Using the Application:
To play Sonic The Hedgehog, first select Game Start, then press OK or 5 key to begin your adventure. If this is your first game, the adventure instantly starts. Once you are in the game, move Sonic with the Left/Right Nav Key or 4/6 key. To Jump, press either the Up Nav Key or the 2 key. While Sonic is running, press the Down Nav Key or the 8 key to make Sonic spin. Sonic's adventures are automatically saved after completing an act. If you have played the game, select Load Game to resume a saved game.
Sonic must collect rings to maintain his life - if the ring-counter on the top-left of the screen is 0, Sonic loses a life when he takes damage. To defend himself from enemies, Sonic can Spin or Jump-Spin towards them. In addition to collecting rings, you must not let the clock, located on the top-right corner of the screen, reach 9:59. In some stages, Sonic will be underwater, so keep him alive by finding an air pocket.
There are various items that will assist Sonic in his adventure. The Big Ten Rings gives Sonic additional 10 rings. With the High Speed item, Sonic can run fast and jump high for a limited time. The Barrier item protects Sonic from enemies or traps for one hit. The Invincible item makes Sonic immune to enemies or traps for a limited time. Sonic can gain addition life by destroying the 1-Up boxes.
Sonic must save the animals by defeating Dr. Eggman. The game has 6 Zones, and each zone is divided into 3 acts. At the end of each Zone, Dr. Eggman will try to stop Sonic with his contraption, so prepare for anything.
The Green Hill Zone is the easiest. Try to collect as much extra lives in this level as possible - Sonic's going to need it.
Be cautious about your surroundings as well. To have Sonic look above, press the either the OK or 5 key; meanwhile, to have Sonic look below, press and hold the 8 key.
Collect 100 rings to earn an extra life.
Collect as many rings as you can, reaching a score of 50000 grants Sonic an extra life.
Don't just run through the level, many items are hidden behind something. Make sure to observe the environment thoroughly to get the items.
There is more than one way to finish the level.
Q: In Marble Zone, why can't I pass the sea of lava?
A: If Sonic rides a moving box platform across, lava gushes up. Timing is everything in this level.
Q: In the Labyrinth Zone, why can't I defeat Dr. Eggman while chasing him?
A: He can't be defeated on this level unless Sonic reaches all the way at the top. When Sonic reaches the top, hitting Dr. Eggman will make him run away.
Q: Why is the Star Light Zone is the quickest level to finish?
A: Although it is the quickest level to finish, this level contains the most secrets. Look for breakable walls that lead to great items (Big Ten Rings and 1-Up).
Q: In Star Light Zone, why can't I destroy the bombs?
A: Sonic can't destroy the bombs (even with Invicibility). They detonate on their own.