Video Game Evolution: Sega Genesis Console-Sonic the Hedgehog

The Sega Genesis game console birthed the evolution of gaming, and was the first 16-bit game system introduced since the era of the lower grade 8-bit consoles such as Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Master System (Original Sega 8-bit system), and Sega Master System II. Genesis was a revolution for gamers across the world. The Sega Genesis 16-bit system produced higher quality graphics and realistic game play.  Its major transition in games was from titles such as ‘Great Basketball’ on Sega Master System, to the EA (Electronic Arts) Sports title, ‘Bulls Vs Lakers and the NBA Playoffs’ for Sega Genesis.

When Genesis released ‘Bulls Vs Lakers’, it enhanced the gaming experience by featuring better graphics with real NBA players and teams, NBA courts, signature player moves including Michael Jordan’s pump reverse shot, East and West All-Star teams and more gaming control. Bulls Vs Lakers allowed gamers to play beyond an exhibition game against the CPU by featuring the option to play in playoff mode allowing you to play in the playoffs and win a championship with teams that advanced to the NBA playoffs in 1991. Genesis also holds the title to the famous game, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, which evolved into a television cartoon series. More information on this Genesis title and others can be found conducting a Google search on Sega titles, or by visiting www.sega.com.

The unique design and features of the Genesis console changed the look and feel to the gaming industry. It also featured a volume control knob and headphone jack on the allowing you to play quietly or to play certain titles that were created for use with a headset. The controller was user friendly and unique in shape with three main buttons, A, B, and C. Gamers had the option to move in four additional directions such as Upright and Downright. The 8-bit consoles had two buttons, A and B. The Genesis controller was famous for the ‘D-Pad’ (directional pad) for better character control opposed to only moving UP, DOWN, BACK, and FORWARD on the older system controllers. There was no game console on the market that measured up to the Sega Genesis.

Sega was in competition with Nintendo as Genesis sparked the eventual release of Nintendo’s first 16-bit game console, Super Nintendo. Sega released a TV commercial with a short song to stab at its competition singing, “Genesis does what Nintendon’t.”  This commercial can be found at www.youtube.com under the title “Sega Genesis Commercial: Genesis Does.” The competition left an everlasting impact on the gaming world and was a classic! The Sega Genesis 16-bit generation was the foundation of success for the current game consoles on the market today.