This build reveals a game that was originally tuned more for traditional platforming and exploration rather than for speed, which eventually become the hallmark of the Sonic series. Many stages cannot be completed due to the lack of signposts and bosses some (like Clock Work Zone Act 3 and Final Zone) haven't been started at all, or are obvious placeholder designs (like the Special Stage). It depicts the game midway through development. A prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog was released by Hidden Palace at midnight (GMT) on January 1, 2021.
