Sonic The Hedgehog (Mega Drive / Genesis)
The beginning of Sega's meteoric ascent, Sonic immediately seeks to differentiate himself from the other platformers. The text on the back of the box has absolutely nothing to do with the unprecedently fast paced action, but is a call to everyone's sense of self-assuredness
We really hate what's normal. However, we certainly recognize the things that are special to us. But, here's the thing regardless. We're all right. We're definitely satisfied with ourselves.
Sonic The Hedgehog (Game Gear)
A Game Gear version followed just months later. I can still remember when my local Target set this up on a demo kiosk and being stunned by such colorful visuals on a portable.
Run, Run. Turn, Turn.
Sonic is the fastest Hedgehog in the world! This time, he's up to a whole lot on the Game Gear!
1 Player
Action Game
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Mega Drive / Genesis)
This cheerful cover is nothing like the western version with it's ominous depiction of Dr. Robotnik. Sonic shares an equal part of the spotlight with Tails. Once again, the back text depicts nothing about the actual game. Just Tails hyping up his friend. I've always been more of a Mario fan, but had a particularly great time with this one when I finally got a Genesis in 1994.
Sonic taught me to be full of energy.
Sonic showed me bravery.
His heart is the blue sky. His smile is the sun.
My two tails represent strength and bravery.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear)
The Game Gear box art is remarkedly similar to the 16-bit version, but features slightly different text on the back. I didn't like this Game Gear title as much as the first. The opening level was rather bizarre and difficult. Mine carts are inherently tricky and not what you'd stick at the beginning of a game. Translation note, 胸 most commonly refers to the chest anatomy, but can also mean heart in certain contexts.
(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)
Sonic's heart is always full, running to face whatever he encounters. Smiling. Angry. His teeth clinched. His heart is the blue sky. His smile is the sun.
Sonic CD
I remember staring at the American jewel case of Sonic CD in catalogs, stores and absolutely longing for it. I never owned any of the Genesis add-ons, but maybe that was for the best. In this latest round of inspirational writing, Sonic practically plagiarizes John F. Kennedy.
Spine Card:
These guys are audacious, yet amazing!
Back:
What it is you want, you're longing for it. As time passes, it decreases. With only bravery, you can do anything! Just take one step forward, and just hold on to that feeling.
Sonic Spinball
Interesting how the packaging seemed eager to announce the game's origin, as this was the first Sonic game to receive a poor overall reception. I often played this on the demo kiosk at Sears. The first level began in a hideous, sludgy sewer of all places and the Genesis sound chip was even more abrasive than average. A Game Gear version released in the west but was omitted from Japan.
Sonic has gone off to...cause a big Pinball ruckus!!
Get a very...'American' sensation. Just how far can you get in the game?
Sonic Chaos / Sonic & Tails
Appropriately named in Japan, Tails is controllable as a character for the first time on the Game Gear.
Go running! Go soaring!
Sonic & Tails on a huge adventure!
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Very curious how Knuckles is front and center on the Japanese cover, even booting Tails to the back, whereas in America only savvy Sonic fans would know that was Knuckles peaking out of a bush. I rented this game often in the 90s. I didn't even like the level design for the most part, but it was worth playing just for the music. Funny how a decade and a half later, it turned out MJ was almost certainly involved in some capacity.
(Sonic captions)
Run until it hurts to breath.
Without looking back, run with all your might.
(Knuckles captions)
Introducing your rival!
Run along with the sun and blue sky.
Sonic & Tails run, run on the legendary 'Floating Island'!
Sonic & Knuckles
I preferred the black background of the American release which much better conveyed the epic, climatic feel of the game. But sadly, it was one of the first Genesis games I can remember to ditch the ultra tough plastic shell cases for card board.
The Japanese cover also heavily markets the lock-on technology, which at the time felt like Sega's answer to Donkey Kong Country's pre-rendered graphics taking the world by storm. The game itself was really neat, as well. Knuckles felt like the perfect partner for Sonic, and certain levels such as the Lava Reef and Sky Sanctuary Zones were jaw dropping.
Sonic & Knuckles
Lock-On System
In Sonic & Knuckles, you'll be a bit surprised by the lock on cartridge!
Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 lock on with Sonic & Knuckles! When you lock on, something will happen!
Sonic & Tails 2 / Sonic Triple Trouble
I owned this for the Game Gear. The graphics were very pleasant for the hardware, but the action and sound was rather lacking compared to the Genesis games. I recall always getting stuck on the submarine level. Sonic in a submarine instead of running around really says it all.
We meet yet again, Sonic & Tails!
The familiar Dr. Eggman adds some new characters. As the fight for the chaos emeralds repeats, there's even greater chaos!!
Can't you already feel the revelry and fun!?
Sonic Drift (Game Gear)
A Sonic racing game always made sense, but combining the famously speedy and nimble characters to vehicles was an odd move. Sonic does have a sweet ride, though.
Gran Prix! Time Attack!!
You can also do 1P vs 2P battle mode!!!
Sonic The Hedgehog is #1 in the world of speed. This time, he challenges himself to racing in machines!!
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