Sonic the Hedgehog

The game

A rescue mission in three-act chapters

Dr. Robotnik has been capturing animals and converting them into robots. Your job is to free them across six zones, each divided into three Acts. The third Act brings a confrontation with Robotnik; afterward, jump onto the metal cage to release its captives. Along the way, monitor screens offer equipment and other help when smashed with a spin attack.

Something extra at the finish

Touch the Bonus Panel at an Act's end to set it spinning. Its result can award ten rings, an extra life, or Special Stage access; Robotnik's picture gives nothing. Special Stage entry also requires enough rings. Inside, springs and bumpers turn movement into a pinball challenge with a deadline: running out of time forfeits the items gathered there. Collecting all six Chaos Emeralds provides a separate goal and unlocks the full ending.

This edition

The Master System adventure

This guide covers the original 8-bit Master System edition. Its route includes Bridge Zone, where seesaws help you reach high cliffs, and Jungle Zone, with a dangerous waterfall section. These environments give the adventure its own rhythm of crossings, climbing, and measured jumps.

Start here

1. Start through the map

   From the title screen, press Button 1 or Button 2 to display the zone map. Press either again to begin. Use the map as your first look at the journey ahead.

2. Pick up protection

   Collect rings early. An enemy hit costs your entire supply, but having rings prevents that hit from taking a life. Watch the ring counter so you know when you are exposed.

3. Secure a restart point

   Break an Arrow Monitor when you encounter one. After a lost life, it becomes your return point. Also check the Act timer: exceeding ten minutes on the game clock costs a life.

Original controls

These are the original game's controls. For keyboard, controller and touch settings in this player, see Controls & help.

D-Button Left / Right

Move in either direction; hold to build speed.

D-Button Up / Down while stopped

Look above or below Sonic where the screen boundaries allow.

Button 1 or Button 2

Perform the jumping Super Sonic Spin Attack.

D-Button Down while moving

Curl into the rolling Super Sonic Spin Attack.

Power Base Pause Button

Press the original console's Pause button to pause; press again to resume.

Playing tips

• Commit to a crumbling crossing

  Approach Bridge Zone's collapsing bridges ready to keep moving. Hesitating partway across gives the surface time to disappear beneath you.

• Treat air as a route requirement

  In Labyrinth Zone, prioritize breathing bubbles when the oxygen countdown begins. A detour for air is more valuable than pressing deeper into the underwater maze.

• Keep respecting the terrain

  Shield and Invincible items help against enemies, but their protection does not cover other obstacles. Keep watching your footing while powered up, especially near drops.

• Make a bonus visit count

  Prioritize a Continue Monitor if you find one in a Special Stage. Its Continue Star lets you restart from the beginning of your current zone after Game Over, making it valuable insurance for a longer attempt.