Sonic the Hedgehog
A speedy blue hedgehog and one of the three playable characters.
Documented for this version
Trackball | Move the character Roll in the desired direction to steer through the stage. |
|---|---|
Action Button | Jump or evade hazards The arcade cabinet's action button is used for the character's jump move. |
The game uses a trackball cabinet rather than a standard joystick.
Up to three players can control characters simultaneously.
How it plays
Players guide Sonic, Mighty, or Ray through a series of scrolling stages while fleeing hazards and seeking a safe route to the end. The trackball controls movement in all directions, and the action button performs the character's jump or evasive move.
Stages contain slopes, gaps, enemies, traps, collapsing terrain, and timed escapes. Players lose opportunities through collisions and falls, while successful movement preserves momentum and advances the group through increasingly demanding sections. One to three people can play simultaneously.
Plan your run
Keep the trackball moving in small, controlled corrections rather than making abrupt turns. Learn the safest line through slopes, gaps, and collapsing platforms before trying to maximize speed.
In multiplayer, spread the characters across the route when possible so one mistake does not disrupt everyone. Save jumps for unavoidable hazards and watch the terrain ahead instead of focusing only on the character.
Meet the cast
A speedy blue hedgehog and one of the three playable characters.
A strong red armadillo who joins Sonic in the arcade adventure.
A yellow flying squirrel and playable companion.
Before you begin
Use short trackball movements near ledges and narrow paths.
Practice hazard patterns before attempting a high-score run.
In multiplayer, coordinate movement so characters do not collide or block one another.

SegaSonic the Hedgehog is an arcade action platformer developed by Sega AM3 and published by Sega in 1993. It presents Sonic, Mighty the Armadillo, and Ray the Flying Squirrel in a fast, obstacle-filled escape adventure. Unlike most Sonic games of its era, it uses a trackball rather than a directional pad, making movement feel immediate and physical. The game supports up to three simultaneous players and emphasizes survival, route control, and quick reactions over exploration. Its unusual cabinet controls and cooperative format made it a distinctive arcade entry, although its limited availability outside Japan kept it less familiar than the home-console Sonic titles.
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