The 8-bit version many have forgotten, rougher and humbler than its Mega Drive big sister.

On gut feeling, no criterion, the community places it right at the bottom, ahead of only 7% of games. And yet the detail tells another story, though caution is due given how few votes there are. Sound climbs very high, ahead of 92% of titles, and desert island ahead of 90%: those Game Gear themes stay burned in and you would gladly bring it along. The feel of a controller in hand and the art style hold above average. There is the real tension: nearly rejected on instinct, yet far sturdier the moment you look criterion by criterion. Fun and connection, though, stay below average, which likely weighs on the immediate buy-in.

Against the more famous Mega Drive Sonics, this handheld take plays in a different technical league, and a 1992 classic inevitably runs up against criteria built for today.

So, who is it for? For you if you hold an attachment to the handheld versions and their striking tunes. A lot less if you expect the definitive Sonic, the one people name on instinct.