Difference between revisions of "Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive)/Magazine articles"

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Revision as of 02:39, 12 October 2020

Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive).
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File Date Source Title and comments
Logo-pdf.svg 1990-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "August 1990" "International Outlook: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Very brief coverage from Tokyo Toy Show 1990 in issue #13 EGM. The magazine claims to be the only US video game publication covering the event.
Logo-pdf.svg 1990-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "August 1990" "Outpost Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog"
A second quick look later on in the magazine. The game is grouped with dozens of games from Summer CES 1990, but it's not thought Sonic was on display there.
Logo-pdf.svg 1990-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "September 1990" "International Outlook"
More coverage from Tokyo Toy Show 1990 in issue #14 of EGM.
Logo-pdf.svg 1990-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "November 1990" "Interface: More Sonic the Hedgehog!"
Colin Rey from Humber Heights, Ohio asks for more Sonic info from EGM. The magazine gladly obliges with another screenshot from Tokyo Game Toy 1990.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Génération 4 (FR), "Février 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-02-01 Mean Machines (UK), "February 1991" "Pricks at the Speed of Sound"
Brief article about the game's appearance at the Winter CES 1991 at Las Vegas.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-02-16 Computer & Video Games (UK), "March 1991" "Animal Magic"
Paragraph about the game's appearance at the Winter CES 1991 at Las Vegas.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-03-08 ACE (UK), "April 1991" "Games News: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Paragraph about the game's appearance at the Winter CES 1991 at Las Vegas. It mentions the rotating Special Stage, and is accompanied by a early screenshot of Marble Zone.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Sega Visions (US), "April/May 1991" "Sega Genesis 16 Bit: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "April 1991" "Sonic the Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-04-25 Raze (UK), "June 1991" "Sonic the Sega"
Short paragraph about game. The writer compares Sonic's appearance to that of Tom from Tom and Jerry.
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "May 1991" "Outpost: Genesis - Sonic the Hedgehog"
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-05-01 Mean Machines (UK), "May 1991" "Preview: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Three-page article about the upcoming game, which it states is expected in September. Gameplay is briefly described, though most of the pages are taken up by screenshots, which are from a prototype version. In particular, Spring Yard Zone on the second page is very different. Sonic the Hedgehog is also a cover article on this issue.
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-xx-xx Sega Visions (US), "Summer 1991" "Sonic the Hedgehog: Great Moments in Hedgehog History"
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-05-11 Computer & Video Games (UK), "June 1991" "Preview: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Two-page article about the upcoming game, where many of the images are from an early prototype. It mistakenly says there are 15 levels split into 5 acts, even though 5 zones are shown total. The first page also mentions a power-up which gives Sonic invincibility and Speed Shoes at once, which is probably a reference to the unused S-monitor which has been found in the game. It also mentions that U.S. Gold has bought the rights to publish home computer versions.
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-xx-xx GamePro (US), "June 1991" "Genesis ProReview: Sonic the Hedgehog"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-U
Graphics: 5 Sound: 4 Gameplay: 5 FunFactor: 5 Challenge: 5
96
[Info]
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-0x-xx VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US), "June 1991" "Video Game Reviews: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
9/10
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-06-07 Video Games (DE), "2/91" "Rescue Rings - Sonic the Hedgehog"
A two page review of Sonic the Hedgehog in the February 1991 issue of the German magazine Video Games. It has a lot of sweet pictures of a prototype version of Sonic the Hedgehog. They wind up giving the game a 80% for graphics, 72% for music, 70% for sound effects, and 79% for gameplay.

Amusingly, they list Virgin as a developer of the game. It may have meant that they were meant to be a distributor of the game in Germany or was simply a mistake.

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
79%
79
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-06-27 New Computer Express (UK), "29th June 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-06-29 Mean Machines (UK), "July 1991" "Review: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Three-page review of the game. The reviewers praise the game's graphics, with its large sprites and detailed backgrounds, as well as its speed and gameplay. Overall they give Sonic a glowing review with a score of 92%.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
92% Mega Game
92
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-06-29 Mean Machines (UK), "July 1991" "Sonic Clampdown"
Short article describing Sega's efforts to prevent American copies of Sonic the Hedgehog being sold in Europe, before the game's official European launch.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Computer + Video Giochi (IT), "Luglio/Agosto 1991" "Preview: Sonic the Hedgehog"
A two page preview in the July/August 1991 issue, essentially a translation of the English preview seen in Computer and Video Games above.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-07-xx Mega (TH), "Vol. 127, Jul 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Player One (FR), "Juillet/Août 1991" "Mega D.: Sonic the Hedgehog"
A four page review of the game. It received favorable scores in all areas and got an overall score of 96.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
96%
96
[Info]
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-07-xx Supergame (BR), "Julho 1991" "Superjogos"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-06-18 Mega Force (FR), "Juillet/Août 1991" "Zapping: Sonic"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "July 1991" "Review Crew: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Review scores: 9/10, 9/10, 9/10, 9/10

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-U 9/10   9/10   9/10   9/10
90
[Info]
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-xx-xx Video Game (BR), "Julho 1991" "Sistema Sega Mega Drive: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Brazillian magazine VideoGame reviews what is seemingly a prototype version of the game, awarding it five stars.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
5/55/55/55/55/5
100
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-07-08 ACE (UK), "August 1991" "Screentest: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Three-page review of the game. The reviewer compares it favourably to the recent Super Mario World, praising the game's graphics and speed, as well as the level design and overall size. Scrap Brain Zone is referred to as "Clockwork Zone", its working title before the game was finished.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
925 Ace TrailBlazer
93
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-07-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "August 1991" "CVG Hit: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Four-page review of the game. The article is poorly written, as incorrect names are used and there is even an upside down image in between pages 3 and 4. They give the game a 96 for graphics, 93 for sounds, 94 for playability, and 91 for "lastability", with a 94 for the overall score.

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
94% CVG Hit
94
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-06-27 Raze (UK), "August 1991" "Sega City"
Two-page article about the game. The writer describes the demo cart they played as consisting of only three zones - Green Hill, "Marble World" and "Star City". They also mention the finished game will be on an 8Mb cart (1 megabyte); the final game was actually released on a 4Mb cart. Several of the screenshots are from earlier versions of the game.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-08-xx Ação Games (BR), "Agosto 1991" "Select: Sonic the Hedgehog"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
Gráfico: Otimo Som: Otimo Desafio: Otimo
100
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "August 1991" "Tricks of the Trade: Sonic the Hedgehog"
(continues on page 96)
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-07-25 Raze (UK), "September 1991"
Reprints/translations:Expand
"Rave: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Three-page review of the game. The reviewer praises the size and complexity of the levels, and the detailed graphics. He compares the game favourably to Nintendo's Super Mario World, though stops short of saying which is better, and speculates it will sell well.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
95% Rave
95
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-0x-xx User (GR), "Septémvrios 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-08-08 ACE (UK), "September 1991" "It's Sonic, Guy!"
Letter regarding the Sonic the Hedgehog review in ACE #47. The writer points out the "Clockwork Zone" error, and suggests Sonic has better graphics than Super Mario World.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-08-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "September 1991" "Cheat Mode: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Brief description of the level select code. Two screenshots show a prototype Scrap Brain Zone and Green Hill Zone, which also has a functioning debug mode (not mentioned in the text).
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1991-xx-xx Computer + Video Giochi (IT), "Settembre 1991" "CVG Hit: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Two page review from the Italian Computer + Video Giochi.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
96% CVG Hit
96
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-09-13 Mega Force (FR), "Septembre/Octobre 1991" "MegaDrive: Sonic the Hedgehog"
A 22 page walkthrough in the September/October 1991 issue of the French magazine Mega Force. The issue has a hand-drawn map of Green Hill Zone.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-0x-xx The Games Machine (IT), "Settembre 1991" "Sonic the Hedgehog"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
98%
98
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "September 1991" "Behind the Scenes at Sega of Japan: The Making of Sonic the Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx User (GR), "Októvrios 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-09-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "October 1991" "Cheat Mode: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Several paragraphs explaining how to beat all six bosses.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-08-29 Raze (UK), "October 1991" "Sonic the Hedgehog: The Hidden Rooms"
Four-page guide for the game, consisting mainly of the locations of hidden items and rooms in the first five zones (up to Star Light Zone), and a large map of Green Hill Zone Act 2. The level select code is also described, with an accompanying screenshot.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Hobby Consolas (ES), "Octubre 1991" "Lo Más Nuevo: Sonic"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
95%
95
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Micromanía (segunda época) (ES), "Octubre 1991"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
9/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/10
9/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/10
9/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/10
9/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/109/10
8/108/108/108/108/108/108/108/108/108/10
7/107/107/107/107/107/107/107/107/107/10
85
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 199x-10-xx Ação Games (BR), "Outubro 1991" "Superestratégia Mega Drive: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-10-08 ACE (UK), "November 1991" "Reviews Directory: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Short recap of the review from ACE #47. The previous score of 94% is rounded up to 5 stars out of 5.
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
5/55/55/55/55/5
100
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-10-08 ACE (UK), "November 1991" "Tricks 'n' Tactics: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Three-page guide of the game, explaining how to deal with the features of each zone and going into detail about Scrap Brain Zone. One page is dedicated to tips for beating all the bosses in the game.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-10-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "November 1991" "Cheat Mode: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Paragraph describing an exploit to get all six Chaos Emeralds by repeatedly entering the Special Stage via the level select menu.
1991-xx-xx Pixel (GR), "Noémvrios 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-11-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "December 1991" "Cheat Mode: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Short article explaining the code for, and how to use, debug mode. The code given is protracted, with additional inputs that aren't actually required.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx GamePro (US), "December 1991" "S.W.A.T.: Sonic the Hedgehog"
This clip explains how to enable the debug mode. Note the "GP" written with Springs.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-12-06 MegaTech (UK), "Xmas 1991" "RoboCod Review: Alternatives - Sonic the Hedgehog"
During MegaTech's review of James Pond II: Codename RoboCod, they offer Sonic the Hedgehog as an alternative, and rate it 92%. MegaTech did not exist when Sonic debuted earlier in the year, so this also acts as a quick catch-up.

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
92%
92
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-12-06 MegaTech (UK), "Xmas 1991" "Technique Zone: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Later in the issue, a half-page spread for Sonic tips and cheats.
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
199x-12-xx Ação Games (BR), "Dezembro 1991" "Especial Top Secret"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-1x-xx User (GR), "Dekémvrios 1991"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-12-27 Mean Machines (UK), "January 1992" "Tips: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Article explaining the debug mode and how to access it.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-12-18 Game Zone (UK), "January 1992" "PG Tips: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Brief section explaining the debug mode and how to access it.
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-11-04 Megablast (DE), "Joker Extra Nr. 1" "Sonic the Hedgehog"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
83%
83
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-0x-xx User (GR), "Mártios 1992"
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-03-08 ACE (UK), "April 1992" "Tricks 'n' Tactics: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Short article explaining how to access the level select and debug mode.
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-04-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "May 1992" "Sonic the Hedgehog Special"
Four-page pullout consisting of cheat codes and tips for beating all the bosses. The sequel is mentioned, as well as a Mega-CD Sonic game.
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-xx-xx Sega Visions (US), "May/June 1992" "Reviews-Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog"
A two page feature of Sonic the Hedgehog in a 1992 issue of Sega Visions magazine. The strategy guide gives tips on how to find secrets or pass certain parts of the game. For some reason the first page calls it a review even though no scores are given.
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-05-20 MegaTech (UK), "June 1992"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 89%
89
[Info]
1992-xx-xx Pixel (GR), "Októvrios 1992"
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-09-17 Mega (UK), "October 1992" "Top 100: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Mega says Sonic the Hedgehog is the third best Mega Drive game available in the UK.
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-12-10 Sega Pro (UK), "Christmas 1992"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
94% Yo!
94
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 199x-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "1993 Video Game Buyer's Guide" "U.S. National Game Team's Super Play: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 1993-xx-xx GamePro (US), "April 1993" "S.W.A.T.Pro: Game Genie Codes! Sonic The Hedgehog (Genesis)"
A few Game Genie codes which affect jumping ability.
Logo-pdf.svg 1993-06-30 Mean Machines Sega (UK), "August 1993" "Lookback: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Half-page review, referencing a previous review in Mean Machines #10 (where the game was given a score of 92%). The writers now say the game is too easy, and has aged poorly in comparison to the newer Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
76%
76
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1995-02-28 Mean Machines Sega (UK), "April 1995" "The Complete Sonic Tips Guide"
Single paragraph explaining the level select code. Part of a retrospective of codes on Mega Drive Sonic games.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-04-08 Mega Drive Fan (JP), "May 1991" "Coming Soon" article
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Wiz (IL), "9/91" "Sonic vs Mario"
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-xx-xx Wiz (IL), "6/92"
Logo-pdf.svg 1992-xx-xx Wiz (IL), "10/92"
Logo-pdf.svg 1993-04-10 Excalibur (CZ), ""
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
75%
75
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1993-xx-xx 576 KByte (HU), "Július-Augusztus 1993"
Logo-pdf.svg 1993-xx-xx 576 KByte (HU), "November 1993"
1994-xx-xx Guru (HU), "1994-07" Tips
1994-03-21 Video-Ace Dendy (RU), "xxxx xxxx"
Logo-pdf.svg 1995-xx-xx 576 KByte (HU), "Március 1995" Tips
Logo-pdf.svg 1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Styczeń 1995" Tips
1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Luty 1995" Tips
Logo-pdf.svg 1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Marzec 1995" Tips
Logo-pdf.svg 1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Maj 1995" Tips
1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Czerwiec 1995" Tips
1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Sierpień 1995" Tips
Logo-pdf.svg 1995-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Wrzesień 1995" Tips
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1995-08-14 Velikiy Drakon (RU), "xxxx xxxx" Tips
1996-07-01 Velikiy Drakon (RU), "xxxx xxxx" Tips
1996-xx-xx Top Secret (PL), "Marzec 1996" Tips
1996-12-01 Velikiy Drakon (RU), "xxxx xxxx"
Logo-pdf.svg 1996-10-01 Secret Service (PL), "Październik 1996"
1998-02-03 Velikiy Drakon (RU), "xxxx xxxx"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-0x-xx Game Players Sega Guide! (US), "Vol. 2, No. 3: June/July 1991" "Sonic the Hedgehog: A New Superstar"
A five page preview, mentioning that Game Players Sega Genesis Strategy Guide are previewing is a preliminary version. The sunflowers of Green Hill Zone are green, but the rolling ball is still in place.
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-0x-xx Game Players Sega Guide! (US), "Vol. 2, No. 4: August/September 1991" "Strategy Feature: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 1991-xx-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "October 1991" "U.S. National Video Game Team's Super Play: Sonic the Hedgehog"
A four page strategy guide in the October 1991 issue of the US magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly. It features a walkthrough for the first two levels, Green Hill Zone and Marble Zone.
Logo-pdf.svg 1999-12-15 Computer & Video Games (UK), "January 2000" "100 Greatest Games of All Time"
Sonic the Hedgehog is placed as the 5th best game of all time.
Logo-pdf.svg 2001-08-09 Edge (UK), "September 2001" "The making of... Sonic The Hedgehog"
Logo-pdf.svg 2001-10-25 Computer & Video Games (UK), "November 2001" "100 Best Games Ever: Sonic the Hedgehog"
Short paragraph placing the game as the 17th best ever.

References