Green Hill Zone

My first "real" post has arrived.

After the glorious SEGA opening logo, a quick press of the start button takes us here.

This image is just about burned into my retinas by now, the amount of times I have started this game.

So, on with the ratings.

Theming

The zone takes on the theme of a tropical island paradise, this will become a running theme throughout the Mega Drive Sonic games. The first zone is typically somewhere very colourful, full of life and relatively simple to get you in the mood for the adventure ahead. I love the detail in the background of this zone, the flowing waterfalls and lush forests make for a great opening to the series.

Difficulty

As referenced earlier, Green Hill Zone is a relatively straightforward affair. Act 1 can be blazed through in under a minute, with a few loops and s-bends to show off the blast processing power of the Mega Drive as well as a couple of secret areas if you take the high route through the stage. Act 2 adds a bit of complexity with a bit of platforming with spikes and pits, where Act 3 continues to build the difficulty with a few spiky log sections where you have to watch your speed and positioning.

Overall, a relatively simple zone, one in which you can easily get through while building a decent stockpile of extra lives.

Music

I love the music for this zone, it brings back such great memories, and really shows what the Mega Drive can do in terms of sound.

This is magnificent. The iconic Green Hill Zone music still makes me smile everytime I hear it, combine that with Smooth McGroove's awesome vocal talents and you have a recipe for success. Where available, I will post links to his work per zone.

Enemies Introduced

This being the very first zone, there are quite a few to get through here. I will post the official names for the "Badniks" (I have never heard that word used until I researched this part) along with what I called them as a young pup.

Buzz Bomber (Wasp) - Flies in a straight line, stopping to shoot lasers.

Motobug (Ladybird) - Moves from side to side

Newtron (Chameleon) - Appears on walls and shoots lasers

Crabmeat (Laser crab) - Walks side to side, shooting lasers in arcs.

Chopper (Piranha) - Jumps up and bites

 All the above images come from the original concept art and were sourced from here.

Zone Boss

Our first clash with Dr. Robotnik (never Eggman!) has him flying from left to right with a wrecking ball attached to his machine. I had real trouble with this as a child, but with practice it becomes simple to get a few hits in before he drops the ball and then to read his movement pattern.

8 hits later and he flies off to lick his wounds, leaving you with the satisfaction of opening the machine trapping all the critters, as well as leaving me free to play and research Marble Zone, hopefully I can keep this going daily.

Final Rating

A solid start to the series, showcasing some great colourful graphics and great music. A very respectable 9/10.