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{{Short description|1996 platform video game}}
{{Distinguish|Sonic 3D Blast}}
{{Distinguish|Sonic 3D Blast}}
{{good article}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
|title=Sonic Blast
| title = Sonic Blast
|image=Sonic Blast cover art.jpg
| image = Sonic Blast cover art.jpg
|caption=North American Game Gear cover art
| caption = North American Game Gear cover art
|alt=The North American Game Gear cover art of Sonic Blast. In it, Sonic, a cartoonish blue hedgehog with red shoes, runs through a desert-like environment. The game's logo is shown atop him, while the Game Gear banner is seen on the left-hand corner with the Sega brand logo and seal of quality. In the lower right hand corner, the rating label (K-A, meaning kids to adults) can be seen.
| alt = The North American Game Gear cover art of Sonic Blast. In it, Sonic, a cartoonish blue hedgehog with red shoes, runs through a desert-like environment. The game's logo is shown atop him, while the Game Gear banner is seen on the left-hand corner with the Sega brand logo and seal of quality. In the lower right hand corner, the rating label (K-A, meaning kids to adults) can be seen.
|developer=[[Aspect Co.]]
| developer = [[Aspect Co.]]
|publisher=[[Sega]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
|director=Ryushin Hamada
| director = Ryushin Hamada
|producer=Hiroshi Aso
| producer = Hiroshi Aso
|composer=Kojiro Mikusa
| composer = Kojiro Mikusa
|programmer=Toshiaki Araki<br/>Yoshiaki Makishima
| programmer = Toshiaki Araki<br/>Yoshiaki Makishima
|designer=Fumikazu Sugawara<br/>Taro Murayama
| designer = Fumikazu Sugawara<br/>Taro Murayama
|series=''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
| series = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
|platforms=[[Game Gear]], [[Master System]]
| platforms = [[Game Gear]], [[Master System]]
|released= '''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 1996|JP|December 13, 1996}}'''Master System'''{{vgrelease|BR|December 1997}}
| released = '''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 14, 1996|EU|November 1996|JP|December 13, 1996}}'''Master System'''{{vgrelease|BR|December 1997}}
|genre=[[Platform game|Platform]]
| genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
|modes=[[Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}
}}
'''''Sonic Blast'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''G Sonic'''''|Ｇソニック|Jī Sonikku}}}} is a 1996 [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[platform game|platform]] [[video game]] known for its use of [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]] visuals. To stop [[Doctor Robotnik]] from using [[Chaos Emerald]] shards to fortify his base, the player controls [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] and [[Knuckles the Echidna]] through 15 [[Level (video gaming)|level]]s. As a ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series platformer, the characters run and jump to reach the end of a level while defeating enemy [[robot]]s and collecting [[Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|ring]]s. In separate [[bonus stage]]s, the player must run forward and collect rings to earn one of the Chaos Emerald shards.
'''''Sonic Blast'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''G Sonic'''''|Ｇソニック|Jī Sonikku}}}} is a 1996 [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[platform game|platform]] [[video game]] known for its use of [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]] visuals. To stop [[Doctor Robotnik]] from using [[Chaos Emerald]] shards to fortify his base, the player controls [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] and [[Knuckles the Echidna]] through 15 [[Level (video gaming)|level]]s. As a ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series platformer, the characters run and jump to reach the end of a level while defeating enemy [[robot]]s and collecting [[Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|ring]]s. In separate [[bonus stage]]s, the player must run forward and collect rings to earn one of the Chaos Emerald shards.


The game was developed by [[Aspect Co.]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Game Gear]]. It was the final ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' game for the system, and has been rereleased on the [[Master System]] (1997), through two ''Sonic''-themed [[product bundling|compilations]] (2003 and 2004), and the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]] (2012). Despite their similar titles and coinciding releases, ''Sonic Blast'' and ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]'' have little in common. Retrospective reviewers generally had little praise for ''Sonic Blast'' and have deemed it one of the series' worst games. Although some considered its graphics impressive when considering the technological restrictions of the Game Gear, most found its animations and colors mediocre. The [[level design]]s and slow gameplay were also criticized.
The game was developed by [[Aspect Co.]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Game Gear]]. It was the final ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' game for the system, and has been rereleased on the [[Master System]] (1997), through three ''Sonic''-themed [[Video game compilation|compilations]] (2003, 2004, and 2023), and the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]] (2012). Despite their similar titles and coinciding releases, ''Sonic Blast'' and ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]'' have little in common. Retrospective reviewers generally had little praise for ''Sonic Blast'' and have deemed it one of the series' worst games. Although some considered its graphics impressive when considering the technological restrictions of the Game Gear, most found its animations and colors mediocre. The [[level design]]s and slow gameplay were also criticized.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:Sonic Blast Screenshot.png|thumb|left|alt=Sonic, a cartoonish blue hedgehog, stands in a desert environment. Spikes can be seen in front of him, and a counter displaying rings is in the upper left-hand corner.|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] in the game's second [[Level (video gaming)|level]]]]
[[File:Sonic Blast Screenshot.png|thumb|left|alt=Sonic, a cartoonish blue hedgehog, stands in a desert environment. Spikes can be seen in front of him, and a counter displaying rings is in the upper left-hand corner.|[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] in the game's second [[Level (video gaming)|level]]]]
''Sonic Blast'' is a 2D [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[platform game]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="eurogval">{{cite web|last1=Massey|first1=Tom|title=A guide to gaming's most valuable treasures|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-02-super-bank-breakers|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 19, 2018|date=January 25, 2015}}</ref> Its story begins when [[Doctor Robotnik]] shatters a [[Chaos Emerald]] into five shards with a laser. One of the shards hits [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], who, with the help of [[Knuckles the Echidna]], sets out to prevent Robotnik from collecting the other shards and fortifying his island base.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Sonic Blast ''(U.S. instruction manual)''|url=http://info.sonicretro.org/File:Sonic_Blast_GG_US_Manual.pdf|last=|first=|publisher=[[Sega]]|year=November 1996|isbn=|location=}}</ref><ref name="nwrreview" /> Sonic and Knuckles serve as the [[player-character]]s of the [[single-player]] game.<ref name="nlifereview" /> Sonic, in addition to his spinning attacks from prior ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' games, has a special double-jump that gives him a secondary jump in midair.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> Knuckles retains his abilities from ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'': like Sonic, he can perform spin attacks, but can also glide through the air and climb up walls when he hits them in midair.<ref name="nlifereview" /> The player travels through 15 [[Level (video gaming)|level]]s (called "acts"),<ref name=":1" /> across five parts called zones.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> Every third act contains a [[boss fight]] against Robotnik and one of his larger robots.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> Zones range from the traditional [[Green Hill Zone]]<ref name=":1" /> to underwater ruins,<ref name="nwrreview" /> and feature [[vertical loop]]s, slides, and teleporters.<ref name=":1" />
''Sonic Blast'' is a 2D [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[platform game]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="eurogval">{{cite web|last1=Massey|first1=Tom|title=A guide to gaming's most valuable treasures|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-02-super-bank-breakers|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 19, 2018|date=January 25, 2015}}</ref> Its story begins when [[Doctor Robotnik]] shatters a [[Chaos Emerald]] into five shards with a laser. One of the shards hits [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], who, with the help of [[Knuckles the Echidna]], sets out to prevent Robotnik from collecting the other shards and fortifying his island base.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Sonic Blast ''(U.S. instruction manual)''|url=http://info.sonicretro.org/File:Sonic_Blast_GG_US_Manual.pdf|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=November 1996}}</ref><ref name="nwrreview" /> Sonic and Knuckles serve as the [[player-character]]s of the [[single-player]] game.<ref name="nlifereview" /> Sonic, in addition to his spinning attacks from prior ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' games, has a special double-jump that gives him a secondary jump in midair.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> Knuckles retains his abilities from ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'': like Sonic, he can perform spin attacks, but can also glide through the air and climb up walls when he hits them in midair.<ref name="nlifereview" /> The player travels through 15 [[Level (video gaming)|level]]s (called "acts"),<ref name=":1" /> across five parts called zones.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> Every third act contains a [[boss fight]] against Robotnik and one of his larger robots.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> Zones range from the traditional [[Green Hill Zone]]<ref name=":1" /> to underwater ruins,<ref name="nwrreview" /> and feature [[vertical loop]]s, slides, and teleporters.<ref name=":1" />


In the ''Sonic'' series tradition, Sonic and Knuckles collect [[Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|ring]]s as a form of [[Health (gaming)|health]]. Rings serve as protection for the animals, defending them from the attacks of [[robot]] enemies. However, their rings will scatter, blink, and disappear if they are not re-collected quickly enough.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> The player starts the game with several [[Life (gaming)|lives]], which are lost if the player is crushed, drowns, falls into a bottomless pit, or is hit with no rings in their possession.<ref name=":1" /> Losing all lives results in a [[game over]], after which the player is returned to the [[title screen]] and must restart the game.<ref name=":1" /> [[Power-up]]s hidden in television monitors provide Sonic and Knuckles numerous boons, including more rings, a burst of speed, shields, [[invincibility]], [[extra lives]], and the ability to save progress in a level. Some monitors, however, contain Robotnik's face and do not grant the player anything. Others contain question marks, which grant any of the power-ups.<ref name=":1" /> At the end of an act, the player must hit a signpost to complete the level.<ref name=":1" /> The signpost will spin until it lands on an image; the image will grant the player a reward.<ref name=":1" />{{efn|The signpost images are of Robotnik, a ring, Sonic, Knuckles, a Chaos Emerald, or [[Sonic the Hedgehog#Super transformation|Super Sonic]].}}
In the ''Sonic'' series tradition, Sonic and Knuckles collect [[Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|ring]]s as a form of [[Health (gaming)|health]]. Rings serve as protection for the animals, defending them from the attacks of [[robot]] enemies. When taking damage, ten rings scatter across the stage and can be recollected before they disappear.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> The player starts the game with several [[Life (gaming)|lives]], which are lost if the player is crushed, drowns, falls into a bottomless pit, or is hit with no rings in their possession.<ref name=":1" /> Losing all lives results in a [[game over]], after which the player is returned to the [[title screen]] and must restart the game.<ref name=":1" /> [[Power-up]]s hidden in television monitors provide Sonic and Knuckles numerous boons, including more rings, a burst of speed, shields, [[invincibility]], [[extra lives]], and the ability to save progress in a level. Some monitors, however, contain Robotnik's face and do not grant the player anything. Others contain question marks, which grant any of the power-ups.<ref name=":1" /> At the end of an act, the player must hit a signpost to complete the level.<ref name=":1" /> The signpost will spin until it lands on an image; the image will grant the player a reward.<ref name=":1" />{{efn|The signpost images are of Robotnik, a ring, Sonic, Knuckles, a Chaos Emerald, or [[Sonic the Hedgehog#Super transformation|Super Sonic]].}}


Similar in fashion to ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', giant rings leading to special stages are hidden around levels.<ref name="nlifereview" /> The special stages follow the same basic format of those in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'': the player-character runs forward and must collect rings to meet a required amount.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> They must avoid bombs, and sometimes will jump, run on boost panels, or hop on springs to get more rings.<ref name=":1" /> Successful completion of special stages will grant the characters extra lives, rings, or one of the Chaos Emerald shards.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" />
Similar in fashion to ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', giant rings leading to special stages are hidden around levels.<ref name="nlifereview" /> The special stages follow the same basic format of those in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'': the player-character runs forward and must collect rings to meet a required amount.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" /> They must avoid bombs, and sometimes will jump, run on boost panels, or hop on springs to get more rings.<ref name=":1" /> Successful completion of special stages will grant the characters extra lives, rings, or one of the Chaos Emerald shards.<ref name="jeuxvideorev" />


==Development and release==
==Development and release==
[[File:Game-Gear-Handheld.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A black Game Gear handheld system. From left to right: the directional controls, the screen, and two buttons labeled "1" and "2".|''Sonic Blast'' was the final ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game for the [[Game Gear]] (pictured)]]
[[File:Game-Gear-Handheld.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A black Game Gear handheld system. From left to right: the directional controls, the screen, and two buttons labeled "1" and "2".|''Sonic Blast'' was the final ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game for the [[Game Gear]] (pictured).]]
''Sonic Blast'' was the fifth and final ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' platformer released for the [[Game Gear]], and was developed alongside ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]'' and ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]''.<ref name="gottagofast">{{cite web|author1=USgamer Team|title=Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|website=[[USgamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=August 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name="virtualconsolenintendo">{{cite web|title=G Sonic I Nintendo 3DS|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000009867|website=nintendo.co.jp|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|language=Japanese|date=April 18, 2012}}</ref><ref name="14june">{{cite web|last1=Newton|first1=James|title=Nintendo Download: 14th June 2012 (Europe)|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/nintendo_download_14th_june_2012_europe|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=June 11, 2012}}</ref> Like the previous Game Gear titles, ''Sonic Blast'' was developed by [[Aspect Co.]] and published by [[Sega]].<ref name="bestsonicgames">{{cite web|last1=Parish|first1=Jeremy|title=Who Makes the Best Sonic the Hedgehog Games?|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-makes-the-best-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|website=[[USgamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=June 5, 2014}}</ref> Key staff from Aspect's prior ''Sonic'' games did not work on ''Sonic Blast''.<ref name="RGamerMaster">{{cite journal |last1=Thorpe |first1=Nick |title=The History of Sonic on the Master System |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |date=March 22, 2014 |issue=179}}</ref> A prominent feature of the game is its [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]] visuals, which had been popularized by ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''.<ref name="grinding"/> The graphics were rendered in [[3D computer graphics|3D]] before being converted into [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]]; the final result has been compared to that of ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]''.<ref name="gottagofast"/><ref name="jeuxvideorev"/> However, the visuals presented some limitations: Sonic and Knuckles have few animation frames, there is no timer, and the player only loses ten rings when hit.<ref name="digitally">{{cite web|last1=A|first1=Clark|title=Review: Sonic Blast (3DS)|url=http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2013/08/review-sonic-blast-3ds.html#|website=Digitally Downloaded|accessdate=March 7, 2018|date=August 14, 2013}}</ref> Several gameplay elements were reused from ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' and ''Sonic & Knuckles'', such as Sonic's double-jump{{efn|In ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', Sonic can double-jump when he equips a certain shield; ''Sonic Blast'' included the double-jump as a standard ability.}} and the playable characters.<ref name="nlifereview"/><ref name="jeuxvideorev">{{cite web|last1=Godefroy|first1=Sire|title=Test du jeu Oldies : Sonic Blast, un episode pas si indispensible que ca|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/665289/sonic-blast.htm|website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|publisher=Webedia|language=French|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=June 11, 2017}}</ref>
''Sonic Blast'' was the fifth and final ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' platformer released for the [[Game Gear]], and was developed alongside ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]'' and ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]''.<ref name="gottagofast">{{cite web|author1=USgamer Team|title=Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|website=[[USgamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=August 18, 2017|archive-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825025119/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="virtualconsolenintendo">{{cite web|title=G Sonic I Nintendo 3DS|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000009867|website=nintendo.co.jp|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|language=ja|date=April 18, 2012}}</ref><ref name="14june">{{cite web|last1=Newton|first1=James|title=Nintendo Download: 14th June 2012 (Europe)|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/nintendo_download_14th_june_2012_europe|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=June 11, 2012}}</ref> Like the previous Game Gear titles, ''Sonic Blast'' was developed by [[Aspect Co.]] and published by [[Sega]].<ref name="bestsonicgames">{{cite web|last1=Parish|first1=Jeremy|title=Who Makes the Best Sonic the Hedgehog Games?|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-makes-the-best-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|website=[[USgamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=June 5, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625104025/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-makes-the-best-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> Key staff from Aspect's prior ''Sonic'' games did not work on ''Sonic Blast''.<ref name="RGamerMaster">{{cite journal |last1=Thorpe |first1=Nick |title=The History of Sonic on the Master System |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |date=March 22, 2014 |issue=179}}</ref> A prominent feature of the game is its [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]] visuals, which had been popularized by ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''.<ref name="grinding"/> The graphics were rendered in [[3D computer graphics|3D]] before being converted into [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]]; the final result has been compared to that of ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]''.<ref name="gottagofast"/><ref name="jeuxvideorev"/> However, the visuals presented some limitations: Sonic and Knuckles have few animation frames, there is no timer, and the player only loses ten rings when hit.<ref name="digitally">{{cite web|last1=A|first1=Clark|title=Review: Sonic Blast (3DS)|url=http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2013/08/review-sonic-blast-3ds.html#|website=Digitally Downloaded|access-date=March 7, 2018|date=August 14, 2013}}</ref> Several gameplay elements were reused from ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' and ''Sonic & Knuckles'', such as Sonic's double-jump{{efn|In ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', Sonic can double-jump when he equips a certain shield; ''Sonic Blast'' included the double-jump as a standard ability.}} and the playable characters.<ref name="nlifereview"/><ref name="jeuxvideorev">{{cite web|last1=Godefroy|first1=Sire|title=Test Oldies : Sonic Blast, un épisode pas si indispensable que ça |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/665289/sonic-blast.htm|website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]] |publisher=Webedia|language=fr|access-date=March 6, 2022 |date=June 11, 2017}}</ref>


''Sonic Blast'' was released worldwide in November 1996,<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|title=Return of the Scream|journal=[[GamePro]]|date=November 1996|issue=88|page=60|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_088_November_1996?q=Sonic+Blast+Game+Gear|accessdate=March 11, 2018|publisher=[[International Data Group]]}}</ref><ref name="eurogrerelease">{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=Sonic Blast on Nintendo 3DS eShop this week|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-11-sonic-blast-on-nintendo-3ds-eshop-this-week|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=June 11, 2012}}</ref> and in Japan as part of the [[Kid's Gear]] brand on December 13, 1996, retitled ''G Sonic''.<ref name="nlifererelease"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sega.jp/archive/segahard/gg/soft.html |title=[セガハード大百科] ゲームギア対応ソフトウェア（セガ発売） |publisher=[[Sega]] |accessdate=2015-06-04 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601115130/http://sega.jp/archive/segahard/gg/soft.html |archivedate=June 1, 2012 }}</ref> Worldwide, it was the last Sega-published Game Gear game;<ref name="59games">{{cite web|last1=Roberts|first1=Dave|last2=Agnello|first2=Anthony John|title=59 Sonic games, explained in 10 words or less|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/59-sonic-games-explained-in-10-words-or-less/|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=August 10, 2016}}</ref> it was the system's final game outright in Japan.<ref name="nlifererelease">{{cite web|last1=Newton|first1=James|title=Donkey Kong Jr. and Sonic Blast Head to Japan 3DS VC|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/04/donkey_kong_jr_and_sonic_blast_head_to_japan_3ds_vc|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=April 11, 2012}}</ref> Though it has a similar title and was released around the same time, ''Sonic Blast'' and ''Sonic 3D Blast'' have little in common.<ref name="nwrreview">{{cite web|last1=Bonds|first1=Curtis|title=Sonic Blast Review Mini|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewmini/34796/sonic-blast-nintendo-3ds-vc-gg|website=Nintendo World Report|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=June 27, 2013}}</ref> The game is fairly common in North America, but ''G Sonic'' is extremely rare, costing almost {{USD}}350.<ref name="rareststuff">{{cite web|last1=Kohler|first1=Chris|title=The Rarest Stuff We Found In Akihabara's Game Shops|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/09/the-rarest-stuff-we-found-in-akihabaras-game-shops/|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Allure Media]]|accessdate=March 6, 2018|date=September 27, 2017}}</ref> A [[porting|port]] of the game was released for the [[Master System]] exclusively in Brazil in December 1997, distributed by [[Tectoy]].<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="RGamerMaster"/><ref name="brazilrelease">{{cite journal|title=Jogo Rapido|journal=[[Ação Games]]|date=December 1997|issue=122|page=10}}</ref> The game had to be simplified to run on the Master System because of its lower graphical quality. Like ''G Sonic'', the Master System version of ''Sonic Blast'' is rare.<ref name="RGamerMaster"/>
''Sonic Blast'' was released worldwide in November 1996,<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine|title=Return of the Scream|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=November 1996|issue=88|page=60|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_088_November_1996/page/n61/mode/2up|access-date=March 11, 2018|publisher=[[International Data Group]]}}</ref><ref name="eurogrerelease">{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=Sonic Blast on Nintendo 3DS eShop this week|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-11-sonic-blast-on-nintendo-3ds-eshop-this-week|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=June 11, 2012}}</ref> and in Japan as part of the [[Kid's Gear]] brand on December 13, 1996, retitled ''G Sonic''.<ref name="nlifererelease"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sega.jp/archive/segahard/gg/soft.html |title=[セガハード大百科] ゲームギア対応ソフトウェア（セガ発売） |publisher=[[Sega]] |access-date=2015-06-04 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601115130/http://sega.jp/archive/segahard/gg/soft.html |archive-date=June 1, 2012 }}</ref> Worldwide, it was the last Sega-published Game Gear game;<ref name="59games">{{cite web|last1=Roberts|first1=Dave|last2=Agnello|first2=Anthony John|title=59 Sonic games, explained in 10 words or less|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/59-sonic-games-explained-in-10-words-or-less/|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=August 10, 2016}}</ref> it was the system's final game outright in Japan.<ref name="nlifererelease">{{cite web|last1=Newton|first1=James|title=Donkey Kong Jr. and Sonic Blast Head to Japan 3DS VC|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/04/donkey_kong_jr_and_sonic_blast_head_to_japan_3ds_vc|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=April 11, 2012}}</ref> Though they have similar titles and were released around the same time, ''Sonic Blast'' and ''Sonic 3D Blast'' have little in common.<ref name="nwrreview">{{cite web|last1=Bonds|first1=Curtis|title=Sonic Blast Review Mini|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewmini/34796/sonic-blast-nintendo-3ds-vc-gg|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=June 27, 2013}}</ref> The game is fairly common in North America, but ''G Sonic'' is extremely rare, costing almost {{USD}}350.<ref name="rareststuff">{{cite web|last1=Kohler|first1=Chris|title=The Rarest Stuff We Found In Akihabara's Game Shops|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/09/the-rarest-stuff-we-found-in-akihabaras-game-shops/|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Allure Media]]|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=September 27, 2017}}</ref> A [[porting|port]] of the game was released for the [[Master System]] exclusively in Brazil in December 1997, distributed by [[Tectoy]].<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="RGamerMaster"/><ref name="brazilrelease">{{cite journal|title=Jogo Rapido|journal=[[Ação Games]]|date=December 1997|issue=122|page=10|language=pt}}</ref> The game had to be simplified to run on the Master System because of its lower graphical quality. Like ''G Sonic'', the Master System version of ''Sonic Blast'' is rare.<ref name="RGamerMaster"/>


The game has been rereleased in [[Video game console emulator|emulated]] form several times. ''Sonic Blast'', as well as the other 11 Game Gear ''Sonic'' games, is an unlockable bonus in the 2003 [[GameCube]] game ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.<ref name="grinding">{{cite web|last1=Ronaghan|first1=Neal|title=Grinding Game Gears: An Overview of Sonic's Portable Origins|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34741/grinding-game-gears-an-overview-of-sonics-portable-origins|website=Nintendo World Report|accessdate=March 7, 2018|date=June 21, 2013}}</ref> The game is also available in the [[product bundling|compilation]] ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]].<ref name="ignmega">{{cite web|last1=Goldstein|first1=Hilary|title=Sonic Mega Collection Plus|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/04/sonic-mega-collection-plus|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|accessdate=March 7, 2018|date=November 3, 2004}}</ref> ''Sonic Blast'' received a wide release in 2012 on the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service.<ref name="nlifererelease"/> New features in the 3DS rerelease include the ability to [[saved game|save player progress]] and choose between the 3DS's normal screen resolution or the Game Gear's original resolution.<ref name="nlifereview">{{cite web|last1=Newton|first1=James|title=Sonic Blast Review|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/eshop/sonic_blast_gamegear|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 7, 2018|date=June 25, 2012}}</ref> The release came as part of a campaign by [[Nintendo]] to release 8-bit games on the 3DS [[eShop]] following a draught of releases on the distribution service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendos-8-bit-summer-announced-for-the-3ds-eshop|title=Nintendo's "8-Bit Summer" Announced for the 3DS eShop|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=June 21, 2012|website=[[IGN]]|language=en-US|access-date=August 9, 2018}}</ref>
The game has been rereleased in [[Video game console emulator|emulated]] form several times. ''Sonic Blast'', as well as the other 11 Game Gear ''Sonic'' games, is an unlockable bonus in the 2003 [[GameCube]] game ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.<ref name="grinding">{{cite web|last1=Ronaghan|first1=Neal|title=Grinding Game Gears: An Overview of Sonic's Portable Origins|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34741/grinding-game-gears-an-overview-of-sonics-portable-origins|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 7, 2018|date=June 21, 2013}}</ref> The game is also available in the [[Video game compilation|compilation]] ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]].<ref name="ignmega">{{cite web|last1=Goldstein|first1=Hilary|title=Sonic Mega Collection Plus|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/04/sonic-mega-collection-plus|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=March 7, 2018|date=November 3, 2004}}</ref> ''Sonic Blast'' received a wide release in 2012 on the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service.<ref name="nlifererelease"/> New features in the 3DS rerelease include the ability to [[saved game|save player progress]] and choose between the 3DS's normal screen resolution or the Game Gear's original resolution.<ref name="nlifereview">{{cite web|last1=Newton|first1=James|title=Sonic Blast Review|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/eshop/sonic_blast_gamegear|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 7, 2018|date=June 25, 2012}}</ref> The release came as part of a campaign by [[Nintendo]] to release 8-bit games on the 3DS [[eShop]] following a drought of releases on the distribution service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendos-8-bit-summer-announced-for-the-3ds-eshop|title=Nintendo's "8-Bit Summer" Announced for the 3DS eShop|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=June 21, 2012|website=[[IGN]]|language=en-US|access-date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> It was released along with other 11 Game Gear ''Sonic'' games on [[Sonic Origins Plus]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shanklin|first=Will|title=‘Sonic Origins Plus’ brings the hedgehog’s Game Gear entries to modern consoles|url=https://www.engadget.com/sonic-origins-plus-brings-the-hedgehogs-game-gear-entries-to-modern-consoles-160043311.html|work=[[Engadget]]|date=March 23, 2023|access-date=March 30, 2024}}</ref>


==Reception and legacy==
==Reception and legacy==
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Retrospective reviewers did not remember ''Sonic Blast'' fondly.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="grinding"/><ref name="digitally"/> ''Nintendo World Report'' (''NWR'') summarized the game as "a step back" from the other Game Gear ''Sonic'' titles, due to what they called "the attempt at aping ''Donkey Kong Country''{{'}}s pre-rendered sprites on a handheld".<ref name="grinding"/>
Retrospective reviewers did not remember ''Sonic Blast'' fondly.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="grinding"/><ref name="digitally"/> ''Nintendo World Report'' (''NWR'') summarized the game as "a step back" from the other Game Gear ''Sonic'' titles, due to what they called "the attempt at aping ''Donkey Kong Country''{{'}}s pre-rendered sprites on a handheld".<ref name="grinding"/>


Most critics disliked the graphics, some claiming they ruined the game.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="digitally"/> ''Digitally Downloaded'' called the visuals more distracting than impressive—hampering the fluidity of the gameplay and preventing the use of integral series elements<ref name="digitally"/>—while ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' thought the game aged badly when compared to the other ''Sonic'' Game Gear games with its "muddy colours and shaky animation".<ref name="nlifereview"/> Some, such as writers from ''[[USgamer]]'' and ''NWR'', complained the character graphics were too big for the Game Gear's small screen.<ref name="nwrreview" /><ref name="gottagofast"/> ''[[Jeuxvideo.com]]'' found the character animations poor and said they caused gameplay limitations.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/> Although they were mostly critical of the graphics, reviewers did acknowledge the visuals were impressive when considering the limitations of the Game Gear.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="digitally"/> ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' noted that prior to the game's release, "the capabilities of [the Game Gear] had seemingly been fully explored", writing while they offered some compromises, the visuals made ''Sonic Blast'' stand out.<ref name="pocketgamer">{{cite web|last1=Willington|first1=Peter|title=Sonic Blast review - 3DS reviews|url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Sonic+Blast/review.asp?c=42089|website=[[Pocket Gamer]]|publisher=Steel Media Limited|accessdate=March 11, 2018|date=June 18, 2012}}</ref>
Most critics disliked the graphics, some claiming they ruined the game.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="digitally"/> ''Digitally Downloaded'' called the visuals more distracting than impressive—hampering the fluidity of the gameplay and preventing the use of integral series elements<ref name="digitally"/>—while ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' thought the game aged badly when compared to the other ''Sonic'' Game Gear games with its "muddy colours and shaky animation".<ref name="nlifereview"/> Some, such as writers from ''[[USgamer]]'' and ''NWR'', complained the character graphics were too big for the Game Gear's small screen.<ref name="nwrreview" /><ref name="gottagofast"/> ''[[Jeuxvideo.com]]'' found the character animations poor and said they caused gameplay limitations.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/> Although they were mostly critical of the graphics, reviewers did acknowledge the visuals were impressive when considering the limitations of the Game Gear.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/><ref name="digitally"/> ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' noted that prior to the game's release, "the capabilities of [the Game Gear] had seemingly been fully explored", writing while they offered some compromises, the visuals made ''Sonic Blast'' stand out.<ref name="pocketgamer">{{cite web|last1=Willington|first1=Peter|title=Sonic Blast review - 3DS reviews|url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Sonic+Blast/review.asp?c=42089|website=[[Pocket Gamer]]|publisher=Steel Media Limited|access-date=March 11, 2018|date=June 18, 2012}}</ref>


The gameplay was also criticized.<ref name="nwrreview"/><ref name="retrogamer"/> ''NWR'' wrote that the characters' abilities were difficult to use properly since the screen was zoomed so close to them and particularly disliked the water-based levels, calling them nearly unplayable due to sluggish controls.<ref name="nwrreview"/> ''Nintendo Life'' held considerable grievances against the inconsistent and random [[level design]]s,<ref name="nlifereview"/> while ''Jeuxvideo.com'' lamented the game lacked the speed previous ''Sonic'' games offered, and said the playable characters' abilities, as well as losing only ten rings when hit, made an already-easy game easier. They shared ''Nintendo Life''<nowiki/>'s concerns about the level designs, and argued the boss fights lacked difficulty.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/> ''Digitally Downloaded'' said the game lacked polish: "were you to convert ''Sonic Blast'' into the engine of one of the other Game Gear games, its shortcomings would still be prevalent."<ref name="digitally"/> However, ''Pocket Gamer'' praised the game's take on the traditional ''Sonic'' formula, calling it "a strong choice for anyone who's enjoyed any other 2D [''Sonic'' game]".<ref name="pocketgamer"/> ''Digitally Downloaded'', although overall critical, praised the game for its elements of exploration.<ref name="digitally"/>
The gameplay was also criticized.<ref name="nwrreview"/><ref name="retrogamer"/> ''NWR'' wrote that the characters' abilities were difficult to use properly since the screen was zoomed so close to them and particularly disliked the water-based levels, calling them nearly unplayable due to sluggish controls.<ref name="nwrreview"/> ''Nintendo Life'' held considerable grievances against the inconsistent and random [[level design]]s,<ref name="nlifereview"/> while ''Jeuxvideo.com'' lamented the game lacked the speed previous ''Sonic'' games offered, and said the playable characters' abilities, as well as losing only ten rings when hit, made an already-easy game easier. They shared ''Nintendo Life''<nowiki/>'s concerns about the level designs, and argued the boss fights lacked difficulty.<ref name="jeuxvideorev"/> ''Digitally Downloaded'' said the game lacked polish: "were you to convert ''Sonic Blast'' into the engine of one of the other Game Gear games, its shortcomings would still be prevalent."<ref name="digitally"/> However, ''Pocket Gamer'' praised the game's take on the traditional ''Sonic'' formula, calling it "a strong choice for anyone who's enjoyed any other 2D [''Sonic'' game]".<ref name="pocketgamer"/> ''Digitally Downloaded'', although overall critical, praised the game for its elements of exploration.<ref name="digitally"/>


''Sonic Blast'' has been called one of the worst games in the ''Sonic'' series.<ref name="nwrreview"/><ref name="gottagofast"/><ref name="complex"/> ''NWR'' exclaimed the game "should be avoided at all costs",<ref name="nwrreview"/> and ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' said its title screen was the only redeeming quality.<ref name="retrogamer">{{cite web|last1=Delaney|first1=John|title=Sonic Blast|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/sonic-blast/|website=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|accessdate=March 12, 2018|date=July 28, 2008}}</ref> ''USgamer'' wrote it was "an unpleasant end to the Game Gear" and attributed its shortcomings to the system's discontinuation.<ref name="gottagofast"/> ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' declared it "the worst handheld ''Sonic'' game ever" and said "thank God they didn't attempt the '3D' aspect of its 16-bit older brother".<ref name="complex">{{cite web|last1=Knight|first1=Rich|title=Ranking Every "Sonic the Hedgehog" Platformer|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/07/every-sonic-hedgehog-platformer-from-worst-best/|website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|accessdate=March 12, 2018|date=July 16, 2013}}</ref> Some reviewers noted ''Sonic Blast'' was the first game to give Sonic the standard ability to double-jump,<ref name="digitally"/><ref name="nlifereview"/> which would be used in later games such as ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' (2010).<ref name="colorseuro">{{cite web|last1=Bickam|first1=Al|title=Sonic Colours Review|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-11-sonic-colours-review|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|accessdate=March 12, 2018|date=November 11, 2010}}</ref>
''Sonic Blast'' has been called one of the worst games in the ''Sonic'' series.<ref name="nwrreview"/><ref name="gottagofast"/><ref name="complex"/> ''NWR'' exclaimed the game "should be avoided at all costs",<ref name="nwrreview"/> and ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' said its title screen was the only redeeming quality.<ref name="retrogamer">{{cite web|last1=Delaney|first1=John|title=Sonic Blast|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/sonic-blast/|website=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=March 12, 2018|date=July 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518100802/https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/sonic-blast/|archive-date=May 18, 2021}}</ref> ''USgamer'' wrote it was "an unpleasant end to the Game Gear" and attributed its shortcomings to the system's discontinuation.<ref name="gottagofast"/> ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' declared it "the worst handheld ''Sonic'' game ever" and said "thank God they didn't attempt the '3D' aspect of its 16-bit older brother".<ref name="complex">{{cite web|last1=Knight|first1=Rich|title=Ranking Every "Sonic the Hedgehog" Platformer|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/07/every-sonic-hedgehog-platformer-from-worst-best/|website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|access-date=March 12, 2018|date=July 16, 2013}}</ref> Some reviewers noted ''Sonic Blast'' was the first game to give Sonic the standard ability to double-jump,<ref name="digitally"/><ref name="nlifereview"/> which would be used in later games such as ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' (2010).<ref name="colorseuro">{{cite web|last1=Bickam|first1=Al|title=Sonic Colours Review|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-11-sonic-colours-review|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=March 12, 2018|date=November 11, 2010}}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{Notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Video games|1990s}}
{{Portal|Video games|1990s}}
*[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/YlqRZdPPY_N0dnOGmxsp9TWHUbGPOhZt Official Nintendo Minisite]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/YlqRZdPPY_N0dnOGmxsp9TWHUbGPOhZt Official Nintendo Minisite] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231082554/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/YlqRZdPPY_N0dnOGmxsp9TWHUbGPOhZt |date=December 31, 2014 }}
*{{moby game|id=/sonic-blast|name=''Sonic Blast''}}
*{{moby game|id=/sonic-blast|name=''Sonic Blast''}}


{{Sonic the Hedgehog}}
{{Sonic the Hedgehog}}
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[[Category:1996 video games]]
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Latest revision as of 18:55, 30 July 2024

Not to be confused with Sonic 3D Blast.

Sonic Blast
The North American Game Gear cover art of Sonic Blast. In it, Sonic, a cartoonish blue hedgehog with red shoes, runs through a desert-like environment. The game's logo is shown atop him, while the Game Gear banner is seen on the left-hand corner with the Sega brand logo and seal of quality. In the lower right hand corner, the rating label (K-A, meaning kids to adults) can be seen.
North American Game Gear cover art
Developer(s)Aspect Co.
Publisher(s)Sega
Director(s)Ryushin Hamada
Producer(s)Hiroshi Aso
Designer(s)Fumikazu Sugawara
Taro Murayama
Programmer(s)Toshiaki Araki
Yoshiaki Makishima
Composer(s)Kojiro Mikusa
SeriesSonic the Hedgehog
Platform(s)Game Gear, Master System
ReleaseGame Gear
  • NA: November 14, 1996
  • EU: November 1996
  • JP: December 13, 1996
Master System
  • BR: December 1997
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Sonic Blast[a] is a 1996 side-scrolling platform video game known for its use of pre-rendered visuals. To stop Doctor Robotnik from using Chaos Emerald shards to fortify his base, the player controls Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna through 15 levels. As a Sonic the Hedgehog series platformer, the characters run and jump to reach the end of a level while defeating enemy robots and collecting rings. In separate bonus stages, the player must run forward and collect rings to earn one of the Chaos Emerald shards.

The game was developed by Aspect Co. and published by Sega for the Game Gear. It was the final Sonic the Hedgehog game for the system, and has been rereleased on the Master System (1997), through three Sonic-themed compilations (2003, 2004, and 2023), and the Nintendo 3DS's Virtual Console (2012). Despite their similar titles and coinciding releases, Sonic Blast and Sonic 3D Blast have little in common. Retrospective reviewers generally had little praise for Sonic Blast and have deemed it one of the series' worst games. Although some considered its graphics impressive when considering the technological restrictions of the Game Gear, most found its animations and colors mediocre. The level designs and slow gameplay were also criticized.

Gameplay

[edit]
Sonic, a cartoonish blue hedgehog, stands in a desert environment. Spikes can be seen in front of him, and a counter displaying rings is in the upper left-hand corner.
Sonic in the game's second level

Sonic Blast is a 2D side-scrolling platform game.[1][2] Its story begins when Doctor Robotnik shatters a Chaos Emerald into five shards with a laser. One of the shards hits Sonic the Hedgehog, who, with the help of Knuckles the Echidna, sets out to prevent Robotnik from collecting the other shards and fortifying his island base.[3][4] Sonic and Knuckles serve as the player-characters of the single-player game.[5] Sonic, in addition to his spinning attacks from prior Sonic games, has a special double-jump that gives him a secondary jump in midair.[6] Knuckles retains his abilities from Sonic & Knuckles: like Sonic, he can perform spin attacks, but can also glide through the air and climb up walls when he hits them in midair.[5] The player travels through 15 levels (called "acts"),[3] across five parts called zones.[6] Every third act contains a boss fight against Robotnik and one of his larger robots.[6] Zones range from the traditional Green Hill Zone[3] to underwater ruins,[4] and feature vertical loops, slides, and teleporters.[3]

In the Sonic series tradition, Sonic and Knuckles collect rings as a form of health. Rings serve as protection for the animals, defending them from the attacks of robot enemies. When taking damage, ten rings scatter across the stage and can be recollected before they disappear.[6] The player starts the game with several lives, which are lost if the player is crushed, drowns, falls into a bottomless pit, or is hit with no rings in their possession.[3] Losing all lives results in a game over, after which the player is returned to the title screen and must restart the game.[3] Power-ups hidden in television monitors provide Sonic and Knuckles numerous boons, including more rings, a burst of speed, shields, invincibility, extra lives, and the ability to save progress in a level. Some monitors, however, contain Robotnik's face and do not grant the player anything. Others contain question marks, which grant any of the power-ups.[3] At the end of an act, the player must hit a signpost to complete the level.[3] The signpost will spin until it lands on an image; the image will grant the player a reward.[3][b]

Similar in fashion to Sonic the Hedgehog 3, giant rings leading to special stages are hidden around levels.[5] The special stages follow the same basic format of those in Sonic the Hedgehog 2: the player-character runs forward and must collect rings to meet a required amount.[6] They must avoid bombs, and sometimes will jump, run on boost panels, or hop on springs to get more rings.[3] Successful completion of special stages will grant the characters extra lives, rings, or one of the Chaos Emerald shards.[6]

Development and release

[edit]
A black Game Gear handheld system. From left to right: the directional controls, the screen, and two buttons labeled "1" and "2".
Sonic Blast was the final Sonic the Hedgehog game for the Game Gear (pictured).

Sonic Blast was the fifth and final Sonic the Hedgehog platformer released for the Game Gear, and was developed alongside Sonic Labyrinth and Sonic 3D Blast.[7][8][9] Like the previous Game Gear titles, Sonic Blast was developed by Aspect Co. and published by Sega.[10] Key staff from Aspect's prior Sonic games did not work on Sonic Blast.[11] A prominent feature of the game is its pre-rendered visuals, which had been popularized by Donkey Kong Country.[12] The graphics were rendered in 3D before being converted into sprites; the final result has been compared to that of Donkey Kong Country and Mortal Kombat.[7][6] However, the visuals presented some limitations: Sonic and Knuckles have few animation frames, there is no timer, and the player only loses ten rings when hit.[13] Several gameplay elements were reused from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, such as Sonic's double-jump[c] and the playable characters.[5][6]

Sonic Blast was released worldwide in November 1996,[1][14] and in Japan as part of the Kid's Gear brand on December 13, 1996, retitled G Sonic.[15][16] Worldwide, it was the last Sega-published Game Gear game;[17] it was the system's final game outright in Japan.[15] Though they have similar titles and were released around the same time, Sonic Blast and Sonic 3D Blast have little in common.[4] The game is fairly common in North America, but G Sonic is extremely rare, costing almost US$350.[18] A port of the game was released for the Master System exclusively in Brazil in December 1997, distributed by Tectoy.[6][11][19] The game had to be simplified to run on the Master System because of its lower graphical quality. Like G Sonic, the Master System version of Sonic Blast is rare.[11]

The game has been rereleased in emulated form several times. Sonic Blast, as well as the other 11 Game Gear Sonic games, is an unlockable bonus in the 2003 GameCube game Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut.[12] The game is also available in the compilation Sonic Mega Collection Plus for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.[20] Sonic Blast received a wide release in 2012 on the Nintendo 3DS's Virtual Console service.[15] New features in the 3DS rerelease include the ability to save player progress and choose between the 3DS's normal screen resolution or the Game Gear's original resolution.[5] The release came as part of a campaign by Nintendo to release 8-bit games on the 3DS eShop following a drought of releases on the distribution service.[21] It was released along with other 11 Game Gear Sonic games on Sonic Origins Plus in 2023.[22]

Reception and legacy

[edit]

Retrospective reviewers did not remember Sonic Blast fondly.[6][12][13] Nintendo World Report (NWR) summarized the game as "a step back" from the other Game Gear Sonic titles, due to what they called "the attempt at aping Donkey Kong Country's pre-rendered sprites on a handheld".[12]

Most critics disliked the graphics, some claiming they ruined the game.[6][13] Digitally Downloaded called the visuals more distracting than impressive—hampering the fluidity of the gameplay and preventing the use of integral series elements[13]—while Nintendo Life thought the game aged badly when compared to the other Sonic Game Gear games with its "muddy colours and shaky animation".[5] Some, such as writers from USgamer and NWR, complained the character graphics were too big for the Game Gear's small screen.[4][7] Jeuxvideo.com found the character animations poor and said they caused gameplay limitations.[6] Although they were mostly critical of the graphics, reviewers did acknowledge the visuals were impressive when considering the limitations of the Game Gear.[6][13] Pocket Gamer noted that prior to the game's release, "the capabilities of [the Game Gear] had seemingly been fully explored", writing while they offered some compromises, the visuals made Sonic Blast stand out.[23]

The gameplay was also criticized.[4][24] NWR wrote that the characters' abilities were difficult to use properly since the screen was zoomed so close to them and particularly disliked the water-based levels, calling them nearly unplayable due to sluggish controls.[4] Nintendo Life held considerable grievances against the inconsistent and random level designs,[5] while Jeuxvideo.com lamented the game lacked the speed previous Sonic games offered, and said the playable characters' abilities, as well as losing only ten rings when hit, made an already-easy game easier. They shared Nintendo Life's concerns about the level designs, and argued the boss fights lacked difficulty.[6] Digitally Downloaded said the game lacked polish: "were you to convert Sonic Blast into the engine of one of the other Game Gear games, its shortcomings would still be prevalent."[13] However, Pocket Gamer praised the game's take on the traditional Sonic formula, calling it "a strong choice for anyone who's enjoyed any other 2D [Sonic game]".[23] Digitally Downloaded, although overall critical, praised the game for its elements of exploration.[13]

Sonic Blast has been called one of the worst games in the Sonic series.[4][7][25] NWR exclaimed the game "should be avoided at all costs",[4] and Retro Gamer said its title screen was the only redeeming quality.[24] USgamer wrote it was "an unpleasant end to the Game Gear" and attributed its shortcomings to the system's discontinuation.[7] Complex declared it "the worst handheld Sonic game ever" and said "thank God they didn't attempt the '3D' aspect of its 16-bit older brother".[25] Some reviewers noted Sonic Blast was the first game to give Sonic the standard ability to double-jump,[13][5] which would be used in later games such as Sonic Colors (2010).[26]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Known in Japan as G Sonic (Ｇソニック, Jī Sonikku)
  2. ^ The signpost images are of Robotnik, a ring, Sonic, Knuckles, a Chaos Emerald, or Super Sonic.
  3. ^ In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic can double-jump when he equips a certain shield; Sonic Blast included the double-jump as a standard ability.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Return of the Scream". GamePro. No. 88. International Data Group. November 1996. p. 60. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  2. ^ Massey, Tom (January 25, 2015). "A guide to gaming's most valuable treasures". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Sonic Blast (U.S. instruction manual) (PDF). Sega. November 1996.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Bonds, Curtis (June 27, 2013). "Sonic Blast Review Mini". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Newton, James (June 25, 2012). "Sonic Blast Review". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Godefroy, Sire (June 11, 2017). "Test Oldies : Sonic Blast, un épisode pas si indispensable que ça". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e USgamer Team (August 18, 2017). "Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games". USgamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  8. ^ "G Sonic I Nintendo 3DS". nintendo.co.jp (in Japanese). Nintendo. April 18, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  9. ^ Newton, James (June 11, 2012). "Nintendo Download: 14th June 2012 (Europe)". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  10. ^ Parish, Jeremy (June 5, 2014). "Who Makes the Best Sonic the Hedgehog Games?". USgamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  11. ^ a b c Thorpe, Nick (March 22, 2014). "The History of Sonic on the Master System". Retro Gamer (179).
  12. ^ a b c d Ronaghan, Neal (June 21, 2013). "Grinding Game Gears: An Overview of Sonic's Portable Origins". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i A, Clark (August 14, 2013). "Review: Sonic Blast (3DS)". Digitally Downloaded. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  14. ^ Phillips, Tom (June 11, 2012). "Sonic Blast on Nintendo 3DS eShop this week". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  15. ^ a b c Newton, James (April 11, 2012). "Donkey Kong Jr. and Sonic Blast Head to Japan 3DS VC". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  16. ^ "[セガハード大百科] ゲームギア対応ソフトウェア（セガ発売）". Sega. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  17. ^ Roberts, Dave; Agnello, Anthony John (August 10, 2016). "59 Sonic games, explained in 10 words or less". GamesRadar. Future plc. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  18. ^ Kohler, Chris (September 27, 2017). "The Rarest Stuff We Found In Akihabara's Game Shops". Kotaku. Allure Media. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  19. ^ "Jogo Rapido". Ação Games (in Portuguese) (122): 10. December 1997.
  20. ^ Goldstein, Hilary (November 3, 2004). "Sonic Mega Collection Plus". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  21. ^ Thomas, Lucas M. (June 21, 2012). "Nintendo's "8-Bit Summer" Announced for the 3DS eShop". IGN. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  22. ^ Shanklin, Will (March 23, 2023). "'Sonic Origins Plus' brings the hedgehog's Game Gear entries to modern consoles". Engadget. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Willington, Peter (June 18, 2012). "Sonic Blast review - 3DS reviews". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Limited. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  24. ^ a b Delaney, John (July 28, 2008). "Sonic Blast". Retro Gamer. Future plc. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  25. ^ a b Knight, Rich (July 16, 2013). "Ranking Every "Sonic the Hedgehog" Platformer". Complex. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  26. ^ Bickam, Al (November 11, 2010). "Sonic Colours Review". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
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