A Timeline of 2D Sonic

Below is a brief outline of the earlier Sonic games. All the ones found below tend to be of lower quality and quite pixelated. However to many fans they are the ultimate games and helped define a generation. On a personal note I was an avid player of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the SEGA Game Gear when I was much younger, so looking at the imagery from it just brings back a lot of memories. All good of course!

Sonic the Hedgehog: 8 bit, 1991
The first of its kind. Not well regarded as the best, but if it weren't for this then the rest would have never happened.

Sonic the Hedgehog: 16 bit, 1991
Robotnik is back and with bigger plans. Sonic is back with some extra help from new pal Miles 'Tails' Prower. Stop Robotnik and destroy the Death Egg. Collect all the Chaos Emeralds and become Super Sonic.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2, 1992
The original. Classic game and a must for everybody to play. Stop Robotnik from imprisoning all your animal friends and save South Island from his megalomania.
More levels, more action, more speed and the first 2-player split screen mode. The Sonic craze is in full swing.

Sonic Spinball, 1992
Escape from Robotnik's pinball labyrinth. Take Sonic upright through a maze of traps and mechanisms in true pinball style.

Sonic CD, 1993
Sonic travels through time on the mysterious Little Planet from Robotnik and his new creation; Metal Sonic.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, 1994
On Angel Island Robotnik repairs his Death Egg. Sonic and Tails follow to destroy it only be slowed down by a new enemy; Knuckles the Echidna.
A technically superior game with superb graphics, massive levels and fantastic speed.

Sonic & Knuckles, 1994
Play as either Sonic or Knuckles and undertake their respective adventures to stop Robotnik's plans and save Angel Island from sinking.
Lock-On technology allows this game to offer much more. Lock-On Sonic 3 for the ultimate Sonic adventure - Sonic 3 and Knuckles. Collect all the Super Chaos Emeralds to transform into Hyper Sonic, Hyper Knuckles or Hyper Tails.

Knuckles Chaotix, 1995
Knuckles has a game of his own with a new cast of characters. Defeat Robotnik and an upgraded Metal Sonic in order to open the theme park on time.
The only Sonic-related game to appear on the ill fated 32X.