Article by: Bev Wooff (Rexy)
Pictured from: Sonic the Hedgehog
Created by: Sega
First appearance: 1991
Bio
In 1991 Sonic starred in the game Sonic the Hedgehog and became such an overnight success that he replaced Alex Kidd as Sega's mascot. He has since been the central character in a long and famous series of video games. From the release of the first game until Sega's departure from the console market, the games went head-to-head against Nintendo's Mario series. After the end of Sega's hardware business Sonic's adventures were moved onto other systems. Most gamers recognize him by his cobalt-blue body, his spinning attacks, and his namesake: running faster than the speed of sound.
Sonic does not have one set history. Since the first game's release several variations of his story appeared in games, comics, and other publications, as well as a movie and four different TV shows. The basic storyline for the games themselves details Dr. Ivo Robotnik developing a scheme to kidnap Sonic's friends and take over the world, and it recounts Sonic's resolution to stop him.
Since his debut, Sonic's games have equaled or even surpassed Mario's games on various occasions. He has had cameos in other Sega exclusives and in an episode of The Simpsons. Even a fruit fly embryonic development gene is named after him. All of this evidences his high place in the world of video games as well as his renown in the world at large.
Quote
"This game of tag is boring! I'm outta here!"
Selected game appearances
Genesis
- Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994)
- Sonic & Knuckles (1994)
- Sonic Crackers (1994, unreleased)
- Sonic 3D Blast (1996)
Master System
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
Sega CD
- Sonic CD (1993)
Game Gear
Sega Saturn
- Sonic 3D Blast (1996)
Dreamcast
- Sonic Adventure (1998)
- Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)
References
- Wikipedia - "Sonic the Hedgehog (character)"
- Sonic the Hedgehog instruction manual
- Protein Snapshot: Sonic hedgehog protein
