The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog Review

Photo by: John Minchillo / AP/Press Association Images.

Sonic’s first outing on the small screen outside of video games was a landmark in the Hedgehog’s history.

With Sonic proving to be a surprise monster hit, its only natural that SEGA would try and get their golden mascot onto the small screens more often. Enter The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, an animated weekday cartoon designed to capitalise on the carefree nature of the series.

The plot of the series is quite simple and largely disconnected from most of the games. Sonic (voiced by Jaleel White) and Tails (voiced by Chris Welch) travel around aiding those in need and protecting the planet from Dr.Robotnik (voiced by Long John Baldry) and his two henchmen, Scratch (voiced by Phillip Maurice Hayes) and Grounder (voiced by Gary Chalk).

The main plot of every episode is simple; Robotnik tries to capture Sonic so he can take over the world. It has a formula very similar to the classic Bugs Bunny cartoons where Scratch and Grounder tirelessly pursue Sonic and Tails and fail in many epic ways – though they do succeed on a few occasions, they usually mess it up and Sonic escapes.

The overall formula while borrowed from Looney Tunes works for the light-hearted nature of the series.

The series lasted from 1993 to 1996 and during that time Sonic became quite the icon – even providing some advice.

At the end of each episode there was an animated PSA section called “Sonic Says” where Sonic talks directly to the audience about various life lessons, such as knowing where and when to call the emergency services, saying no to smoking, finding somewhere safe to ride a bike or skateboard, dealing with poison ivy, and even graffiti and vandalism.

There was even a Christmas short movie released called Sonic Christmas Blast which was to round out the series. The plot was that Sonic and Tails travel to the North Pole to stop Robotnik’s latest plot to force Santa Claus into retirement and take his place.

Overall the show is among the best video game based TV shows out there and a one that holds a special place in the hearts of many including my own. I personally give it an A! Find it on DVD and see it for yourself.