Previous Next

Well, they said it couldn't be done - but Sega had to go and prove them wrong. Sega's would-be Mario beater has made it onto the Game Gear, and it's an impressive achievement. It's so impressive, in fact, that you'll think you're playing a handheld Megadrive! (Okay, so I know that that's a bit of a naff statement, but it really is true.)

Everything you remember from the Megadrive game has been reproduced exactly the same but smaller - the oh-so-colourful graphics, the twee tunes, the simple yet addictive gameplay and the amazing speed are all there. The action's so fast that there are times when the Gear's blurry screen makes it near impossible to see what the hell is going on!

Owners of both a 'Drive and a Game Gear will be pleased to hear that the map layouts are, as they say on TV, "All-New", so if you've beaten the Megadrive game then you'll find a new challenge here.

But not much. In all respects Sonic is a classic game bar one - it's just far too easy. Seasoned game pros are likely to have this one cracked well inside a week of solid play. Still, it's definitely one of the best looking carts ever seen on the Game Gear and as long as you don't mind the short-lived nature of the fun then it's well worth your dosh.