When creating a new platform if you use common hardware, it opens up porting options that may not be available on other platforms. Sega created the Sega Genesis with off the shelf parts, so to speak, particularly the CPU. That CPU family was used in the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST computers. Both known better for their gaming capabilities than business acumen. That was not enough for most families to forego the entry cost though. The Sega Genesis was cheap in comparison, this is likely why it sold so well, that and a midlife crisis that turned out some amazing advertising campaigns. We know when Sonic was released, he changed the trajectory of gaming in favor of Sega to the point that fans today are STILL supporting the blue guy with ports, new games, new fandom. New ports such as to the Commodore Amiga. The 1200 series to be specific.
Sega never officially released a version of Sonic for computers outside of their Sega PC line for Windows computers – as far as I know. If I am wrong, please let me know in the comments below.
The code used to create this demo of Sonic on the Commodore Amiga is apparently based on the Sega Genesis original.
This is not a decompile project. This is simply raw programming talent and next level understanding of Assembly and other computer languages on display.
This demo makes you wonder what could have been if Sega put effort into making this back in the day.
This is going to be a short section as there simply is not a lot available yet. I have horrible times getting Amiga games to run so giving this a deep dive is not an option for me.
From the video I saw differences in the title screen. Less ripples in the water, the waterfall in the background, which is wide in the Genesis original, is narrow and repeats several times on an endless land mass. That land mass is an island or a jutting of land on the Sega Genesis title screen.
I am sure there are more differences that an eagle eyed Sonic fan can detail.
Look, no one knows for sure how any company will react to fans using their IP’s (well, we know how Nintendo and Square Enix react). Sega, historically, has been lenient about fans using their characters to create games and such. I believe the only time they have stepped in was when a fan project was a little too close to something they were officially working on.
That does not mean Sega will not suddenly change direction and feelings on fan projects. With that said, head over to YouTube via the above embedded video and grab the demo the creator has made available.
It simply may not be available later so do it ASAP.
What is your favorite Sonic game? For me, it is the original. I just feel Sega forgot Sonic was about speed with the sequels.
