The fourth game i have chosen to review is Sonic the Hedgehog the flash game based on the hugely popular game for the Sega Mega Drive. Apart from the flash version of the game, it can also be played on platforms such as Game Boy Advance, Xbox Live Arcade and the PC. In the game you can chose 4 possible characters and 2 secret characters to unlock in a single player game. The characters are Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower, Knuckles the Echidna and Cream the Rabbit. The game features a password saver so you don't have to start the game from the beginning all the time. The main object of the game in Sonic's perspective is to prevent Dr. Robotnik from collecting six of the Chaos Emeralds in order to rule South Island. You must go through six zones that each has three stages or acts until he confronts Dr. Robotnik for the last time in the Final Zone.
Graphics
The side-scrolling levels in Sonic the Hedgehog are very vibrant colourful. The characters, in general, are good sized although due to the graphics they have been cropped to account for the small screen dimensions. The frame rate is also OK. Overall the gameplay is satisfying and easy to get into. The levels aren't that hard to complete but collecting a decent amount of gold rings is also a good challenge.
Interface
As its a flash game the controls are very simple to remember. The left and right keys are to move, to make Sonic jump you use the space bar on the keyboard. Also, to spin dash you have to press and hold down the arrow key and then press the space bar.
Gameplay
The game play is satisfying and easy to get into although the graphical issues do break it which is to expect as it is only a flash game version. As you need high scores to access the bonus levels the framerate struggles to keep up and it's impossible to enjoy the design, visuals and the music because you keep losing lives due to it not being able to keep up.
Sound
There isn't much to say concerning the sound apart from the music and sound effects are identical to the actual game. The jumps, explosions and rings are all the same and the music is still the same from Green Hill Zone to Scrap Brain Zone to Dr. Robotniks theme. Only difference is the sound effects on the menu screen.
Conclusion
Overall the flash version of this classic is well worth playing. It's just as enjoyable as playing it on the Sega Mega and it will bring the memories of playing this brilliant game all back.
