yay first comment at 5:00 am. i read about again sonic game for wii that suppose to be a 3d side scrolling game a completely different version basically nothing like the ps3/360 version .

@ BlackFira
I believe the game you are talking about is Sonic Unleashed, but it is going to be multiplatform and it is suppose to be very simular.

Isn't the GameGear game very close to the SMS version?

@hansolo350: I don't just believe it to be very close, I believe it to be a straight port.

Wasn't the Master System Sonic the Hedgehog that really hard one where each level was preceded by a map screen?

I'd be interested if I hadn't unlocked all of the Master System/Game Gear Sonic games on Sonic Adventure DX, :3

I'll be downloading Sonic 1 SMS as soon as it becomes available.

I still have it for the SMS and It still works, but the pads are a little damaged so maybe I´ll buy it.

Loved Sonic 1 & 2 on the MS, both much harder and different than the megadrive games. Great soundtracks too.

Excellent little game, as long as you bear in mind the plattaform it was released on! I still remember going to the stores and being amazed at it though, especially when you compare it to SMB 1 (yeah, Brazil was pretty much lacking in the videogame industry in 1992 )

I hope it is the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog. I was just playing it recently and the graphics and music are impressive for an 8bit game. It is significantly different enough to warrant a VC release IMO.

Aren't the GG sonic games just a port of the MS versions?

The first Master System Sonic is very good, perhaps the systems best plattformer. I actually prefer it over the Mega Drive game, it´s less frustrating and not too hard. Good music too.

I have the Sonic Mega Collection of Xbox. Its has the game gear version on Sonic. Is it the same as the Master System?

Anyway more Sonic= Good times

Still waiting for Sonic/Knuckles (taps foot) >.>

@13. Tony

The Game Gear version of Sonic is the same as the Master System.

@Atlantis1982
You said it. Its about time that beauty is released!

@ 7th lutz Thanks
So technically I have played this already. Bring on Sonic Unleashed

You can't go wrong downloading a classic sonic game. Except the dreadful Sonic drift

The game gear version is not as good because the sprites are bigger and its harder to avoid obstacles because of the small screen.
This is a definite download for me.

This would be great addition to the vc. I rather see Sonic on the vc then games like Great Football.

I own Sonic for the Master System. It is the best platformer on the Sms imo. The Sonic games for the Sms are pretty good.

I believe this would be the Master System version potentially coming to the VC - what's the chance of a poor XBox360/PS3 game porting over to the Wii anyway, as well as handhelds appearing on the VC?

Whichever happens, I'm so in for this one. I'm actually a little peeved that it's not on either of the Sonic Collections on the GC, so this could be worth it if it ever comes over

This one was obviously going to turn up. In the week that the Master System came to Virtual Console the shop channel said "The Master system was home to Alex Kidd, A special version of Sonic............" - So they must intend to put it on.

Hraey for the SMS version of Sonic!

Ive got the game gear version but my game gear is broke now So i might get this despite beating it like 50 times when my game gear was working

Well this would be a pointless release, I think. Isn't this actually the Game Gear version of the game, which was basically just a scaled down port of the original Genesis game that's already available on Virtual Console? I know it had different levels, technically but I seem to remember most of them being 8-bit copies of the 16-bit originals. Honestly I couldn't care less if this game came out, but with as slow as the trickle of releases is now in North America, this would take a spot that could've been reserved for a much better game.

Its very unlikely to be a Xbox-360 conversion of Sonic The Hedgehog since there is a new Sonic game coming out for the Wii known as Sonic Unleashed.

So it's likley to be the master system version then.

I'd rather work (sort of) than pay, so I'll just unlock it on Adventure. That's what I'm doing with Mega Collection too, and I have every non-hack Animal Crossing NES game.

Sweet. One of the first games I remember playing. It was built into my MS. I got my little sisters into games with this. Can't wait.

Hopefully it'll have component cable interlace mode, as (in Europe) the MD Sonic doesn't, so I can't play it.

@Gavin - You were so lucky! I just got snail maze built into my Master System

The Sms version of this game would be great. If they game out with more Sms or GG versions of sonic games it would force the Sonic fans that have the mega collection to spend wii points on sonic games we couldnt get before.

This was the very first game I owned. As Gavin said it was built into the Master System which was my first console

If they put it on the VC I would download it in a flash.

For the love of god, no. The Wii does not need Sonic 06!

Anyhoo, its most likely the SMS game anyways. Least I hope it is. Don't con us out with the GG version Sega! ><

I like the "green hill" theme from the master system better, it has a more retro sound to it.

I hope so sonic1 was the best platformer on the master system and way better than sonic1 on megadrive

I am not sure which sonic game is better, the sms version or the md version? I never played either of them, I only played (even though I still have it) the gensis version with the 32x on it.

I kinda hope that they release Sonic 2 for SMS. THAT game was hard.

Sonic 2 had the mine cart and hang gliding in the rain levels didn't it? Epic game. I love nostalgia.

A port from the StH 06 would be nice too, if they fix the bugs, but I guess it's the SMS version, since many hate the next gen sonic.

I never played that game, but all the reasons I heard about Sonic 06 being bad were the same reasons as in the former ones, and I never had problems with the camera or the Homing attack in the fromer ones.

I haven't played it either, but I'm just assuming that the problems themselves are actually multiple times worse than they were in, say, Sonic Heroes for example.

I would definitely be downloading the SMS version if it comes out. I haven't played it, but always wanted to...

You can unlock all of the Master System/Game Gear Sonic games by playing through Sonic Adventure DX for the GameCube, although this is a good release for anyone lacking in a GameCube/that game/the will to play through it enough to unlock said games.

I've already done so myself so I'll be fine on this one,

....This may be worth looking into when it does come out...

Rexy, living in the Northeast, Eaglescliffe for the win!

@ Kelvin
I have a hard time believing the SMS version is better than the Genesis version. The original 16-bit Sonic is classic

Sonic on the SMS has a certain charm. What it lacked in graphical grunt was more than made up for in playability I recall. Don't knock it until you try it

@Danieru Lynx: Yes, but I haven't really been too particularly fond of the 3D Sonics, generally because they don't seem to hold enough polish in three dimensions in comparison to the sidescrolling counterparts. I'm actually reluctant to look into the Adventure titles for that reason

Hey thats great news, cant wait for this one

@ Rexy: Well, I don't blame you there. I, personally, prefer the 2D Sonic games to the 3D ones. However, I still find the 3D games to be a good laugh, and I love some of the music from them. Sure, it isn't the orchestral mastery that Konami and Nintendo love to pump into their games, but it's still damn fun to listen to, :3

I may play through the Master System Sonic games now that everyone's discussing them. I'm rather tempted, XD

If anything, the presentation is one of the few redeeming qualities about the 3D titles, so I'm with you concerning the music. Otherwise, I can barely get used to the idea of zooming really fast in a full 3D environment - more prone to mistakes than in a standard 2D title, where you could at least see what's ahead of you.

Is sonic SMS a completely different game than the genesis game, or more of a port?

@ Mr. Cheez: They're different games with different levels.

Awesome! I'll definitely buy this when it is released.

Triple Trouble is great, too. Maybe that'll be released in the future.

Though I have never played the Master System version of Sonic, I would definitely want to try it out.

This is the game I want most from the master system, next to Phantasy Star, of course. I read on wikipedia that you actually need to find the Chaos Emeralds in the levels instead of earning them in a bonus game. Definitely want to try it out.
Why is Nintendo neglecting that console so much? I mean c'mon, only 3 games? failed systems need love too...

I loved this game on the Game Gear... if this appeared on the VC, it'd be an instant download for me.

first game i ever owned for a TV console. Can't wait for this one

I never played the SMS before, but I'll download this one for sure.

Call me crazy but I don't think that this Sonic the Hedgehog is the SMS version. While it is true that the MD and SMS versions of Sonic 1 were different, they aren't different enough to both be put out on the VC. Instead it may actually be a Sonic the Hedgehog Wiiware game. Again call me crazy but the specs for Wiiware would be perfect for a classic 2 or 2.5D Sonic.

You know what other game has been rated..... EARTHBOUND! I had to wedge it in somewhere.

@ kelvin: thanks for answering my question.

I'd pass on this as i have with other sonic games due to the fact that i own

A: Sonic Mega Collection, so i have all the Sonic games currently on the VC
B: Sonic Adventure DX, so i have i think all the Game Gear/Master System Games
C: Sonic Gems collection, if they ever add the Saturn or the Megadrive's CD add on, i wouldn't get the games.

The only game i would download is if Sega get 32X support on here and put up Knuckles Chaotix.

P.S. Can people please stop mentioning Earthbound in all these news threads? i know that many people, including myself are waiting for it to be released but it's rather irritating to see it so constantly unless there is a mention to it in the main article

@Phantom93: Good logic, I never thought about a Sonic Wiiware game. From what I read concerning the publication for Mega Man 9, the Wiiware seems perfect for introducing modern "retro stuff" to the library, and a good Sonic sidescroller should go down really well here

For me it's the opposite, while I really like the 3D games (except for Sonic Heroes because of that crappy story) I find the 2D games rather boring, they're not bad, but except for the Boss fights the whole game is pressing right and pushing A at the right time, which isn't really hard.

But that may be because I first played SA2 and then bought those collections

" While it is true that the MD and SMS versions of Sonic 1 were different, they aren't different enough to both be put out on the VC."

Yes, they are. They're just as different as Sonic 1, 2 and 3 on the Mega Drive, and they put all of those on the VC. Completely different games, people.

And to add to Adamant's point, even if the games were the same, they could care less about the consumer, they just want to get money from as much of their games as possible, look at the 2 WonderBoy titles that were released for VC that are nearly identical.

@Bensei: I understand your point, but weren't most platformers back in the day all about holding right, jumping over obstacles and getting to the goal at the end? Plus, Sonic 3 (and to some extent Sonic & Knuckles) started to eradicate that feel altogether, and I'm sure that something with that kind of level design can be a decent choice to consider for a potential Wiiware Sonic title.

I had heard rumours of a Sonic WiiWare game but that was over a year ago and it was supposedly called "Sonic World Adventure" and was to be a 3rd part of the Adventure series. As it turns out, we now have Sonic Unleashed and that World Adventure was the previous name for Unleashed which was to be the 3rd part of the Adventure series previously. Oh well, maybe Sega will follow in Capcom's footsteps and do a true to the original Sonic Wiiware Exclusive game

More 2D Sonic is always a good thing =).

It is indeed. That's why i have all the Advance and DS games.

@ ChocoDK
Not if it's for home consoles unless it's the old 2D games.

And for the record, Sonic doesn't need to go back to 2D because 2D is not for today's gaming market. Even though Unleashed will recapture the classic gameplay of the earlier titles, it will also be like the Sonic Adventure games, too. And it is still a 3D game.

Got that right, ChocoDK. More 3D sonics, not such a good thing =)

@BJ, you couldnt be more wrong. "More 2D Sonic is always a good thing =)" x1,000,000. Sonic DOES need to go back to his 2D roots cos all his 3D games suck! a lot! 2D not for todays gamer? are you nuts? What is SSBB only a 2D fighter (before you try and argue that, no, your wrong) I hope sonic unleashed is nothing like sonic adventure, and everything like his megadrive games. Sadly, Im prepared to be dissapointed.

Can I also add Castlevania to the argument as well? It's another great example of a game which only transitions to 3D flat out sucked, and its sidescrollers - even if they're all on handhelds now - are still being welcomed today. Now will you tell me there's no room for 2D in today's market?

Eh, while the 3D Castlevnia games were somewhat dissapointing, I wouldn't go so far as to say they sucked. Plus, the good old 2D platformers were better than this Metroidvania stuff Konami pukes out constantly nowadays anyway. Can we see them make a return, please?

How can anyone think that the old 2D Castlevania's are better than the new 2D ones. zOMG dey were challenging, yeah because they controlled clunkily and had unfairly placed enemies and obstacles. Symphony Of The Night destroys all of the NES installments.

I'm not saying they were better - just saying that they were at least consistent enough to still be recognised today, that's all.

We need a fail pic for this friday!

Ditto there Bensei

Why? No one fails here.

Fun fact for anyone board enough to actually read this...

There are actually four (Count em) FOUR games to bare the title "Sonic the Hedgehog" so far...

And the funny thing is that the most genuinely liked version is the one that people have almost completely stoped calling by it's whole name and or even not considering it to be what it is...

There's the 16bit original which was closely followed by a 8bit remastered port.

And of course the modern sad attempt to revive the series "glory days " on the Xbox 360 & PS3...

But back in the days of the Genesis/Mega Drive there was a second remastered (And I do mean REMASTERED) port of the original 16bit gem, It was made to show off a shiny new peace of hardware Sega was trying to cram down our mouths at the time...

Assuming you've actually been reading this post & haven't just skipped to the end you most likely figured it out.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Whom most now days only call by its abbreviation Sonic CD... (And despite its lacking boss battles is still my favorite installment in the early series)

I'm really hopping to see it making a VC appearance soon! (Seeing as my Gems Collection disc actually CRACKED IN HALF!)

And with that, I'm done talking out of my backside & wasting server space...

I would pick up another Sonic Gems disc. It may be 2040 before Sonic CD ever makes it the VC at the rate its going.

Agreed, plus I'm assuming that the amount of data stored on a Sega CD disc would make them far too big to transfer across the VC. Sonic Gems would be our only choice.

The Sonice CD rom was 80 megs so I doubt that'll hit the VC until a storage solution is worked out.

Yah I know... But sense it's the only game on Gems Collection that I actually liked (Fighters was OK) I would prefer it wasting virtual space instead of shelf space...

That's the thing with Gems Collection - it has the more obscure Sonic games... plus the Vectorman series for some reason. ^^; But either way, it would be years before Sonic CD becomes a download - on the next Nintendo console and its follow-up to the VC, complete with a hard drive about 20 times as big and Internet download speeds coming through the roof.

Still, one can dream, can't they?

Yah... One can only dream... "Depressed"

Anywoo Sonic Gems Collection also has the three Streets of Rage games on it too!

Though they are blocked from usability without some kind of hacking device (Action Replay & the like) on the NTSC-U version...

Apparently because Sonic Team didn't want the Teen rating for the game over here in the States... Your guess is as good as mine as to why the hell that is...

ESPECIALLY when you consider these are the same nut jobs who thought putting a gun in a Sonic game was a stroke of brilliance... @@

You know... For the kiddies...