original and of course has the TED playing Rob Hubbard's rendition of the
tune. How the original official version was released is beyond my comprehension, when the machine is capable of so much more as can be seen
from this version featuring scrolling and better graphics, and is just worlds apart from the original.

Unofficial version score
Gameplay 4/5 faithful
Sound 4/5 Robs rendition on the ted
Graphics 4/5 scrolling !
Overall 4/5 and deservedly so

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rDXSGP-V9Q


Various computer format versions of the game can be watched here including
some unofficial versions for the c16 and c64 with bug fixes and enhancements, and some other info like typos and changed versions in Germany.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrPyEyOW5E

Some extra information about Rob Hubbard and the C64 sound track:
Rob wrote the c64 version after hearing the arcade version. That night he set about creating a SID rendition that turned the soundtrack into a classic.

He said he took the motif or melodies he heard and just included them, just enough to make it recognisable from the arcade. Then added his SID wizardry
and the rest was history.


Rob Hubbard interviews:
https://youtu.be/EDhCQKOQLpo?si=CVJai6VsBJh0ynOM https://youtu.be/0OxRyOSTHDM?si=MLuIaVRa6ZQ3juox

8-Bit Symphony and Rob Hubbard - The One Show 11 September 2019: https://youtu.be/lNaU2F57ptE?si=G5uDys3XKy7f3DCh


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C=free Sonic the Hedgehog c64 review
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Sonic first appeared in 1991 game Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis console. Since then, Sonic has starred in many games, spin-offs, comics, cartoons, and movies. Sonic was created by a small team of developers at
Sega, led by programmer Yuji Naka and artist Naoto Oshima, who wanted to make
a game that would rival Nintendo's popular Super Mario Bros. Series. Sonic was an influential and iconic video game franchise, and has sold over 140
million units and grossed over $5 billion as of 2014.

Now, in an intriguing turn of events that sees the iconic blue blur, Sonic
the Hedgehog, making a surprising appearance on the Commodore 64. This adaptation, a technical feat in itself, brings Sega's flagship character
into the realm of 8-bit computing. When the news broke that Sonic the
Hedgehog, Sega's speedster and gaming icon, would grace the Commodore 64, it sent waves of excitement through the Commodore retro gaming community.

Graphics and Sound: Pushing the C64 to Its Limits

The first aspect that strikes you in this C64 version of Sonic is the visual presentation. with the VIC-II graphics chip pushed to its limits, rendering Sonic's vibrant world in a dazzling array of colors, the game maintains a recognizable and charming aesthetic true to its source material. The sprite work, especially Sonic's animations, is commendable, capturing the essence of his speed and agility.

Sonic's animations, from his iconic running loop to his impatient foot-tapping when idle, and wagging finger on the title screen, are meticulously recreated. The fluidity of these animations is a marvel, especially considering the hardware the limitations. Backgrounds, though less detailed than the Genesis version, are layered and scroll smoothly, creating a sense of depth and motion.

A SID Chip Symphony
The SID chip, a cornerstone of the C64's appeal, is employed masterfully in this game. The iconic tracks of Green Hill Zone and others are adapted with a clear understanding of the SID's capabilities, resulting in a soundtrack that is both familiar and refreshingly new. The sound effects, from the collection of rings to Sonic's jump, are crisp and instantly recognizable. The music is not just a background element but an integral part of the Sonic experience, adding an energetic rhythm to the gameplay pushing the player along. The
iconic tunes of the original Sonic are reproduced with the distinct, rich
synth sounds characteristic of the C64, and the music and sound effects in
this version have a nostalgic charm that Commodore enthusiasts will surely appreciate.

Gameplay: A Speedy Challenge

Sonic's hallmark is speed, and this C64 port does an admirable job of replicating this. The frame rate is understandably lower than its 16-bit counterpart, but the gameplay remains surprisingly fluid. Although precision platforming is a bit more challenging due to the limited resolution on the conversion, yet it adds an extra layer of player skill to the game. The joystick controls are responsive, but players will need to adapt to the C64's input style, which can be less forgiving when it comes to quick, reactive movements. Replicating Sonic's blistering speed on the C64 was no small feat.

The game maintains a respectable frame rate, crucial for the fast-paced gameplay Sonic is known for, and the essence of speed and momentum is effectively captured.

Level Design: A Compact Adventure However, the essence of Sonic's explorative and fast-paced levels is retained. The developers have cleverly used the C64's capabilities to create engaging, albeit more compact, stages. Each level in this C64 adaptation is a condensed version of the original so levels are shorter and less complex than in the original game. The developers have
smartly designed the game levels to fit within the memory constraints while maintaining the explorative nature of Sonic's world. Although the levels are shorter and less complex, they retain key elements like loop-de-loops, ramps, and secret areas, ensuring the gameplay feels authentic.

echnical Achievements: A Testament to C64's Capabilities
What stands out most is the technical wizardry involved in bringing Sonic to the C64. The smooth scrolling, multi-layered backgrounds, and sprite handling are exceptional, considering the hardware limitations. It's a showcase of what skilled programmers can achieve on the Commodore 64.

Final Verdict: A Must-Play for C64 Enthusiasts


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* Origin: Dragon's Lair BBS: dragon.vk3heg.net Prt 6800 (39:901/280.0)