Proto:Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Master System, Game Gear)

This page details one or more prototype versions of Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Master System, Game Gear).

  This prototype is documented on Hidden Palace.

To do: Access and investigate other zones. Try to import art of the respective zones from the original game.

Porting from one system to another can sometimes be tough, as seen with the Game Gear prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Download Sonic the Hedgehog (Game Gear, Prototype) File: Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) (Prototype).zip (info)

General Differences

Prototype	Final

• There is no Sega logo in the beginning, just like the Master System version.
• Act 1 of Green Hill Zone is the only playable stage by normal means. However, Act 2 can be accessed with hacking by using a hex editor and going to offset 155FE and changing C4 to B6. Also, by using level modifier codes, it's possible to play other stages, but most either crash, are empty, or are missing their art.

Prototype	Final

• The map screen has misplaced points and different smoke graphics. It also uses a similar color palette to the Master System version.

Prototype	Final

• Sonic is placed further right at the start of the level.
• Sonic's palette changes to a darker blue when nearing the signpost; in the final version, he becomes ever so slightly brighter.

• A strange strip appears at the top of the level briefly. Just a graphical glitch as touching it does nothing.

Prototype	Final

• The invincibility stars are more similar to the Master System version. The final game has four stars.
• Sonic's sprites are nearly identical to the Master System version, with some minor palette alterations.

Prototype	Final

• Various things have yet to be added to accommodate the smaller screen size, such as warning signs near spike pits.
• The level layout is slightly different compared to the other versions.

Prototype	Final

• Totem poles have three heads in the prototype, while in the final, they only have two.

Prototype	Final

• The mountain range has a similar hue to the Master System version.

Prototype	Final

• The Game Over screen is messed up due to some tile rearrangement.
• The credits are still in the ROM. Aside from a messed-up palette, it's 100% identical to the Master System version.