SEGA
(1960)
Even though Sega was not as popular as Atari, I believe that this company is worth mentioning because it truly had some marvellous games that in my opinion, stood out throughout the years.
Trust me, you'll want to remember this one!
TM
Sega, which originated in U.S., but now based in Japan: did not excel as much as Atari did at first-hand, but things changed massively when they released their console: SEGA Genesis in 1988. During 1990s, they were in battle with some of the most beloved consoles and games in the decade. For example, The Nintendo Entertainment System/NES (which we will talk more about in the next level!) had games like Super Mario & Zelda.
Sega knew that they had to create their own games that will astonish the audience on their first try.
During 1991, the first game for Sonic the Hedgehog, or Sonic 1, was made.
Players could control the blue speedster through his special abilities of super-fast running and jump-spinning, usually on ramps and loops, evading or attacking robots while collecting golden rings throughout levels in the game. Sonic and his friends must prevent the world from being destroyed by the evil antagonist, Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik who attempts to steal treasures called Chaos Emeralds. To do this, Sonic must collect all emeralds in order to win the game.
The game's fresh look of level design and visuals received positive feedback not only from game-lovers, but also critics, and due to its extremely popular demand, Sega even created sequels that allowed them to receive their maximum audience reach. The franchise's popularity ran for years, Sonic II, for instance, managed to make over 6 million copies by 2006: making it the second best selling game for Sega Genesis, just after Sonic I.
Sonic was also adapted into different platforms. One of my personal favourites was the children's TV show called Sonic Underground.
The plot was changed so that it had a separate storyline than previous variations of Sonic. This time, Sonic had siblings called Manic and Sonia, and a mother, Aleena: a former Queen of the land Mobius. The family was separated when she was overthrown by Dr Robotnik and is forced to go into hiding, separating the three children from her. But it wasn't long until the three siblings was revealed a prophecy to try and defeat Dr Eggman, and once again, reunite them with their mother. To help them with their quest, they are given powerful medallions that change into special instruments, used as weapons. Sonia had a keyboard that activates a smoke machine, Manic had a drumset that controls earthquakes, and Sonic had an electric guitar which, like his other siblings, acts as a laser gun!
Now, it's time to hear them play as a band!
If you're a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, then you will definitely and immediately be able to remember this song. You'll find yourself singing along after a few seconds!
So for all of you Sonic fans- here's one of the greatest theme songs in kids' TV shows. (in my opinion of course...)
What's next for Sega's Sonic?
Like I said, you're going to want to remember this one.
It is rumoured that a live-action animated film of Sonic: The Hedgehog will be released this year! Creating an adaptation from the original video game that people loved. It has been said that Ben Schwartz is to voice the character Sonic, and Jim Carrey to voice Dr. Eggman. See IMDB's page for more information.
Sega has definitely made its mark in gaming history. Remember, this is only one example we've talked about. You can check out their newer games if you want to know what they're up to today. But of course, we wouldn't end Sega's topic without mentioning some of its other successors.
Here are a few worthy mentions:
Mortal Kombat (1992)
Tetris (1984)
Outrun (1986)
That's it for today guys! On Level 2, we will be talking about
Nintendo.
​
Until then!