Sonic the Hedgehog

"Sonic the Hedgehog", for the Game Gear and Master System is quite a different beast than even the more traditional Sonic Games. The little Master System tries its hardest but can't get Sonic going at ultra quick speeds (no speed ball boosting) or doing loops or corkscrews so we're in pure platforming zones. It plays a bit more like something akin to Super Mario Land or early NES Mario platformers).

You still hop and op through the levels and they all present unique elements that try to spark some unique elements to levels (platforms fall on you in bridge zone, there's even a scrolling stage with so weird to experience in a sonic game). It's far and away from other 2D Sonic games of the early 90s that often have large sprawling stages...which I actually like as I feel there is more of a focus in design in these linear stages.

The Game Gear version and the Master System versions are generally pretty close with some minor changes. Some bosses play a bit differently, sprites and colours are a bit different, and some gameplay mechanics are a bit different (you don't die as easily in the Waterfall level in Jungle 2). Some levels feel way too cramped on Game Gear, (that last stage before Dr. Robotnik? Not really re-designed for the Game Gear's small screen size).

I don't think it will stand out too crazily in a sea of platformers from the early 90s, but its probably the only 2D sonic game where I don't feel like I'm randomly wandering around and occasionally getting rewarded with rings or prize boxes, it feels like a bit more structured and each level has its own personalities that don't feel like palette swaps. It's also super short and can be beaten in about an hour, which is ideal for such a simple game. Why not give it a shot?