Review 13: Sonic The Hedgehog (Sega Master System)

No, this is not a review of the original 16-bit Sonic The Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis. Instead, this bi-week's review will be on the lesser-known, 8-bit port of Sonic The Hedgehog for the Sega Master System, released on October 25, 1991. Let's see how this game fares with its more popular counterpart.

Gameplay: 8/10

The gameplay in this port is generally the same as its counterpart: run, spin jump, collect rings and on some occasions defeat the evil Dr. Ivo Robotnik in zones divided up into 3 acts. However, there are a few differences, most negative. For starters, the game is much slower than the Genesis version, most likely because the Master System couldn't handle it. Also, the levels are much more straightforward and less psychedelic- heck, there aren't any loop-de-loops. However, there are less badniks- enemy animals in robotic shells- to oppose you, a positive covered up by the fact that you cannot pick up your rings once you get hit. That's right. Get hit once, and you can't regain health unless you find other rings. There are six zones in this port: Green Hill Zone, Labyrinth Zone and Scrap Brain Zone from the original, and three totally new (well, I guess you would call it old now) zones, Bridge Zone, Jungle Zone and Sky Base Zone for this one, with completely different layouts. And finally, another difference is that the Chaos Emeralds, as opposed to being in the special stages in the Genesis version, are hidden in one of the two non-boss acts in the zones.

Graphics- 9/10

Ah, yes. The main difference you will notice (immediately, anyways) is the graphical changes they had to make to bring Sonic over to the Master System. The graphics now have a scarcer palette and generally look less appealing (8-bit compared to 16-bit, duh). However, for 8-bit, it's pretty darn good. Below is a comparison of the two games.



16-bit



8-bit



16-bit



8-bit



16-bit



8-bit

Music: 10/10

The music sounds pretty good when converted to 8-bit style. Including favorites such as the Green Hill Zone theme, this game also has brand new songs for the new zones instead of just ripping the soundtrack from the original and converting it for the Master System. Something notable is that the Bridge Zone music (my personal favorite, by the way) is essentially the same thing as Believe In Myself, Tails' theme from Sonic Adventure 2.

Overall: 9/10

This port is more than a port. It actually feels more like a standalone game, what with new zones, new music and the other gameplay changes stated above. This is a true Sonic game.

Available in Wii Shop Channel for: 500 Wii Points

            
            

Review 12: Super Mario All-Stars (SNES)

Released on July 14, 1993 in Japan, Super Mario All-Stars was a compilation of the games Super Mario Bros. , Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario Bros. : The Lost Levels (also known as Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan) with upgraded graphics, game play, and removal of glitches, a later release featuring Super Mario World. The game has been praised by critics, and was a "Player's Choice" game for the SNES.

Gameplay: 10/10

One classic Mario game is good enough, but four is far too great for words. All of these remakes play almost exactly as you would expect that game to play: SMB is all about jumping on Goombas, getting Super Mushrooms, finding out the Princess is in another castle, etc. SMB 2 has you defeat Wart and his minions using veggies (ain't that a message), and SMB 3 takes you to all sorts of worlds, whether icy, water-filled, or sandy. The Lost Levels weren't released in the West until this game, so in case you're wondering, it's just like the original, only ten times more tedious. This game featured Poison Mushrooms, fake Bowsers that you do not need to defeat, and reverse warp zones.

Graphics: 10/10

This release really gave all the games a major overhaul. Even the Bros. themselves are totally different than from their palette-swapping days. The backgrounds are more detailed, the enemies were updated- This is no mere assortment of the originals. It's all original from this game. And I don't care if it doesn't stand up to the graphics of other SNES games; it doesn't need to.

Photos:


The Lost Levels (as identified by the Poison Mushroom)

Super Mario Bros. 3




Super Mario Bros. 2



Super Mario Bros.



Title Screen



Title Screen (when you got it with Super Mario World)

Music: 9/10

The music in this remake is also revamped; practically all the tunes you've loved all those years are available in the clearer sound system (or something) of the SNES. You can hear the Overworld Theme, the Underground theme, the Castle theme, the Hammer Bros. theme- whatever theme you want. And plus, Nintendo has even sneaked in a few new themes for you to enjoy.

Overall: 10/10

This game has every right to be a Player's Choice game. It'll bring the nostalgia right back to you- and bring with it something more.

Available in the Wii Shop Channel for: N/A