User:TheJoebro64/drafts/S18bit

History

In 1990, Sega Enterprises president Hayao Nakayama was seeking a flagship series to compete with Nintendo's Mario series along with a character to serve as a mascot. Sega's strategy had been based on its earlier release of the Sega Genesis in the 16-bit era and its reliance on its successful arcade business to port games to the console. However, Nakayama recognized that Sega needed a star character in a game that could demonstrate the power of the hardware of the Sega Genesis. During a company-wide contest for a mascot, Naoto Ohshima created Sonic the Hedgehog. His self-titled game was programmed by Yuji Naka of Sonic Team, and was released on June 23, 1991. Featuring speedy gameplay, Sonic the Hedgehog greatly increased the popularity of the Sega Genesis in North America. Sega displaced Nintendo as the leading console manufacturer; though Nintendo would eventually overtake Sega again, it was the first time this had happened since 1985.

The success of Sonic the Hedgehog on the Genesis led to Sega's decision to commission a version of the game for its 8-bit consoles, the Master System and the Game Gear. As directly porting the game from the 16-bit hardware was impossible, the company instead recruited Ancient to create a scaled-down version from scratch.

Games

Platformers

• Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)—an adaptation of the original Sonic the Hedgehog for the Master System and Game Gear. Like the original, the player guides Sonic through a series of levels to stop Doctor Robotnik from collecting the Chaos Emeralds. While it is quite similar to the Genesis version, the game was heavily modified in order to meet the technical restrictions of the 8-bit systems; for example, Sonic's sprites do not rotate when he goes up hills, there are no vertical loops, and he cannot recollect rings when hit due to the systems' graphical limitations. Some stages (such as Green Hill Zone) are borrowed from the Genesis version, while others were created specifically for this version. It also features a different soundtrack, composed by chiptune musician Yuzo Koshiro.
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)—released to coincide with the Genesis launch of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Unlike the 8-bit version of the original game, the 8-bit version of Sonic 2 is a distinct game. The story follows Sonic going on a journey to save Tails from Robotnik. This version has different level designs and themes, and this version, unlike the 16-bit release, does not have the spin dash, whereby the player curls in a ball and spins while stationary, resulting in a speed boost. It is thought to have been made before the Genesis version. The game made some improvements to the original's game engine, among them the ability to recollect lost rings. It is also notable for featuring the debut appearance of Tails.
• Sonic Chaos (1993)—the story follows Sonic and Tails as they set out to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds from Robotnik, who has stolen them again. Aspect's growing experience allowed them to include many more features from the Genesis Sonic games. Sonic and Tails were both given the ability to spin dash, while Sonic can perform the Super-Peel Out from Sonic CD and Tails can fly. In addition, the game features certain graphical effects from the Genesis games. Sonic Chaos is the first Sonic game to give Tails the ability to fly.
• Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble (1994)—the sequel to Sonic Chaos. The story follows Sonic and Tails attempting to recollect the Chaos Emeralds after Robotnik scatters them. Robotnik also dupes Knuckles the Echidna into helping him, and the treasure hunter Nack the Weasel tries to take the Emeralds for himself. The game is considerably larger than the previous 8-bit Sonic games, and features new elements such as the ability to defend oneself in midair. It is the only 8-bit Sonic platformer not released on the Master System, and is also the debut appearance of Nack, who has appeared sparingly throughout the Sonic franchise.
• Sonic Blast (1996)—released to coincide with Sonic 3D Blast. The story follows Sonic and Knuckles as they set out to find several shards of a Chaos Emeralds, which Robotnik wants to use to fortify his base. While it features pre-rendered, 2.5D graphics like 3D Blast, Sonic Blast is differentiated by featuring a side-scrolling gameplay style in similar vein to previous games. It is also the only 8-bit game to feature Knuckles as a playable character.

Other games

• Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (1993)—a port of the Genesis game of the same name, which in turn is a re-skinned version of the 1991 game Puyo Puyo. The game is a falling block puzzle game based on the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog animated series.
• Sonic Drift (1994)—a kart racing game originally released exclusively in Japan. Gameplay is reminiscent of Super Mario Kart, and it features Sonic, Tails, Robotnik, and Amy Rose as playable characters, each of whom have their own unique abilities. It was not released in worldwide since it received poor reviews in Japan.
• Sonic Spinball (1994)—a port of the Genesis game of the same name, and released in place of Sonic Drift. A pinball game, it is quite similar to the original Genesis version, save for redesigned bonus stages.
• Sonic Drift 2 (1995)—the sequel to Sonic Drift. Like its predecessor, it is a racing game, and adds three playable characters: Knuckles, Nack, and Metal Sonic. Unlike the original Sonic Drift, Sonic Drift 2 was released worldwide.
• Tails' Skypatrol (1995)—a Japan-exclusive game featuring Tails as the main character. The story follows Tails as he tries to stop a witch named Witchcart, who tries to take over a mysterious island and will turn any dissidents into crystal. It plays as a side-scrolling shoot 'em up game. Tails is suspended in flight, and the player must keep him flying by collecting mints to replenish his stamina.
• Sonic Labyrinth (1995)—an isometric puzzle game with platforming elements. The story follows Sonic as he attempts to escape a labyrinth after Robotnik gives him shoes that take away his ability to run and jump. The player guides Sonic through a pinball-style arena, and must collect keys in order to proceed through levels.
• Tails Adventure (1995)—a Metroid-style adventure game featuring Tails as the main character. The game follows Tails as he tries to stop an army of evil birds from retrieving the Chaos Emeralds. The game has a strong emphasis on item collecting, backtracking, and puzzle-solving, similar to many role-playing video games (RPGs).