Play Sonic 1 Beta Remake Online

I've been playing Sonic 1 Beta Remake, a fan project that recreates an early, unreleased version of the original Sega Genesis game. It's a fascinating look at what Sonic the Hedgehog could have been before its official 1991 launch, built by dedicated fans rather than Sega themselves. This version strips away the polish, revealing a raw, sometimes clumsy blueprint of the game that would define a generation of platformers.

You control Sonic, running and jumping through zones that are familiar yet strangely off. The main goal is the same: reach the end of each act, defeat Robotnik, and free the animals. Key mechanics include the spin dash, which feels more unpredictable here, and level layouts that are riddled with odd enemy placements and awkward platforming sequences. The pacing is inconsistent, with moments of frantic speed followed by sections that force you to slow down and navigate carefully. It feels like exploring a rough draft, full of interesting ideas that never made the final cut.