Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System) Playthrough

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Longplay Center

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Published on August 8, 2025 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPYsLtGVMso

Game:

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Duration: 0:00

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4

Playthrough of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega's 1991 side-scrolling platformer for the Sega Master System. This playthrough:

🎯 Collects all six Chaos Emeralds
🎯 Achieves the good ending
🎯 Bad ending included at 38:49

Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Master System, released in October 1991, is not a port of its more famous 16-bit Mega Drive counterpart, but a completely reimagined 8-bit experience tailored to the system's limitations and strengths. While the core premise remains—Sonic must rescue his animal friends from Dr. Robotnik and collect six Chaos Emeralds—this version delivers entirely original levels, mechanics, and a slower-paced platforming focus that distinguishes it as more than just a scaled-down imitation.

The game features six themed zones, each with two main stages and a third act ending in a Robotnik boss fight. Some stages, like Jungle Zone, stand out for their verticality and inventive design, while others, such as the slow-scrolling Bridge Zone Act 2, are more divisive. Notably, there are no rings during boss stages and no way to recover lost rings, adding a layer of challenge that surpasses the Genesis version. Hidden lives and Chaos Emeralds reward exploration, and every act feels like a small victory, especially in the game’s more demanding second half.

Graphically, Sonic pushes the Master System to impressive heights. The character sprites are large, colorful, and well-animated, with smooth scrolling and responsive controls that make gameplay satisfying despite the simpler hardware. The visuals don’t match the flash of the Mega Drive, but they represent some of the best the 8-bit console has to offer.

The soundtrack, composed within the limits of the PSG chip, is unexpectedly strong. Bridge Zone’s melody in particular has become iconic, even drawing comparisons to Janet Jackson’s “Together Again.” The music across the zones ranges from cheerful to tense, and sound effects are crisp and satisfying. These elements contribute greatly to the game’s atmosphere and replayability.

The game’s difficulty curve is steep, particularly in later levels like Labyrinth and Scrap Brain. Many players found themselves stuck for years before discovering obscure paths or puzzle solutions. This level of challenge could frustrate some, but for others it fostered perseverance and a deep sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Sonic the Hedgehog on the Master System is a standout title that captures the spirit of the franchise in a unique, 8-bit form. It may lack the speed and spectacle of the Genesis game, but it replaces them with tighter platforming, clever level design, and a distinct identity. For Master System fans, it’s essential; for others, it’s a fascinating and rewarding alternative take on one of gaming’s most iconic heroes.