The screen hums softly as I press the start button. The title screen flickers briefly before the game loads. A blue hedgehog with a red quilled head charges across the bottom of the screen, his body glowing with a green light. He jumps over obstacles and bounces off walls. The sound of his feet on the ground is crisp, metallic.

I choose Chemical Plant Zone as my stage. The level starts with high pipes and fluttering fans. A metal cat named Knuckles stands on top of a pipe, looking down at me with glowing green eyes. I jump to him, then bounce from spike ball to spike ball until I reach the first spring board. With a flick of the joystick, I send myself soaring through the air.

The screen switches to dark blue as we enter the second part of the level. The pipes twist and turn, leading into a maze-like area. Spindly metal structures jut out at angles. I navigate carefully, jumping from platform to platform. Suddenly, a robotic Echidna appears, spinning in a circle. With precise timing, I hit the button to perform a spin dash, sending him flying.

The level ends with a rush of energy as the green light increases intensity around Sonic. He speeds through a final tunnel, emerging into a bright blue sky. The screen shimmers before returning to the main menu. Defeating the Echidna earns me 10 rings and a point in my score.

I save the game and turn off the console. The warm glow of the TV dims as I reach for the controller.