Sonic the Hedgehog Retrospective

Figuring out just what irks me about Sonic the Hedgehog... the REAL Sonic the Hedgehog!
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Twitter: / kingklonoa
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Script: docs.google.com/document/d/1z...
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Sources:
Mario 3: • NES Longplay [052] Sup...
Mario World: • SNES Longplay [011] Su...
Sonic 1 speedrun: • Sonic The Hedgehog Spe...
The rest of the footage was gathered by me.
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Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic 1 Review. Retrospective. Critique. HD. Genesis. KingK

[@PANICBLADE]

Gf heard me watching this and said, "Turn that incredibly velvety voice off for a minute and decide where you want to eat."

[@gabrieltorres6633]

PANICBLADE tfw no gf smh gonna kms

[@browsertab]

Is Gf Internet slang for "yo momma"?

[@schlimetime4938]

hahahaha

[@xcidgaf]

''let's tune in to KingK's Dm's folks''

[@SirCash.]

thejobloshow no

[@GeekCritique]

Yep, I pretty much completely agree with what you said, and this is coming from someone who played Sonic 1 as his second mainline Sonic game. What I think it proves more than anything else is that Sonic's level design is, contrary to popular "hold right to win" opinion, rather difficult to get RIGHT. The team spent way longer on Green Hill Zone than they did anything else, and it shows. Aside from Marble Zone though, I don't really think the rest of the game is BAD, it's just spotty. I even like Labyrinth more than a lot of people. But the rest of the zones certainly don't showcase the potential of the gameplay that Green Hill did, and Sonic never would have been the hit that it was without that spectacular first level.

[@benox50]

Both of you know how to review sonic properly, I love you

[@train4292]

Hey josh where's prime2!?

[@edgarromero6484]

I read this with your voice. I feel like I got a mini review from it. Love it.

[@casedistorted]

Sonic 1 was my first game as I saw it as a kid right after it came out. Blew my goddamn mind after playing Mario on Nintendo...

[@nurk_barry]

Sonic 1 blew my mind as a 6 year-old and it was the reason I was a genesis owner long before I ever got a super nes.

[@GeekCritique]

...welp, that'll be my Retro Studios season delayed by another 23 minutes and 39 seconds! :D I already know I'm gonna love this. Thank you!

[@nibot2101]

Hi the geek critique

[@zayray4283]

Gotta admit that Labyrinth zones music is freaking great lol

[@tveye363]

Isaiah Mack all of it is amazing. As dull as Marble Zone is I love the theme.

[@dvirarazi7351]

Isaiah Mack As much as I don't like Marble Zone's level design, it's ironically my second favorite zone in the game just because of the music

[@Torthrodhel]

It's pretty nice, though I do prefer Spring Yard, one of my favourites out of all the games. Actually I think the music I like the least in Sonic 1 is Green Hill, but yeah the way the level is (as a starter level) absolutely makes up for it.

[@BraveSirRobin-hx2eq]

Labyrinths is absolutely catchy, but I adore Scrap Brain's theme the most. Love the stage too.

[@kimifur]

To me, the music for Labyrinth IS Sonic music. Like, it's the piece I think of when I think of Sonic music. That, and of course the "iconic" levels of Green Hill (Sonic 1) and Emerald Hill (Sonic 2).

[@browsertab]

I'll repeat this because it highlights how Sonic is not necessarily about finishing the level as quickly as possible: Sonic's speed was originally implemented as a means of speeding up repeat playthroughs. Sonic came out when very few games featured a save system so Sonic Team designed the game so that return players can quickly race through early stages and the reach the complicated stages sooner. You were never meant to blindly push right to win until you were familiar with these levels. This comes straight from interviews with the original dev team.

[@train4292]

That maybe true but does anyone really want too Go through Marble zone and Especially Labyrinth zone over and over and over again?

[@browsertab]

That's exactly my point. This is also why the level select cheat is easy to perform in Sonic 1 but difficult in Sonic 3 (when a save system was introduced).

[@train4292]

Craig Adams Keep in mind this comment was 2 years ago

[@Im2lazy4thisCrit]

Yeah, a lot of people don’t understand that Memorization is a huge part of Sonic Games. You can’t just play a Sonic game for the first time and expect to be good at it/like it.

[@ZioBlader]

For me Marble Zone was a training ground where I learned to carefully handle Sonic's momentum while jumping. It was a strict learning experience but nowadays I have no problems judging his jumps by his speed and my own button imputs. Labyrinth Zone nails this to player's head by making you figure out these challenges with different kind of gravity and acceleration (you also have an underwater time limit). These are not fun levels to play and they are outright chores even when you have mastered them. But they teach elements of Sonic-controls that other levels don't capitalize, challenges other levels don't really punish you that harshly or force you to focus on and actually learn well. I want to think that my struggles in Marble Zone helped me in the long run and gave me a reason to not just "go" in every single level but learn to appreciate the skill ceiling of Sonic's movement. I want to think that hellhole helped me to control Sonic's jump better, waiting and block pushing aside.

[@jacobmonks3722]

That's a rather unique perspective. It's interesting to think that Marble Zone, of all things, was what taught people how to properly control Sonic. But that still doesn't excuse Scrap Brain Zone Act 3.

[@8bityoshii]

That was kinda similar to my experience, Marble Zone made me learn Sonic’s controls and made my fingers move a control stick with much more ease, back when I was 8 I always had to look at my 3DS circle pad (which is what I had at the time) now I never even look at the circle pad (leftstick/rightstick) and movement in video games is like riding a bike, I was terrible at controlling the player character but Marble Zone made me much better at it

[@samuelthehobo4441]

I always thought both zones were so jarring when compared. I think people don’t like it because the levels are so different. That’s just my opinion though, say what you will

[@lizardrancher]

This is an incredibly hot take but I'd agree. The biggest issues with this game I think are just the devs, like he said, not reallly knowing what was up yet besides going for a faster better mario. I can't trash on sonic 1 that much even if it doesn't hold up.

[@vonmeanshope98]

It's sad how many people think every sonic game sucks, or that it was never good. It's definitely had its rough patches, but I still love the great titles in the series.

[@Haedox]

Agreed 100%

[@vonmeanshope98]

Haedox Almost as underrated as Garfield Kart

[@kirbywordy]

agreed, haedox can you plz make a video on disability and gaming? i have cerebral palsy

[@Time_Fire199]

Sonic fan: So, KingK, how do you feel about the original Sonic the Hedgehog? KingK: I like Green Hill Zone.

[@Haedox]

23:00 You're stupid. Okay, no... this was a really good and entertaining analysis. Your bit about the fact that Green Hill Zone is so iconic is one of the reasons it gets on people's nerves when they see it is something I haven't thought of. Keep it up!

[@tootsie_]

Hey look it's that other guy who made Sonic videos after Mania!

[@syonah]

oh shit look it's Haedox!

[@kirbywordy]

hey look its an irrelevant reply plz check out my channel lolz miiverse is dying

[@megatronman2783]

youre're

[@marioandluigiplushgang6333]

Haedox you're my favorite KZbin channel to watch. :)

[@relaxalax]

As usual, I agree with most of your points. I've always disliked this Classic Sonic game the most but understand why it had it's appeal. All I'm saying is thank goodness Green Hill's appeal was so good that it basically carried the series to a sequel, Sonic 3 and so on. And I love me some Sonic 3 so I'm excited for your thoughts once you get there!

[@BreezeEase]

RelaxAlax hey alax wanna play smash 3ds

[@SuperHns]

Classic Sonic are the bomb.

[@train4292]

It's the guy I soobed too!

[@train4292]

Who wants a 2.5D classic sonic game?!

[@SlashCrash_Studios]

RelaxAlax Hey Alax

[@TheBeird]

It's odd; sitting alongside my parents, my brother and my sister, this game is among the earliest memories I can recall. I suppose that's why Mania actually made me a bit emotional. Nice review

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

As a child, I always enjoyed Marble Zone and Labyrinth Zone. As an adult, I have been diagnosed with several disturbing mental conditions. I believe the two are related. But seriously, Sonic 1 caught my interest for reasons other than "gotta go fast". I'd never even heard of it, or the Genesis, but one day it was on a playable display at an electronics store, and it drew me in on a purely artistic level; the looks, the sounds, the style. So, when I got to Marble Zone, and it was soooo much different than "that first place that was so cool", I was just floored. I didn't even have to keep playing to know I *needed* this game. That's right, the reason I begged my parents to get me a Genesis for Christmas was the first screen of Marble Zone. The crusher hit boxes are strange? More like *absolutely horrifying*. The three terrors of classic Sonic: Drowning, The Abyss, and Crushers. I wasn't kidding about Labyrinth, though, but again that's probably because of my odd approach as a child. I liked whenever a water level or an ice level showed up in a game. It always gave me that feeling like I had really gained an understanding of how to move as the game character and how to master the terrain, only to be faced with an entirely new challenge that questions all of that. Honestly, I'm thinking of doing a video about my weird enjoyment of the things in this game that everyone else is put off by. Like the special stage! I was so genuinely surprised to find out that people dislike it. I understand and agree with the complaints about there not being enough access to the thing, but actually playing it has always been a literal hobby for me. Well, at least we can all agree that the spike bug is a thorn in our collective side. Eh? Eeeeeh? :D

[@smugshrug]

for a game from 1991 and the first iteration of sonic this is a pretty harsh retrospective. although it's impossible to look at this game without the perspective we have on the evolution of sonic and platforming in general, it's still a very important game and was a solid and groundbreaking game for its time.

[@jonmayer]

It what happens when you started with Sonic and Knuckles. There is a lack of history with the analysis.

[@Speedojesus]

If a game isn't that great it isn't that great. Doesn't matter how innovative it was, sure they were great, but you have to recognize I'm talking in past tense, just because something was good for the time, it doesn't mean it is now. It's like Guitar Hero, the first and second were considered ground breaking and were like nothing else, but now are dwarfed in comparison to every other game that's come afterwards, just like Pokemon Red and Blue and Super Mario Bros 1. These WERE great games, but playing them once you have access to much better things starts to show you the cracks.

[@jmac79ers]

Agreed, retrospective reviews could go one of two ways it seems. Depends on which side of the metaphorical coin you were born on. Wait .....what did I just say?

[@rooty]

All his retrospectives are complaining that the Model T Ford doesn't have satnav, aircon, and electric windows.

[@jacobmonks3722]

@@rooty That's false. He complains even about newer games like Breath of the Wild and Metroid Prime that do have a lot of modern standards. Granted, he has a good reason to complain since these games do lack in some areas, at least in his opinion.

[@AnkfordPlays]

I think the music of Marble Zone being so good is what made it never bother me much, though I do admit it can get very annoying if you're antsy and just want a free hour of nonsense gaming fun

[@WritingOnGames]

Love this good video from the Burger King Himself

[@KingKlonoa]

+Writing on Games what are you on about

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Sonic Mania pretty much adds the genius of Green Hill's level design to all the levels.

[@GarArtStudios]

People think it's weird to dislike Sonic 1, or not prefer it? That's weird, I feel like most Sonic fans agree that it's iconic but the most rusty of all the 2D Sonic games. Imo Sonic 2 massively improved on Sonic 1 and 3&K is the pinnacle of Sonic 2D games and honestly probably even 2D platformers overall. Great video, man. Subscribed; I really dig the points you made here. It actually helped me realize exactly what bugged me about these games that I wasn't even aware of. Well done, dude! Also I like your voice.

[@doomexe]

The Sonic 2 special stages are some of my favorite bonus stages in any game, especially the music. I don't know if growing up with a Super NES instead of a Genesis impacts what aspects of Sonic games I like or dislike but Sonic 2's special stage song is right up there with the bonus game song from Super Mario World for me.

[@DrMadd]

Just for the lols I watched a good chunk of the video post labyrinth zone in 0.5 speed. It was surreal.

[@noahmadera2258]

Me too.

[@epicesteban123]

Boy I took it to the next step and put it on .25 speed and it’s fucking Nirvana

[@hsproject1339]

Noah Madera i

[@dmas7749]

1-up'd you by watching entire vid in 0.5x speed

[@MariusUrucu]

The mobile port of Sonic 1 made me appreciate the game more and classic Sonic as a whole for that matter. :)

[@SuperGamer61499]

To be fair, if you're gonna play any version of Sonic 1, the Christian Whitehead port might as well be the one you play.

[@SnoozeYaLose]

I feel that if Marble Zone was designed more like Aquatic Ruin, where slowing the player down was used as a punishment (perhaps using the waiting-based platforming only when a player falls from a higher path) it would be a lot better. The waiting-based platforming itself is not the issue, but the fact that there is no faster route to take hurts the level immensely.

[@Topplethepyramid]

Not the REAL Sonic the Hedgehog what you're playing here. The original didn't have the spin dash in it.

[@Harrinsain]

He does bring that up when talking about the mobile port

[@Dredhawk10]

I have the REAL Sonic the Hedgehog with a Console to play it on same goes for Sonic 2 3 and knuckles. Last I checked I still have my Saves from Sonic 3 and Knuckles. With Hyper Sonic,Hyper Knuckles and Super Tales. with all chaos emeralds and Super Emeralds. Some time I miss being a Kid.

[@rileyk5228]

Ok good, I'm not the only one who was confused there

[@shonen_x_trash2488]

I groaned when I saw he was playing the steam port... such awful controls I wondered "was it always this bad?" I booted up "sonic mega collection" on PS2 and no... that's just a shit port.

[@JonGon005]

I'm waiting for a Steam release of Sonic 1 and 2 just as eagerly as you are King. If the drastic improvements you and ExoParadigmGamer were that impactful on those two game, just imagine how much closer to perfection S3&K would be, especially if they give you the versatile options and customizations Sonic 3 Complete has.

[@dvirarazi7351]

Sonic 3 Complete is amazing! A modern remake on Retro Engine for Steam would be a dream come true

[@GIR177]

I can play Sonic 1 and 2 on my HDTV with Amazon Fire, controller support and all. It is weird they hadn't gotten Steam releases like Sonic CD though.

[@SuperHns]

ehm there is the Sega Mega Drive collection, which plays via steam and is epic. You and Exopara gamer are a bunch of noobs, there is nothing wrong with Sonic 1 and 2,

[@KuraIthys]

Having had the recent chance to compare Sonic 2 from the Mega Drive collection on steam vs Sonic 2 on an actual mega drive, I can tell you that the emulated versions... Are kind of a pain in places. They're just less... Responsive than the real thing. Everything feels more finicky. Less precise. Less... Predictable. The emulation process introduces at least a frame's worth of additional latency, and it really shows sometimes.

[@Epsilonsama]

Sonic 1 while flawed is certainly not a bad game. On the time of it's release it was a revolutionary game. While it's not my favorite Classic Sonic game I can still beat it with all Chaos Emeralds and no game overs.

[@electricmastro]

6:17 I've never understood why some people think that Sonic always has to be about running and shouldn't have platforming and exploration. If it were like that, then it would likely resemble those endless runner games for iPhone like Temple Run. If anything ,the parts leaving you wanting to go faster build up anticipation and makes it all the more satisfying when you do go faster. A pace breaker, yes, but a necessary one for the sake of inclining one to appreciate the faster parts more.

[@KingKlonoa]

electricmastro I've argued this very notion in the video, is that what you're responding to I'm unclear lol

[@electricmastro]

Lol, no, I was just expanding upon what I had thought done in the comments despite you elaborating it on the video. Sorry if I had seemed like I was repeating what you said verbatim. That wasn't my intention.

[@SuperGamer61499]

I think it's that whole mentality of, "Sonic just being a game where you go fast and that's it" without a 2nd thought or consideration for the other 2 big design pillars of Sonic. In fact, the classic games were far from that mentality. Yes, you can go fast and speed is a risk vs reward system in the classics but it's like saying in Mario all you do is jump on enemies. Sure, it's not wrong technically but it doesn't 100% accurately describe the game nor tell you anything beyond surface level. I think what makes the Classics still good is that Speed is not just something given to you but rather you have to earn it through skillful play and through understanding Sonic's mechanics.

[@KingKlonoa]

electricmastro no no, I thought you were implying that I held that viewpoint which is why I was confused. Now I'm on the same page lol

[@VanArtic]

there's a revision of the genesis version that fixes the spike bug; so yeah it is indeed a bug

[@RoadStuffUK]

I was under the impression that it was a deliberate choice the devs made, and then they changed their minds about it.

[@ApocalypticSalad]

That revision of the game was created for the emulated console collections of the 2000's, though the spike behaviour had previously been changed for Sonic Jam on Saturn. In terms of the original development of the games, the "spike bug" remained until midway through the development of Sonic 2, so it seems like it was intentional for whatever reason.

[@jap6676]

@@ApocalypticSalad I think the mega drive version doesn't have it.

[@ChubbspringleExtra]

Very in-depth analysis! I always love watching how you analyze games and break them down from each individual level. The break-down for Green Hill is one of the best I've ever seen. You really brought to life some of the things great about Sonic level design, while also using those points to criticize Sonic 1.

[@ChazzzyF]

You've just articulated what I've felt about Sonic 1 for years, right down to the mobile port being a straight upgrade from the original, even with the touch controls.

[@jordyjohnathan5123]

I cannot begin to tell you how happy and excited I am to see your analysis and thoughts on the classic Sonic games!

[@zayray4283]

Your analysis is so in depth that i might just use this topic as a fun debate in my debate class lol

[@dustynvega]

I love your content. You provide amazing analysis paired with in-depth explanations and reasoning. Keep up the good work!

[@EvilCoffeeInc]

Great video! I've been working on one of these for the original five games myself, and it's reassuring to see that you identified the same issues with Sonic 1 as I did. Your explanation of why Green Hill is a good stage puts a finger on a lot of things I hadn't considered.

[@BaltaBueno]

I watched you Sonic 2 retrospective and now this one. Subscribed boi! :)

[@karkrash81]

You articulate your thoughts so well about sonic 1. I feel almost exactly the same way. Well done!

[@AlexTCGProYT]

Amazing video, can't wait for your Sonic 2 retrospective

[@supermariosonicadventures3927]

AlexTCGPro sONIC 2 BONUS VIDEO

[@cozyshiro]

I loved this retrospective.... I love your rather calm voice even more!!

[@johnsother2440]

This was definitely a sharp video. I would also like to note that a factor I believe helped in your added enjoyment in Sonic 1 mobile would be the remastered physics/controls; Sonic now has a flow to match his odd weight, and this is accentuated with the removal of the speed cap. I know for a fact that was a big reason I started loving the port, so just wanted to point it out.

[@TheWeedLorax]

I really like marble zone. It's never taken me longer than 5 minutes or so to beat, and the music is pretty good too (maybe it's just nostalgia)

[@RosySquiggle]

Nicely put together here KingK. I remember playing the Sonic Mega Collection years ago, enjoying everything about Sonic 2 and 3, I rarely go back to the first one. Every so often just for those select stages to scratch that itch.

[@moetthepoet]

I actually loved the Marble Zone, and I definitely prefer the special bonus stagss from Sonic 1 over Sonic 2. I use to be able to get all the chaos emeralds when I was a teenager.

[@Furluge]

4:41 Note for anyone who has not noticed it the original has no spin dash so doing that is a bit trickier.

[@lizardrancher]

this was the first game i ever played and the thing that saves this game and gets me to replay it decades later is that even the worst levels like labyrinth have killer music

[@samuelthehobo4441]

KingK sounds drunk and high if you play the video at 0.5 or 0.25. It’s pretty funny to listen to.

[@WilliamMcCarthyIII]

What a good youtube channel. I only watched this and the Sonic CD retrospective and I'm already subscribed and have a huge list of videos in my "watch later"

[@jumpfold]

been binging your channel I thought I ran through them all. Just found the sonic ones. NICEU!

[@johnmraz4332]

I subbed because of the mass effect joke. Couldn't help but laugh at that one. Stumbled onto your channel at random and I love the original 3 sonics. They were my childhood.

[@SQGReviewShow]

Would've liked to hear about Star Light's design, but as it is, great video dude! Looking forward to your Sonic 2 video.

[@StiffAftermath]

5:39 - finally, someone who shares my sentiments. Technically, this is my fave stage in ANY game. I think it is mechanically, artistically, audibly perfect. And Classic Sonic is my fave character design ever! I am jealous, being an artist and intermediary game designer. 26 years later, and I'm still striving for that kind of emotional fidelity and design! BTW, I love the intentional slow pickup speed that Sonic exhibits. Good for platforming on small footholds.

[@Teapose]

Awesome retrospective, really enjoyed your points of view. For me, I found enjoyment in Labyrinth with the tunes and the tension; it was underwater, the air supply was tight and it was a challenge. It always ate my continues when I'd play at a friend's house and it'd piss me off, but leaving it behind felt glorious. Even the worst stages in the original games stay with me better than the better stages from modern games (Mania aside, that was a pretty tight experience and I loved the boss touch-ups and re-tooling)

[@yourmanzstan6279]

LET'S GO! I've Been waiting for this ALL DAMN DAY.

[@GamerWho]

I assume we all know about the early alternate route in Scrap Brain Act 3, that essentially lets you skip most of the level?

[@Eddyoshi]

Well you got me. When you talked about green hill being so iconic it hurt I've always found that a bit hyperbolic, but then when you played the song over and over, knowing it was from different games but still being the same, and then playing the very beginning over and over...boy did I groan hard. Great video of course! Glad to see someone who isnt just blindly praising the game because it was the OG (no problem to people that do like it). To be honest when I played Sonic 1 I only remember Green Hill and Marble zone and forget everything that happens after that, I guess it was my brain blocking out all the non fun I had. And yeah if Green Hill is a sonic sprint, Marble zone is a twisted ankle face plant.

[@HubPie3]

While watching this video, I couldn't help but think back to a previous conversation I had with an old friend. We were talking about the Classic Sonic games, and he said that he thought Sonic 1 was a bad game. I was kinda shocked when I heard him say that, if only because it's an opinion that I rarely see. After that conversation, I started to think about Sonic 1, the Genesis version anyway. I have played the mobile port, and while it is the definitive version of Sonic 1, the touch controls never stuck with me. I thought back to my original few playthroughs of Sonic 1 back in 2009 and 2010, when I was first exposed to the series outside of one episode of Sonic X. I remember those playthroughs having some serious ups and downs and all arounds. The best way I could metaphorically describe Sonic 1, is that it's a roller coaster of emotions. For every high point (Green Hill, Spring Yard, Star Light, etc), there's always a low point, most of which comes down to the linear one-track mind of the other 3 Zones and the questionable enemy placement. I won't say that Sonic 1 is bad; I think it's fairly decent, but if you were to ask me if Sonic 1 is a good starting point... I would say "no." Yes, the mobile version does solve most if not all the problems of the original Genesis version, but I'd personally recommend Sonic 2 to start out with, if only because it takes everything Sonic 1 tried to do, and does it a lot better. Sonic 1 is a decent game overall, but it's a bit of a hard sell, since I think all the Classic games (sans Sonic 4) are better than Sonic 1.

[@LoveXKnife]

great analysis! i'm surprised this doesn't have more views

[@TheDoomCompany]

I am absolutely loving this content man

[@PD624.]

Loved this analysis... keep em coming!

[@Nay089]

Great video as always and this time all criticism was extremely fair. I'm a little surprised you didn't touch on the music outside of Green Hill. Labyrinth Zone might be a miserable time but that is one of the funkiest Genesis beats!

[@derflerp538]

I have been playing Sonic games since my toddler hands were capable of holding a controller, and you and I have a startlingly similar take on just about every Sonic game. It's really cool, honestly.

[@EeveeEuphoria]

As a long time Sonic fan (that loves the classics to death), I've always questioned why everyone latched onto Sonic 1. I've always known it as just the first game that needed to be ironed out with a sequel or two. Glad to see someone else shares a somewhat similar opinion.

[@TheProphetMusico]

Ah, one of the few KZbin masters has blessed us with his analysis yet again. 👍

[@remarkablezeal9568]

There's something charming about listening to KingK's Sonic Retrospectives at 2.0 speed, then turning it to 0.5 to laugh hysterically while he bashes Labyrinth Zone.

[@Mdurham6890]

So, what I am hearing is I want sonic to be fast and don't like running into enemies. But I don't want it to be too easy. "I wish it was more like Mario."

[@kylerowe9552]

I love this video, can't wait to see the next one

[@Mauricio_Magus]

Fantastic video, I hope that with Sonic Mania being a success we finally get Sonic 1,2,CD, and 3&K on PC/consoles with the mobile port quality. It would be beyond amazing.

[@Ehal256]

If I remember correctly, the spike bug might only be in an early version.

[@benox50]

Sonic 1 is just sad Your toned down voice moments are simply amazing: "unexciting" "difficult "welcome"

[@Steelcat1000]

Would love to see a retrospective of Sonic Adventure 2 Battle and Sonic Heroes. Those were two of my favorite GC titles growing up. Love your insight keep up the awesome work!

[@blealleal7676]

In all actuality, the whole idea about the nonlinear platforms that are more natural is for level contrast, as the more the game goes on, the flatter the geometry gets. Do you know why this is? Because of the fact that the further you get, the more technological it gets

[@emmastarr5242]

Best analysis of this game I've ever seen. :)

[@Painguino]

Great review, excited for the sa2 review since i know you are a fan too. I've seen several reviews for it on youtube with the reviewers repeating the normal negative stuff that is constantly thrown around today about it even when they like the game. Hoping this one will be slightly different but it's all about what you want to do. Will look forward to it nonetheless.

[@Diablokiller999]

I think I'm the only one on the planet that actually likes Marble Zone and even Labyrinth Zone. But maybe it has something to do with the feeling of exploring this game as a kid and the achievement I felt everytime I beat a level. The best thing is also the music, damn is the star light zone theme catchy!

[@salokin3087]

Nice work! I look forward to ya your thoughts on sonic R, the true classic

[@maforo85]

Lol some of the criticism is totally unnecessary. Its the only Sonic game that balances well speed and platforming. Its very pure in its gameplay. The level design was great, had aspects of exploration. I never, and still dont, complained about this game or the difficulty back in the 90s. Its a very memorable game overal.

[@PHarrierFan]

Great breakdown and analysis!

[@kylesneed5033]

Didn't expect you to reference Clement, but that was a nice surprise.

[@KingKlonoa]

Clement is great!

[@paulhannah4030]

Fantastic video, you've earned a subscriber. I agreed with you on most points but I might be the only one to disagree with your thoughts on Labyrinth Zone. This Zone was the first water level I ever played in a videogame (Sonic 1 was my first videogame) and I adored how different it was from the other stages. I know people hate the pace, enemy placement, those damn spikes, those awful spear traps and most of all the air mechanic but I love it all. It is quite the difficulty curve for sure and it's completely the opposite of what makes Sonic games so good (Green Hill) but it's that difference I enjoyed so much and still do. It was almost like playing a totally different game for one zone. Ever since my enjoyment with Labyrinth Zone I've enjoyed all water levels in almost every game (yes, I even genuinely enjoy the Water Temple in OoT). I might be the only one on planet Earth going by your comments but I can't help but love the sudden challenge and the difference water levels bring to videogames. Oh and Hydrocity is the best zone in Sonic 3 - fight me.

[@wileecoyotegenius5955]

Sonic 1 has always been pretty nostalgic for me. I grew up with Heroes and Adventure 2 as my introduction to this series, and my first contact with the classics was via the Mega Collection. Since Sonic 1 was the first game on the list, it was the first one I played. It was the first time I saw Sonic's shorter, chubbier design, and the old art style, and the twangy Genesis music. I think it was also the first game I played where you couldn't save your progress. I remember using a level select code from Nintendo Power as a makeshift save system. I remember speeding forward in Green Hill and always dying at the same parts. I remember how mysterious and unattainable the Chaos Emeralds were, and how hard Labyrinth Zone was, and how immersive, dark and imposing the atmosphere of the game was. I don't remember much of Sonic 1, but the memories I do have are quite strong. Sonic 1 was certainly not the perfect incarnation of the Classic Sonic formula, but I've always had a fondness for this game despite its flawed design choices. Even at its worst it's a solid platformer, and at its best its a damn good time. I'll always cherish it as the introduction to one of my all-time favorite series of 2D platformers.

[@charlesboucher2370]

When I was 6 my step grandfather came to visit us and gave me and my brother our first console, A Sega Genesis, and the first 3 Sonic games. It was amazing

[@sonicbacon123]

Extremely excited for your thoughts on the rest of the classic games. I've never really touched these games but once Mania came out I decided to play through the rest before allowing myself to play it. I just finished them all recently, Mania being completed this week, so this video came out at the perfect time. :) I specifically chose to play the mobile versions of 1 and 2, CD on Steam, and the Sonic 3 Complete rom hack and so having never played the the originals my experience is a much different one than more long time fans. For example, I actually quite like Marble Zone but I had the spin dash from my very first time playing and could use the new shortcut added to Marble Zone Act 3 that you can access with Knuckles which made it a much more enjoyable playthrough for me. I didn't get to deal with quite as many of the issues people have and so I find it really interesting seeing these different perspectives.

[@jacoblipkestudios7621]

I got all the emeralds and beat the game one time and my brother and I were just freaking out because we both knew I had been trying to do that since I was young, and I got close too, as I kid I got 5 emeralds but I thought I had gotten 6 so I go to beat the game and I see that there’s one chaos emerald left. The image of Robotnik juggling that last grey emerald saying “try again” will never be forgotten, and I just started crying lmao.

[@Zayelion]

Loved it, I demand more.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I knew something was fishy when I saw Sonic doing a spin dash in Sonic 1.

[@PrettyObvious7]

I've never really considered what truly separates green hill from marble and the other later zones. I've always just taken it for granted that green hill is obviously more fun to play through, but never WHY that is. You've spelled out perfectly how marble and the other zone's structures completely turn away from the good design that green hill and a little bit of spring yard and starlight follow. Unless you are sticking to exclusively the level design for this series, it'd be nice to hear your thoughts on the bosses from the later games in your future videos. Other than that this was a great analysis!

[@SamuelSarette]

I've been a long time Sonic fan, starting with CD then 3&K on the PC ( 90s PC ports ). Thank you, this is my feeling on the first game too.

[@PigeonLord21]

Super late here, but I love that you address the fact that Sonic is about going as fast as possible ALL THE TIME. That attitude has landed us in the overuse of the boost formula we are in now. While fun at first, it just feels soulless to just be blasting along with nothing hindering you.

[@Kuzamer]

Fantastic analysis, dude. Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the first games I've played. It's an extremely archaic game, but it did a great job laying down the ground work for it's future Sonic's three sequels (Sonic 3 & Knuckles is still the GOAT, imo) and is a fun game in it's own right.

[@MegaReedX]

Monkey D. "Straw Hat" Luffy I agree I'm hoping mania 2 has nothing but original stages then sonic 3 and knuckles may be surpassed

[@Kuzamer]

American Burger Gamer Agreed big time.

[@TornadoCreator]

This was a very good video. I'm glad to say I've subscribed and will be watching more. As for some of your criticisms... perhaps it's partial nostalgia for me, perhaps it's because I played and indeed mastered this game as a child, but I don't agree with your analysis of this game. While I can appreciate your point of view and found your analysis of Green Hill to be particularly informative, I enjoy every zone in the original Sonic, (something I can't say for Sonic 2 or 3). While, like everyone I enjoy Green Hill Zone, it's now become about finding secrets and taking weird routes as I can easily beat the entirety of Green Hill in about 3 mins. I find Marble Zone to be a relaxing come down after having powered through Green Hill. Spring Yard is probably my least favourite, but still fun enough. Labyrinth Zone I find to be a welcome jump in difficulty, and the point where I feel the game switches from casual to a more intense game. Starlight is a Zone I adore as it can be run through even faster than Green Hill, the music breaks the tension from Labyrinth, and if you have the skill you can spend a shocking amount of this zone rolling around like a pinball. Scrap Brain I find to be the perfect test of skill, it's not quite as intense as Labyrinth, but because it lacks the water, it's at full speed. Scrap Brain Zone Act 3 is a bit of a cop-out, but you can skip almost the entire act by using lower passage right near the beginning of the act and making sure not to drop down at the two drop points... You can finish it about 1 min that way. I always go for a good ending, and get all 6 emeralds if I'm replaying. The Special Zones are quite distinct and I have remembered their layouts too... So given that I've basically got the entire game committed to memory, is it fair for me to expect others to get the same enjoyment? I find the pacing in Sonic to be frankly sublime but I'm playing it from a expert perspective. I don't speed run the game, but I have done multiple no-death runs of the game, and I find that isn't overly challenging for me now... So yeah, I think Sonic's just one of those games that means a lot more to you if you grew up with it, and it becomes so much more memorable and impactful the more you play it. Still I enjoyed hearing a different perspective and I look forward to your upcoming videos on Sonic 2, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles (seriously, play it like that for the retrospective, it's how it was meant to be played. Sonic & Knuckles was never meant to be a stand alone game, it's an Expansion Pack for Sonic 3 because due to deadlines, they couldn't finish Sonic 3 in time for the holiday release. That is why Mushroom Hill seems like an unfairly tough first level). There are actually zones in both Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles that I'm not a fan of, and zones in both that I love... I'll be interested to see which ones you gravitate to.

[@TigerBearCatBrandon]

Good luck on building this into a career. If you pull it off, it would be really inspiring.

[@HeyJoshyJosh]

I started with Sonic 2 which I still love to this day, but no matter how many times I try the original it just doesn't click with me. :/

[@kingstarscream320]

One good thing about Marble: it has a lot of satisfying badnik chains.

[@brandensandberg5992]

I think the deal they wanted to do was introduce "Hey this is our fast new character, here is how he plays!" With Green Hill Zone, and then the rest of the game was all challenges, by mixing how to you play this game style in a traditional platforming setting, an how to you increase the challenge in a level much like the first? Which, in that respect, definitely makes it feel like an experiment, which it was to see how they could work. Thanks to their remarkable marketing, they were able to ensure the franchise's success.

[@alexstone5410]

I believe one of the hallmarks of a truly excellent retrospective is being able to disagree with the author on specific points without considering them “wrong.” You may not fully agree, but the points are well thought out and expertly backed. Your retrospectives are all that and more. Appreciate the point of view.

[@lukep2922]

Puke bag zone still makes me laugh to this day.

[@bcross9109]

Good vid, this is the kind of in-depth analysis I wanted with all the Sonic talk around Mania! Can't wait for level breakdowns of S3&K. My one note is I wish you were a bit less apologetic and reluctant to have a negative opinion on things. (Small part in this video compared to Earthbound, mind) A lot of these old games are really rough to go back and play in their original states, you're allowed to say Sonic 1 doesn't feel good until you fix its obvious flaws or whatever, you're not going to alienate any reasonably fans for having a different view to them, especially since you explain it all so reasonably (and - you're right!).

[@KingKlonoa]

B Cross ehh, I get a lot of flack for my EarthBound stuff lol

[@cjth3beast265]

Your 1st experience with Sonic & Knuckles on Mushroom Hill was exactly like mine.

[@CynicalScorpio]

Unpopular opinion: I love Marble Zone, and Starlight Zone is my favorite level

[@5688gamble]

Spike thing in Marble slowing you down? Don't want to wait? Jump into the spikes and the damage boost will let you get up without waiting and lord knows it's worth dropping the shield to get up quicker, just don't rush to the finale!

[@seanclark6438]

Zones like Marble Zone get very frustrating like that bit in Chemical Plant 2 where you have to race the liquid up the moving blocks

[@MACZ2021]

I was expecting some or more insight into Sonic's creation as a character and all that good stuff but other than that, pretty solid video.

[@TheGlasgowGamer]

Everything you said is on point KingK. Sonic 1 is the first game in the series, and it really shows. It lacks the balance that it's sequels managed to encompass. Speed, exploration and platforming tends to be the best kind of balance for 2D Sonic. I think Sonic Mania has finally struck that perfect balance. I can't wait for your take on Sonic 2, CD, and 3&K. I'm sure it will be intriguing to see if your experiences of these games have improved since playing Mania!