Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit video game)

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 1991 platform video game developed by Ancient and published by Sega for the 8-bit Master System and Game Gear. It is a companion to the original Sonic the Hedgehog that was developed for the 16-bit Sega Genesis. The 8-bit Sonic is a side-scrolling game similar in style to the 16-bit game, but reduced in complexity to fit the 8-bit systems. Ancient—a studio founded by composer Yuzo Koshiro—was contracted to develop the 8-bit Sonic game.

The premise and story of the 8-bit Sonic game are identical to that of the 16-bit game: as the anthropomorphic hedgehog Sonic, the player races through levels to rescue the imprisoned animals Doctor Robotnik plots to turn into robots. Gameplay is similar, Sonic collects rings while avoiding obstacles, but is paced extremely slower as the 8-bit version focuses more on exploration. While some level themes, such as Green Hill Zone, are borrowed from the 16-bit game, others are original. It also features a different soundtrack from Koshiro, which comprises new material alongside some rearrangements of Masato Nakamura's tracks for the 16-bit game.

Reviewers acclaimed the 8-bit Sonic game for its level variety, visuals, gameplay, and audio. Many believed that it compared favorably to its 16-bit counterpart, although some criticism was directed at its low difficulty and short length. Game journalists retrospectively considered it one of the best Game Gear and Master System games. The 8-bit Sonic game has been rereleased through Sonic game compilations and Nintendo's Virtual Console. It received several sequels, beginning with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 1992. It was also Ancient's first game and the only Sonic game they developed.