Sega Masters - Sonic the Hedgehog

Last Month was the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog. And to celebrate that joyous occasion, I’m here to talk about what little is ever mentioned about the Hedgehog. After 20 years of being released, to this day, I have yet to see more than one time, with my own eyes, and hold with my bare hands, a copy of the Super Rare Sonic the Hedgehog title.

Sonic the Hedgehog had 2 8 bit incarnations. One for the Sega Game Gear and the other for the Sega Master System. Which, both are quite different in all aspects from the 16 bit counterpart. Of course that being graphics, sound, controls, and game play.

However, Sonic the Hedgehog is quite common for the Sega Game Gear. What isn’t common is the Sega Master Version.

The Sega Master Version was the last and final title in US. Actually, being quite common in Europe, Sonic the Hedgehog European Version is sometimes confused with the more rare American version.

Here’s the deal; Sonic the Hedgehog was released at the end of the Sega Master cycle. Late October of 91 actually. Sega had to get copies out here in the US to supply the demand from the 16 bit version. So, they got all the remaining copies from Europe. placed a UPC sticker and called it American.

So there you go! An American UPC sticker (that can be easily lost from being torn off or falling off, or worse, from the box being thrown away) and an extremely low quantity, make this game the most rare Sonic title or better yet, the most rare Mascot tittle out there.

If you happen to find the game, play it. You’ll enjoy how different it is. Especially the sound. I actually enjoyed the 8 bit soundtrack more than the 16. I don’t know why. The game isn’t the best Sega Master Platform, but is a fun Sonic game.

So to recap, if you have the game, make sure you have the UPC sticker. Cart alone or complete with case and manual usually goes for about $5.00. However, when you find it complete with the Game, Case, Manual, and UPC, it can fetch anywhere from $250-$300. The most expensive UPC sticker in Video Game History. Happy Hunting!