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Overview

Sonic Blast is a side-scrolling platform game developed by Aspect Co., Ltd. and released in 1996 for the Sega Game Gear. The game was later ported to the Sega Master System. It stands out for its pre-rendered visual style resembling the graphics made popular by the Donkey Kong Country series. This approach gives the game a unique aesthetic compared to other entries in the Sonic series from the time.

Gameplay

The game allows players to control either Sonic the Hedgehog or Knuckles the Echidna. Each character offers a distinct playstyle, with Sonic focusing on speed and Knuckles being able to glide and climb walls. The objective is to navigate through various zones, each with special themes and enemies, to collect Chaos Emeralds and battle the antagonist, Dr. Robotnik.

Graphics and Visuals

Sonic Blast is particularly noted for its use of pre-rendered 3D sprites, a departure from the hand-drawn style of previous Sonic games on handheld platforms. This was an ambitious choice for the time, aiming to provide a more visually appealing experience on the limited hardware of the Game Gear.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Sonic Blast received mixed reviews, with some praising its graphical attempt and character variety, while others criticized its gameplay and level design as somewhat lackluster compared to other Sonic titles. Though not a cornerstone in the Sonic franchise, it remains a point of interest for fans and collectors due to its distinct visual style and status as one of the last Sonic games on the Game Gear.

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