abide by rules of gravity and motion, and thus, we did. Also Sonic was my muse for drawing as a child. If you would like to see my work of Sonic, check out profile "Dues-X" on Deviantart. Great review man! :)

[@TheNoahJohn97]

one of my favorite childhood games :)

[@niah146]

sonic was my favorite game when i was 5. that would have been about 7-ish years ago =) so i have always been around retro games, and i love them!!!

[@chillykaia]

If this channel is still going, you were 12 when you said this. Now you're 21. Let that sink in

[@Rationalific]

Well said! Nobody else can be Sonic, and Sonic shouldn't be anybody else. The main problem with the way the series evolved was that more and more characters resembling Sonic were brought in, and then Sonic started appearing predominantly in games that were the domain of others. This didn't work. I think that Sonic 4 (though imperfect) will be the best Sonic in a long time...in fact, probably the best Sonic game in about 17 years in my opinion.

[@stringanime]

I agree, Sonic 1 is the Best because it is from a simpler, more innocent time, where Alex Kidd was still relevant and when you looked at my favorite game library, it looked like this, Tommy Lasorda Baseball, Altered Beast, Last Battle, Mystic Defender, Revenge of Shinobi, Forgotten Worlds, Golden Axe, Super Thunder Blade, Thunder Force 2, Castle of Illusion, Strider, Ghouls N Ghosts, and Ghostbusters.

[@mikeismad61]

Great video Purchased Sonic for my MASTER system (8 bit) then saw the MD version with my mates...we all went and purchased am MD with Sonic - Sega must have sold MILLIONS of this game, the 1st and the best Sonic game Thanks for posting

[@King_K_Rool_]

ill never forget the first time i saw this game

[@andersdenkend]

Oh... my... god! A true classic. Gorgeous. Great game. Love it. Those were the times.

[@saigokun]

Thanks for posting this well made column about Sonic the Hedgehog.

[@KinyoobiYoru]

Still have my Genisis. Still have Sonic the Hedgehog, STH2, STH3, STH 3 and Knuckles, Sonic 3D. Still play. I'm a fan for life, and I know I'm not alone in that.

[@puronicoya]

sonic 1, 2 and 3 are my favorite video games of all time.

[@The90sGamingGuy]

The Sonic series on the Genesis is a good one. I have been playing these classic games since 1992.I only have Sonic for the Genesis for now. The Sonic Genesis collection on the PS3 looks really good.

[@andreschiriff4354]

I love the original Sonic was one of my first games on the Sega Genesis

[@ryanbloomfield638]

One of the best games I have ever played, I played Sonic 2 and 3 before this one, I wish I would have started with this one first.

[@flybydeath]

@TKGB2006 He is allowed to have his own opinions whether you agree with them or not. He was simply making an observation that MANY old school sonic fans hold. Pointing out that Sonic in more recent games doesn't have the unique personality he had early on, is hardly slinging mud at newer fans. He treated this review VERY professionally in my opinion. If I were doing it I would be a hell of a lot more critical of the newer sonic games.

[@169Phoenix]

I use to love Sonic when i was a kid :)

[@AlexTheAverageKid]

I had this on the Master System, all you needed to do was turn the console on without a cartridge in it and there was this :D

[@calamaty]

The worst thing you can do is be a fanboy of any system so just enjoy the games on all platforms. I grew up an NES fanboy (originals) and hated Sega (no reason) that I missed out on great games. The only good thing about it is you go back and find some hidden gems of the things you've never played.

[@Xeranxies]

I loved Mario when I was a kid. Then I found Sonic. From that day, Sonic has always been no.1, with Mario ranking about a 4 maybe 5.

[@AlanGH]

Because honestly, I feel that their very first attempt at a full 3D game (as in not Sonic 3D for the Saturn), Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast, was indeed a very successful title (I personally loved it!). The problem for SEGA was after the Dreamcast was completely outdone in the console market by the PS2 at the time, SEGA basically went into a mini "panic" mode, and just tried to ride on the coattails of their single-most successful character ever made, Sonic, with multiple titles there after.

[@Oysterblade84]

@Christiooa I agree with you and I know exactly what you mean. SEGA screwed the sound up in the SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection or Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection. The Bass in particular is not 100% accurate sounding as it was on the original console. The bass produces a weaker sound and the hi-hat cymbals in the percussion is not clear. In the Sonic Mega Collection on Gamecube, XBox and Playstation the sound hardware was emulated perfectly just like the original Mega Drive console.

[@MurphyNH]

I don't think it really needs to be done like that. These games are perfect how they are. They just need to make sure these titles remain available for all time.

[@jamesbond1986007]

with what he said about sonic is the reason why the sega genesis my favorite console of all time

[@mtvenar]

The only reason I prefer Sonic 2 over 1 is how you can turn into a ball and charge up when ever you want to. And I like the Sonic 2 sprite a little better, he may have had more frames in 2? idk... I'm gonna load this one up again, thanks Mark for making me want to play thru Sonic again!

[@garply101]

I was a Sega kid. I had the Master System and then the Mega Drive and Sonic was huge at the time. Friends had the NES and then the Super Nintendo so I played Mario etc. on theirs. One of the reasons was the price. Both the console and the games for Sega were cheaper than Nintendo. I've actually never been a Nintendo console owner at all, even the N64 and the Wii I never owned. I went to the Sony Playstations after Sega.

[@AfroSnackey]

Sonic was my very first obsession. I will always love sonic. NO HOMO!

[@ChicoEdge]

Oh, and Ultimate Genesis Collection for PS3 or Xbox 360 is a must buy. You can get it new for less than $20 and with forty games, that works out to less than 50 cents per game.

[@1shoryuken]

man l spent a whole day of my childhood getting all the Chaos Emeralds to see the real ending and all of that hard work was to just see some dancing animals and dr robotnik have a tantrum.

[@anomalousclouds]

Nice bit of nostalgia! I personally grew up with Sonic and I think I've always been a little handicapped at pre-N64 Mario games perhaps b/c of it . My favorite was Sonic 2, but this will always be the first. Not just Sonic game, but the game that really got me into video games as a kid. Also, I can't really pinpoint what made me "lose my faith" in Sonic, but in the mid/late 90s things seemed to change. I have hope for Sonic 4, but Sega just missed out on something with the 3d revolution.

[@fivefinger100]

i dont see the point in being an old fan or a new fan, i like everything about him. fullstop.

[@cerberus144]

Yes, as long as they were one of the games available that month!

[@maddestmike5791]

The funny thing about Sonic's rivalry with Mario is that Yuji Naka was inspired by playing Super Mario Bros. World 1-1 as fast as he could. Pretty much why Sonic needed to outrun Mario.

[@spiderjerusalem100]

Ahh, the sonic theme tune takes me back.....

[@pp3k3jamail]

Dam I wish it was the 90s again great music great games great tv shows great video games great cartoon great basketball ball shoes to the nfl was better to me the nba was better I miss the late 80s and the 90s

[@loganholb]

Can't wait for the Sonic CD review. Never really liked Sonic until Sonic CD.

[@AlanGH]

@EXPLOSIVEEGG I'm not referring to any other title though. I'm keeping it within the realm of Sonic. In my opinion, Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast was really SEGA's first successful attempt at a 3D adventure/platform game. And to be honest, facts actually back up my opinion since it was one of the most, if not the most, successfully-selling game(s) for the Dreamcast (which actually sold a lot b4 its demise.) It kept Sonic true to its form that Mark mentioned, yet in a good, unique, new way.

[@Markdotea]

OHH i CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SONIC CD review!!

[@SonicWilliamX]

That's one of the best Sonic games I played

[@meheecan123]

My first game when i was a child :') good old memorys

[@KetwunsGamingPad]

To this day, I would still play the old Sonic game every so often, even just for fun! However, I will NEVER forgive Sonic Team for the Labyrinth Zone. lol

[@RoundenBrown]

This takes me back...

[@MagnaCarta80]

The genesis was my first 16 bit game system but it didnt have nearly enough titles to hold my attention. So for my birthday the following year I got a SNES and the galactic peace was restored.

[@SonofMrPeanut]

Personally, I grew up with Sonic 2 because that's what my aunt had. Right on the money with all the other comments, although I'd see Mario having an eye-bulgingly difficult time playing in a 3D Sonic game.

[@salemcripple]

always liked sonic for the speed! it's just something that other games at the time didn't have.