Sonic Blast is a 2D action-platformer released in 1996 for the Game Gear and Sega Master System. Developed by Aspect and published by SEGA (alongside other regional distributors), the game adapts the speed, vibrant visuals, and energy of the Sonic series into a handheld adventure featuring stages filled with obstacles, mechanical enemies, and secrets waiting to be discovered.
The story begins when Doctor Robotnik uses a laser to destroy a Chaos Emerald, scattering its fragments across the world. One fragment strikes Sonic, prompting him to stop the villain from gathering the remaining pieces and fortifying his island base. He is aided in this mission by Knuckles the Echidna; both characters are playable in single-player mode. While they share certain moves, each offers a distinct way to tackle the levels.
Sonic retains his signature spin attacks and gains a particularly useful ability: a double jump that allows him to adjust his trajectory in mid...
Sonic Blast is a 2D action-platformer released in 1996 for the Game Gear and Sega Master System. Developed by Aspect and published by SEGA (alongside other regional distributors), the game adapts the speed, vibrant visuals, and energy of the Sonic series into a handheld adventure featuring stages filled with obstacles, mechanical enemies, and secrets waiting to be discovered.
The story begins when Doctor Robotnik uses a laser to destroy a Chaos Emerald, scattering its fragments across the world. One fragment strikes Sonic, prompting him to stop the villain from gathering the remaining pieces and fortifying his island base. He is aided in this mission by Knuckles the Echidna; both characters are playable in single-player mode. While they share certain moves, each offers a distinct way to tackle the levels.
Sonic retains his signature spin attacks and gains a particularly useful ability: a double jump that allows him to adjust his trajectory in mid-air and reach high platforms. Knuckles, meanwhile, can glide and climb walls after striking them mid-jump, making it easier to explore alternate routes and vertical areas. This distinction encourages players to experiment with both protagonists to uncover every hidden path and item.
The adventure spans 15 zones organized into five acts, culminating in a battle against Robotnik and one of his massive robots at the end of every third zone. The environments range from classic landscapes inspired by Green Hill to underwater ruins and areas featuring vertical loops, slides, springs, and teleporters. The level design blends high-speed runs with sections requiring precision, quick reflexes, and an eye for hidden secrets.
As is standard for the series, rings serve as protection. Upon taking a hit, Sonic or Knuckles loses several rings but can retrieve them before they vanish. Players can also find monitors containing rings, speed boosts, shields, invincibility, extra lives, and other power-ups—though some conceal unpleasant surprises. At the end of each act, a spinning post determines the reward you receive.
Hidden giant rings lead to Special Stages where you must race, collect a set number of rings, and dodge bombs, springs, and speed pads. Clearing them can earn you lives, rings, or Chaos Emerald shards. With its blend of traditional platforming, exploration, and high-speed action, Sonic Blast offers a compact, varied handheld experience that captures the essence of the 8-bit Sonic era.
