Sonic The Hedgehog (Mega Drive) (7.26.91)
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) (12.28.91)
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) (11.21.92)
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) (11.21.92)
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 (9.23.93)
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 Chaos / Sonic & Tails (11.19.93)
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 Spinball (12.10.93)
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?
No comments:
Post a Comment