Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Master System, Game Gear)

This page details pre-release information and/or media for Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Master System, Game Gear).

Concept Art#

'...But what does it mean?' This game has text or audio that needs to be translated. If you are fluent with this language, please read our translation guidelines and then submit a translation! Notes: Translate the text shown in the documents and actually note some differences.

In June 2016, Yuzo Koshiro released a photo of the game's design document known as the GG Sonic Proposal which shows an early map, and early layouts for Jungle Zone, Bridge Zone, and Green Hill Zone.

Master System Version#

To do: Add comparisons with the final game.

Unknown Builds#

A few magazine screenshots that come from unknown time periods.

The unused longer copyright notice is present, and the "TM" is missing. The "Button" text is also slightly more to the left. From Supergame (BR) Issues 9 and 12.

From the game's Brazilian boxart, the life counter is more spaced out and shows Sonic having 0 lives. It's possible that it did not function. The map and Zone name are also slightly lower.

The Map and Zone name are in their final location. From Supergame (BR) Issue 4.

"RING" Build#

A few pictures of a Master System build which show a completely different HUD from the final: no timer is present, and "RING" is used for the ring counter rather than a ring graphic. There are also a few layout differences. This build may be dated to early 1991 due to the ring HUD being similar to how it looked in prototypes of the Mega Drive version.

An incorrect ground tile is seen here. From Mean Machines (UK) Issue 13, cover dated October 1991.

Another shot, this one taken from the game's Brazilian boxart.

Alternative scans of the above screenshots.

Later Build#

These screenshots are from a Winter 1992 issue of Sega Force US magazine, showcasing a build much more similar to the final yet still having some notable differences.

The ring monitor here was changed to an invincibility one in the final game.

The totems are short like the Game Gear prototype but also seem to have rings above them too. The player is also using free movement mode here.

This Bridge Zone layout doesn't seem to exist in the final as there are 3 rings above where you would fall into water. Free movement mode might also be used here.

The group of rings at the start of Jungle Zone Act 1 were moved slightly more to left in the final game.

It appears this gargoyle at the beginning of Labyrinth Zone Act 1 was once able to shoot fire balls as can be seen on the left.

At the beginning of Scrapbrain Zone Act 1, the platform Sonic is standing on looks different, there's no rings there and the red buildings in the background have a shorter look than the final game.

Game Gear Version#

Pre-Prototype Build#

A build that possibly predates the available prototype.

From the US manual. Notably, the copyright info uses the unused 1992 graphic. Unlike the available prototype that has the final copyright.

Just like the available prototype. Sonic is using sprites from the Master System.

The mountains don't seem to have the same palette as the available prototype.

Most likely a bug, the ones digit from the timer's seconds is attached to the Buzz Bomber. The available prototype does not have this.

Just like the available prototype. The flowers here have the same graphics as the Master System version.