When I was growing up we didn't have much money. By the time I got a Sega Megadrive (replacing my ZX Spectrum) Sonic 2 was already out and the original game was a free pack in title with most consoles. For a long time Sonic the Hedgehog was the only game I had for the platform so inevitably, I played it a lot. It plays more like a proper platformer than later titles which focus more on the speedier sections that are only present here in small bursts. Having played it so much I appreciate a lot of the design that went into each stage. However I can also understand that people only trying it now and possibly after playing other games in the series may have a more negative impression of it.

There are seven zones to play through which are broken into different acts, the final act of each zone has a boss:

Green Hill Zone - The most famous Sonic zone? A lot of Sonic games had essentially a clone version of this as it's first zone going forward. It's a fun starter zone that's fairly easy and has a few faster moments with loops to run round that became an iconic part of the series.

Marble Zone - I think this is where peoples expectations of what they think this game will be as opposed to what it is. It's slower levels with moving platforms, lava pits and spike traps really put people off. I hated this zone myself at the time as a wee lad but having played it so much I have a new found respect for it's slower pace and more cautious gameplay.

Spring Yard Zone - This I'm less keen on. It's similar to Marble Zone in that it's a slower paced level with some precise movement and jumps needed but it's where the lack of the spin dash introduced in Sonic 2 highlights it's flaws in some sections when you lose momentum.

Labyrinth Zone - So, I must be the only person on earth that likes this zone. It really stands out with slower floating underwater sections in which you need to get air from bubbles that release as you travel. I appreciate the different mechanics here that break up the rest of the game.

Star Light Zone - This is a bit of a mix of Green Hill Zone's loops and faster sections but mixed with Marble Zone's difficulty with some loops leading straight to bombs or instant death pits. It easily has the best music in the game though.

Scrap Brain Zone - This is the only zone I actively don't like. It's just constant pit traps, flames, disappearing platforms etc. It isn't a fun zone to play no matter what path you take.

Final Zone - This is basically just the Final boss and Scrap Brain boss mixed. I actually like this fight quite a lot. More than the final boss of later games interestingly. It is hard but weirdly less frustrating. The bosses in the game are pretty good generally with a nice mix, Labyrinth Zone's is more of a platform challenge to once again be a bit different etc.

There are also special zones to get Chaos Emeralds which I don't really enjoy. That said I've played them enough it wasn't too much of a challenge to get all six on this playthrough. You play a top down spinning section you have to guide Sonic without hitting dead end exits. It's more annoying than skill based and simply knowing where to go.

Overall I honestly do like this game but it is the worst of the original trilogy easily. The lack of a spin dash introduced in the sequel, the meh special stage zones and Scrap Brain Zone generally do bring it down. That said I appreciate the more platform based gameplay, great visual design, animations and fantastic music. If you haven't played this I do recommend giving it a try just temper your expectations. It's a genuinely good game and sets the formula going forward that Sonic 2 and 3 actively improve on but it's still a fun game in it's own right. It's also available on almost everything now if you don't own the original hardware.

+ Great visual design for the time.
+ Love the music, especially Star Light Zone.
+ Labyrinth Zone. (Yes, I said it)

- Losing momentum without the spin dash at times is annoying.
- Scrap Brain Zone is just no fun.
- Special stages aren't very fun either.