So, it is my understanding that while most of the ports of Sonic the Hedgehog 1991 are straight ports, there are a few officially-released versions of the game out there with gameplay differences. Here are the different "versions" of the game that I know of:
- Sonic the Hedgehog (US release) (Genesis) – The original release
- Sonic the Hedgehog (JP release) (Genesis) – A few minor changes associated with this version. The clouds move in Green Hill Zone, the water ripples in Labyrinth Zone, the stages are in order in the level select screen, and some bugs have been fixed. This version was the one featured in Sonic Jam.
- Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis (Game Boy Advance) – This port adds in the spin dash from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as well as a few additional features. However, this port is infamous for its bugs, glitches, and slowdown.
- Sonic the Hedgehog (iOS/Android) – This port adds the spin dash as well as Tails and Knuckles into the game. Some levels have been slightly redesigned.
- 3D Sonic the Hedgehog (3DS) – Sonic the Hedgehog with the spin dash and 3D graphics.
So, my question are thus:
- Did I miss any major game revisions in the list that I have?
- Did I miss out on other official ports that include game changes? I do not want any ROMhacks the be included in the answer.
Best Answer
Sonic the Hedgehog
There were three official regional versions of Sonic the Hedgehog; REV00, REV01 and REVXB.
REV00 - Global
The original sonic was released for the Sega Genesis, in 1991. Sega identified the need for a company mascot, much like Nintendo have Mario. They were very successful - Sonic the Hedgehog was a hit success, and spawned many sequels and spinoffs. Sonic the Hedgehog was bundled with the Sega Genesis. The console was originally bundled with Altered Beast, and any player who had already purchased the console could request a copy of Sonic, for free.
REV01 - Japan and Korea
A revision of the game was released for the Japanese and Korean market, with quite a few changes. I went to sonicretro.org for a list.
REVXB - Japan
This revision was actually an official ROM hack. In this revision, spike damage was changed, to behave like it does in the newer titles.
Ports and Re-releases
The game is also packaged in many other games, sometimes as an unlockable.
It was also directly ported several times, including to the
Ports may include changes relative to the console they are ported on. The biggest difference would be the controls. Some of the newer versions also included the addition of achievements.
Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
Sonic was re-released, in 8bit, to accomodate the Sega Master System, and the Game Gear. Sonicretro.org lists no revisions, though the game did differ slightly on the game gear, to accommodate the platform.
Sega Master System Version
Levels were simpler, and had alternate themes, although the main objective of the game remained the same. It featured a different sound track, adapted from the original. If Sonic took damage rings were immediately lost, without giving the player a chance to recollect them. The Sega Master System version also contained no Sega splash screen, as this was provided by the console, on startup.
Game Gear Version
Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis
REV00 - Global
Sonic the Hedgehog was ported to the Game Boy Advance in celebration of its 15 year anniversary. It included the addition of new features, including the ability to save, and access to the level select without a code. It also included a new game mode, 'Anniversary Mode', where you could use the Spin Dash move from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The view was slightly zoomed in, to accommodate the different screen resolution. It was poorly received, with claims of low frame rate, and poor game play preservation.
REV01 - Asia (uncommonly found elsewhere)
A new revision was released, although silently. This version was later ported to Wii and DS, and packed as an easter egg, in the games Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut and Sonic Mega Collection Plus.
There were a few changes, which I have sourced from tcrf.net.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2013)
Sonic the Hedgehog was remastered, using the Retro Engine, for release on iOS and Google Play. It replaced the ports that were previously available. Additions included a widescreen graphic, the inclusion of the Spin Dash ability, a time attack mode, and the ability to play as Tails or Knuckles.