The Game Gear/Master Sysyem version is pretty much a worse version of Sonic Spinball, with even clunkier controls, the game feels extremely sluggish and it’s just not a nice experience. The levels have the same names and while the layouts are roughly the same, they’re adapted based on what the Game Gear can do, with different colour schemes and obstacles.
The bosses are also not part of the level itself, instead you warp to a separate area with the boss. Some bosses are similar, but the first and final bosses are completely different to the Mega Drive version.
Another big difference is the special stages, which are now small platforming levels that take place in giant bird cages. You have 90 seconds to collect rings and open up pods, some of which contain continues.
The bosses are also not part of the level itself, instead you warp to a separate area with the boss. Some bosses are similar, but the first and final bosses are completely different to the Mega Drive version.
Another big difference is the special stages, which are now small platforming levels that take place in giant bird cages. You have 90 seconds to collect rings and open up pods, some of which contain continues.