Maybe my standards were affected by experiencing the original Sonic the Hedgehog on only an iPhone touch screen for many years, but my playthrough on the PS2’s Mega Collection Plus version was pretty enjoyable.

It’s an exceptionally simple platformer, even by 1991 design, but Sonic 1 has moments in every level that really capture a sense of speed from loop-de-loops, bumpers, and springs. During the times that you’re really moving fast, taking damage isn’t actually a huge penalty because you always have a few seconds to regain some of your health after a hit. Holding onto enough rings to enter the special stages at the end of a stage requires a lot of planning and can fall into trial-and-error territory. However, the whole game also has a great soundtrack and level aesthetics, which helps out the slower-paced Marble Zone and Labyrinth Zone a lot. With how short and easy the game (if you’re not focused on getting all the Master Emeralds), it’s an essential experience for those interested in video game history.

I think that Sonic makes much more sense as an armadillo though.