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Not so long ago, SEGA announced two new titles were in development for the Nintendo GameCube. One of these was Sonic Mega Collection, featuring many, if not all the Sonic games that appeared on the MegaDrive. The very first Sonic game being a MegaDrive hit that was soon to make Nintendo's very first serious competitor. So guess what, I'm going to use SEGAs recent, but not too recent, announcement as an excuse to do a history of our favourite hedgehog....HERBERT THE HEDGEHOG - EVERYBODY LOVES HIM!....*ahem* I actually meant Sonic....
In the early 1990's, Nintendo just about controlled the videogame market. Nintendo had control over the pricing of consoles, who could actually make games for the Nintendo systems and to some extent what games you played! However, SEGA weren't that well known in the gaming market. They were known as SErvice GAmes years ago, making pinball tables to entertain the American armed forces, and later joined the videogaming market with games consoles like the SG1000 and the SG3000 which matched the quality of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
For their new console, the MegaDrive, SEGA needed a new game that would win over the hearts of Nintendo, and the task of designing the game was put in charge of two artists, Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima. They had to make a character that was instantly likeable and as simple and fun to play with as Super Mario. That's when they came up with the idea of Sonic The Hedgehog. He could run, jump, and his spikey back could be used as an offensive weapon.
In 1991, Sonic made his debut in his 16-bit, wonderfully detailed (in comparison to the Super Mario Allstars and Super Mario World games SEGA were trying to compete with) and spectacularly designed Sonic the Hedgehog. Although the methods of control were virtually the same as the Super Mario games on the NES and Super NES, Sonic had the 'coolness' factor that instantly drove hoards of Nintendo fans to the MegaDrive. He was faster, slicker and much more enjoyable to play as than that short fat plumber with a 'tasche.
However, his success was short lived. After the three games on the MegaDrive (including the Sonic & Knuckles add-on), SEGA decided to try and get Sonic into 3D gaming on a 32-bit cartridge still compatable with the MegaDrive. It wasn't the roaring success SEGA hoped, and showed developers that it's not just the character that makes a new game good. The recipe for a fun to play Sonic platformer is speed and simplicity. Sonic-3D was too slow so didn't go down too well with the punters who had to think and explore a bit more than they expected.
Sonic has been in a few other games, including some puzzle games, which could really have used any character, but in the interests of making money, SEGA decided to use Sonic. Others have been similar titles to the three Sonic The Hedgehog MegaDrive titles appearing on the Master System and SEGA's handheld, the Game Gear. To rival Nintendo's many different Super Mario cartoon series', Sonic even had a number of his own, the latest made in 1999!
It wasn't til the release of the Dreamcast that Sonic's 3D antics became fun to play again in the form of Sonic Adventure. Playing as all previous playable Sonic characters and one or two new ones, you could defeat the evil Dr. Eggman, renamed to his Japanese name as a nickname Sonic gave him in the English Language versions, who wanted to take over the world.
Sonic has starred in many more games on the Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket Color and even the Nintendo GameCube, and is set to star in even more. As you already know, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is out on the GameCube, Sonic Advance is on the Game Boy Advance, and soon to come are Sonic Advance 2 on the 'Advance and Sonic Adventure on the GameCube.
So will we see anything new from our blue spiky friend? Or will we continue to see more re-releases from Sonic Team? Who knows?
(Herbert the Hedgehog is from a childrens audio cassette and book from years ago)
In the early 1990's, Nintendo just about controlled the videogame market. Nintendo had control over the pricing of consoles, who could actually make games for the Nintendo systems and to some extent what games you played! However, SEGA weren't that well known in the gaming market. They were known as SErvice GAmes years ago, making pinball tables to entertain the American armed forces, and later joined the videogaming market with games consoles like the SG1000 and the SG3000 which matched the quality of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
For their new console, the MegaDrive, SEGA needed a new game that would win over the hearts of Nintendo, and the task of designing the game was put in charge of two artists, Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima. They had to make a character that was instantly likeable and as simple and fun to play with as Super Mario. That's when they came up with the idea of Sonic The Hedgehog. He could run, jump, and his spikey back could be used as an offensive weapon.
In 1991, Sonic made his debut in his 16-bit, wonderfully detailed (in comparison to the Super Mario Allstars and Super Mario World games SEGA were trying to compete with) and spectacularly designed Sonic the Hedgehog. Although the methods of control were virtually the same as the Super Mario games on the NES and Super NES, Sonic had the 'coolness' factor that instantly drove hoards of Nintendo fans to the MegaDrive. He was faster, slicker and much more enjoyable to play as than that short fat plumber with a 'tasche.
However, his success was short lived. After the three games on the MegaDrive (including the Sonic & Knuckles add-on), SEGA decided to try and get Sonic into 3D gaming on a 32-bit cartridge still compatable with the MegaDrive. It wasn't the roaring success SEGA hoped, and showed developers that it's not just the character that makes a new game good. The recipe for a fun to play Sonic platformer is speed and simplicity. Sonic-3D was too slow so didn't go down too well with the punters who had to think and explore a bit more than they expected.
Sonic has been in a few other games, including some puzzle games, which could really have used any character, but in the interests of making money, SEGA decided to use Sonic. Others have been similar titles to the three Sonic The Hedgehog MegaDrive titles appearing on the Master System and SEGA's handheld, the Game Gear. To rival Nintendo's many different Super Mario cartoon series', Sonic even had a number of his own, the latest made in 1999!
It wasn't til the release of the Dreamcast that Sonic's 3D antics became fun to play again in the form of Sonic Adventure. Playing as all previous playable Sonic characters and one or two new ones, you could defeat the evil Dr. Eggman, renamed to his Japanese name as a nickname Sonic gave him in the English Language versions, who wanted to take over the world.
Sonic has starred in many more games on the Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket Color and even the Nintendo GameCube, and is set to star in even more. As you already know, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is out on the GameCube, Sonic Advance is on the Game Boy Advance, and soon to come are Sonic Advance 2 on the 'Advance and Sonic Adventure on the GameCube.
So will we see anything new from our blue spiky friend? Or will we continue to see more re-releases from Sonic Team? Who knows?
(Herbert the Hedgehog is from a childrens audio cassette and book from years ago)
I could be wrong, but I thought Sonic was originally created for the Mega Drive, then after the MegaDrive's first Sonic game was released, SEGA then released a Sonic game on the Mastersystem.
That's why I didn't mention the Mastersystem.
That's why I didn't mention the Mastersystem.
hm. Was I the only one who like the Sonic Saturn game Sonic-R? I thought that it was original and fun, but perhaps it was too original for people at the time. I guess it was also out at the time that the Saturn started its bad run. Might get Sonic R back again now I think about it. I've got my Saturn up here next to my PC, just so I've got something to do while I'm waiting for downloads or burning CDs.
Don't forget the Mastersystem though, completely missed from your Sonic history. It still held it's own against the NES, although Nintendo's machine was always more popular in the long run. Sonic appeared on that as well, as the Mastersystem was still going when the Megadrive was out and Sega wanted to get as much exposure (and sales) as possible from Sonic.
Don't forget the Mastersystem though, completely missed from your Sonic history. It still held it's own against the NES, although Nintendo's machine was always more popular in the long run. Sonic appeared on that as well, as the Mastersystem was still going when the Megadrive was out and Sega wanted to get as much exposure (and sales) as possible from Sonic.
Thanks :)
I'm actually looking forward to the Sonic Mega Collection on GameCube...it means I'll actually be able to play the old Sonic games I used to love playing, but never owned.
The only chances I've had in the past are when I've been to Dark Mark's house or to Pontycwmer to see my uncle.
I'm actually looking forward to the Sonic Mega Collection on GameCube...it means I'll actually be able to play the old Sonic games I used to love playing, but never owned.
The only chances I've had in the past are when I've been to Dark Mark's house or to Pontycwmer to see my uncle.
Lol @ ""! :D
Great post, by the way, Edgy.
Blimey, it'd gonna be a tough time for SR to choose a winner for today, y'know. There have been some excellent posts!
Just look at Lawless Fever's! Or 1/2pint's!
Great post, by the way, Edgy.
Blimey, it'd gonna be a tough time for SR to choose a winner for today, y'know. There have been some excellent posts!
Just look at Lawless Fever's! Or 1/2pint's!
Edgy wrote:
> 17 Game Gear Sonic games?
>
>
*
I can assure you that there were NOT 17 Game Gear Sonic the Hedgehog games.
> 17 Game Gear Sonic games?
>
>
*
I can assure you that there were NOT 17 Game Gear Sonic the Hedgehog games.
17 Game Gear Sonic games?
Well, the original Sonic game wasn't such a huge success- it was the sequel that drove Xmas Mega Drive (genesis) sales in the West through the roof!
Oh, and you missed out the 17 Sonic games on the Game Gear!
;)
Sonic
Oh, and you missed out the 17 Sonic games on the Game Gear!
;)
Sonic
Not so long ago, SEGA announced two new titles were in development for the Nintendo GameCube. One of these was Sonic Mega Collection, featuring many, if not all the Sonic games that appeared on the MegaDrive. The very first Sonic game being a MegaDrive hit that was soon to make Nintendo's very first serious competitor. So guess what, I'm going to use SEGAs recent, but not too recent, announcement as an excuse to do a history of our favourite hedgehog....HERBERT THE HEDGEHOG - EVERYBODY LOVES HIM!....*ahem* I actually meant Sonic....
In the early 1990's, Nintendo just about controlled the videogame market. Nintendo had control over the pricing of consoles, who could actually make games for the Nintendo systems and to some extent what games you played! However, SEGA weren't that well known in the gaming market. They were known as SErvice GAmes years ago, making pinball tables to entertain the American armed forces, and later joined the videogaming market with games consoles like the SG1000 and the SG3000 which matched the quality of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
For their new console, the MegaDrive, SEGA needed a new game that would win over the hearts of Nintendo, and the task of designing the game was put in charge of two artists, Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima. They had to make a character that was instantly likeable and as simple and fun to play with as Super Mario. That's when they came up with the idea of Sonic The Hedgehog. He could run, jump, and his spikey back could be used as an offensive weapon.
In 1991, Sonic made his debut in his 16-bit, wonderfully detailed (in comparison to the Super Mario Allstars and Super Mario World games SEGA were trying to compete with) and spectacularly designed Sonic the Hedgehog. Although the methods of control were virtually the same as the Super Mario games on the NES and Super NES, Sonic had the 'coolness' factor that instantly drove hoards of Nintendo fans to the MegaDrive. He was faster, slicker and much more enjoyable to play as than that short fat plumber with a 'tasche.
However, his success was short lived. After the three games on the MegaDrive (including the Sonic & Knuckles add-on), SEGA decided to try and get Sonic into 3D gaming on a 32-bit cartridge still compatable with the MegaDrive. It wasn't the roaring success SEGA hoped, and showed developers that it's not just the character that makes a new game good. The recipe for a fun to play Sonic platformer is speed and simplicity. Sonic-3D was too slow so didn't go down too well with the punters who had to think and explore a bit more than they expected.
Sonic has been in a few other games, including some puzzle games, which could really have used any character, but in the interests of making money, SEGA decided to use Sonic. Others have been similar titles to the three Sonic The Hedgehog MegaDrive titles appearing on the Master System and SEGA's handheld, the Game Gear. To rival Nintendo's many different Super Mario cartoon series', Sonic even had a number of his own, the latest made in 1999!
It wasn't til the release of the Dreamcast that Sonic's 3D antics became fun to play again in the form of Sonic Adventure. Playing as all previous playable Sonic characters and one or two new ones, you could defeat the evil Dr. Eggman, renamed to his Japanese name as a nickname Sonic gave him in the English Language versions, who wanted to take over the world.
Sonic has starred in many more games on the Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket Color and even the Nintendo GameCube, and is set to star in even more. As you already know, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is out on the GameCube, Sonic Advance is on the Game Boy Advance, and soon to come are Sonic Advance 2 on the 'Advance and Sonic Adventure on the GameCube.
So will we see anything new from our blue spiky friend? Or will we continue to see more re-releases from Sonic Team? Who knows?
(Herbert the Hedgehog is from a childrens audio cassette and book from years ago)
In the early 1990's, Nintendo just about controlled the videogame market. Nintendo had control over the pricing of consoles, who could actually make games for the Nintendo systems and to some extent what games you played! However, SEGA weren't that well known in the gaming market. They were known as SErvice GAmes years ago, making pinball tables to entertain the American armed forces, and later joined the videogaming market with games consoles like the SG1000 and the SG3000 which matched the quality of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
For their new console, the MegaDrive, SEGA needed a new game that would win over the hearts of Nintendo, and the task of designing the game was put in charge of two artists, Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima. They had to make a character that was instantly likeable and as simple and fun to play with as Super Mario. That's when they came up with the idea of Sonic The Hedgehog. He could run, jump, and his spikey back could be used as an offensive weapon.
In 1991, Sonic made his debut in his 16-bit, wonderfully detailed (in comparison to the Super Mario Allstars and Super Mario World games SEGA were trying to compete with) and spectacularly designed Sonic the Hedgehog. Although the methods of control were virtually the same as the Super Mario games on the NES and Super NES, Sonic had the 'coolness' factor that instantly drove hoards of Nintendo fans to the MegaDrive. He was faster, slicker and much more enjoyable to play as than that short fat plumber with a 'tasche.
However, his success was short lived. After the three games on the MegaDrive (including the Sonic & Knuckles add-on), SEGA decided to try and get Sonic into 3D gaming on a 32-bit cartridge still compatable with the MegaDrive. It wasn't the roaring success SEGA hoped, and showed developers that it's not just the character that makes a new game good. The recipe for a fun to play Sonic platformer is speed and simplicity. Sonic-3D was too slow so didn't go down too well with the punters who had to think and explore a bit more than they expected.
Sonic has been in a few other games, including some puzzle games, which could really have used any character, but in the interests of making money, SEGA decided to use Sonic. Others have been similar titles to the three Sonic The Hedgehog MegaDrive titles appearing on the Master System and SEGA's handheld, the Game Gear. To rival Nintendo's many different Super Mario cartoon series', Sonic even had a number of his own, the latest made in 1999!
It wasn't til the release of the Dreamcast that Sonic's 3D antics became fun to play again in the form of Sonic Adventure. Playing as all previous playable Sonic characters and one or two new ones, you could defeat the evil Dr. Eggman, renamed to his Japanese name as a nickname Sonic gave him in the English Language versions, who wanted to take over the world.
Sonic has starred in many more games on the Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket Color and even the Nintendo GameCube, and is set to star in even more. As you already know, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is out on the GameCube, Sonic Advance is on the Game Boy Advance, and soon to come are Sonic Advance 2 on the 'Advance and Sonic Adventure on the GameCube.
So will we see anything new from our blue spiky friend? Or will we continue to see more re-releases from Sonic Team? Who knows?
(Herbert the Hedgehog is from a childrens audio cassette and book from years ago)