In all honesty, this game is a 4 star title, because some of the level design, especially near the end, skews too closely to some arcadey BS and the game often punishes you for going too fast. Additionally, any game that sticks spikes at the bottom of an inescapable pit you’ll likely hit after grabbing the invincibility power-up cannot be perfect.

However, this was not only the first video game I saw in my life, it’s probably the game I’ve played the most in terms of playing it all the way through. I’ve played this game to completion while very drunk. I’ve played this game while very stoned - less successfully. It’s not the best action game on the Genesis, and the sequel is a significant improvement, but I cannot deny the genuine love I have for this game. The music, the graphics, Sonic’s jump, everything about this game is just correct.