Sega Sonic Arcade
This is an absolutely fantastic game. Released in extremely limited quantities only in Japanese arcades,
few, if any, have had the opportunity to play this forgotten gem. A detailed description is below, giving information
on the characters, story, graphics, gameplay and technical aspects of the game.
Characters
The game features three characters, namely Sonic the Hedgehog, Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the
Squirrel. This is the debut of Mighty, who later appeared in Knuckles' Chaotix on the Megadrive 32X, as Knuckles' best friend.
This is also the debut of the little-known guy named Ray. He has not appeared in any other games to date. Sonic is obviously
the star of the game and has appeared in countless other games.
Story
The story is your normal Sonic affair, but with a slight twist, which is refreshing. Dr. Robotnik has created
a brand new base, dubbed Eggman Island, in which he intends to dominate the world. Sonic, Ray and Mighty have dropped in uninvited,
but as soon as they do Robotnik ambushes the trio with an enormous machine. When they discover they have been imprisoned in
a large tower, they easily break free and decide to thwart Robotnik's plan and destroy his island, along with Robotnik himself,
for good.
Gameplay
The game play has some similarities with Marble Madness. The closest Sonic game to it in terms
of game play is Sonic Labyrinth on the Game Gear. You must use the trackball to navigate the six sprawling levels
of Robotnik's island while avoiding the infinite traps he has set. It is entirely possible to attack the enemies, but in general
the easiest strategy is to just dodge them entirely.
Graphics
The graphics are large and impressive, a lot better than any of the Megadrive Sonic games. They are detailed
and give the impression of an animated cartoon. The game moves fluidly, without any major slowdown. You can judge the graphics
for yourself via the images shown.
Technical Info
The game incorporates the use of Sega's System 32 motherboard. The trackballs interface through the useage
of a 26-pin connecter on a three-inch square riser card on the right of the JAMMA harness.
All screenshots below are of Sega Sonic Arcade
