One Sonic, three consoles

Most people remember Sonic's maiden voyage on the 16-bit Sega Genesis (left). But the blue blur also staked his claim on the 8-bit Sega Master System and handheld Sega Game Gear (right). There are several differences between the two, but both are solid in their own right.

The year 1991 could be labeled the "Year of Sonic." It was that we saw the debut of Sega's new "spokesperson" on not just one console, not two, but three different Sega consoles. After first dipping his toe in the pool that was the Sega Genesis, Sonic took a step back to the 8-bit era with releases for the Sega Master System and portable Game Gear. Although Sonic lost some power in the process, the 8-bit incarnation is still a solid game to play and doesn't lose much in translation.

Today, I'm going to give a side-by-side comparison of the Genesis and Master System versions of "Sonic the Hedgehog" (the Game Gear version is very similar to the Master System version with a few exceptions). Before I begin, you have to understand that even though they bear the same name, the two titles are quite different. Other than obvious differences in graphics and sound, level designs and bonus stages are different, creating an all-new Sonic experience.

Graphics: The Genesis version features some of the best graphics of the 16-bit era (Sonic 2 pushed the envelope even farther). The 3D effect of running behind trees and posts, coupled with outstanding surface textures creates a great gaming experience. However, the Master System version features graphics I'd put up against any NES game any day of the week. Though not nearly as detailed as its counterpart, the game moves fluidly, and enemies are easily recognizable from the 16-bit version.

Sound: The music and sound effects on the Genesis are fantastic, some of the most classic in video game history. The Master System version features good sound as well (even though it's in mono), but the console's technology produces sounds that are at times tinny.

Gameplay: Sonic on the Genesis is fast, especially in some of the more straightforward zones. He's pretty fast in 8 bits as well, although the game doesn't feel it's moving quite as fast. Eight-bit Sonic does share many of his 16-bit counterpart's mannerisms, like when he starts staring you down because you haven't moved in awhile. Also, in the 8-bit version, when you hit an enemy, you can't retrieve the rings you lost. And though they share names with a few zones from the Genesis version, the entire 8-bit game was retooled so it isn't a direct port. Bonus stages are different, too, and Chaos Emeralds are found within the zones. There is also a map in the 8-bit version that shows you what zone you're on, and I think that's because the text at the beginning and end of the zones isn't superimposed over the game screen like on the Genesis. Overall control of Sonic is fluid on both consoles, though I think the Master System version of the game is more difficult to complete.

So there you have it, a short but concise comparison of the Sega Genesis and Master System versions of the original "Sonic the Hedgehog." I could go on and on with more about the two, but you can get the idea by just checking out the screenshots above (By the way, those are two different zones from each of the games). Now don't be deceived by the 8-bit version, as Sega thought it was good enough to build into some late versions of the Master System console. It's available on the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console for just 500 points ($5), so it's definitely worth a try if you're able to get it.