Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive)/Magazine articles

Mega Drive version

Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive).

File	Date	Source	Title and comments
			'90 Tokyo Toy Show coverage.
			"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.
			"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.
			"International Outlook" More coverage from Tokyo Toy Show 1990 in issue #14 of EGM.
			"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.
			"Music Galaxy" A feature which focuses on Dreams Come True's contribution to the game's soundtrack.
			More Dreams Come True and an introduction to Sonic, the character. Artwork seems to be based on the Tokyo Toy Show demo.
			"Pricks at the Speed of Sound" Brief article about the game's appearance at the Winter CES 1991 at Las Vegas.
			"Animal Magic" Paragraph about the game's appearance at the Winter CES 1991 at Las Vegas.
			"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.
			Preview
			Preview
			"Sega Genesis 16 Bit: Sonic the Hedgehog"
			"Sonic the Hedgehog"
			Brief Winter CES 1991 coverage.
			"Coming Soon" article
			"Sonic the Sega" Short paragraph about game. The writer compares Sonic's appearance to that of Tom from Tom and Jerry.
			"Outpost: Genesis - Sonic the Hedgehog"
		Reprints/translations: Consoles + (FR) #0: "Tilt Hors-Serie" (1991-07-xx)	"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.
			Preview
		Reprints/translations: Computer + Video Giochi (IT) #7: "Luglio/Agosto 1991" (1991-xx-xx)	"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.
			"Sonic the Hedgehog: Great Moments in Hedgehog History"
			"Genesis ProReview: Sonic the Hedgehog" Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score NTSC-U 96 [Info]
			"Video Game Reviews: Sonic the Hedgehog" Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 9/10 90 [Info]
			"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.
			Preview
			"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]
			Preview
			"Zapping: Sonic"
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 100 [Info]
			"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.
			"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% 92 [Info]
			"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.
			"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]
			"Superjogos"
			"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]
			"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 100 [Info]
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 98% 98 [Info]
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 96% 96 [Info]
			"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 93 [Info]
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score NTSC-J 9/10   9/10   10/10   9/10 93 [Info]
			A single page preview, with art drawn by Naoto Oshima.
			"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% 94 [Info]
		Reprints/translations: Console Mania (IT) #1: "Ottobre 1991" (1991-09-20)	"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% 95 [Info]
			"Select: Sonic the Hedgehog" Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 100 [Info]
			"Tricks of the Trade: Sonic the Hedgehog" (continues on page 96)
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 97% 97 [Info]
			"Strategy Feature: Sonic the Hedgehog"
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 92% 92 [Info]
			"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.
			"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).
			"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.
			"CVG Hit: Sonic the Hedgehog" Two page review from the Italian Computer + Video Giochi. Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 96% 96 [Info]
			"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.
			"Sonic the Hedgehog" Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 98% 98 [Info]
			"Behind the Scenes at Sega of Japan: The Making of Sonic the Hedgehog"
			"Cheat Mode: Sonic the Hedgehog" Several paragraphs explaining how to beat all six bosses.
			"Lo Más Nuevo: Sonic" Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 95% 95 [Info]
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 85 [Info]
			"Superestratégia Mega Drive: Sonic the Hedgehog"
			"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.
			"Free Sonic?" It explains how there were two different Genesis pack-in games, Altered Beast and Sonic the Hedgehog. The Altered Beast package comes with a coupon for a free Sonic 1 game. The bottom letter contains a silly mock-up.
			"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 100 [Info]
			"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.
			"PG Tips: Sonic the Hedgehog" Brief section explaining how to access the Level Select and Sound Test.
			"Console Countdown: Sonic the Hedgehog"
			"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.
			"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.
			"S.W.A.T.: Sonic the Hedgehog" This clip explains how to enable the debug mode. Note the "GP" written with Springs.
			"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]
			"Technique Zone: Sonic the Hedgehog" Later in the issue, a half-page spread for Sonic tips and cheats.
			"Especial Top Secret"
			"Tips: Sonic the Hedgehog" Article explaining the debug mode and how to access it.
			"PG Tips: Sonic the Hedgehog" Brief section explaining the debug mode and how to access it.
			"Sonic the Hedgehog" Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 83% 83 [Info]
			"Tricks 'n' Tactics: Sonic the Hedgehog" Short article explaining how to access the level select and debug mode.
			"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.
			"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.
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score PAL 89% 89 [Info]
			Sonic the Hedgehog comic, depicted with real animals.
			"Top 100: Sonic the Hedgehog" Mega says Sonic the Hedgehog is the third best Mega Drive game available in the UK.
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 94% 94 [Info]
			"U.S. National Game Team's Super Play: Sonic the Hedgehog"
			"S.W.A.T.Pro: Game Genie Codes! Sonic The Hedgehog (Genesis)" A few Game Genie codes which affect jumping ability.
			"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]
			"The Complete Sonic Tips Guide" Single paragraph explaining the level select code. Part of a retrospective of codes on Mega Drive Sonic games.
			"Sonic vs Mario"
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score 75% 75 [Info]
			Review Version Rating Awards Calculated score PAL 80% 80 [Info]
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			Tips
			"100 Greatest Games of All Time" Sonic the Hedgehog is placed as the 5th best game of all time.
			"The making of... Sonic The Hedgehog"
			"100 Best Games Ever: Sonic the Hedgehog" Short paragraph placing the game as the 17th best ever.

Arcade version

Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive).

File	Date	Source	Title and comments
			"Sega City" Short article in Raze #8, mentioning a conversion of the Mega Drive game to arcades. Presumably this refers to Sonic the Hedgehog on Mega-Tech or Mega Play.

Mega-CD version

Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive).

File	Date	Source	Title and comments
			"Sonic the Hedgehog"