Since its introduction to the world of video games, back in the 16-bit era in the early 1990s, Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog has been (along with Nintendo’s Mario) one of the most popular and enduring characters in video game history. Sonic was created to compete with Mario, and to be Sega’s flagship character, and boy, did he ever top his achievements? Over 70 million Sonic games have been sold, with over 10 million downloads since they first became available online in 2006.

super sonic
Sonic is, as Sega says, the fastest hedgehog in the world. He has long spikes growing from the back of his head and is the same blue color as the Sega logo. Sonic has the ability to curl up into a ball (or spin) and then take off in an explosive burst of speed. As with some of the hedgehogs in the animal kingdom, Sonic can’t swim; in fact, he sinks like a stone every time he finds his way into deep water (although he can use his Sonic speed to jump across the surface for a short distance).

media sensation
Sonic the Hedgehogas a marketing device, along with his ever-present fox-friend Tails, he has paid dividends for Sega time and time again. Animated TV shows, comic books, and a major movie are among Sonic’s multimedia appearances. He was even the first video game character to be caricatured by a float in the Rose Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The rapid expansion of online PC gaming gave Sega a new avenue of distribution. Although many of the downloads are free, they are a great way for players to get to know Sonic before investing in the many versions of Sonic the Hedgehog.Sonic the Hedgehog that are on the market. Gone are the 2-D days of 1991; Today’s Sonic is faster than ever, with more characters, intriguing storylines and challenges that bring out the best in Sonic and his can-do attitude.